First rule is don't stay in a Manhattan hotel, they are overpriced and in a city that never sleeps; trust me you won't do much of it. Head over the Hudson and stay in an Airbnb to soak up the real NY life. The trip back is shorter than you think AND you get to check out the beautiful Manhattan skyline each time you visit.
Forget the metro and taxis if you want to really discover New York. Bike hire is very reasonable and offers the freedom to really explore what this fine city has to offer. For the best views, experience the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan. For me it's all about the The Greenway by the river front. Chain up your bike at the
Meatpacking District and walk the stunning Highline.
... go mad in Manhattan ...
Pastrami on rye should be at the top of your NY to do list and look no further than Katz Deli. Famous for serving since 1888 this place is a true institution serving the tastiest stacks you'll ever witness. A perfect photo opportunity for any tourist can be found at the spot where Sally proved to Harry how good a faker she was.
... go mad in Manhattan ...
Pastrami on rye should be at the top of your NY to do list and look no further than Katz Deli. Famous for serving since 1888 this place is a true institution serving the tastiest stacks you'll ever witness. A perfect photo opportunity for any tourist can be found at the spot where Sally proved to Harry how good a faker she was.
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| Katz Deli |
Jean Georges; a place for lunch and romance. Three Michelin stars and a chance to live the high life in Upper West side's Trump Tower. I've spent my wedding and many happy days here, I'm sure you'll understand why. Make sure you book lunch in the dining room and take advantage of their two course deal. Dinner is more expensive and underrated.
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Jean Georges
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Experience rich Italian decadence at Babbo with their Rabbit Ravioli and balsamic reduction. Heavily referenced in TV shows like Ugly Betty, this is one of the hardest reservations to get in New York so make sure you book well in advance. If you have a polite British manor you definitely up your chances.
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| Babbo |
New Yorkers are crazy about cocktails and secret bars. If you are looking for a mad scientist approach, check out China Town's Apotheke in a closed down Chinese restaurant. For heady concoctions head to PDT through the phone booth at CrifDogs. Be polite, smile (you're on camera) and they might just let you try a few.
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| Apotheke |
For prohibition opulence head to the West Village. Find the Psychic sign on Hudson Street, pass the velvet curtain and you'll find out what makes Employees Only the highest grossing cocktail bar per square foot in the US. Milk N Honey is a New York institution that has no menu. These guys are experts so let them decide what you drink.
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| Employees only |
Fancy a storm in a teacup? Head to Lower East Side's Back Room. Find the Manhattan Toy Company sign on Norfolk St, head down the alley, up the stairs and be prepare to be stunned. A melange of Gatsby glamour where hoi pollloi sip cocktails in teacups and beers in brown paper bags. Find the bookcase and you just might get through it.
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| Back Room |
In Soho grab a famous Pegu Club Cocktail at the Pegu Club. Celebrate your inebriated life with a well crafted cocktail at Death & Co.
And If you are looking for an Eastern vibe get through the right door of the Japanese restaurant and imbibe at Angel's Share; while people watching the street below.
Beer and Butchery is the only thing on The Cannibal's mind. But nothing barbaric here just a unique beer, butcher, bar/retail space; to celebrate your carnivorous alpha self. Bike friendly, with a garden and a sophisticated selection of specialist beers, make this the perfect all rounder.
Beer and Butchery is the only thing on The Cannibal's mind. But nothing barbaric here just a unique beer, butcher, bar/retail space; to celebrate your carnivorous alpha self. Bike friendly, with a garden and a sophisticated selection of specialist beers, make this the perfect all rounder.
For more casual drinks/dinner action check out Schiller's in the Lower East Side. From the guys behind Balthazar and Pastis this is understated NY cool. Expect great nosh, reasonably priced cocktails and to be served by the beautiful people. Open until 3 am Thursday to Saturday. Ideal for all occasions.
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| Schillers |
To kill the hangover head over to Minetta Tavern for brunch, where you will find five blends of Bloody Marys on the menu and their superb Black Label Burger. For heavy home cooked fuel visit Kitchenette and add biscuits (a small quick bread) to your bacon and eggs. If you want Michelin brunching, test drive Gramercy Tavern, a favourite hangout of Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf.
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| Gramercy Tavern |
American's are big on BBQ and for the best that Manhattan has to offer, check out Mighty Quinn's in the East Village or jump on a bike uptown to Dinosaur BBQ in Harlem. The route along the Hudson is peaceful and depending where you are coming from you can take a detour through Central Park; while working up your appetite for the mammoth feast ahead.
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| Might Quinn's |
Getting around Manhattan is tiring stuff so make sure that you keep yourself well hydrated but mostly caffeinated. Check out one of these fine pit stops in each area you visit. Bluebird in the East Village, Third Rail in the West. Intelligentsia at the Highline Hotel in Chelsea and Stumptown at the Ace Hotel in Midtown.
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| Bluebird Coffee |
... bug out in Brooklyn ...
Williamsburg leads the way on contemporary sub culture so it's filled to the seams with flea markets, vintage stores, cool coffee hangouts, great bars, restaurants and street food fairs. Everything to satisfy a Saturday afternoon.
Smorgasburg showcases the best of the street food scene, with up to 100 vendors all in one place. Get your claws on the best Lobster roll in NYC at Redhook Lobster and salivate your way through a Mighty Quinn's, pulled pork or brisket bun.
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| Smorgasburg |
Held in two locations every weekend on the Williamsburg waterfront with Sundays at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5, these guys serve up from 11 am to 6 pm, come rain or shine and in Winter even take it inside. There is a double wammy with this visit as great vintage flea markets and beautiful boutiques surround the area!
For food on the go, grab a cheap eat at Vanessa's dumplings, a chill cheese dog at Bark, and a dirty slice at Williamsburg pizza or if you have the patience and time, get yourself to Avenue Q to Di Fara - an institution and maybe the best in New York but be prepared to wait up to an hour for a slice. Sit back and celebrity watch while you sink a burger at Du Mont (We spotted super ponce Russell Brand) and get you BBQ hit from Delaney down the street.
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| Du Mont - I spotted Russell Brand |
Brooklynites are purists so when it come to booze there is no shortage of specialist bars. If you're into Whisky head to Char No 4, with their selection of 150 American Whiskeys. If you're a Gin fan, visit The Shanty, a cocktail bar overlooking the New York Distilling company, where they distil their own.
Get yourself to Dram, ask for your favourite spirit or share your mood and you'll be pleasantly surpriseed. Whatever you do, make sure you sample their Angostura meatballs.
Get yourself to Dram, ask for your favourite spirit or share your mood and you'll be pleasantly surpriseed. Whatever you do, make sure you sample their Angostura meatballs.
If you are looking for something more low key head to Barcade and play on vintage arcade machines, whilst sampling their extensive beer selection. Drink cheap cocktails with the locals on Night of Joy's Willyburg rooftop.
Indulge in Scandinavian sophistication at TØRST, where 21 international craft beers are individually stored and served at precise temperatures; through their 'flux capacitor' custom built tap system. With a playlist of early 90s hip hop, knowledgeable and friendly staff; these guys wear the crown for craft beer in NY and are one of the best beer bar in the States. This is a definite must and possibly my favourite bar in the World ever!
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| Dram |
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| Torst |
Discover Brooklyn's caffeinated theatrics at Blue Bottle and Toby's Estate Coffee with beans roasted under your nose.
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| Toby's Estate Coffee |
Step into a scene of the popular comedy drama Girls at Cafe Grumpy in Green point.
And if you're looking for even more drama, weave your way through the barber chairs and stylists to the bijou space that is Parlor Coffee - a micro pop up coffee shop in the back of Persons of Interest, serving up a fine espresso made from their own roast.
And before I forget...check out chain Papaya King for hotdogs and juice. The Spotted Pig for Brit pub love (with food) Fanelli's for burgers, Peter Luger for Steak and schlag (whipped cream). Babycakes for vegan gluten free cupcakes that shouldn't taste as good as they do.
Shopping wise do Century 21 for cheap designer...Flight Club for the best trainers and Marc Jacobs in Bleeker St for bargains and people watching. For flea markets check out Hells Kitchen.
There are a million more things I can recommend but next time we need to go together but in the meantime...
...the best that you can do is be in love ...
