Thelewala

MacDougal Street is a main drag for students—lined with bars, ethnic eats, coffeehouses and comedy and music clubs, so packed with pursuits that it's hard to think of studying. For nourishment, Thelewala is an inspired pick, doling out amazingly tasty Indian street-cart food from a super-tiny shop found up a flight of steps. The modern design makes imaginative use of the limited space, and the food is up-to-date, too, with hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken and a minimum of grease since dishes are prepared with olive oil. Calcutta-style Nizami rolls are neatly bundled with minced lamb, red onion, lime and fried eggs, for instance, or tangy potatoes and coriander, for the vegetarian version. Items range from $3.50 to $8, especially handy for wee-hour hunger pains (until 5am on weekends).