Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

St. Marks has no shortage of good places to eat for less than $40 per person, and Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao numbers among them. The small Shanghainese chain with locations in Flushing and Koreatown is known for colorful xiao long bao and crunchy, layered scallion pancakes. At their gigantic, two-story East Village location, you'll watch chefs roll out dumplings behind a window. The soup dumplings themselves are good not mind-blowing, with slightly thicker skins than we'd like but nicely salty fillings. Keep this place in mind the next time you're looking for an impromptu group dinner in the area.