Do you seriously think I can adequately tell you about all the places to and eat and drink in a single blog post? Well if you do then you obviously have no idea what kind of place you are moving too. New York is chock-full-o'-stuff to chew, swallow, lick or otherwise cram into your pie hole, and it is constantly evolving. There are over 25,000 restaurants alone in Manhattan, and over a thousand new one's open each year...that's like 3 a day! This of course also means that many close just as fast.
But unless you want to always be dining in the absolute latest trendiest bistro, or stick to the "chains", I and some of my cohorts and former students have compiled just a couple of places in the various neighborhoods/boroughs that will more than satisfy you until you find your own little secret gems (and like the City itself, these lists change frequently so keep checking in and send some suggestions of your own).
FOOD
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH
Manhattan
DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN
-Bubby's: There are a couple of them now. The original on Hudson St. down in Tribeca, was a hang for all my theater cohorts back in the day. Now there's also one by the Hi-Line entrance on Gansebvoort St. and both locales it still kick out great comfort foods for breakfast. lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch will be a crowded, long-wait experience. www.bubbys.com
-Dudleys: 85 Orchard St. Quaint little "Aussie" bistro serving breakfast menu all day.
http://www.dudleysnyc.com/
-Jane: On West Houston St., this small gourmet bistro is making some amazing food for 15 years or so. Duck confit, mussels, but also some less fancy fare. Awesome brunch as well.janerestaurant.com
-Hungry Llama: a vibrant all day cafe nestled in the far West Village. We have the foundation of a classic cafe but with the added twist of the diverse Indian, Egyptian, and Peruvian backgrounds of the founders https://www.hungryllamacafe.com/
-Lafayette: You like fancy eggs and a boulangerie basket of breajfast patries on the table? This is the spot. http://lafayetteny.com/
-Buvette: on a quaint corner on Bleeker St. You'll sit outside of his Old World bistro/cafe on a crisp Spring day and have great food while watching the City go by. https://ilovebuvette.com/
-Daily Provisions (103 E. 19th St.). Menu is not huge but the taste is. Stunning breakfast sandwiches and their "legendary crullers!" http://www.dailyprovisionsnyc.com/
-and a breakfast shout out to Golden Diner on LES (Madison Street near the Manhattan Bridge) the honey pancakes should be classified as a narcotic!). https://www.goldendinerny.com/.
-S&P Lunch: (23rd St and 5th Ave./Flatiron district). It's small. It's no frills. It's delicious. You want a good corned beef or pastrami on rye and don't want to wait for two hours to get into Katz' Deli with the tourists? S&P baby. P.S. (or should I say "S.P.") I think it's one of the best tuna melts in the City.
MIDTOWN
-Cookshop: (Chelsea) You can't get into Bubby's Hi Line for brunch? Try this little spot on 10th Ave and 20th St. Seasonal frittatas and healthy breakfast fare. http://cookshopny.com/
-The Breslin: (Grammercy) They say it's the City's best fullon english breakfast.Black pudding and homeade sausages. On 29th St. http://www.thebreslin.com/
-Má Pêche: (56th and 5th) Breakfast starts at 7:00am. Caviar and Salmon under the Chambers Hotel. https://mapeche.momofuku.com/
UPTOWN/EAST
-Sarabeth's Eastside: (Madison and 93rd) East side branch of an NYC brunch staple. Also restaurants on Upper West Side and Downtown in Tribeca. http://sarabethsrestaurants.com/upper-east-side/
UPTOWN/WEST
-Good Enough To Eat: (Columbus Ave.) Been there for years and there's a reason. It's just plain good. goodenoughtoeat.com
-Harlem Biscuit Company (2308 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd) Amazing cajun/creole inspired food on beautiful scratchpad biscuits! https://www.harlembiscuitcompany.com/
Brooklyn
-Milk Bar: (Vanderbilt Ave in Prospect Heights) simple menu that Village Voice voted one of NYC's 10 Best Brunches. http://milkbarbrooklyn.com/
-Shelsky's Deli: (on court St. or Bagels on 4th Ave.) with all due respect to Russ n' Daughters, Shelsky's may be the best lox and bagel in New York. It's not a big fat tourist bagel. It's old school. Done right. https://shelskys.com/.
-Radio Bakery: (Greenpoint or Prospect Heights). A bustling place with many bakers working dough and ovens. Cool Croissants, a lot of kinds of "not croissants", breakfast sandwiches and freshy-fresh bread! https://www.radiobakery.nyc/
Other Boroughs
TBA
LUNCH
Manhattan
-Court Street Grocers: Locations in Greenwich Village, Carroll Gardens and now Red Hook. Serving modern takes on classic sandwiches, made with care. www.courtstreetgrocers.com
Jin Mei Dumplings: (Henry St. Chinatown). where else can you get full for $5? Jin Mei! Dumplings so good you won't be able to get home before diving into them. Luckily $5 will get you plenty! Cash only! No rezy's! Look in the sofa cushions, scrape five bucks together with a couple friends and chow down! https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/269338288/jin-mei-dumpling/?hl=en
-Katz Deli: Some might say Katz's (which opened in 1888) is like the Disney World of Jewish delis: the lines are long, it's expensive, and it's been the subject of too many iconic movie scenes. But just like Disney World, it's a whole lot of fun." On Houston St. at the edge of the East Village http://www.katzsdelicatessen.com/
-Katz Deli: Some might say Katz's (which opened in 1888) is like the Disney World of Jewish delis: the lines are long, it's expensive, and it's been the subject of too many iconic movie scenes. But just like Disney World, it's a whole lot of fun." On Houston St. at the edge of the East Village http://www.katzsdelicatessen.com/
-Mighty Quinn's BBQ: Yeah it's gotten sorta trendy, but it's still pretty kick ass bbq in the east village. They have Brooklyn locations in Crown Heights and Williamsburgh as well. http://mightyquinnsbbq.com
-Son Del North (Orchard St. West Village) a burrito spot founded by Top Chef Anissa Garcia, specializing in Tijuana style burritos (no rice...and you don't miss it). Think "gourmet Chipotle".
-Diner 24 (Grammercy Park) Yes a diner...but what a diner! Smash burgers bigger than your head! Waffles with ice cream bars! A footlong hotdog with homemade Bolognese (not chili..bolognese!) Milkshakes that are "architectural". Not for those on a diet, but if you want to eat well and then take a nap...Diner 24! Open 24/7! https://diner24nyc.com/
-Eataly: An immense department store for Italian food on 23rd St. While I am more partial to the "little hidden gem" aspect of restaurants in NYC, Eataly has lots of shopping and little eating places inside it...you can kill an hour so there if you get caught in a rain storm, and will leave full. www.eataly.com
-No. 7 Sub: The original is in the Ace Hotel, but now have stands in Dumbo, at The Plaza Food Hall on West 59th St. and even at the Whole Foods on 3rd St./3rd Ave. But don't let their fast expansion deter you. They are successful for a reason, and are making not your average submarine sandwich. http://no7sub.com
-Eataly: An immense department store for Italian food on 23rd St. While I am more partial to the "little hidden gem" aspect of restaurants in NYC, Eataly has lots of shopping and little eating places inside it...you can kill an hour so there if you get caught in a rain storm, and will leave full. www.eataly.com
-No. 7 Sub: The original is in the Ace Hotel, but now have stands in Dumbo, at The Plaza Food Hall on West 59th St. and even at the Whole Foods on 3rd St./3rd Ave. But don't let their fast expansion deter you. They are successful for a reason, and are making not your average submarine sandwich. http://no7sub.com
-Thee Roosters: A popular Thai restaurant in Hells' Kitchen, that specializes in chicken over rice, served three ways: grilled and fatty with lemongrass, fried and coated in zab seasoning, and prepared in the style of Hainanese chicken. https://www.threeroostersthai.com
-Gray's Papaya: a staple on the corner of Broadway and 72nd St. for longer than anyone reading this has been on this planet, and still the best deal in town, Gray's will give you a couple of "the best hot dogs ever" and a papaya drink for pocket change. https://grayspapaya.nyc/
-Chick Chick: Amsterdam Avenue has hot chicken sandwiches! Korean Hot Fried chicken, waffles, ramen fried rice... https://www.chickchicknyc.com/
-Atlas Kitchen (Upper West): Columbia students and faculty flock here. Handsome bi-level spot with recipes from all over China. https://www.atlaskitchennyc.com/
Brooklyn
-Mile End Deli: Brooklyn's answer to Katz'. On Hoyt St. in Boerum Hill (and one in Manhattan on Bond St,) Corned Beef and Pastrami, pickles and schmaltz. Delish! www.mileenddeli.com
-Pies & Thighs: Pretty Awesome Fried Chicken and home made pies near the Williamsburgh Bridge (and a location in Manhattan on LES). http://piesnthighs.com
-Clover Hill: French Bistro style items in a lovely atmosphere. Gets pricey at night but for lunch it's magnifique! https://www.cloverhillbk.com/
-Good Fork Pub: You way out in Red Hook? Hungry? Here ya go. Kimchi Beer cheese, Korean inspired Cheesesteaks....come on! https://www.goodfork.com/
-Joe's Deli (13th Ave., Brooklyn ): I'm telling you this is best post beef sandwich I'have ever had. melted mozzarella, caramelized onions and a brown gravy that is "chef's kiss!" been there for half a century and counting, so they are obviously doing something right. There's one in Staten Island too. https://www.johnsdeli.com/
-Odeon: Warhol loved it, Jagger loved it, Deniro, John & Yoko all are/were regulars...and it is still a staple for the downtown crowd to go and get a great steak or french onion soup. It will never let you down and will always be around for dinner or a late night bite after a night on the town. Oh, if the barstools could talk.
www.theodeonrestaurant.com
-Walkers: (also in "Dinners") right across the street from the Ghostbusters Fire House on North Moore, it's been a Tribeca watering hole for the downtown crowd for as long as there has been a downtown crowd. Checkered table cloths and old wood walls create a relaxed comfy atmosphere and the food is no nonsense and always good. It'll be crowded (but what downtown joint isn't), but the food is good and the drinks are strong.
walkerstribeca.com
Smith & Mills: Just a block or two west of Walkers on North Moore St. Under a red light bulb is a tiiiiiny little bar and bistro that serves great crafted drinks, a fine burger and some lovely artisan edibles. menu is small, as is everything about S&L, but it's charming and not a bad place to hang. smithandmills.com
-Jane: On West Houston St., this small gourmet bistro is making some amazing food for 15 years or so. Duck confit, mussels, but also some less fancy fare. Awesome brunch as well.janerestaurant.com
-Frankies 570 Sputino: This is a safe bet for some really great Italian food. A nice "New York restaurant atmosphere"- meaning crowded and cozy- you'll be well fed. There's a Brooklyn location as well with private back patio and even a "barn" for events. I've been to two weddings there and both have been a blast. www.frankiesspuntino.com
-The Dutch: Some NYC restaurant veterans have created this relaxed and popular joint for good American food. http://www.thedutchnyc.com
-tba
-La Vara: Jewish and Muslim influenced Spanish food. Yes. On Clinton St. www.lavarany.com
-Momo Sushi Shack: Sushi and Japanese inspired dishes on Bogart St. http://www.momosushishack.com
-Dassara: on Smith St. Fresh Ramen and other Asian fare, both classic and with new twists. www.dassara.com
-Walkers: (also in "Dinners") right across the street from the Ghostbusters Fire House on North Moore, it's been a Tribeca watering hole for the downtown crowd for as long as there has been a downtown crowd. Checkered table cloths and old wood walls create a relaxed comfy atmosphere and the food is no nonsense and always good. It'll be crowded (but what downtown joint isn't), but the food is good and the drinks are strong.
walkerstribeca.com
Other Boroughs
Hudson Smoke House: The Bronx is smokin'! In the South Bronx neighborhood of Mott Haven is the remarkable Hudson Smokehouse. It’s remarkable not only because of the range of barbecue styles it presents on its playful menu, but also because of its dedication to extensively smoking the meat using lots of wood. https://hudsonsmokehousebx.com
Golden Palace Gourmet: On Cherry Ave, in Queens. This wonderful Dongbei style restaurant makes many of its own dishes from scratch, including shredded and fermented cabbage, and loamy blood sausage, incorporated into platters and hot pots. https://goldenpalacegourmetny.com
-Pig Beach: you want great BBQ in Queens? Here ya go. Outdoor seating and some of the best smoked pork north of Tennessee! Brooklyn location closed, but this one is hoppin'! https://www.pigbeachnyc.com/
DINNER
Manhattan
DOWNTOWN
www.theodeonrestaurant.com
-Walkers: (also in "Dinners") right across the street from the Ghostbusters Fire House on North Moore, it's been a Tribeca watering hole for the downtown crowd for as long as there has been a downtown crowd. Checkered table cloths and old wood walls create a relaxed comfy atmosphere and the food is no nonsense and always good. It'll be crowded (but what downtown joint isn't), but the food is good and the drinks are strong.
walkerstribeca.com
Smith & Mills: Just a block or two west of Walkers on North Moore St. Under a red light bulb is a tiiiiiny little bar and bistro that serves great crafted drinks, a fine burger and some lovely artisan edibles. menu is small, as is everything about S&L, but it's charming and not a bad place to hang. smithandmills.com
-Jane: On West Houston St., this small gourmet bistro is making some amazing food for 15 years or so. Duck confit, mussels, but also some less fancy fare. Awesome brunch as well.janerestaurant.com
-Frankies 570 Sputino: This is a safe bet for some really great Italian food. A nice "New York restaurant atmosphere"- meaning crowded and cozy- you'll be well fed. There's a Brooklyn location as well with private back patio and even a "barn" for events. I've been to two weddings there and both have been a blast. www.frankiesspuntino.com
-The Dutch: Some NYC restaurant veterans have created this relaxed and popular joint for good American food. http://www.thedutchnyc.com
MIDTOWN
-Amma (https://www.ammanyc.com/ ):"This tucked-away Indian restaurant may not turn up on any trendy restaurant lists, but it serves up some really exceptional fare," says Senior Editor Arati Menon. "I lovetheir jackfruit biryani (a great option for vegetarians who feel left out when their friends tuck into the lamb or chicken version), and also their spinach chaat—it’s a lovely departure from the usual because it includes spinach and sprouted mung beans (hello, fiber!) https://www.ammanyc.com/Patsy's Italian Restaurant (W. 56th St ): When you walk into Patsy’s, the first things you’ll see are a statue of Frank Sinatra and a signed headshot of Liza Minelli, so you know this place is legit. This red-sauce joint has been around since 1944, and Old Blue Eyes himself was a regular. Stick to the classics, like rigatoni fra diavolo, and anything parmigiana. On their dessert cart, underneath a cloudy cloche, is one of the best carrot cakes we’ve had in a very long time. https://www.patsys.com/
-Joe's Home of Soup Dumplings (https://joestower49.com/). on East 48th Street. Shanghai style dumplings and noodle soups...hits you right where you live.
UPTOWN/EAST
-Jones Wood Foundry (UES): In the mid 70's, in the neighborhood of Lennox Hill, you'll find this pub living up to a proud tradition of the U.K.'s public houses. Surrounded in old wood, it''s the place for a pint and locally sourced pub fare. joneswoodfoundry.com
UPTOWN/WEST
-tba
Brooklyn
-La Vara: Jewish and Muslim influenced Spanish food. Yes. On Clinton St. www.lavarany.com
-Momo Sushi Shack: Sushi and Japanese inspired dishes on Bogart St. http://www.momosushishack.com
-Dassara: on Smith St. Fresh Ramen and other Asian fare, both classic and with new twists. www.dassara.com
-Kiosko 787: (Carroll St. Gowanus): Viva Puerto Rico! Here's the real deal. https://www.kiosko787ny.com/
-Di and Di: A lovely plant-filled, low key finding room on a lively block in Greenpoint that is kicking out some of the best, freshest Vietnamese fare in the boroughs. https://www.diandi.nyc
-Speedy Romeo: THIS is where you want to get a slice! It is just...I...mmmm!!!! Try the Paul's Boutique- a pizza inspired by Katz' Deli reuben sandwich and uses actual Katz' pastrami on the pie! I can't put into words....https://www.speedyromeo.com
-Butcher Bar (Queens): On 30th Ave. in Astoria. Not for vegetarians. It's a smokehouse and bbq joint. The beef is pasture-raised, no hormones or antibios. http://butcherbar.com
-Mombar (Queens): A novel family restaurant with an Egyptian theme. Solid kebabs. On Steinway St. in Astoria. Mombar.com
-Queens Kickshaw (Queens): Hip Astoria coffee house and beer joint, serving local/artisan comfort food. http://thequeenskickshaw.com
-Enoteca Maria (Staten Island): An italian "enoteca" on Hyatt Street, with a daily changing menu, with classic pastas and seafood entrees all cooked liked your Nonna would cook it. http://www.enotecamaria.com/wp/
Glace New York: (Madison Ave. btw 90th & 91st St. / *Truck at Rockefeller Center) Oh My Gawd! Soft Serve ice cream taken to gourmet levels! Frozen hot chocolates, seasonal sundae's with amazing unusual flavors! https://glaceny.com/
-Speedy Romeo: THIS is where you want to get a slice! It is just...I...mmmm!!!! Try the Paul's Boutique- a pizza inspired by Katz' Deli reuben sandwich and uses actual Katz' pastrami on the pie! I can't put into words....https://www.speedyromeo.com
Other Boroughs
-Butcher Bar (Queens): On 30th Ave. in Astoria. Not for vegetarians. It's a smokehouse and bbq joint. The beef is pasture-raised, no hormones or antibios. http://butcherbar.com
-Mombar (Queens): A novel family restaurant with an Egyptian theme. Solid kebabs. On Steinway St. in Astoria. Mombar.com
-Queens Kickshaw (Queens): Hip Astoria coffee house and beer joint, serving local/artisan comfort food. http://thequeenskickshaw.com
-Enoteca Maria (Staten Island): An italian "enoteca" on Hyatt Street, with a daily changing menu, with classic pastas and seafood entrees all cooked liked your Nonna would cook it. http://www.enotecamaria.com/wp/
LATE NIGHT/SNACKS/MUNCHIES
Manhattan
DOWNTOWN
Veselka: A staple of late night NYU exam crammers, beat poets, old Russian bubbies and downtown clubbers in need of some post-raving calories. Borscht and burgers, pierogis to pot roast. https://www.veselka.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=gmb&utm_campaign=veselka
The Donut Pub: A Hopper painting come to life, you'll see. donuts of all shapes and kinds here as well as pretty good egg sandwich or a late night grilled cheese. one in West Village on 14th and one at Astor Place. https://www.donutpub.com
Corner Bistro: You want to call yourself a New Yorker? get the bartender at Corner Bistro to remember your name. Been around for 40 years. A burger to die for (and you'll pay for it!), and they are open til 4am. 4th St. in the West Village. http://www.cornerbistrony.com
MIDTOWN
Empanada Mama: a 24/7 Hell's Kitchen favorite on 9th Ave. Highlights include a classic South American breakfast of beans and rice with eggs, shockingly spicy arepas, chicken soup studded with cilantro and rice, frozen margaritas, and stellar corn empanadas (try the ones filled with shellfish or beef). https://www.empmamanyc.com
Totto Ramen: There's a bunch now from Hell's Kitchen to East 52nd St. Ramen baby! Late night gold! https://tottoramen.com
UPTOWN/EAST
Glace New York: (Madison Ave. btw 90th & 91st St. / *Truck at Rockefeller Center) Oh My Gawd! Soft Serve ice cream taken to gourmet levels! Frozen hot chocolates, seasonal sundae's with amazing unusual flavors! https://glaceny.com/
American Trash (on 1st Ave I the 80's): old NYC saloon. pub grub. good wings. Bring your dog! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60763-d555537-Reviews-American_Trash-New_York_City_New_York.html
J.G. Melon: (3rd Ave, in the 70's) It's where east siders go to get a burger since 1972. A nice civilized tavern-style joint. open til 3am. https://jgmelon-nyc.com
UPTOWN WEST
Grays Papaya: It was selling good cheap hot dogs when your parents lived in NYC, when I lived in NYC and it's still selling good cheap hot dogs at all hours today. 72nd St. and Broadway. https://grayspapaya.nyc
Brooklyn
My god just walk around Bushwick or Williamsburgh and you'll find a hundred late night cool spots. young folks dig Brooklyn, man! It's is was the Village was when I was a young buck in NYC in the late 80's/early 90's.
But you ask the chefs where to get the best pizza in Brooklyn (and maybe all of New York)?
-Lucali: (Henry St.). An institution.Pizza with amazing thin crust they roll out using wine bottles. Great simple pastas and the meatballs may be the best you've had. No frills. 10 tables, cash only, no reservations and they start taking names for a waitlist at 4pm...that's how good it is! https://www.lucali.com/location/lucali-brooklyn/
Other Boroughs
TBA
DRINK
BARS/LOUNGES
Manhattan
-Walkers: (also in "Dinners") right across the street from the Ghostbusters Fire House on North Moore, it's been a Tribeca watering hole for the downtown crowd for as long as there has been a downtown crowd. Checkered table cloths and old wood walls create a relaxed comfy atmosphere and the food is no nonsense and always good. It'll be crowded (but what downtown joint isn't), but the food is good and the drinks are strong.
walkerstribeca.com
-Dead Rabbit: (Water St. down near Wall Street. and Seaport) A proper Irish pub.
housed in the headquarters if the actual gang from the 1800's made famous again by Scorsese's movie. Try a frozen Guinness. https://thedeadrabbit.com
-Nancy Whisky Pub: You want no frills (and I mean NO frills)? You have no money but still need a drink? Then the Nancy Whiskey Pub is for you my fiend. Has not been renovated (and probably not cleaned) since it opened it's doors on Lispenard St. in Tribeca many moons ago. Reported to be the only "shufflebioard" dive in Manhattan, there is a bar, a jukebox and cheap drinks...and what else do you really need?
nancywhiskeypub.com
Smith & Mills: Just a block or two west of Walkers on North Moore St. Under a red light bulb is a tiiiiiny little bar and bistro that serves great crafted drinks, a fine burger and some lovely artisan edibles. menu is small, as is everything about S&L, but it's charming and not a bad place to hang. smithandmills.com
-Corner Bistro: (Also in Late Night Snacks) It's considered the best burger in Manhattan and has been a West 4th St. watering hole for years and years. No frills and they like it that way. www.cornerbistrony.com
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-Nancy Whisky Pub: You want no frills (and I mean NO frills)? You have no money but still need a drink? Then the Nancy Whiskey Pub is for you my fiend. Has not been renovated (and probably not cleaned) since it opened it's doors on Lispenard St. in Tribeca many moons ago. Reported to be the only "shufflebioard" dive in Manhattan, there is a bar, a jukebox and cheap drinks...and what else do you really need?
nancywhiskeypub.com
Smith & Mills: Just a block or two west of Walkers on North Moore St. Under a red light bulb is a tiiiiiny little bar and bistro that serves great crafted drinks, a fine burger and some lovely artisan edibles. menu is small, as is everything about S&L, but it's charming and not a bad place to hang. smithandmills.com
-Corner Bistro: (Also in Late Night Snacks) It's considered the best burger in Manhattan and has been a West 4th St. watering hole for years and years. No frills and they like it that way. www.cornerbistrony.com
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Brooklyn
It's the "hip" (and in spots "douchey") Mecca of New York City. So many bars and lounges and cocktail factories you'll never run out of places to get hammered.
But ask all the chef's around the City where to find a great burger?
-Red Hook Tavern (Van Brunt St.). Cozy, no frills. Good honest cocktails, a great menu of simple but amazing food. and the burger...well it's a work of art- not some new age fancy 'smash" patty...it's just done just done right- good fat content. A lot of black pepper. Mmmmm.. https://www.redhooktavern.com/.
-Rooftop at Penny Hotel: (Williamsburgh) Modern but not cold. Great view, glassed in if it's cold. Craft Margaritas made with care. https://www.penny-hotel.com
Other Boroughs
TBA
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