New York City Guide: Pre Covid Edition

Hi friends,

 

This here is my ultimate food guide of New York City. You may be wondering why I’m posting it, if it’s pre-covid. Well, the answer is because it was my “it-guide” to all things food before I moved out of the city. I have been back many times since, but truth be told, so much has changed.

I am sharing it in hopes that it will serve you on the basics of how to get around New York, if it’s your first time, or if you want to try something new. Some places, sadly, have since closed, therefore, some of my favorites listed are no longer around. I will do the best I can to revive the list, and serve you. It is broken down by categories, so bear with me.

 

Bagels:

-Best bagel & coffee – 225 West 35th St, New York

-Bagel Boss – 263 1st Avenue, New York

-Tal Bagels – 1228 Lexington Ave, New York

Bagels weren’t something I sought after in New York. For whatever reason it wasn’t something I ate often; my list on this end isn’t very extensive. Best bagels is still my favorite for now.

 

Pizza:

-Rubirosa – 235 Mulberry St, New York

-Lucali – 575 Henry St, Brooklyn

-Prince Street Pizza (always has a long line) – 27 Prince St, New York

-Sorrento’s of Long Beach – 768 W Beech St, Long Island (I would take the Long Beach train from Penn Station to Long Beach and have a solo beach day and eat at Sorrent’s for lunch. The space makes you feel like you’re not in New York, and not only is the food good, the service is unmatched. Since it is family owned they are lovely, and very attentive.)

-Scarr’s – 35 Orchard St, New York

-Pauline Gee’s – 110 Franklin St, Brooklyn

-Artichoke Basille’s – 321 East 14th St, New York (BASIC, but good after a night out.)

I love pizza. I would have to say that it’s one of my favorite dishes ever. I ate a lot of pizza in New York during my time there, and the spots listed are my top spots, pre-pandemic. My favorite spot unforutnately closed after the pandemic. It was a mom and pop shop in Kips Bay, Dough Boys Pizza. I would order from here weekly. It was a die-hard habit for me, especially in the Winter months.)

 

Juice:

-Juice press – 1100 Lexington Ave, New York (Blueberry açaí bowl with almond butter.. yum. They also have good ginger juices in the fridge. Definitely a go-to spot for me. They also have one at the LGA airport.)

-Juice generation – 2 Park Ave, New York

-Joe & the Juice – 161 Prince St, New York (It’s good but average.) 

Coffee/ Matcha:

-La Colombe 154 Prince St, New York (My favorite)

-Cafe Aimé Leon Dore – 224 Mulberry St, New York (Overrated due to the line and size, but good quality.)

-Saltwater Coffee – 126 Waverly Pl, New York

-Felix Roasting – 145 Greene St, New York (My favorite one was in SoHo, but it closed. Hipster, young professional artist vibe)

-Remi Flower & Coffee – 906 2nd Ave, New York (Very cute coffee shop inside of a flower shop.)

-Le Cafe Coffee – 407 Park Ave S, New York

-Ralph’s Coffee – 888 Madison Ave, New York (A New York basic, but good.)

-Sant Ambroeus – 1136 3rd St, New York

-Starbucks Reserve – 61 9th Ave, New York (Good coffee, pizza, and drinks.)

Italian:

-Patrizia’s – 462 2nd Ave, New York (Amazing Italian food overall. The quality is good, and the portions are big. I believe all entries come with garlic bread and a salad. I first found this spot when I moved to Kips Bay, and have since celebrated a few milestones here. They are amazing, and family owned. It’s always a great experience.)

-Song E Napule – 146 W Houston St, New York (Very good all around. I loved dining here, and the staff was so welcoming.)

-Serafina’s – 1022 Madison Ave, New York (Gorgeous rooftop, especially in the summer.)

Breakfast/Brunch:

-Sonnyboy – 65 Rivington St, New York (Australian. MY FAVE EVER. Everything is good. Always a go-to. Make sure to make reservations, they’re usually busy.)

-Cafe Mogador – 133 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn

-12 Chairs – 56 MacDougal St, New York (Middle Eastern. I absolutely LOVED.)

-Cafeteria – 119 7th Ave, New York (I love cafeteria. The vibe, the aesthetic, the bathroom signs, and the food.)

-Ruby’s – 219 Mulberry St, New York (It’s good aussie food, but nothing mind blowing.)

-The Smith – 1150 Broadway, New York (Very good, simple.)

-Sadelles – 463 West Broadway, New York (Love this spot, but it is pricey. #worthit)

-The Crooked Knife – 29 East 30th St, New York

-Three Guys Restaurant – 960 Madison Ave, New York (Lovely for a Saturday or  Sunday morning, peaceful breakfast.)

-Friedman’s – 132 West 31st St, New York (Classic, but very good.)

Asian:

-Mimi Chengs dumplings – 179 2nd Ave, New York (LOVE- esp the chicken ones)

-Eden Wok – 43 East 34th St, New York

-Philipe Chow – 355 West 16th St, New York

-Chu-Ros Thai – 1590 Lexington Ave, New York 

-Hometown HotPot & BBQ – 194 Grand St, New York

Nice little bite/ cafe:

-Chobani Cafe – 152 Prince St, New York (Cute little spot. Touristy, but I’m a sucker for yogurt bowls. You win some, you lose some.)

-Bel Ami – 30 East 68th St, New York (French. I love this place.)

-Balthazar – 80 Spring St, New York (MY FAVE EVER FOR PASTRIES. BEST key lime tart. I dream about these tarts. All of their baked goods and coffee are amazing, and this is the only location that has a bakery; not even the London location has one. I haven’t eaten at the restaurant yet, it doesn’t call my attention.)

-Ladureé – 298 West Broadway, New York (So good. Classic French bakery with a large selection of macaroons, but their brunch is really where it’s at. It’s beautifully decorated inside, and the food is delicious. Still thinking about their french toast with jam.)

-La Parisienne – 9 Maiden Lane, New York

-Artizia – 524 Broadway, New York (It’s a clothing store but on the second floor they have a free cafe with coffee’s, tea’s, and pastries from Balthazar. Their drinks are really good!)

-Empanada Mama – 95 Allen St, New York (They have a huge selection of really creative flavors, and it’s so good, especially on a late night.)

Dessert:

-Levain – 1484 3rd Ave, New York

-Van Leeuwen – 48 1/2 East 7th St, New York

-Dominique Ansel Bakery – 189 Spring St, New York (Their hot chocolate is to die for. Their sweets and pastries are good, but the hot chocolate is so decadent, it tops everything else. Order it with the blossoming marshmallow flower.)

-Sundaes and Cones Inc. – 95 East 10th St, New York

-Doughnut Plant – 379 Grand St, New York

-The Donut Pub – 203 West 14th St, New York

-E.A.T. – 1064 Madison Avenue, New York (Almond cookies….AMAZING!!!!… but $20)

Mexican food:

-La Esquina – 114 Kenmare St, New York (I prefer to sit upstairs because the downstairs has different food and is a speakeasy. The upstairs is more laidback and not as serious. The vibe is more of a party vibe downstairs. Out of all locations though, due to it being less busy, and having better outdoor dining, I prefer the UES location.)

-Street Taco – 358 3rd Ave, New York (This was my go-to spot for a while. They have good tacos, and great happy hour deals on their food and drinks. They have a  passionfruit jalapeño margarita that is bomb. Ask for tajín on the side because I don’t remember if they add it.)  

-Los Tacos No1. – 340 Lafayette St, New York (A New York staple when it comes to Mexican food.)

Bars:

-SPIN – 48 East 23rd St, New York (Super fun, laid back bar with ping pong tables, games, and a tub filled with ping pong balls.)

-The Standard Biergarten – 848 Washington St, New York

-Clandestino – 35 Canal St, New York

-The Flower Shop – 107 Eldrige St, New York

-The Jane – 113 Jane St, New York

-The Blond – 11 Howard St, New York

-Chapel Bar – 277 Park Ave S, New York (Speakeasy inside Fotografiska.)

-The Bowery – 335 Bowery, New York

-Rooftop 93 – 93 Bowery, New York

-Skinny Dennis – 152 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn

-Freehold – 45 S 3rd St, Brooklyn

-Cafe Erzulie – 894 Broadway, Brooklyn (Brooklyn backyard speakeasy.)

-Bathtub Gin – 132 9th Ave, New York

-Attaboy – 134 Eldridge St, New York

-Felix – 340 West Broadway, New York

-Paul’s Casablanca – 305 Spring St, New York

Rooftops:

-Jimmy at the James – 15 Thompson St, New York (My Favorite Rooftop)

-Mr. Purple – 180 Orchard St, New York (Their grilled cheese is bomb.)

-Broken Shaker – 23 Lexington Ave, New York (The crowd is alright, a lot of young business professionals, but the view, especially at sunset is nice.)

I have found the other spots to be too instagram-y, or touristy. I prefer something scenic but elevated and chill.

Random Food:

-Shuka – 38 MacDougal St, New York (AMAZING. Middle Eastern Food.)

-Cha Cha Matcha – 327 Lafayette St, New York

-Coppelia’s – 207 West 14th St, New York (Mexican/Cuban food. The closest to authentic Cuban food in the city. So good, and they’re open late.)

-Souvlaki – 162 West 56th St, New York (Authentic Greek food.)

-Max Brenner Chocolate Factory – 841 Broadway, New York (Touristy, a greasy food overload, but it’s good to try once.)

-Loeb Boathouse – Park Drive North East 72nd St, New York (Restaurant in Central Park Boathouse. Nice for brunch, very scenic.)

-Chelsea Market – 75 9th Ave, New York

-Baby Brasa – 173 7th Ave S, New York (Peruvian Food + Good Drinks)

-Jane – 100 West Houston St, New York (American food)

-Jackson’s Hole – 232 East 64th St A, New York (The Upper East Side location is my favorite. Very hefty burgers.)

-Jack’s Wife Freda SoHo – 226 Lafayette St, New York (Basic but popular)

-Magnolia’s Bakery – 200 Columbus Ave, New York (Basic, but good.)

Fitness:

-Rumble – 146 West 23rd St, New York

-Barry’s – (Any location is good. Only the Chelsea one has ride.)

-Avea Pilates – 47 West 14th St, New York (Book Erica’s class. She is the best!)

 

Dancing/Club:

-Marquee – 289 10th Ave, New York

-PHD Rooftop or Midtown – 355 West 16th St, New York (It’s average, the downtown location is much better than midtown.)

-Little Sister – 112 East 11th St, New York (Can be annoying to get in.)

-Fleur Room – 105 West 28th St, New York (It has good views and they play throwbacks.)

-Sunday Bubbles at the Moxy – 485 7th Ave, (Great views, more chill than all the other spots.)

-Somewhere Nowhere – 112 West 25th St, New York (Very overrated but the inside is nice.)

 

My favorite club ever when I lived in the city was Avenue. They’d primarily play hip hop and it was small. They shut down during the pandemic. I liked going there and Marquee; those were the two classics. I was never a fan of Tao, Lavo, Catch, or any of the other main ones. They’re nice, but not really my vibe.

 

I’ve wanted to but haven’t tried:

-Devoción – 25 East 20th St, New York (Coffee)

-RH rooftop – 9 9th Ave, New York

-Sogno Toscano Market & Wine – 17 Perry St, New York (Italian)

-Employees Only – 510 Hudson St, New York (Bar)

-The Edge – 30 Hudson Yards

-Gelso & Grand – 186 Grand St, New York (Italian)

-The Baccarat Hotel – 28 West 53rd St, New York (For drinks at sunset. I’ve been wanting to do this, but haven’t gotten the chance yet.)

-Lena’s Italian Kitchen – 551 2nd Ave, New York (People love it.)

-Cipriani – 10 South St, New York (I’ve never been to the NYC location; same with Carbone.)

-Lombardi’s – 32 Spring St, New York (Pizza)

-Mama Too’s – 2750 Broadway, New York (Pizza)

-Kesté – 77 Fulton St, New York (Pizza. Really want to go here.)

-Kind Regards – 18 King St, New York (Italian/ Bar)

-Please Don’t Tell – 113 Saint Marks Pl, New York (Bar)

-Le Pavillon – One Vanderbilt Ave, New York (Italian)

-Dia Chelsea – 537 West 22nd St, New York (Museum)

-Gillian’s at SoHo Grand – 310 West Broadway, New York

-Momofuku – 171 1st Ave, New York (Asian)

-Matchaful – 184 Prince St, New York (Matcha)

 

Very Average:

-Dos Caminos – 475 West Broadway, New York (Tacos)

-Brooklyn Coffee Roasters – 200 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn

-Taiyaki NYC – 119 Baxter St, New York (Asian ice cream)

-The Flying Cock – 497 3rd Ave, New York (Brunch/ lunch)

-Pressed Juicery – 369 Lexington Ave, New York

-The Dutch – 131 Sullivan St, New York (Breakfast/lunch)

-Red Rooster – 310 Lenox Ave, New York (Fried Chicken)

-Le Bain – The Standard NYC (Bar)

-Catch – 21 9th Ave, New York (Restaurant/bar)

-Beauty & Essex – 146 Essex St, New York (Speakeasy restaurant, mainly for promoter dinners. Not worth it in my opinion.)

 

Things to Do:

-New York Botanical Garden – 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx

-New York Public Library – 476 5th Ave, New York

-Bryant Park Winter Village – 5th Ave, New York (They do it only in the winter & have the best ice skating. More lowkey than Rockefeller.)

-Row Boats in Central Park Lake – 72 East 72nd St, New York (I did it for my birthday and I LOVED it. So beautiful; I felt like I was in a movie.)

-The Whitney Museum – 99 Gansevort St, New York

-The MoMA – 11 West 53rd St, New York

-The MET – 1000 5th Ave, New York

-The Brooklyn Bridge

-Sample Sales throughout the city. (It’s the best shopping in all of the US.)

I hope this guide helps and that it gives you a place to start in the city. There is a lot to see and eat, and it can get overwhelming. I personally love the spots listed, and I hope you can find some you like too. I’ve made so many memories at some of these places, and they hold a special piece in my heart.

 

If you have any questions about any of the spots, or want further recommendations, feel free to reach out via IG, @findingkeren. Enjoy!

 

xx,

Keren Nicole