A prime example of excellent and affordable dining on the Upper West Side is Saigon Grill, which serves some of the best Vietnamese food in New York. The appetizers are so delicious you might never make it to the entrées -- standout starters include the shrimp summer roll, chicken satay, and barbecued spareribs with plum sauce. Main courses like basil shrimp and grilled marinated pork chops are also worth a try. Reservations not accepted. Subway: 1, 9 to 86th St.