Guidebook for New York
Food Scene
One of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. The have great food while still being reasonably priced. They have a great wine list (I recommend the super tuscan) and Sardinian flat bread.
161 locals recommend
Uva
1486 2nd AveOne of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. The have great food while still being reasonably priced. They have a great wine list (I recommend the super tuscan) and Sardinian flat bread.
My new favorite restaurant in the neighborhood. The space is carefully curated and the food is more family style (with portions) but just delicious. Be sure to as about the banana souffle. Divine.
Antonucci Cafe
170 E 81st StMy new favorite restaurant in the neighborhood. The space is carefully curated and the food is more family style (with portions) but just delicious. Be sure to as about the banana souffle. Divine.
Great British Restaurant fun pub and the food is very good. I highly recommend the fish and chips and their desserts are delightful and worth it. I go a lot for Sunday brunch
58 locals recommend
Jones Wood Foundry
401 E 76th StGreat British Restaurant fun pub and the food is very good. I highly recommend the fish and chips and their desserts are delightful and worth it. I go a lot for Sunday brunch
Great Mussels & Seafood. They have fantastic cocktails as well. Set on the side street with outdoor seating and still reasonably priced.
72 locals recommend
Flex Mussels
1431 E 82nd StGreat Mussels & Seafood. They have fantastic cocktails as well. Set on the side street with outdoor seating and still reasonably priced.
French Cafe -Bakery, Lunch, Dinner etc... Just delicious. If the have the salmon for dinner I highly recommend it. Served with an au jus in a caste iron skillet. The bread is delicious.
152 locals recommend
Maison Kayser
1294 3rd AveFrench Cafe -Bakery, Lunch, Dinner etc... Just delicious. If the have the salmon for dinner I highly recommend it. Served with an au jus in a caste iron skillet. The bread is delicious.
Perfect spot to grab a coffee or sit and relax for a while. Communal tables or individual seating. Bread basket with white chocolate, chocolate, hazelnut spreads & jams highly recommended.
247 locals recommend
Le Pain Quotidien
861 Lexington AvePerfect spot to grab a coffee or sit and relax for a while. Communal tables or individual seating. Bread basket with white chocolate, chocolate, hazelnut spreads & jams highly recommended.
My brother manages this coffee spot. Very cool and very small space but eclectic and fun for a visit to the trendy east village. Coffee & food is great also :) sit for brunch if you don't mind waiting
131 locals recommend
MUD SPOT
307 E 9th StMy brother manages this coffee spot. Very cool and very small space but eclectic and fun for a visit to the trendy east village. Coffee & food is great also :) sit for brunch if you don't mind waiting
Love this West Village favorite. Their crostini are seasonal and I can have a whole meal of just wine and crostini there. I prefer to sit outside or close to the front for fantastic people watching.
8 locals recommend
Corsino
637 Hudson StLove this West Village favorite. Their crostini are seasonal and I can have a whole meal of just wine and crostini there. I prefer to sit outside or close to the front for fantastic people watching.
If you can get a reservation I highly recommend this restaurant. Located in the east village. Take the 6 train to Astor Place or take the Select Bus from 78/2nd to Houston. Go for lunch or brunch.
99 locals recommend
Prune
54 E 1st StIf you can get a reservation I highly recommend this restaurant. Located in the east village. Take the 6 train to Astor Place or take the Select Bus from 78/2nd to Houston. Go for lunch or brunch.
West Village also very difficult to get a reservation but worth it if you can!
111 locals recommend
Little Owl
90 Bedford StWest Village also very difficult to get a reservation but worth it if you can!
BEST BURGER in NYC! They have multiple locations but i suggest going to the original located in Madison Square Park ( they usually have art featured in the park as well). Get the Shack burger
993 locals recommend
Shake Shack
Madison AvenueBEST BURGER in NYC! They have multiple locations but i suggest going to the original located in Madison Square Park ( they usually have art featured in the park as well). Get the Shack burger
Another favorite restaurant located in Time Warner building. Make a reservation and request a seat with a view. Higher prices for a special occasion.
7 locals recommend
A Voce
41 Madison AveAnother favorite restaurant located in Time Warner building. Make a reservation and request a seat with a view. Higher prices for a special occasion.
Iconic French bistro in Soho. Make reservations and be sure to try the pomme frites
274 locals recommend
Balthazar
80 Spring StIconic French bistro in Soho. Make reservations and be sure to try the pomme frites
If you want to splurge on a meal this is the place to do it. If Dinner is too pricey I suggest their prix fix brunch. Delicious.
42 locals recommend
Jean-Georges
1 Central Park WestIf you want to splurge on a meal this is the place to do it. If Dinner is too pricey I suggest their prix fix brunch. Delicious.
Inexpensive Mexican on a budget. Nice atmosphere very casual and great Margaritas. TIP... Walk to 88th btw 2nd & 1st after dinner & find an unexpected gothic revival church w/ stained glass & gargoyle
22 locals recommend
Cilantro
485 Columbus AveInexpensive Mexican on a budget. Nice atmosphere very casual and great Margaritas. TIP... Walk to 88th btw 2nd & 1st after dinner & find an unexpected gothic revival church w/ stained glass & gargoyle
Buvette
42 Grove Stif you want to wait... you should definitely go!
Famous French Pastry shop- Well known for their Macarons and they are just delightful! I usually stop here on my way to a nice stroll in Central Park. Favorite Macarons Pistashio, Lemon, Orange, Rose
47 locals recommend
Ladurée
864 Madison AveFamous French Pastry shop- Well known for their Macarons and they are just delightful! I usually stop here on my way to a nice stroll in Central Park. Favorite Macarons Pistashio, Lemon, Orange, Rose
Eats
1055 Lexington AveKnown for their oysters & burgers
Famous for their pizza.. many think its th best in NYC... its possible. Located in the Village.. I recommend the Keste pizza but you choose... its not easy
45 locals recommend
Kesté Pizza & Vino
77 Fulton StreetFamous for their pizza.. many think its th best in NYC... its possible. Located in the Village.. I recommend the Keste pizza but you choose... its not easy
Tasti D-Lite
300 East 86th StNeed frozen yogurt? This is where I go.
Starbucks
154 N 7th StSometimes you just need Starbucks
Café Boulud
100 E 76th StDinner is a bit pricey so opt for lunch outside.
Drinks & Nightlife
My FAVORITE bar located inside The Surrey Hotel and if you sit at the bar maybe one of my favorite bartenders will be working. They have perfect cocktails, wine, snacks or get a table and relax.
6 locals recommend
Bar Pleiades
20 E 76th StMy FAVORITE bar located inside The Surrey Hotel and if you sit at the bar maybe one of my favorite bartenders will be working. They have perfect cocktails, wine, snacks or get a table and relax.
Iconic Art Deco bar named after Ludwig Bemelman the creator of classic Madeline children's books. Large scale murals are the only surviving Bemelmans' commission open to the public. Jazz bands and fun
41 locals recommend
Bemelman's Bar at The Carlyle
35 E 76th StIconic Art Deco bar named after Ludwig Bemelman the creator of classic Madeline children's books. Large scale murals are the only surviving Bemelmans' commission open to the public. Jazz bands and fun
It's as convenient as you can get!!! Its across the street! On a budget???? HAPPY HOUR at Vero is ideal! Until 7pm you can have 1/2 price appetizers & drink specials. Ask about the $20 bottle of wine
Vero Restaurant & Wine Bar
1004 2nd AveIt's as convenient as you can get!!! Its across the street! On a budget???? HAPPY HOUR at Vero is ideal! Until 7pm you can have 1/2 price appetizers & drink specials. Ask about the $20 bottle of wine
Unique upscale lounge that is more about the decor than the actual drinks. Please don't go here for wine, only cocktails, usually pretty good music but avoid the weekend scene & go during the week
68 locals recommend
The Auction House
300 E 89th StUnique upscale lounge that is more about the decor than the actual drinks. Please don't go here for wine, only cocktails, usually pretty good music but avoid the weekend scene & go during the week
NYC TIP**** Only Sundays are non hotel guests allowed to access their amazing lobby bar, bar and indoor/outdoor bar. Dont be surprised if you wind up lounging next to a celebrity. I suggest outside.
76 locals recommend
The Bowery Hotel
335 BoweryNYC TIP**** Only Sundays are non hotel guests allowed to access their amazing lobby bar, bar and indoor/outdoor bar. Dont be surprised if you wind up lounging next to a celebrity. I suggest outside.
Head to the Boom Boom room for cocktails and amazing city views.. It's a bit of a high profile scene so you have to be in the mood.
294 locals recommend
The Standard Biergarten
848 Washington StHead to the Boom Boom room for cocktails and amazing city views.. It's a bit of a high profile scene so you have to be in the mood.
Sightseeing
Best spot in all of Central Park. I spend hours sitting and people watching, taking pictures walking around the area
51 locals recommend
Bethesda Terrace
72 Terrace DrBest spot in all of Central Park. I spend hours sitting and people watching, taking pictures walking around the area
If you are visiting NYC for the first time and the weather is good, be sure to make a reservation here to sit outside closest to the water. Food is good but expensive. You are paying for the view.
169 locals recommend
The Loeb Boathouse
East 72nd StreetIf you are visiting NYC for the first time and the weather is good, be sure to make a reservation here to sit outside closest to the water. Food is good but expensive. You are paying for the view.
Belvedere Castle
Another Central Park must see
Small but beautifully manicured gardens. Its a nice area of Central Park that is less congested and really lets you relax and enjoy the environment. Fantastic fountain with lily pads located within.
159 locals recommend
Conservatory Garden
1233 5th AveSmall but beautifully manicured gardens. Its a nice area of Central Park that is less congested and really lets you relax and enjoy the environment. Fantastic fountain with lily pads located within.
Bow Bridge
Bow BridgeThe ultimate NYC movie bridge in Central Park. Must see after fountain of Bethesda
Public Park that was converting from an historic freight rail line elevated above Manhattan. Nice day in the meatpacking district to walk and relax and grab a bite to eat.
2323 locals recommend
The High Line Park
Public Park that was converting from an historic freight rail line elevated above Manhattan. Nice day in the meatpacking district to walk and relax and grab a bite to eat.
Take your time exploring this Park. It is small and manageable and it is arguable my favorite park in NYC. Also the home to Gracie Mansion where the NYC mayor lives with his family.
221 locals recommend
Carl Schurz Park
East End AvenueTake your time exploring this Park. It is small and manageable and it is arguable my favorite park in NYC. Also the home to Gracie Mansion where the NYC mayor lives with his family.
If you are interested in Architecture this gothic revival church and grounds are pretty cool. Carvings, stained glass, gargoyles watching over you.
Church of the Holy Trinity
316 E 88th StIf you are interested in Architecture this gothic revival church and grounds are pretty cool. Carvings, stained glass, gargoyles watching over you.
It's a bit out of the way so I recommend a taxi but this is the largest Cathedral in North America. The Architecture and art inside is worth the trip alone. Sometimes they have interesting events.
378 locals recommend
The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam AveIt's a bit out of the way so I recommend a taxi but this is the largest Cathedral in North America. The Architecture and art inside is worth the trip alone. Sometimes they have interesting events.
Union Square Greenmarket is an outdoor market w herbs, veggies, flowers, chocolates, plants, cheese, milk, honey, meats, fish etc.This is where local restaurants buy their produce etc. Check schedule.
987 locals recommend
Union Square
Union Square Greenmarket is an outdoor market w herbs, veggies, flowers, chocolates, plants, cheese, milk, honey, meats, fish etc.This is where local restaurants buy their produce etc. Check schedule.
Not exactly easy to get to but possible with public transportation.. easier but more costly by taxi. If the weather is nice its worth walking around seeing the parks, yachts, river etc.
83 locals recommend
Battery Park City
Not exactly easy to get to but possible with public transportation.. easier but more costly by taxi. If the weather is nice its worth walking around seeing the parks, yachts, river etc.
Fun hangout spot for outdoor eating, vendors, happy hour, view of the water, Statue of Liberty, ferries to and from Staten Island & Brooklyn. Hop on one to Dumbo if you have time.
277 locals recommend
South Street Seaport Museum
12 Fulton StFun hangout spot for outdoor eating, vendors, happy hour, view of the water, Statue of Liberty, ferries to and from Staten Island & Brooklyn. Hop on one to Dumbo if you have time.
The View!!!!!! Take the train to Brooklyn and take the Ferry back to Manhattan. Download the app HOPSTOP for the way directions for walking, subway, bus, taxi etc
951 locals recommend
Brooklyn Bridge Park
334 Furman StThe View!!!!!! Take the train to Brooklyn and take the Ferry back to Manhattan. Download the app HOPSTOP for the way directions for walking, subway, bus, taxi etc
Yes, its that beautiful. Stop by the vistors center and make a day of it with a visit to the Brooklyn Museum located next door.
2030 locals recommend
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington AveYes, its that beautiful. Stop by the vistors center and make a day of it with a visit to the Brooklyn Museum located next door.
Great view. Nice for a walk it is 3.5 miles around twice. Enter through Central Park exit near the Guggenheim Museum.
142 locals recommend
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
Great view. Nice for a walk it is 3.5 miles around twice. Enter through Central Park exit near the Guggenheim Museum.
Everything Else
Central Park's The Pond area has tons of tourists but worth seeing. Lots of birds, ducks, turtles popping their heads out. Right near 5th ave shopping and iconic Apple store.
6 locals recommend
The Pond
Central Park's The Pond area has tons of tourists but worth seeing. Lots of birds, ducks, turtles popping their heads out. Right near 5th ave shopping and iconic Apple store.
Hospital... Just so you know where it is.. Only two blocks away
23 locals recommend
Lenox Hill Hospital
100 E 77th StHospital... Just so you know where it is.. Only two blocks away
Arts & Culture
MUST SEE! TIP* Admission is only recommended $20 but pay what you wish. Open late Fri/Sat, Rooftop exhibit- best view * Temple of Dendur, Sculpture Garden, Impressionist, Asian Wing, Egyptian exhibit.
2653 locals recommend
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th AveMUST SEE! TIP* Admission is only recommended $20 but pay what you wish. Open late Fri/Sat, Rooftop exhibit- best view * Temple of Dendur, Sculpture Garden, Impressionist, Asian Wing, Egyptian exhibit.
If you have time to enjoy a ballet, opera or symphony this is worth the time and money. TIP* If you are on a budget but want the experience, go to the Philharmonic & purchase least expensive tickets
621 locals recommend
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Lincoln Center PlazaIf you have time to enjoy a ballet, opera or symphony this is worth the time and money. TIP* If you are on a budget but want the experience, go to the Philharmonic & purchase least expensive tickets
or better known as MOMA... gardens are small but great outdoor space. Amazing works of Art. It can get very congested so try to go off hours if crowds are too large.
2114 locals recommend
The Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53rd Streetor better known as MOMA... gardens are small but great outdoor space. Amazing works of Art. It can get very congested so try to go off hours if crowds are too large.
Frank Lloyd Wright designed Museum. Check out is there are any exhibits you may like.
1126 locals recommend
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 5th AveFrank Lloyd Wright designed Museum. Check out is there are any exhibits you may like.
Shopping
Duane Reade Pharmacy
176 Main St24 hrs... everything you could need
Essentials
Fine foods & produce.. Very fresh fish and veggies. I go here for produce, pesto, fish cheese
48 locals recommend
Citarella Gourmet Market - Upper East Side
1313 3rd AveFine foods & produce.. Very fresh fish and veggies. I go here for produce, pesto, fish cheese
Speciality Sicilian grocery store. Good cheese selection, breads from locale bakery around the corner, olives, fish, meat, coffee, hot prepared foods
79 locals recommend
Agata & Valentina
64 University PlSpeciality Sicilian grocery store. Good cheese selection, breads from locale bakery around the corner, olives, fish, meat, coffee, hot prepared foods
Grocery store for basics only ( very over priced) produce is fair I only by necessities here.
139 locals recommend
Gristedes
3 Sheridan SquareGrocery store for basics only ( very over priced) produce is fair I only by necessities here.