I'm fortunate that I get to spend a few weekends a year in New York City and have really come to love my time there. Most of my recommendations for the city fall between Chelsea and Central Park as my trips generally revolve around Broadway, wandering, and food and that area is fantastic for all three. With that in mind, NYC has so many incredible spots and I'll continue to add to this list...but for now, these are some of my favorites!
THE SITES
FOODIE FINDS
Totto Ramen: Ramen, cold beer, and dumplings to die for. There are two locations I frequent when I'm in town and there are advantages to both. If you want the traditional Japanese Ramen experience where you can sit at the bar just a few feet away as they prepare the ramen with speed and grace, then the one at 366 W 52nd St. is for you. There are only about 30 seats in the whole place though so get there when they open or prepare to wait! The location at 248 E 52nd St. is a little more off the beaten path and stays busy but the lines aren't as intense as Totto on the west side. With either one, double check the hours before you go as they close mid day and stay open late on weekends. They don't take reservations, your whole party needs to be there to check in, and it is CASH ONLY! The rules may seem strict but the Ramen is worth it. Their house favorite "spicy ramen with pork" is fantastic and don't be afraid to add a boiled egg!
db Bistro Moderne: Fois gras and short rib stuffed burger. Nothing else to say.... Located at 55 W 44th St., I try to hit this Daniel Boulud casual bistro if I'm in town for restaurant week or for brunch before a matinee on the weekend. The burger is to die for and the rest of the menu is spot on. Make a reservation if possible on OpenTable.
Patzeria Family and Friends: My go to spot for pizza in town but their lasagna and chicken parm are fantastic. I tend to be one of the only tourists there as the locals have staked their claim. It's the perfect spot for dinner before a show as its just a couple blocks away from the heart of it all at 311 W 48th St.. Make a reservation on OpenTable.
Eataly: The second you walk in you'll realize you've died and gone to Italian food heaven. If you're in the mood for a more casual meal you can wander the different food sections and order over the counter, get a beer or glass of wine at the bar, and stop by the pastry counter for some sweets. You can also peruse the isles and isles of pastas, fresh veggies, wines and butcher counter to prep the perfect picnic basket for a sunny summer day. If in the mood for something fancier the restaurant inside serves classic Italian fare with a fantastic wine list. Don't be afraid to ask the somm for their recommendations. Located at 200 5th Avenue. I'd recommend going in "off-peak" hours...mid afternoon, etc. to avoid the crowds.
Ess-a-Bagel: New Yorkers are picky about their bagels and this place holds up to the hype. Try the classic everything bagel with cream cheese (don't toast it!) or add some lox, capers, and onions if you want a meal. Located at 831 3rd Avenue, the lines here can be a bit nuts so just come prepared for the experience. If you aren't waiting halfway around the block...the line is not that bad! If you're in a rush and want to grab a bag of bagels to take home there is a counter at the back where you can order them buy the handful without waiting in line. TIP: If bringing home everything bagels, buy ziploc bags to put them in or you'll stink up the whole train or plane! I may or may not be speaking from experience...
Magnolia Bakery: Their cupcakes were made famous by Sex in the City but my favorite here is their Banana Pudding. They also have some incredible key lime cheesecake and different bars depending on the day. I attempt to try something new each time but nonetheless always land on my favorites. They close at 10pm on weekdays but stay open until midnight on the weekends so its a great spot to quench the after-show sweet tooth! Rockefeller Center, 1240 6th Ave.
Brooklyn Roasting Company: I'm always in search of good nitro cold brew (served from a tap) and this is the best I've found in Manhattan so far. It's a huge space so there's always room to grab a table and read or catch up on work a bit as well. If you're in the mood to indulge they have some heavenly donuts-the red velvet is to die for! 50 W 23rd St.
db Bistro Moderne: Fois gras and short rib stuffed burger. Nothing else to say.... Located at 55 W 44th St., I try to hit this Daniel Boulud casual bistro if I'm in town for restaurant week or for brunch before a matinee on the weekend. The burger is to die for and the rest of the menu is spot on. Make a reservation if possible on OpenTable.
Patzeria Family and Friends: My go to spot for pizza in town but their lasagna and chicken parm are fantastic. I tend to be one of the only tourists there as the locals have staked their claim. It's the perfect spot for dinner before a show as its just a couple blocks away from the heart of it all at 311 W 48th St.. Make a reservation on OpenTable.
Eataly: The second you walk in you'll realize you've died and gone to Italian food heaven. If you're in the mood for a more casual meal you can wander the different food sections and order over the counter, get a beer or glass of wine at the bar, and stop by the pastry counter for some sweets. You can also peruse the isles and isles of pastas, fresh veggies, wines and butcher counter to prep the perfect picnic basket for a sunny summer day. If in the mood for something fancier the restaurant inside serves classic Italian fare with a fantastic wine list. Don't be afraid to ask the somm for their recommendations. Located at 200 5th Avenue. I'd recommend going in "off-peak" hours...mid afternoon, etc. to avoid the crowds.
Ess-a-Bagel: New Yorkers are picky about their bagels and this place holds up to the hype. Try the classic everything bagel with cream cheese (don't toast it!) or add some lox, capers, and onions if you want a meal. Located at 831 3rd Avenue, the lines here can be a bit nuts so just come prepared for the experience. If you aren't waiting halfway around the block...the line is not that bad! If you're in a rush and want to grab a bag of bagels to take home there is a counter at the back where you can order them buy the handful without waiting in line. TIP: If bringing home everything bagels, buy ziploc bags to put them in or you'll stink up the whole train or plane! I may or may not be speaking from experience...
Magnolia Bakery: Their cupcakes were made famous by Sex in the City but my favorite here is their Banana Pudding. They also have some incredible key lime cheesecake and different bars depending on the day. I attempt to try something new each time but nonetheless always land on my favorites. They close at 10pm on weekdays but stay open until midnight on the weekends so its a great spot to quench the after-show sweet tooth! Rockefeller Center, 1240 6th Ave.
Brooklyn Roasting Company: I'm always in search of good nitro cold brew (served from a tap) and this is the best I've found in Manhattan so far. It's a huge space so there's always room to grab a table and read or catch up on work a bit as well. If you're in the mood to indulge they have some heavenly donuts-the red velvet is to die for! 50 W 23rd St.