As you walk through New York City, you certainly can not ignore the dominating presence of national chain restaurants.

The area around the NYU campus has also been experiencing the proliferation of chain restaurants, with students frequenting them not only for the food, but also for financial reasons. Several chains such as Pie Face and Cosi, accept NYU Campus Cash, just as Starbucks and Argo Tea accept Dining Dollars.

For busy New Yorkers and busy students, chains pose an additional advantage. They provide quick meals to grab on the go. For those new to New York City who are wary of trying new places, chains might seem like a good option. The taste and price of the food are relatively consistent at all outlets.

Students who are not from New York, and who are striving to eat both quickly and economically, are often drawn to chains.

Chelsea Valentine, a CAS freshman from Virginia, enjoys the comfortable environment chain restaurants offer.

“When you are new to a place, I feel it is better to start with restaurants and cafes that you already know,” Valentine said. “Familiarity matters.”

CAS freshman Anthony McMillan, who is from Seattle, said ambience also matters. You can find a Ben & Jerry’s shop anywhere, but exploring Little Italy for authentic gelato is as memorable as it is delicious. Though Chipotle may be delicious, it does not offer the authentic cantina atmosphere that can be found at local burrito joints.

“Small restaurants in the neighborhood are important for an authentic New York experience,” McMillan said. “I even tried out some restaurants [around the Square] and I loved the experience.”

Alidia Findley, an LS freshman from Louisiana, prefers to eat at restaurants that are one-of-a-kind.

“You don’t really identify chain restaurants with a city,” Findley said. “They aren’t unique. I definitely prefer local restaurants because they better show the unique elements of the neighborhood.”

Though chain restaurants are easily identifiable, they are rarely personable. While chains often serve clients who appreciate grab-and-go meals, local restaurants are dedicated to making dining a one-of-a-kind experience.

Jawahar Chirimar, co-founder of SoHo Tiffin Junction faces competition from chain restaurants. Chirmiar is realistic, yet positive about the future of his small business.

“We do face competition from certain chains like Chipotle, but they have also helped popularize the format that we follow here,” Chirimar said. “It all depends on what the people want.”

From massive businesses like McDonalds to smaller franchises like Pret A Manger,  chains are a necessity in fast-paced city life. Though they may be convenient, they far from able to capture the New York City culinary scene. Small restaurants and neighborhood hangouts, however, will continue to thrive because personable and unique locations in the city are sure to receive patronage from genuine dining enthusiasts.

A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Sept. 23rd print edition. Email Tejas at [email protected].