Guidebook for New York
Food Scene
BurgerFi
1571 2nd AveGreat burgers and fun atmosphere for kids
Shake Shack
Madison AvenueGreat burgers and Shakes, fun for kids
Serafina Fabulous Pizza
1022 Madison AveGreat Northern Italian, good for kids
Great cocktails, swanky long bar, high ceilinged dining room. Very adult, a little downtown comes uptown.
Crown
243 Broad AveGreat cocktails, swanky long bar, high ceilinged dining room. Very adult, a little downtown comes uptown.
Jones Wood Foundry
401 E 76th StGet your English Gastopub on, great pot pies, cozy atmosphere.
Three Guys
960 Madison AveFun Diner, good for kids
Nectar
1090 Madison AveDiner style, delicious breakfasts
Amazing upscale Mexican, great patio in back good for kids if you go early, great for adults.
50 locals recommend
Toloache
166 E 82nd StAmazing upscale Mexican, great patio in back good for kids if you go early, great for adults.
Sandro's
322 E 81st StSome of the best Roman Italian in the city...fried artichokes...
JG Melon
1291 3rd AveAn Upper East Side institution for burgers, beer and preppies.
Giovanni Venticinque
25 E 83rd StGreat for Brunch
Old school comfort food, good bar. Graydon Carter owned, good place for celebrity sightings.
80 locals recommend
Waverly Inn
16 Bank StOld school comfort food, good bar. Graydon Carter owned, good place for celebrity sightings.
Alice's Tea Cup, Chapter 3
220 E 81st StGreat for Brunch, Great for Kids.
Old New York, the scene from Wall Street where Charlie Sheen eats his first Steak Tartare happened here. Reserve a table in the "Bar Room."
13 locals recommend
21 Club
21 W 52nd StOld New York, the scene from Wall Street where Charlie Sheen eats his first Steak Tartare happened here. Reserve a table in the "Bar Room."
Ippudo Westside
321 W 51st StExcellent upscale ramen and more
Beyoglu
1431 3rd AveOne of the best Turkish restaurants in the city.
Tal Bagels
977 1st Ave.Frequent winner of best bagels on the UES...
NY branch of the highly respected Santa Monica restaurant...this is incredibly fresh traditional style Sushi. The omakase is amazing.
11 locals recommend
Sushi Sasabune
401 E 73rd StNY branch of the highly respected Santa Monica restaurant...this is incredibly fresh traditional style Sushi. The omakase is amazing.
An eclectic crowd chow down on delicious and inexpensive Peruvian dishes.
16 locals recommend
Flor de Mayo
484 Amsterdam AveAn eclectic crowd chow down on delicious and inexpensive Peruvian dishes.
Sfoglia
1402 Lexington AveOne of the best Italians on the UES
Persepolis
1407 2nd AveExtremely well-regarded Persian restaurant
Is this the best restaurant in NYC right now? Many would say yes. If not the best, certainly the most affordable among the best...
130 locals recommend
ABC Kitchen
35 E 18th StIs this the best restaurant in NYC right now? Many would say yes. If not the best, certainly the most affordable among the best...
If you can't get a reservation at ABC kitchen, the sister restaurant next door is a good bet.
49 locals recommend
abcV
38 E 19th StIf you can't get a reservation at ABC kitchen, the sister restaurant next door is a good bet.
Elio's
1621 2nd AveVery insider, lots of media celebs at this Italian...
Minetta Tavern
113 MacDougal StProbably the best place for beef and atmosphere in the city.
Just finding your way into this mexican speakeasy can make your night.
263 locals recommend
La Esquina - SoHo
114 Kenmare StJust finding your way into this mexican speakeasy can make your night.
A leader in the city's gastropub movement and still going strong. No reservations, but if you go by earlier in the day, tell them you live in the neighborhood, they'll make a reservation.
264 locals recommend
The Spotted Dog
1154 1st Ave.A leader in the city's gastropub movement and still going strong. No reservations, but if you go by earlier in the day, tell them you live in the neighborhood, they'll make a reservation.
Great place for groups, tasty mediterranean tapas style food goes down well with the wine. Inexpensive to boot.
90 locals recommend
Aria West Village
14 Bedford StGreat place for groups, tasty mediterranean tapas style food goes down well with the wine. Inexpensive to boot.
The Standard Grill
848 Washington StGood looking crowd, lively atmosphere.
Lobstah rolls on the UES. Eat at the counter or take away.
53 locals recommend
Luke's Lobster Upper East Side
242 E 81st StLobstah rolls on the UES. Eat at the counter or take away.
Pearl Oyster Bar
18 Cornelia StThe first, and best, of the Lobster Roll restaurants.
Probably the best Korean not in Koreatown. Good looking crowd, better cocktails. Tarantino is an investor.
13 locals recommend
Do Hwa
55 Carmine StProbably the best Korean not in Koreatown. Good looking crowd, better cocktails. Tarantino is an investor.
Great warm weather sidewalk dining italian. Inexpensive, elbow to elbow with neighborhood celebs. No reservations, cash only.
76 locals recommend
Bar Pitti
268 6th AveGreat warm weather sidewalk dining italian. Inexpensive, elbow to elbow with neighborhood celebs. No reservations, cash only.
The East Pole
133 E 65th StHot new spot getting rave reviews
Popular downtown Chinese moves uptown and the early reviews are favorable.
124 locals recommend
RedFarm
529 Hudson StPopular downtown Chinese moves uptown and the early reviews are favorable.
Keens Steakhouse
72 W 36th StSteakhouses don't get any more old school than this one.
Stanton Social
Still holding strong, one of the first upscale eateries on the LES
Speakeasy restaurant (door is in the back of a pawn shop) with Tapas style plates.
235 locals recommend
Beauty & Essex
146 Essex StSpeakeasy restaurant (door is in the back of a pawn shop) with Tapas style plates.
Good food, but it's probably the location and atmosphere that has kept this one going
60 locals recommend
Freeman Alley
Freeman AlleyGood food, but it's probably the location and atmosphere that has kept this one going
If you want to get down and dirty in Chinatown, this is probably the place to do it. Most come for the Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings)
196 locals recommend
Joe's Shanghai
46 BoweryIf you want to get down and dirty in Chinatown, this is probably the place to do it. Most come for the Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings)
Momofuku Ko
8 Extra PlIf you can get a reservation...
Moti Mahal Delux
1149 1st Ave.Northern Indian...
Shun Lee Palace
155 E 55th StBeloved Upscale Chinese...
Corner Bistro
331 West 4th StreetAn institution for burgers and mugs of beer.
Swanky Korean on the 39th floor of a modern Koreatown building with Empire State building views.
12 locals recommend
Gaonnuri
1250 BroadwaySwanky Korean on the 39th floor of a modern Koreatown building with Empire State building views.
Pylos
128 E 7th StProbably the best Greek if you don't want to opt for Queens...
Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
89 East 42nd Street100 years and counting...legendary.
Angelo's
1 Anderson AveIf you want to eat in touristy Little Italy, this is the place I like...
West side outpost of Shun Lee Palace, upscale Chinese good for pre/post Lincoln Center shows...
20 locals recommend
Shun Lee West
43 W 65th StWest side outpost of Shun Lee Palace, upscale Chinese good for pre/post Lincoln Center shows...
Dominique Ansel Bakery
189 Spring StHome of the infamous Cronut craze.
Dirty French
180 Ludlow StOne of the hottest new restaurant openings of the past year.
New ramen shop getting a ton of buzz, in a town that could use more and better ramen options.
124 locals recommend
Ivan Ramen
25 Clinton StNew ramen shop getting a ton of buzz, in a town that could use more and better ramen options.
Bâtard
239 W BroadwayNoteworthy, fun newcomer in Tribeca.
A new addition to Keith McNally's food empire, and the reviews are very favorable.
53 locals recommend
Cherche Midi
282 BoweryA new addition to Keith McNally's food empire, and the reviews are very favorable.
GATO
324 Lafayette StBobby Flay's new addition.
Red Rooster
310 Lenox AveHighly recommended Harlem restaurant.
Every visiting dignitary and celebrity makes it to Sylvia's in Harlem for soul food.
405 locals recommend
Sylvia's Restaurant
328 Malcolm X BlvdEvery visiting dignitary and celebrity makes it to Sylvia's in Harlem for soul food.
This bakery offers up some of the best cookies and brioche in the city.
215 locals recommend
Levain Bakery - 74th Street
167 W 74th StThis bakery offers up some of the best cookies and brioche in the city.
Mu Ramen
1209 Jackson AveNew ramen in Long Island City getting a lot of buzz.
The Simone
151 East 82nd StreetOne of the notable restaurant openings of 2014 per the New York Times.
Generally considered the best Chicken and Waffles in Harlem, which is saying a lot.
241 locals recommend
Amy Ruth's
113 W 116th StGenerally considered the best Chicken and Waffles in Harlem, which is saying a lot.
Bakery specializing in Jewish baked goods, and very good coffee. One of the tops in the city and worth stopping by.
31 locals recommend
Breads Bakery
18 E 16th StBakery specializing in Jewish baked goods, and very good coffee. One of the tops in the city and worth stopping by.
Hometown Bar-B-Que
454 Van Brunt StThe best Bar-B-Que in the city many say. Worth the hike.
Casa Mono
52 Irving PlCozy Spanish restaurant with great small plates.
Balthazar
80 Spring StKeith McNally's iconic Brasserie in Soho, still going strong.
Mighty Quinn's Barbeque
75 2nd AveBest barbecue within strolling distance.
Le Coucou
138 Lafayette StBest new restaurant for 2017.
Maison Kayser
1294 3rd AveAs close to French boulangerie as you'll get in NYC.
New York's oldest continuously operating Dim Sum restaurant since 1920.
153 locals recommend
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
13 Doyers StNew York's oldest continuously operating Dim Sum restaurant since 1920.
16 Handles
153 2nd AveMake it yourself soft ice cream shop.
Chumley's
86 Bedford StHistoric NYC speakeasy finally reopened as a cozy restaurant.
The Beatrice Inn
285 W 12th StExcellent hip restaurant that shines in anything meat related.
Great seafood and a lively attractive crowd in a massive space with a nautical theme.
82 locals recommend
Lure Fishbar
142 Mercer StGreat seafood and a lively attractive crowd in a massive space with a nautical theme.
Great pan asian bar menu in a fun atmosphere. Beware of the owner giving free shots on the house every 15 minutes or so.
12 locals recommend
Fish Market
111 South StGreat pan asian bar menu in a fun atmosphere. Beware of the owner giving free shots on the house every 15 minutes or so.
Grand Banks
Great views, oysters and sunset on this docked upscale boat.
Arts & Culture
Home of Sleep No More, one of the most original theater experiences in NYC in quite some time.
80 locals recommend
The McKittrick Hotel
530 W 27th StHome of Sleep No More, one of the most original theater experiences in NYC in quite some time.
Amy Poehler hosts Asssscat 3000, improvisational comedy on Sunday nights...
81 locals recommend
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
555 W 42nd StAmy Poehler hosts Asssscat 3000, improvisational comedy on Sunday nights...
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 5th AveTake the elevator to the top, walk down.
One of the greatest collections of art in the world.
2653 locals recommend
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th AveOne of the greatest collections of art in the world.
Essentials
Best prices and selection for a supermarket in the neighborhood, they'll deliver to your door for $5
215 locals recommend
Fairway Market 86th Street
240 East 86th StBest prices and selection for a supermarket in the neighborhood, they'll deliver to your door for $5
Nearest supermarket. Good for picking up a few things if in a hurry, because it's a bit expensive.
151 locals recommend
D'Agostino
528 3rd AveNearest supermarket. Good for picking up a few things if in a hurry, because it's a bit expensive.
Second closest with a better selection than D'agostinos, nicer shopping experience.
148 locals recommend
Food Emporium
452 W 43rd StSecond closest with a better selection than D'agostinos, nicer shopping experience.
Inexpensive and good, it's a bit far, but if you're a big fan looking to save some money, they'll deliver all the groceries to the apartment for $10...
420 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
715 River RdInexpensive and good, it's a bit far, but if you're a big fan looking to save some money, they'll deliver all the groceries to the apartment for $10...
1235 Lexington Ave
Closest Pharmacy. Store is open 24 hours
If you're a member, it doesn't get any cheaper than this...There's also a Target and an Aldi Grocery (Same folks who brought you Trader Joe's and very inexpensive) in the same shopping complex.
74 locals recommend
Costco Wholesale
517 E 117th StIf you're a member, it doesn't get any cheaper than this...There's also a Target and an Aldi Grocery (Same folks who brought you Trader Joe's and very inexpensive) in the same shopping complex.
Whole Foods Market
95 E Houston StHealthy groceries of the highest quality, albeit expensive.
Drinks & Nightlife
Surprisingly low on views for a rooftop bar, but the beers, cocktails and fun atmosphere will help you forget that quickly. Good place for groups.
32 locals recommend
SERRA by Birreria
200 5th AveSurprisingly low on views for a rooftop bar, but the beers, cocktails and fun atmosphere will help you forget that quickly. Good place for groups.
Massive room for drinks with a good looking crowd. Stick around for the gastropub dinner it's the same chefs behind the Spotted Pig.
33 locals recommend
The Breslin
16 W 29th StMassive room for drinks with a good looking crowd. Stick around for the gastropub dinner it's the same chefs behind the Spotted Pig.
A good place to end up located right under the southernmost part of the High Line. With long tables, pretzels, ping pong and a lively, good-looking crowd.
294 locals recommend
The Standard Biergarten
848 Washington StA good place to end up located right under the southernmost part of the High Line. With long tables, pretzels, ping pong and a lively, good-looking crowd.
Great views from this speakeasy style rooftop attached to the Sleep No More theater production. Seasonal only and reservations are recommended anyway, so call ahead.
75 locals recommend
Gallow Green
542 W 27th StGreat views from this speakeasy style rooftop attached to the Sleep No More theater production. Seasonal only and reservations are recommended anyway, so call ahead.
Large barge on the Hudson serving buckets of corona and pitchers of sangria as you watch the sun go down. Spring through Fall only...
141 locals recommend
Frying Pan
207 12th AveLarge barge on the Hudson serving buckets of corona and pitchers of sangria as you watch the sun go down. Spring through Fall only...
Teeny tiny location, but square foot for square foot it has as much charm as any bar in the city.
28 locals recommend
Smith & Mills
71 N Moore StTeeny tiny location, but square foot for square foot it has as much charm as any bar in the city.
Mulberry Project
149 Mulberry StreetAnother speakeasy with a good menu
Good cocktails, good food, good fun. Also check out Randolph beer up the street...
16 locals recommend
The Randolph
349 Broome StGood cocktails, good food, good fun. Also check out Randolph beer up the street...
360 degree views of NY, good food, beautiful space packs in young and old...
58 locals recommend
The Top of the Standard
848 Washington St360 degree views of NY, good food, beautiful space packs in young and old...
Good place to catch up and coming music talent, or often, your friend of a friend's band.
73 locals recommend
Arlene Grocery
95 Stanton StGood place to catch up and coming music talent, or often, your friend of a friend's band.
When you think Old School NY drinking establishment, this is the prototype.
142 locals recommend
McSorley's Old Ale House
15 E 7th StWhen you think Old School NY drinking establishment, this is the prototype.
The Campbell
15 Vanderbilt AveBeautiful soaring room, hidden lounge worth finding.
Arguably the oldest bar in NY, great place to grab a beer on the sidewalk on warm nights while the sun sets...
47 locals recommend
Ear Inn
326 Spring StArguably the oldest bar in NY, great place to grab a beer on the sidewalk on warm nights while the sun sets...
Upper East, Upper Crust. Live acts, very civilized old school at the Carlyle Hotel...
41 locals recommend
Bemelman's Bar at The Carlyle
35 E 76th StUpper East, Upper Crust. Live acts, very civilized old school at the Carlyle Hotel...
Old school, older crowd packs it in for the NYC version of Cabaret...
15 locals recommend
Café Carlyle
35 E 76th StOld school, older crowd packs it in for the NYC version of Cabaret...
Smokers looking for a place to do it inside come here, where having a brandy and a cigar (and maybe even a cigarette) is still possible...
9 locals recommend
Lexington Bar and Books
1020 Lexington AveSmokers looking for a place to do it inside come here, where having a brandy and a cigar (and maybe even a cigarette) is still possible...
Old Town Bar
45 E 18th StAlong with McSorley's, one of the infamous old school NYC bars.
Old School Bar, legend has it, O. Henry wrote The Gift of the Magi here.
41 locals recommend
Pete's Tavern
129 E 18th StOld School Bar, legend has it, O. Henry wrote The Gift of the Magi here.
If you're looking to have a couple drinks with some yuppies, fraternity guys on break or former New York Yankees, this is the place.
9 locals recommend
Dorrian's Red Hand (NYC)
1616 2nd AveIf you're looking to have a couple drinks with some yuppies, fraternity guys on break or former New York Yankees, this is the place.
Pegu Club
Good drinks, good food to match. Bring a date.
Terroir Tribeca
24 Harrison StThe ultimate bar for wine enthusiasts...
Prefer the old location on Hudson Street, but still a lot to recommend about this micro brew destination...
68 locals recommend
Blind Tiger Ale House
281 Bleecker StPrefer the old location on Hudson Street, but still a lot to recommend about this micro brew destination...
Employees Only
510 Hudson StSpeakeasy style bar, nice looking crowd. Good restaurant.
The Rusty Knot
425 West StNautical themed bar with decent pub grub and a pool table.
Salvation Taco Rooftop Bar
145 East 39th StreetBuzzy rooftop patio with tacos.
Sightseeing
For those looking for locations on the "sex and the city" tour. Suppose it's good fun while doing some Bleecker Street shopping. I'd avoid the cupcakes and go with the banana pudding...
401 locals recommend
Magnolia Bakery
401 Bleecker StFor those looking for locations on the "sex and the city" tour. Suppose it's good fun while doing some Bleecker Street shopping. I'd avoid the cupcakes and go with the banana pudding...
This is where most New Yorkers and tourists who don't have options in the Hamptons get their sun on warm summer days.
77 locals recommend
Sheep Meadow
1802 East 65th StreetThis is where most New Yorkers and tourists who don't have options in the Hamptons get their sun on warm summer days.
Where you'll find most of the UES runners...
142 locals recommend
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
Where you'll find most of the UES runners...
Parks & Nature
Hipsters have revitalized the "Irish Riviera" with a fancy new boardwalk with delicious restaurants to match. And you can get here by subway.
224 locals recommend
Rockaway Beach
Hipsters have revitalized the "Irish Riviera" with a fancy new boardwalk with delicious restaurants to match. And you can get here by subway.
Open summer only, great way to spend a day with a great selection of food stalls. Ferry is free if you go early, only $2 after.
249 locals recommend
Governors Island
Open summer only, great way to spend a day with a great selection of food stalls. Ferry is free if you go early, only $2 after.
The High Line Park
Elevated Train Line reimagined as a park