Dojo West

Dojo West located at the corner of Mercer and W. 4th Sts. in Manhattan.
*also, I figured out how to upload photos. Awesome.

I used to go to NYU, and this place was a perennial favorite. It's cheap, it's tasty, and most of the time it's pretty quick. It has been said that this place doesn't exactly put hygiene at the top of their priority list, but after 9 years, I've only noticed one crusty water cup.

Today, I had a few auditions, was in the neighborhood and decided to stop by for lunch. I sat at the bar, as usual, and the friendly bartender asked why I hadn't been around - very nice to be recognized as a regular.

I knew what I wanted and ordered right away - Grilled Chicken Salad with a side of brown rice.

A positive thing Dojo is known for is their carrot ginger dressing which comes with the salad. It is a little piece of heaven on earth. The food came quickly and I dived in, slathering the salad and brown rice with the dressing. A nice midday protein punch.

A friendly guy at the bar started a conversation, he's living in the city for a few months, summer vacation - he's a schoolteacher in California. Another guy at the bar was talking loudly on his cellphone, it was busy at the Dojo but not too harried.

Within 25 minutes of walking in, I was ready for my check. $9.20 for the entire meal, $12 with tip.

I love this place for what it is, and the people both behind the bar and sitting at it tend to be very friendly. Another delicious meal enjoyed alone.