Entertainment/Nightlife/Shopping
A non-touristic guide. Your host is a native New Yorker so if you’re here to see more of NYC as a local (some NJ) then this is the perfect guide! To discover more in the Big Apple, visit these I.G accounts: @pictureperfectluis & @johnnyeatsnyc for cheap NYC eats , @newyorknico for inside scoop🗽
Edgewater, NJ - Korean spa
Rooftop infinity pool with a NYC skyline view.
75 locals recommend
SoJo Spa Club
660 River RdEdgewater, NJ - Korean spa
Rooftop infinity pool with a NYC skyline view.
Fully immersive mall with indoor theme parks and so much more! Driving is recommended, the 772 bus also stops there.
221 locals recommend
American Dream
1 American Dream WyFully immersive mall with indoor theme parks and so much more! Driving is recommended, the 772 bus also stops there.
One of the most popular and largest malls in the tristate area
105 locals recommend
Westfield Garden State Plaza
One Garden State Plaza ParkwayOne of the most popular and largest malls in the tristate area
Landmark Closter
Located in Closter, NJ.
Dine-in theater with reserved and reclined seating
Sour Mouse
Cellar Dog
Old-fashioned underground bar with games & live jazz music
Pricier than Bryant Park but cheaper than Rockefeller! I grew up skating here and it’s the most scenic ice skating rink in NYC in my opinion!
36 locals recommend
Wollman Rink
Central Park SouthPricier than Bryant Park but cheaper than Rockefeller! I grew up skating here and it’s the most scenic ice skating rink in NYC in my opinion!
Arthur Ave, Bronx, NY, USA
The REAL little Italy in NYC.
As seen on Netflix’s Dash & Lily, this NYC Christmas tradition started by Lucy Spata in the 80s is located in Brooklyn, NY. DON’T WASTE MONEY ON A TOUR! It’s a neighborhood where locals and tourists are free to walk alongside homes. The entire neighborhood is lit with Christmas Lights and incredible decorations, a local hot chocolate truck is always in the area during the holidays. I highly recommend walking to the old-school Lioni Italian Heroes Deli where you’ll have the most delicious hot sandwiches of your life!
A little history from this tradition:
asliceofbrooklyn . com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-dyker-heights-christmas-lights-in-brooklyn/
Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour
324 W 47th StAs seen on Netflix’s Dash & Lily, this NYC Christmas tradition started by Lucy Spata in the 80s is located in Brooklyn, NY. DON’T WASTE MONEY ON A TOUR! It’s a neighborhood where locals and tourists are free to walk alongside homes. The entire neighborhood is lit with Christmas Lights and incredible decorations, a local hot chocolate truck is always in the area during the holidays. I highly recommend walking to the old-school Lioni Italian Heroes Deli where you’ll have the most delicious hot sandwiches of your life!
A little history from this tradition:
asliceofbrooklyn . com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-dyker-heights-christmas-lights-in-brooklyn/
Whether it’s the ballet or opera, this is a must visit if you’re in New York!
116 locals recommend
Metropolitan Opera House
30 Lincoln Center PlazaWhether it’s the ballet or opera, this is a must visit if you’re in New York!
Queens, NY. Located next to Kaufman Studios. History of filmmaking with actual movie props and cameras exhibited from film productions over the years. Scheduled film screenings with sometimes a featured director’s Q&A. FREE entry on Friday’s!
507 locals recommend
Museum of the Moving Image
36-01 35th AveQueens, NY. Located next to Kaufman Studios. History of filmmaking with actual movie props and cameras exhibited from film productions over the years. Scheduled film screenings with sometimes a featured director’s Q&A. FREE entry on Friday’s!
Queens, NY. Incredible view (best and closest view) of city skyline. Surrounded by many restaurants with a variety of cuisines. Accessible by subway train or ferry. Only a single stop away from Grand Central Manhattan
47 locals recommend
Hunter's Point South Park
Center BoulevardQueens, NY. Incredible view (best and closest view) of city skyline. Surrounded by many restaurants with a variety of cuisines. Accessible by subway train or ferry. Only a single stop away from Grand Central Manhattan
Queens, NY. Single stop from Grand Central Terminal. Neighborhood with a history of art, excellent restaurants with waterfront view of Manhattan NYC, subway train or ferry stop available.
256 locals recommend
Gantry Plaza State Park
4-44 47th RdQueens, NY. Single stop from Grand Central Terminal. Neighborhood with a history of art, excellent restaurants with waterfront view of Manhattan NYC, subway train or ferry stop available.
Little Island
West 13th StreetManhattan, NY. Floating islands, great for photos
Queens, NY. Single stop away from Grand Central. Join the summer parties! Check out current exhibits before visiting
575 locals recommend
MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson AveQueens, NY. Single stop away from Grand Central. Join the summer parties! Check out current exhibits before visiting
Don’t go entirely out of your way for this one but do make a stop on your way to elsewhere!
Grand Central Terminal Entrance - 48th & Park Ave
Don’t go entirely out of your way for this one but do make a stop on your way to elsewhere!
Nightmoves
Manhattan, NYC. Popular rooftop bar with live djs, club at night with beautiful city skyline views
221 locals recommend
Le Bain
848 Washington StManhattan, NYC. Popular rooftop bar with live djs, club at night with beautiful city skyline views
Avant Gardner
NYC Nightlife - Large indoor/outdoor venue hosting parties and concerts, rooftops
House of Yes
Brooklyn, NY. A unique NYC club with live performers where anything goes
Brooklyn, NY. Club with rooftop access. Where some of the best nyc djs play at
77 locals recommend
Elsewhere
599 Johnson AveBrooklyn, NY. Club with rooftop access. Where some of the best nyc djs play at
Queens, NY.
Cool, mod taproom with clever bar bites & local beers, plus a big backyard & late-night DJs.
A unique experience with outdoor ramen dining area/film screenings, fire places and heated yurts/teepees with parties all night. Pay attention to their website (it’s sometimes free with RSVP before a certain time)
215 locals recommend
Nowadays
56-06 Cooper AveQueens, NY.
Cool, mod taproom with clever bar bites & local beers, plus a big backyard & late-night DJs.
A unique experience with outdoor ramen dining area/film screenings, fire places and heated yurts/teepees with parties all night. Pay attention to their website (it’s sometimes free with RSVP before a certain time)
Belmar Beach
Belmar BoardwalkBelmar, NJ
Brooklyn, NY. A unique beach theme park to visit. Try the Cyclone roller coaster, ridiculously tall Piña Coladas and the famous Nathan’s Hotdogs. Look up ongoing events and film screenings! (I wouldn’t get in the water)
663 locals recommend
Coney Island
Brooklyn, NY. A unique beach theme park to visit. Try the Cyclone roller coaster, ridiculously tall Piña Coladas and the famous Nathan’s Hotdogs. Look up ongoing events and film screenings! (I wouldn’t get in the water)
Queens, NY
Beach easily accessible by subway train, surrounded by restaurants and bars. Head further up towards Fort Tilden to avoid crowds.
224 locals recommend
Rockaway Beach
Queens, NY
Beach easily accessible by subway train, surrounded by restaurants and bars. Head further up towards Fort Tilden to avoid crowds.
DUMBO Archway
155 Water StGem in DUMBO, Brooklyn.
Check out their events online!
DUMBO House
55 Water StNYC Food Scene/Bars
Take the NJ Transit 167 bus to Port Authority Times Square and walk to restaurant
Japanese Jazz Speakeasy. One of my absolute favorite gems in the city! Highly recommend! Be prepared to wait in line outside - lines are much short on weekdays. Trust me, it’s very much worth the wait.
19 locals recommend
Tomi Jazz
239 E 53rd StJapanese Jazz Speakeasy. One of my absolute favorite gems in the city! Highly recommend! Be prepared to wait in line outside - lines are much short on weekdays. Trust me, it’s very much worth the wait.
Harlem, NY. Underground bar with handcrafted themed cocktails in a Bohemian/speakeasy vibes. The food is also DELICIOUS!
83 locals recommend
The Honey Well
3604 BroadwayHarlem, NY. Underground bar with handcrafted themed cocktails in a Bohemian/speakeasy vibes. The food is also DELICIOUS!
Etérea
East Village, Manhattan. Delicious vegan Mexican cuisine with unique cocktails!
Ladybird
111 E 7th StEast Village, Manhattan. Classy atmosphere with delicious vegan cuisine.
Very popular and nostalgic cobblestone street amongst locals with great drinks and delicious “bar food”
17 locals recommend
Stone Street Tavern
52 Stone StVery popular and nostalgic cobblestone street amongst locals with great drinks and delicious “bar food”
Delicious take-out/street food. Other locations through the city
6 locals recommend
The Kati Roll Company
229 E 53rd StDelicious take-out/street food. Other locations through the city
Located in Bushwick Brooklyn. Very unique restaurant with delicious authentic Turkish food. Check their website for events and live music.
29 locals recommend
The Turk's Inn
234 Starr StLocated in Bushwick Brooklyn. Very unique restaurant with delicious authentic Turkish food. Check their website for events and live music.
Famously known Ramen restaurant with unique Japanese arranged seating. Expect to see a long line but it moves quickly and is so worth it!
Bring a sweater in the summertime (air conditioning can get chilly inside).
14 locals recommend
Ichiran
132 W 31st StFamously known Ramen restaurant with unique Japanese arranged seating. Expect to see a long line but it moves quickly and is so worth it!
Bring a sweater in the summertime (air conditioning can get chilly inside).
Manhattan, NY (upper west side near Central Park). Enjoy delicious Thai cuisine in a unique ambience
58 locals recommend
Up Thai
1411 2nd AveManhattan, NY (upper west side near Central Park). Enjoy delicious Thai cuisine in a unique ambience
Delicious Vegan Chinese cuisine with 80s new wave music. Try the Dan Dan noodles!
Spicy Moon - West Village
Delicious Vegan Chinese cuisine with 80s new wave music. Try the Dan Dan noodles!
Delicious underground Japanese cuisine with sushi and drinks with industrial decor. Located in midtown Manhattan
15 locals recommend
Izakaya MEW
53 W 35th StDelicious underground Japanese cuisine with sushi and drinks with industrial decor. Located in midtown Manhattan
Take NJ transit 167 bus to Times Square, then take the C/E train to Spring Street and walk 4 min to 48 MacDougal St, New York, NY
33 locals recommend
Raku
342 E 6th StTake NJ transit 167 bus to Times Square, then take the C/E train to Spring Street and walk 4 min to 48 MacDougal St, New York, NY
Located in Manhattan. Beautiful interior decor and ambience, interesting drinks and delicious food.
7 locals recommend
Casa La Femme
140 Charles StLocated in Manhattan. Beautiful interior decor and ambience, interesting drinks and delicious food.
Located in lower Manhattan. Indian restaurant with fun interior decor
27 locals recommend
Panna II Garden
93 1st Ave.Located in lower Manhattan. Indian restaurant with fun interior decor
Industry City Food Hall
268 36th StA must visit! Check them on
If you’re on a lie budget and wandering around the city streets at 1am, this is the best $1 slice pizza. Open til 3am
27 locals recommend
2 Bros Pizza
32 St Marks PlIf you’re on a lie budget and wandering around the city streets at 1am, this is the best $1 slice pizza. Open til 3am
Barcade
Barcade in Williamsburg Brooklyn, also located in Manhattan on St. Marks Place
Barcade
Barcade in Jersey City
Industry City
220 36th StBrooklyn, NY. Entertainment, Shopping, Food
Shelter
168-170 Wythe AveLocal Food/Bar Scene
Humphrey's Coffee
160 Terrace StreetTry the Matcha Lemonade and Cheddar Scallion Scone
Griddle This
Breakfast take-out spot in Dumont, only walking distance!
Hometown Cafe and Grill
Quick breakfast spot walking distance!
A local favorite. Your classic small town restaurant bar with classic rock tunes with open juke box and daily specials - PizzaTuesdays ($5/small pie)
Grant Street Cafe
A local favorite. Your classic small town restaurant bar with classic rock tunes with open juke box and daily specials - PizzaTuesdays ($5/small pie)
🇦🇷 Englewood. Arrive before 3PM for brunch! Enjoy their freshly cooked options until 3PM, after that they offer a variety of delicious Argentinian empanadas, sandwiches and pastries. Also a perfect place to hang out with great and get some work done. The 186 bus takes you directly there and back!
Dulce de Leche Bakery
🇦🇷 Englewood. Arrive before 3PM for brunch! Enjoy their freshly cooked options until 3PM, after that they offer a variety of delicious Argentinian empanadas, sandwiches and pastries. Also a perfect place to hang out with great and get some work done. The 186 bus takes you directly there and back!
Farmhouse Cafe & Eatery Cresskill
15 E Madison AveGreat for brunch!
Local farm with a tasty menu including fresh burgers (veggie options too) and beautiful outdoor seating. Visit out during the weekend and check out affiliated vintage shop across the street with lake for some unique finds.
Farm Cafe
40 Old Hook RoadLocal farm with a tasty menu including fresh burgers (veggie options too) and beautiful outdoor seating. Visit out during the weekend and check out affiliated vintage shop across the street with lake for some unique finds.
Dumont Hot Bagels
Perfect for delicious take-out breakfast. Go early before the line forms!
Manhattan Bagel
14 W Palisade AveDelicious breakfast, they deliver!
Call to customize your order.
Dumont Crystal Diner
45 West Madison AvenueGet the hash browns! Go early! Closes at 2PM!
Fun place with lounge areas with upbeat music, drinks and delicious Mexican cuisine. Outdoor seating available
Pancho's Burritos
214 Main StFun place with lounge areas with upbeat music, drinks and delicious Mexican cuisine. Outdoor seating available
Casual Habana Cafe
Delicious authentic Cuban cuisine and bar
Cuban Eddie's Dumont
110 West Shore AvenueThe Cuban sandwich, try it.
Located in Closter. Great for brunch! Fine French dining. Outdoor seating and happy hour available!
Brasserie Memere
Closter PlazaLocated in Closter. Great for brunch! Fine French dining. Outdoor seating and happy hour available!
Veda Tenafly NJ Indian BYOB NJ Restaurant (Contemporary Indian Cuisine ) Open 7 Days
10 Jay StreetNaturoll Sushi Takeout
165 Terrace StreetLocated in Haworth. Picnic tables across the street!
Brooklyn's Coal-Burning Brick-Oven Pizzeria
161 Hackensack AvenueLocated in Hackensack. Great pizza.
Alessandro's Trattoria E Pizzeria
157 Terrace StreetLocated in Haworth. Get the grandma slice! BYOB
The Hill
252 Schraalenburgh RoadLocated in Haworth.
Stern & Bow Restaurant
171 Schraalenburgh RoadLocated in Closter (has outdoor seating)
Donatella Ristorante
12 Tappan RoadRequest seating near window in large main salon or outside.
Sofia
36 Engle StLocated in Englewood. Outdoor Cigar smoking area available after dark.
Neighborhoods
Charming shopping center with Whole Foods, Home Goods, Target, a movie theater, Bareburger, boutiques and several restaurants, etc
Closter
Charming shopping center with Whole Foods, Home Goods, Target, a movie theater, Bareburger, boutiques and several restaurants, etc
Not Nyack. Like Nyack. Very cute little town with several great restaurants and shops.
12 locals recommend
Ridgewood
Not Nyack. Like Nyack. Very cute little town with several great restaurants and shops.
OnlyOnly a few blocks long, MacDougal Street may be Greenwich Village’s most famous thoroughfare. It has been home to an astonishing number of artists, writers, musicians, and just plain bohemians over the years, who lingered in its clubs and coffee houses. It was also the center of the city’s LGBTQ community long before Christopher Street stole the show.
MacDougal St, New York, NY, USA
OnlyOnly a few blocks long, MacDougal Street may be Greenwich Village’s most famous thoroughfare. It has been home to an astonishing number of artists, writers, musicians, and just plain bohemians over the years, who lingered in its clubs and coffee houses. It was also the center of the city’s LGBTQ community long before Christopher Street stole the show.
Nature
Nyack Beach State Park
698 N BroadwayPerfect local trail to go for a run or bike ride in nature with a scenic view of fenced reservoir. There’s also an outdoor gym at beginning of trail.
Oradell Reservoir Trail
Perfect local trail to go for a run or bike ride in nature with a scenic view of fenced reservoir. There’s also an outdoor gym at beginning of trail.