Carmen’s Kitchen Serves Up One of the Best Lunch Deals in the Neighborhood

If you’ve noticed long lunchtime lines forming outside on an unassuming storefront on Nassau Street, you’ve probably stumbled upon Carmen’s Kitchen, a local chainlet that opened a Lower Manhattan outpost a few months ago. Since its downtown debut, Carmen’s has netted a cult following among Lower Manhattan lunchers, and for good reason — it serves up tasty chicken, fish, beef and pork dishes along with a slew of sides, all for under $15.

The process here is simple: You choose from a selection of proteins, like jerk, fried or stewed chicken; fried fish, stewed pork, and sauteed garlic shrimp. Proteins range from $10 to $13, and come with your choice of three sides, with popular options including creamy mac and cheese, collared greens, white or yellow rice and sweet plantains. And lo: you’ve got a massive meal (or if you play your cards right, two meals) for a steal.

You can find Carmen’s at 72 Nassau Street — just look for the queue, and get ready to feast.