lunch

Revel in the tacky decor as you slurp down big bowls of congee (rice porridge). There's an extensive menu featuring many other Cantonese dishes.One of the best bargains in the neighborhood - and they deliver! 207 Bowery, near Rivington 212-766-2828 Open 11am-midnight...

A Mexican spot on Stanton Street serving all the standards (tacos, burritos, enchiladas) -- plus lethal margaritas. Don't expect speedy or attentive service, but if you don't mind waiting, it's a good time. 117 Stanton, at Essex (212) 387-9115 Hours Daily 11am-11pm Menu Delivery

A nicely appointed but low key Irish bar on Clinton Street that caters mostly to a neighborhood crowd. There's no kitchen, but they turn out some tasty bar grub anyway (fried oysters, fish & chips, shepherd's pie).  Weekend brunch...

The new bar, gallery and event space serves a light menu, including salads, cheeses and Spanish tapas. 9 Clinton, near Houston 646.863.7171 Hours Sun-Thu: 12pm-10pm ...

The Clinton Street cafe features good coffee, sandwiches, a full bar and (of course) exemplary chocolate and chocolate desserts. Cocoa Bar has wi-fi and is almost never crowded. 21 Clinton Street, near Stanton 212-677-7417 Hours: Mon-Thu: 7am-12am; ...

Karaoke club/Korean restaurant. The menu features a selection of noodle dishes, kimchi and sizzling hot pots, but really people go for the drinks and the Karaoke. 196 Orchard, near Houston (212) 777-0102 Hours 11am-4am Web site

CLOSED Cambodian-style sandwiches - served in gourmet hot dog buns and stuffed with pulled pork, brisket, catfish and other interesting  ingredients. 78 Rivington, near Orchard 212-253-8441 Hours Monday: 12pm-10pm; Tuesday-Wednesday: 12pm-12am; Thursday-Saturday: 12pm-2am; Sunday: 12pm-10pm Web site Delivery

The organic cafe in the New Museum run by Maury Rubin of the City Bakery. There's a nice selection of pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads. 235 Bowery, at Prince 212-219-1222 Hours Wed: 11am-6pm ...

A dependable Cantonese place on Grand Street, specializing in noodles, congee and a $5.95 lunch special. 300 Grand Street, between Eldridge and Allen (212) 925-1662 Hours 8am-10pm Menu Delivery, Cash only

Cusine: ItalianAddress: 98 Rivington St./mapPhone: 212-614-0473 Hours:  Mon-Fri, noon-1am; Sat-Sun, noon-3amMenu/web siteReservations: noDelivery: no This wine bar at the corner of Rivington and Ludlow streets, one of the Lower East Side's best places to watch the world go by, is...