Halal Guys (53rd & 6th)
The The Halal Guys cart at 53rd & 6th is much more than just a street food cart in Midtown Manhattan: it’s a culinary icon of New York, where the aroma of grilled chicken and gyro attracts crowds day and night 🌙. World-renowned for its rice combo platter, addictive white sauce, and spicy red sauce 🔥, this spot is a mandatory stop to savor authentic New York street food.
Located on the southwest corner of 53rd Street and Sixth Avenue, The Halal Guys offers an essential experience for anyone visiting the city—and is a constant favorite among locals. Whether for a quick lunch, an affordable dinner, or a post-party meal, its unmistakable flavor and vibrant street atmosphere make it a memorable and delicious experience 🥙.
Why Visit The Halal Guys (53rd & 6th)?
Visiting the original The Halal Guys cart is connecting directly with the essence of New York street food. It’s a legendary spot that started by serving Muslim taxi drivers and became a global phenomenon. Here you’ll find authentic flavors, generous portions, and an urban energy that defines the New York experience. And that white sauce! 🤤
Its cultural significance is undeniable: it has appeared in countless travel guides, food blogs, and social media posts, establishing itself as a symbol of the city’s gastronomic diversity. Furthermore, its strategic location in Midtown makes it a convenient stop while exploring other nearby attractions.
The Halal Guys is also an example of the American dream. What began as a humble cart in 1990 is now an international franchise, but the original cart at 53rd & 6th maintains its authenticity and remains the benchmark. If you want to try the dish that started it all, this is the place. 💯
How to Get to The Halal Guys (53rd & 6th) by Subway?
Main Stations
The closest subway stations that drop you just steps away from The Halal Guys at 53rd & 6th are 5 Av/53 St and 7 Av. The 47-50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr station is also nearby. These stations easily connect you to several key subway lines.
Subway Lines Serving The Halal Guys (53rd & 6th)
The corner of 53rd & 6th is very well served by the New York City subway. The lines that take you directly there are:
- E, M (Blue/Orange lines) – Stop at 5 Av/53 St
- B, D, F, M (Orange lines) – Stop at 47-50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr
- N, Q, R, W (Yellow lines) – Stop at 57 St–7 Av (a bit further north)
- 1 (Red line) – Stop at 50 St (walk a few avenues east)
How to Get to The Halal Guys (53rd & 6th) From:
Central Park / Columbus Circle
If you are near Columbus Circle, you can take the B or D lines southbound to 47-50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr or walk directly east along 57th or 58th St and then head down 6th Ave. You can also take the F line from 57 St.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From the World Trade Center, you can take the E line (northbound) to 5 Av/53 St. From Wall Street, take the R or W line (northbound) to 49 St or 57 St-7 Av and walk a short distance.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO, take the F line (northbound) to 47-50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr. From Williamsburg, you can take the L line to Union Square and transfer to the N, Q, R, or W line (northbound) to 57 St-7 Av, or take the M line to 5 Av/53 St.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
If you’re coming from Long Island City, you can take the E or M line directly to 5 Av/53 St. From Flushing, take the 7 line to 5 Av-Bryant Park and transfer to the B, D, F, or M line (northbound) to 47-50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr.
Harlem
From Harlem, you can take the B or D lines (southbound) to 47-50 Sts–Rockefeller Ctr.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and transfer to the E line (Manhattan-bound) to 5 Av/53 St. From LaGuardia, take the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus to Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av and change to the E or F line (Manhattan-bound). From Newark, take NJ Transit to Penn Station and then the E line (northbound) to 5 Av/53 St.
What to Do at The Halal Guys (53rd & 6th)?
Visiting The Halal Guys is an essential culinary experience in New York. It’s famous for its delicious and quick food, ideal for any time of day. The atmosphere is purely street-side: you’ll order at the cart and likely eat standing up or on a nearby bench, feeling the pulse of the city! 🏙️
Order the Iconic Platter
The most typical order is the “Combo Platter” (chicken and gyro combo over yellow rice), although you can also order just chicken or just gyro. It comes with lettuce, tomato, and pita bread. Don’t forget to ask for extra white sauce! It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and totally addictive. 🍚➕🍗
Try the Red Sauce (Carefully)
They will also offer you red sauce. Watch out! 🥵 It’s extremely spicy. Ask for it on the side or start with a very small amount. A thin line is usually enough to give your platter a powerful kick. You’ve been warned!
Enjoy the Street Vibe
Part of the experience is the line (it usually moves quickly) and watching how they prepare your platter at full speed. Once you have your food, look for a nearby public bench (there are some in the area) or simply enjoy your platter standing up, watching the hustle and bustle of Sixth Avenue. It’s the quintessential New York street food experience.
Alternative Options
Besides the famous rice platter, they also offer pita sandwiches with the same fillings (chicken, gyro, or falafel for vegetarians). They are easier to eat if you’re on the go. 🥙➡️🚶
Identify the Original Cart
Due to its fame, imitators have sprung up. Make sure you are at the correct cart: look for the official The Halal Guys logo and staff wearing yellow shirts and bags. The original is usually located on the southwest corner of 53rd and 6th Ave.
Attractions Near The Halal Guys (53rd & 6th)
The prime location of The Halal Guys in Midtown Manhattan allows you to combine your meal with visits to some of New York’s most famous attractions. Just steps away, you’ll find cultural, architectural, and entertainment icons.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Just one block away (on 53rd St between 5th and 6th Avenues) is MoMA, one of the most influential modern and contemporary art museums in the world. Perfect for a cultural visit before or after your Halal Guys platter. 🖼️
Radio City Music Hall
Heading south down Sixth Avenue, you’ll quickly reach the iconic Radio City Music Hall, famous for its Art Deco architecture and as the home of the Rockettes. You can take a tour or check if any shows are scheduled. 👯♀️
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is also very close by. You can go up to the Top of the Rock observation deck for spectacular views, visit the shops, or, in winter, admire the famous Christmas tree and ice skating rink. 🎄⛸️
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
A few blocks east, on Fifth Avenue, stands the impressive St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture. Admission is free, and it offers a peaceful contrast to the outside bustle. ⛪
Central Park South
Walking a few blocks north up Sixth Avenue will bring you to the southern entrance of Central Park (Grand Army Plaza). It’s the perfect place to take your Halal Guys food and enjoy it on a bench overlooking the park. 🌳🧺
Love Sculpture
The famous “LOVE” sculpture by Robert Indiana is located on the corner of 6th Avenue and 55th St, very close to the cart. It’s a classic spot for a photo op. ❤️📸
Tips for Visiting The Halal Guys (53rd & 6th)
Although eating at The Halal Guys is a simple and straightforward experience, here are some tips to help you make the most of this New York street food icon. 👍
Best Time of Day to Go
The cart is open until the early morning hours, making it very popular for lunch (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM), dinner, and especially late at night (after 10:00 PM), when lines can be long. If you want to avoid waits, try going during off-peak hours, such as mid-afternoon or before noon. 🕒
Be Prepared for the Line (and Cash)
It’s very likely you’ll find a line, but it usually moves quickly. Know what you want to order to speed up the process. Although they accept cards, paying with cash is often faster and sometimes preferred, especially if the line is long. 💵
The Sauce: White Yes, Red with Caution!
The white sauce is the star—don’t be shy about asking for it! You can get it on the platter or in packets on the side. Be very cautious with the red sauce. It’s extremely spicy 🔥. Ask for a small amount the first time or get it on the side to control the quantity yourself.
Where to Eat
There are no tables or chairs provided by the cart. Most people eat standing nearby, look for a public bench on Sixth Avenue, or head to the steps of a nearby building (if permitted) or the entrance to Central Park if you don’t mind walking a bit. Be prepared for an informal, street-side meal. 🚶♂️🥡
