New York City at times can be overwhelming, exhausting and just plain frustrating. Hoards of tourists stand in groups at the most inconvenient places, unemployed actors roam the streets with apparently nothing better to do, and homeless men in their thirties swarm the subways are raising money for their so-called “high-school basketball teams.” But between approximately the hours of twelve and four on any given weekday, something wonderful happens. A magical portal in time opens, and the Lunch Special materializes from seemingly nowhere. In mid-level restaurants, entrees that run from $12-$20, suddenly can be purchased with an appetizer for an unbelievable $7.99 .

The rating system for ITJS is in hotdogs, and it takes into account dollars spent, quantity in fluid ounces to the nearest hundredth, and deliciousness.

5 Hotdogs:  I’m calling out sick from work, and going tomorrow!!
4 Hotdogs:  I’d recommend it to the register girl at H and M!
3 Hotdogs:  I’ll stop by if I’m in the neighborhood.
2 Hotdogs:  I’ll only go back if my sugar-daddy is footing the bill…
1 Hotdogs:  Barf in my mouth!

‘Isn’t That Just Special’ began as a blog dedicated to reviewing lunch specials in New York City, but has expanded to include brunch specials, prix fixes, happy hours and more. So close your eyes, hold your nose, and get ready to put that extra ‘punch’ in your lunch!