Guidebook for New York
Food Scene
Amazing American-Italian, the best in the city. Get the borsa (lemon ricotta walnut ravioli) as well as the carrots. The pizza is also amazing.
8 locals recommend
Vic's
31 Great Jones StAmazing American-Italian, the best in the city. Get the borsa (lemon ricotta walnut ravioli) as well as the carrots. The pizza is also amazing.
Open until late at night, this fish market is an absolute must in Harlem. Pick your own seafood out in the small market, and ask the cooks to grill, fry, saute, or bake however you want! My recommendation is the 4 lobster tails for about 25-30 bucks total, as well as the lobster fries. BYOB, they don't mind. Get some of the classic soul food sides, such as mac and cheese and collard greens. One of Harlem's most unique places to get food.
Note - this can take up to 30 minutes to cook, so be patient. Also, there is limited seating but if you want long enough (which you will for the food!), you'll be able to find seats at the metal bar, watching the cooks do their magic right in front of you!
6 locals recommend
LightHouse
2451 Frederick Douglass BlvdOpen until late at night, this fish market is an absolute must in Harlem. Pick your own seafood out in the small market, and ask the cooks to grill, fry, saute, or bake however you want! My recommendation is the 4 lobster tails for about 25-30 bucks total, as well as the lobster fries. BYOB, they don't mind. Get some of the classic soul food sides, such as mac and cheese and collard greens. One of Harlem's most unique places to get food.
Note - this can take up to 30 minutes to cook, so be patient. Also, there is limited seating but if you want long enough (which you will for the food!), you'll be able to find seats at the metal bar, watching the cooks do their magic right in front of you!
One of the best coffee shops in NYC. Although most of the food is so-so, the bagels here are absolutely amazing. If you need a good coffee and bagel, this is a must. They also just started doing jazz on Monday nights from 6-8pm.
145 locals recommend
Lenox Coffee Roaster
60 W 129th StOne of the best coffee shops in NYC. Although most of the food is so-so, the bagels here are absolutely amazing. If you need a good coffee and bagel, this is a must. They also just started doing jazz on Monday nights from 6-8pm.
The best pizza in the city in a hip yet relaxing space. Make sure to get a pizza with spicy honey on it. The owner (Paulie Gee) walks around asking every single diner if they enjoyed the pizza - that's how true to the mission this place is. It helps to make reservations, or if you're coming here last minute, finding seats at the small bar.
352 locals recommend
Paulie Gee's
60 Greenpoint AveThe best pizza in the city in a hip yet relaxing space. Make sure to get a pizza with spicy honey on it. The owner (Paulie Gee) walks around asking every single diner if they enjoyed the pizza - that's how true to the mission this place is. It helps to make reservations, or if you're coming here last minute, finding seats at the small bar.
The second best pizza in the city. The white sauce pizza is a MUST. Expect a long line and not the most welcoming decor. A great place to check out before/after walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.
94 locals recommend
Juliana's
19 Old Fulton StThe second best pizza in the city. The white sauce pizza is a MUST. Expect a long line and not the most welcoming decor. A great place to check out before/after walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.
BEST MEATBALLS EVER! There are so many of these around the city so just do a search and you'll find one near you. Get the spicy pork with parmesan cream sauce.
580 locals recommend
The Meatball Shop
64 Greenwich AveBEST MEATBALLS EVER! There are so many of these around the city so just do a search and you'll find one near you. Get the spicy pork with parmesan cream sauce.
A good ole authentic NY hot dog. Make sure to also get the corn dog. There are many around the city, do a search to see if any are nearby where you're planning to go (but avoid the midtown hot dogs..they're meant only for tourists!)
26 locals recommend
Papaya King
1535 East 86th StA good ole authentic NY hot dog. Make sure to also get the corn dog. There are many around the city, do a search to see if any are nearby where you're planning to go (but avoid the midtown hot dogs..they're meant only for tourists!)
Get yourself a real NY bagel here. Mix and match the various spreads and flavors.
145 locals recommend
Absolute Bagels
2788 BroadwayGet yourself a real NY bagel here. Mix and match the various spreads and flavors.
Best cheesecake in NYC. Get the salted caramel creme brulee cheesecake! Closes at 9pm.
31 locals recommend
Eileen's Special Cheesecake
17 Cleveland PlBest cheesecake in NYC. Get the salted caramel creme brulee cheesecake! Closes at 9pm.
Mediterranean-inspired establishment with amazing seafood, open space, and great wine list. Everything on the menu is amazing.
169 locals recommend
VINATERÍA
2211 Frederick Douglass BlvdMediterranean-inspired establishment with amazing seafood, open space, and great wine list. Everything on the menu is amazing.
One of the best bagels in Harlem - new to the scene with all types of flavors.
28 locals recommend
BO's Bagels
235 W 116th StOne of the best bagels in Harlem - new to the scene with all types of flavors.
Oyster and seafood bar with a happy hour you cannot beat (all day Monday!). Beautiful space with great staff. At the end of the meal, you get a fortune teller fish that predicts your love life...very romantic!
175 locals recommend
The Mermaid Inn
570 Amsterdam AveOyster and seafood bar with a happy hour you cannot beat (all day Monday!). Beautiful space with great staff. At the end of the meal, you get a fortune teller fish that predicts your love life...very romantic!
Amazing New American restaurant. Make sure to get the grilled chilies! Beautiful space in the back. Highly recommend reserving ahead but you'll always find space in the less beautiful but still great bar
12 locals recommend
The Milling Room
446 Columbus AveAmazing New American restaurant. Make sure to get the grilled chilies! Beautiful space in the back. Highly recommend reserving ahead but you'll always find space in the less beautiful but still great bar
Although the Italian food here is decent during the week, the pancakes during the weekend brunch are the best pancakes I've ever had. Head over to The Met after the feast to walk off all the calories.
161 locals recommend
Uva
1486 2nd AveAlthough the Italian food here is decent during the week, the pancakes during the weekend brunch are the best pancakes I've ever had. Head over to The Met after the feast to walk off all the calories.
Beautiful, large, and hip space with a 'mercantile' way of ordering your BBQ'd meat. Instead of one size entrees, you go up to the counter just ask for how many pounds or pieces of BBQ meat you want! Delivered to your table in butcher block paper. Try to nab a small piece of the jalapeno cheese sausage. Get the cornbread with orange honey butter. Sometimes there is live music. Romantic place if you don't mind your date seeing you eat a messy rib off a piece of butcher block paper while drinking a PBR.
55 locals recommend
Hill Country Barbecue Market
30 W 26th StBeautiful, large, and hip space with a 'mercantile' way of ordering your BBQ'd meat. Instead of one size entrees, you go up to the counter just ask for how many pounds or pieces of BBQ meat you want! Delivered to your table in butcher block paper. Try to nab a small piece of the jalapeno cheese sausage. Get the cornbread with orange honey butter. Sometimes there is live music. Romantic place if you don't mind your date seeing you eat a messy rib off a piece of butcher block paper while drinking a PBR.
A more traditional Italian restaurant with a neighborhood feel. The rotating specials are great, and prices are cheap. One of my favorite places when in West Village.
23 locals recommend
Malaparte
753 Washington StA more traditional Italian restaurant with a neighborhood feel. The rotating specials are great, and prices are cheap. One of my favorite places when in West Village.
A bit more of a fusion Italian, with still great portions and taste. It usually gets busy, but there's always seats at the bar. The fried potatoes covered in grated parmesan are amazing.
60 locals recommend
Barbuto
113 Horatio StA bit more of a fusion Italian, with still great portions and taste. It usually gets busy, but there's always seats at the bar. The fried potatoes covered in grated parmesan are amazing.
This place is a must if you're hungry while visiting Grand Central Station. It's a Nordic foodhall with various small plate options. The savory porridge and flatbread is great. A good breakfast place, with plenty of seats and oddly quiet for such a touristy location.
6 locals recommend
Great Northern Food Hall
89 E 42nd StThis place is a must if you're hungry while visiting Grand Central Station. It's a Nordic foodhall with various small plate options. The savory porridge and flatbread is great. A good breakfast place, with plenty of seats and oddly quiet for such a touristy location.
Kafana
116 Loisaida AveGreat Eastern European restaurant!
B&H Dairy
127 2nd AveCheap, fast, and traditional Ukrainian deli.
Pearl's
178 N 8th StGreat Caribbean soul food, with a patio.
Delicious Caribbean place - not the fanciest decor but both the price and food is great.
16 locals recommend
Freda's Cuisine
993 Columbus AvenueDelicious Caribbean place - not the fanciest decor but both the price and food is great.
Iconic NYC steakhouse, where various dishes were invented (eggs benedict, lobster newberg, Manhattan clam chowder, wedge salad, chicken a la king, and more!)
24 locals recommend
Delmonico's
56 Beaver StIconic NYC steakhouse, where various dishes were invented (eggs benedict, lobster newberg, Manhattan clam chowder, wedge salad, chicken a la king, and more!)
Iconic soul food restaurant in the heat of Harlem. I'm not the biggest fan of the mains but the sides are really good. It can get busy so make reservations if you're not wanting to wait.
405 locals recommend
Sylvia's Restaurant
328 Malcolm X BlvdIconic soul food restaurant in the heat of Harlem. I'm not the biggest fan of the mains but the sides are really good. It can get busy so make reservations if you're not wanting to wait.
Only open on Saturdays. Great food market with views of Manhattan. All types of crazy dishes here such as fried spaghetti donuts, jerk dumplings, and churro ice cream sandwiches. It can get busy so try to get there when it opens (which is around 11am).
777 locals recommend
Smorgasburg
90 Kent AveOnly open on Saturdays. Great food market with views of Manhattan. All types of crazy dishes here such as fried spaghetti donuts, jerk dumplings, and churro ice cream sandwiches. It can get busy so try to get there when it opens (which is around 11am).
While in Kathmandu
758 Seneca AveHip Nepalese place with a back patio.
Great Quebec cuisine located within MoMA PS1, a contemporary art museum. More affordable than M Wells Steakhouse located nearby, but less selection.
9 locals recommend
M. Wells Dinette
22-25 Jackson AveGreat Quebec cuisine located within MoMA PS1, a contemporary art museum. More affordable than M Wells Steakhouse located nearby, but less selection.
Amazing Quebecoise steakhouse that was formely Michelin starred. Located in what looks like a standard diner. Quite pricey - if the prices are too steep, get a similar flavor at M Wells Dinette nearby, and check out the art at MoMA PS1 while there.
29 locals recommend
M. Wells Steakhouse
43-15 Crescent StAmazing Quebecoise steakhouse that was formely Michelin starred. Located in what looks like a standard diner. Quite pricey - if the prices are too steep, get a similar flavor at M Wells Dinette nearby, and check out the art at MoMA PS1 while there.
Drinks & Nightlife
Amazing piece of history - George Washington's favorite NYC taverns. Built in 1719, it is one of Manhattan's oldest buildings. The whiskey bar near the entrance, with it's plush chairs, fire place, and attentive bartender, is an easy place to spend for several hours with friends. There is sometimes live music in the main bar on the weekends. Take a look around the whole space as there are over half a dozen rooms, including the standard restaurant. The small third bar in the back has a TV in case you wanted to catch any sports.
52 locals recommend
Fraunces Tavern
54 Pearl StAmazing piece of history - George Washington's favorite NYC taverns. Built in 1719, it is one of Manhattan's oldest buildings. The whiskey bar near the entrance, with it's plush chairs, fire place, and attentive bartender, is an easy place to spend for several hours with friends. There is sometimes live music in the main bar on the weekends. Take a look around the whole space as there are over half a dozen rooms, including the standard restaurant. The small third bar in the back has a TV in case you wanted to catch any sports.
Beautiful building - cocktails and antique couches with amazing music. Drinks are a bit pricey but it's worth the vibe. It's a higher end establishment with two places: an open beautiful lounge that's easy to relax in, and an exclusive nightclub on the other side to get your dance on later in the week. Hidden gem, it's my fave bar in all of NYC.
33 locals recommend
Soho Grand Hotel
310 W BroadwayBeautiful building - cocktails and antique couches with amazing music. Drinks are a bit pricey but it's worth the vibe. It's a higher end establishment with two places: an open beautiful lounge that's easy to relax in, and an exclusive nightclub on the other side to get your dance on later in the week. Hidden gem, it's my fave bar in all of NYC.
Posh rooftop lounge with amazing views of Manhattan in the new Vale Hotel.
128 locals recommend
Westlight
111 N 12th StPosh rooftop lounge with amazing views of Manhattan in the new Vale Hotel.
The best jazz club in NYC. Is the music the best? No, but you'll still feel it. Are the drinks even halfway decent? No, but they'll still get you buzzed. What you get is authenticity. The sharply dressed owner (who has owned it since 1969) is present on all nights, making sure everyone is having a great time. Jazz until 3-4am every night!
Know how to play an instrument? Join the band! They love having people come up and sing, play piano, bass, etc.
106 locals recommend
Paris Blues
2021 Adam Clayton Powell Jr BlvdThe best jazz club in NYC. Is the music the best? No, but you'll still feel it. Are the drinks even halfway decent? No, but they'll still get you buzzed. What you get is authenticity. The sharply dressed owner (who has owned it since 1969) is present on all nights, making sure everyone is having a great time. Jazz until 3-4am every night!
Know how to play an instrument? Join the band! They love having people come up and sing, play piano, bass, etc.
Awesome little hookah bar, covered in rugs, underneath an Israeli restaurant. Live music venue until midnight, then it turns into a dance club.
197 locals recommend
Silvana
300 W 116th StAwesome little hookah bar, covered in rugs, underneath an Israeli restaurant. Live music venue until midnight, then it turns into a dance club.
Walk through a warehouse district in Brooklyn and you'll come across floating barge with beautiful views of Manhattan. Come here after enjoying the city's best pizza at Paulie Gee's a few blocks away. It's also a restaurant with great Mexican food. Open during the summer.
94 locals recommend
The Brooklyn Barge
79 West StWalk through a warehouse district in Brooklyn and you'll come across floating barge with beautiful views of Manhattan. Come here after enjoying the city's best pizza at Paulie Gee's a few blocks away. It's also a restaurant with great Mexican food. Open during the summer.
Amazing views in a club on top of The Standard hotel in Highline. Dress sharply and don't be offended if the doorman doesn't let you in. Rooftop disco with a pool (during summer) in the middle of the dance floor.
221 locals recommend
Le Bain
848 Washington StAmazing views in a club on top of The Standard hotel in Highline. Dress sharply and don't be offended if the doorman doesn't let you in. Rooftop disco with a pool (during summer) in the middle of the dance floor.
The food is overrated at Red Rooster, but the jazz downstairs is top notch. Thursday's jazz piano night is a must see. You can book tickets ahead of time if you want a guaranteed spot.
117 locals recommend
Ginny's Supper Club
310 Malcolm X BlvdThe food is overrated at Red Rooster, but the jazz downstairs is top notch. Thursday's jazz piano night is a must see. You can book tickets ahead of time if you want a guaranteed spot.
Beautiful cocktail bar in an old cricket club. Antique fixtures in a dimly lit setting, one of the best bars in the West Side.
26 locals recommend
Manhattan Cricket Club
226 W 79th StBeautiful cocktail bar in an old cricket club. Antique fixtures in a dimly lit setting, one of the best bars in the West Side.
Great cocktail place at a decent price, that also doubles as an Oyster + Ramen bar. It gets packed quickly so expect a wait.
105 locals recommend
ROKC
3452 BroadwayGreat cocktail place at a decent price, that also doubles as an Oyster + Ramen bar. It gets packed quickly so expect a wait.
Sightseeing
Somber beautiful memorial to those lost on 9/11. They really captured the tone well at this sight. A must see, for both Americans and international visitors.
567 locals recommend
9/11 Memorial South Pool
180 Greenwich StSomber beautiful memorial to those lost on 9/11. They really captured the tone well at this sight. A must see, for both Americans and international visitors.
Walk across the bridge to get unique views of Manhattan and Brooklyn (or reenact one of the various romantic movies set on the bridge!). Cross over to DUMBO for pizza at Juliana's.
1505 locals recommend
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge PromenadeWalk across the bridge to get unique views of Manhattan and Brooklyn (or reenact one of the various romantic movies set on the bridge!). Cross over to DUMBO for pizza at Juliana's.
Amazing structure, with lots of history. Once here, check out the Scandinavian food court called Great Northern Food Court, a relaxing place to grab food and enjoy the architecture.
781 locals recommend
Grand Central Terminal station
89 E 42nd StAmazing structure, with lots of history. Once here, check out the Scandinavian food court called Great Northern Food Court, a relaxing place to grab food and enjoy the architecture.
Skip the busy lines at Empire State Building and go to the top of 30 Rock, NBC's HQ! Hint: you can see Empire State from this roof. If you have time and are interested, you can also schedule tours at NBC's studios. Rooftop tickets can be bought in advanced.
264 locals recommend
Rockefeller Plaza
Rockefeller PlazaSkip the busy lines at Empire State Building and go to the top of 30 Rock, NBC's HQ! Hint: you can see Empire State from this roof. If you have time and are interested, you can also schedule tours at NBC's studios. Rooftop tickets can be bought in advanced.
See the area where John Lennon was tragically assassinated, while he was staying at The Dakota hotel across the street. Take a walk through the rest of Central Park to enjoy the green space we have in this city.
121 locals recommend
Strawberry Fields
West 72nd StreetSee the area where John Lennon was tragically assassinated, while he was staying at The Dakota hotel across the street. Take a walk through the rest of Central Park to enjoy the green space we have in this city.
Although very touristy, it's an absolute must. Go at night and it'll be way more epic. If you're a foodie, you won't find many decent food options around here - except Johnny's Cheesecake!
2037 locals recommend
Times Square
Although very touristy, it's an absolute must. Go at night and it'll be way more epic. If you're a foodie, you won't find many decent food options around here - except Johnny's Cheesecake!
Part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters opened in 1938 and reflects medieval architecture and art, with over 2,000 works of art and stunning outdoor gardens that are not to be missed. Suggested donations for the admission price.
707 locals recommend
The Met Cloisters
99 Margaret Corbin DrPart of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters opened in 1938 and reflects medieval architecture and art, with over 2,000 works of art and stunning outdoor gardens that are not to be missed. Suggested donations for the admission price.
Arts & Culture
If you have time, see Amateur Night at the Apollo, where up and coming comedians and performers try their best in front of a famously critical crowd!
893 locals recommend
Apollo Theater
253 W 125th StIf you have time, see Amateur Night at the Apollo, where up and coming comedians and performers try their best in front of a famously critical crowd!
So many performances and theaters to choose from...download the app 'TodayTix' to find great last minute deals on Broadway shows! Or Google other ways to save money on last minute Broadway tickets!
829 locals recommend
Theater District
So many performances and theaters to choose from...download the app 'TodayTix' to find great last minute deals on Broadway shows! Or Google other ways to save money on last minute Broadway tickets!
If you only had time for one museum in NYC, make it The Met. If you're on a budget, this entrance fee is a donation you decide. Make sure to check out the bar on the roof (weather permitting), which has great views of the East Side and Central Park. Mummies, French art, Roman sculptures, it has it all! My favorite permanent exhibit is the Byzantine and Renaissance art.
2653 locals recommend
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th AveIf you only had time for one museum in NYC, make it The Met. If you're on a budget, this entrance fee is a donation you decide. Make sure to check out the bar on the roof (weather permitting), which has great views of the East Side and Central Park. Mummies, French art, Roman sculptures, it has it all! My favorite permanent exhibit is the Byzantine and Renaissance art.
Amazing modern art - one of the best art galleries in NYC. There's a pricey but hip cocktail lounge on the ground floor.
2114 locals recommend
The Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53rd StreetAmazing modern art - one of the best art galleries in NYC. There's a pricey but hip cocktail lounge on the ground floor.