Whenever friends visit the city, they always want to know my "favorite" places. Annnd...I always blank! So, I've started this list to help me keep better tabs on my current favorite things to do in this awesome city. Some things on the list, I've never actually done- but have it on good authority that they are worthy of your time in the Big Apple. I hope this helps!
Great Food in Manhattan
Quality Meats - This steakhouse that never fails to dissapoint. If you leave without ordering the Grilled Bacon with Peanut Butter and Jalepeños- we can't be friends.
Chelsea Market- This is a must do. Chelsea Market is the home of the Food Network studios and it has so many great shops and restaurants. Highlights: Bar Suzette Creperie, Fat Witch Brownies, Amy’s Bread, and Chelsea Thai
Panna II- Indian Cuisine. One of my absolute favorite restaurants in NYC. It is definitely an experience. The inside of the restaurant isn’t much bigger than a charter bus. Also, be prepared to go into Panna II- stay strong. There are 4 Indian restaurants next to/on top of each other. All of the men will yell at you to go into their restaurant. Don’t give in! Panna II is the best! Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it’s dirt cheap! Cash only.
Clinton Street Baking Co. - The best pancakes you will every have in your life. EVER. Bobby Flay challenged them to a pancake throwdown, and they won. If you don’t get there when it opens (8am I think), be prepared to wait. The restaurant recently expanded so the wait isn't as bad as it used to be. Also Cash Only.
Alice’s Teacup- It’s a girly brunch spot inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Little girls get fairy wings and anyone can have magic dust sprinkled on them. There are locations on the Upper East Side & Upper West Side. If you go on Sunday, prepare for a long wait.
S’mac- SO FUN! A restaurant that only serves macaroni and cheese. They have about 15 different kinds- all are amazing. They are served in cast iron skillets- careful- don’t let your eyes be bigger than your stomach- it’s a lot of mac ‘n cheese!!!
Pommes Frites- In the same vein as S’mac, this restaurant only does french fries. They are famous for their different dipping sauces.
The Grey Dog- this is one of my all-time favorite cafés. I eat here at least once a week- usually for a pre-work book club. They have delicious food and a great atmosphere. There are several locations.
John’s Pizza- great pizza near Times Square. The Times Square location (the best) is in an old church- the ceiling is gorgeous. Their slogan- no slices! Whole pies only!
Serendipity- on the Upper East Side. Famous for their Frozen Hot Chocolate. Delicious. Be prepared for a long wait.
Magnolia Bakery- probably the most famous bakery in NYC. If possible, go to the original in the West Village (usually a 20-30 minute wait to get inside)- but if not possible, there are several locations throughout the city. Full disclosure: I'm not a huge fan. BUT, their banana pudding is amazing! It's definitely worth a stop if you're visiting.
2 Little Red Hens- I can't go near 86th and 2nd very often because I have a rule that if I pass this bakery, I have to go in and get a red velvet cupcake. This is hands down my favorite bakery in the city. It is amazing. Amazing.
Amy Ruth’s- chicken & waffles in Harlem.
Katz’s Deli- very famous traditional Jewish deli on the Lower East side. Huge portons. This is where they filmed the famous “I’ll have what she’s having” scene from When Harry Met Sally. Cash Only – kind of expensive if you each order a sandwich, but they’re big enough you could easily share.
Max Brenner- restaurant that is all about chocolate. A fun stop if you’re in the Union Square area.
Tbsp- the storefront next to Spoon catering, this favorite has a menu that changes daily. When the portions run out- that's it! My favorites here cannot be quantified, but if they're serving their black bean empanadas, do yourself a favor and order one! During the week, it's cafeteria style- seat yourself. Weekend brunch is sit down with waiter service. Prepare for a long wait for brunch. But it's worth it.
Dig Inn - If we've met, and we probably have if you're reading this- you have been subjected to one of my many Dig Inn rants. Basically, I don't know how I lived without it for so long. I eat there 5-6 times a week (no- seriously). It is all local, seasonal food that isn't drowned in butter or fried. It's is good for you- but more importantly- it is DELICIOUS. There are several locations throughout the city
Brooklyn Food
If you find yourself in my borough, these are GREAT restaurants.
Grimaldi’s- probably the most famous pizza in all of New York City. It’s in Dumbo- a very industrial neighborhood in Brooklyn. Prepare for a very long line.
Buttermilk Channel- probably one of the top 5 brunch places in all of NYC- just happens to be in my old neighborhood Carroll Gardens.
Moo Burger- restaurant in Carroll Gardens- local chef from Long Island- he’s been on The Food Network’s “Chopped” twice and won both times. All local ingredients- the burgers and sides are amazing. You’ll be so glad you ate here!
Frankie's 457 Spuntino - amazing and authentic italian in Carroll Gardens. Pro Tip: traveling with kids or other picky eaters? If you call ahead, Frankie's Spuntino was very cool about letting us bring in slices of pizza from their sister store, F&F Pizzeria, next door. It's a walk up window and we waited a few minutes for our slice to be ready while waiting to be seated at Frankies.
Ample Hills Creamery - Ice cream like you've never dreamed. I'm in love with the Oatmeal ice cream, but their top seller is Salted Crack Caramel. They have a locations in Prospect Heights, Chelsea, and they just opened up a new location 3 blocks from me in Park Slope.
Food Trucks
One of the best things about NYC- food trucks! Most of the trucks have a twitter account that you can follow to find out where they are each day.
Waffels & Dinges- if you see this truck- DO NOT PASS IT!!! You MUST get “Da Throwdown”- it was the waffle that beat Bobby Flay on “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.”
Schnitzel & Things – an authentic Austrian food truck. The Schnitzel sandwich is amazing.
Lobsta Truck- I’ve never tried it (don’t like seafood), but I hear it’s absolutely divine.
Mudd Truck- great coffee! If you see it and need a pick me up, definitely stop!
Entertainment
A great way to get tickets to Broadway/Off-Broadway shows is TKTS. There is one in Times Square that everyone knows about. But, locals know that the location in Brooklyn opens earlier and has a much, much shorter line. The shows are usually 40-50% off. You never know what shows will be offered until the day of.
Shows I recommend:
Musicals...
Hamilton (obvi)
Dear Evan Hanson
Come From Away
Mean Girls (surprisingly great)
The Book of Mormon (warning: not for the easily offended. I would rate this show NC-17)
Wicked
The Lion King
Plays...
Harry Potter & The Cursed Child (this play is split into 2 nights [you need a ticket for each night]- it is NOT cheap- but it is worth EVERY penny. it is absolutely AMAZING. it's very very very hard to get tickets. I got mine through a special TodayTix deal)
The Ferryman (not really sure how to describe it - it's long [3 acts/ 3+ hours]- but it flies by. really really great)
Plays usually have shorter runs - so, check back often for new recommendations of what's currently running.
Free Stuff
Kayaking at Chelsea Piers- PIer 40 on Saturday/Sunday. Summers only.
Summer Streets on Saturday – every August, the city closes down Park Avenue and turns it into a giant party. So much fun!
Brooklyn Bridge Park has been a dream in the making for quite some time. Now, all the piers are open and there is no end to the things you can do. Splash pad areas for the kids, sand volleyball courts, soccer fields, restaurants, lawns, grills for barbequing next to the water, rooftop eateries- what more could you want? It is an amazing way to spend an evening- or the entire day!
Brooklyn Promenade is another great way to pass an evening. Grab some Ample Hills ice cream from the park and then head on up to the promenade. A little under half a mile long, the promenade is a gorgeous walkway situated above the BQE. With a gorgeous view of the city, and an amazing landscape of flowers behind you- it is impossible not to get swept up by this idyllic Brooklyn favorite.
Things to Know
Many of the museums are actually “donation” – although they will give you a “ticket price”- it’s actually just suggested. You can pay whatever you want.
Top of the Rock is a much better view of the city and a much shorter line than the Empire State Building.
If you’re going to go to the Statue of Liberty, you should by a pass online. You will be able to skip the really long line- saving you upwards of 2-3 hours.
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is now open. While you no longer need a ticket to visit the 9/11 Memorial, you do need a ticket for the museum. Purchasing them online in advance allows you to choose your date/time. Also, Tuesdays from 5pm to 7pm(last admssion) are free. A limited number of tickets are available (you can reserve them up to 2 weeks in advance) here. Navigating near the memorial is a little tricky with all of the construction, so make sure you look up how to get there before heading out. Confused? Lost? Ask someone. We're nicer than we look, I promise!
Many Broadway shows have a lottery- you can put your name into a raffle about 2 hours before showtime. You’ll get 2 really great seats for $20-$30 per ticket. I’ve won several lotteries, and it’s always a great experience! Also, some shows have “rush”- they save 20-40 tickets everyday and people line up before the box office opens (usually opens around 10am)- and the first people get them. I’ve arrived at 8am and gotten tickets- and I’ve arrived at 6am and not gotten tickets. All depends on the day and the popularity of the show.
A newer addition to the last-minute tickets/lottery scene is...naturally...an app. TodayTix has discounted last minute tickets- as well as several online lotteries. It's definitely worth downloading before you arrive!