This has absolutely nothing to do with NYC. You can go to any city in the world and feel like you paid too much for mediocre food.

As a NYC resident, why should I get mad? There are countless places where I can get a great meal at any price point. In fact, of all US cities, there probably isn't a better place to eat inexpensively, if that's what you're looking for.

P.S. To the OP: I'm staying at the Four Seasons Palo Alto tonight and will be looking for a late (11:00 perhaps) dinner. Any options besides room service?