"If you calculated according to a strict joy experienced per dollar spent formula, Costco Food Court might land up among favorite eating experiences in New York City. For starters, a very good, snappy hot dog and a fountain soda still cost only $1.50 here. And at least at the Astoria warehouse, you won’t be asked to show a membership card before you buy enough chicken bakes and double chocolate chunk cookies to feed three generations of your family. The food court is certainly a great pitstop before getting home and tearing into your Kirkland rotisserie chicken, but it’s surprisingly pleasant to dine in at this location. The view of the East River is gorgeous—the perfect vista by which to ponder life’s deepest questions—like, how can a slice of cheese pizza have more calories than the pepperoni? photo credit: Emily Schindler" - Molly Fitzpatrick