New York - Mini Guide
New York City, one of our favourite places we have been lucky enough to visit a few times but one that always draws us back. A place where you can go for brunch in a diner, drinks in a dive bar and end up in a michelin star restaurant without even changing your trainers. It doesn't matter how long you spend there, there is always something new to do and no one trip feels the same. Here is a very small selection of some of our favourite things to do whether you are a first timer or a NYC veteran, and whilst we haven't booked anything yet we feel it won't be long till we are back
Things to do
Yankees - The Bronx
Liken it to American rounders, added bonus is its only about a tenner PP on ticketmaster. Take your own snacks though as the 'fries' are eye wateringly expensive.
The Highline - Meatpacking to Hells Kitchen (1.45 miles)
Easy to while away the day here. A park built on a disused railway line, home to beautiful gardens, loads of events and beautiful views. Easy to pop on and off if you are just passing through.
Museum of Sex (mosex) - Just up from Madison Square Park.
We ended up here by accident (we promise!) on an apocalyptic rain day. Was surprisingly factual. Plus there's a cocktail bar in the basement!
The top of the Rock (efeller) - Midtown.
Cheesy yes, but if you are feeling flush and want to do a little touristy, its pretty good.
Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park. - Brooklyn.
Pack up a picnic, walk over and stay 'till sunset, you won't regret it.
American Museum of Natural History - Central Park/ Upper West Side.
Walk around the park, grab a hotdog then finish at the AMNH, the architecture alone will blow your socks off, and who doesn't love dinosaurs?
International Centre for Photography NYC - Lower Manhattan.
Always worth a visit, there is always a good exhibition on and we were quite partial to a coffee and cake in the cafe.
Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti house - East Village.
If you love Led Zep you have to go. If you love a cocktail too pop into PDT just opposite, if you can actually get in there that is...
Places to eat
Pastis - Chelsea
An NYC institution, now closed for some farsicle renovation, will the space have the same vibe? We doubt it but the food was always good.
PJ Clarkes - Third Ave
Brought to our attention by MadMen we stopped for some lunch one day. Good american fare and if you shut your eyes you can visualise Peggys season 1 twist dance.
River Cafe - DUMBO
Another renowned NYC restaurant, actually based in BKLYN, it bobs along the hudson (quite literally) yes they fix your napkins, and they have a strict dress code (dinner jackets must be worn) it was the best dinner we had. Maybe ever?
Katz Deli - East Village
Love meat and Gherkins? Just go, it will be the best and most expensive sandwich you will ever eat.
La Esquina- SoHo
Nestled on a corner in SoHo, you can grab food to go or sit in the restaurant, both are amazing and the food was reasonable, fresh and delicious.
Fat Radish - Chinatown
Beautifully decorated with a strong (mildly British inspired, and no we didnt know this when we booked) menu, the whole vibe was perfect and being tucked down a quiet side street it felt like our little secret.
Chelsea Market - Chelsea
Every kind of food you could possibly think of under one roof, can be accessed from the High Line so makes for a perfect lunch stop along the way, if you are feeling thirsty the Tippler was good for a refreshment or two.
Joes Pizza Greenwich
Quick easy and delicious, perfect for late night munchies or if you are still struggling in the morning it makes for a good breakfast too.
Where to drink
Brooklyn Brewery - Brooklyn
Well worth a trip over for this alone, the original Brooklyn Brewery, book on a tour and enjoy the token based taproom. Worth popping next door to Brooklyn Bowl if you are feeling a bit competitive.
Other Half Brewing- Brooklyn
Also based in BKLYN a brewery and tap room, well worth a visit if you love a hazy IPA. Bring some cans back for Mark to be his new best friend!
Pony Bar - Hells Kitchen & Upper East Side
Selling tons of craft bar they nailed the perfect balance between dive and craft, even serving some good pub grub. We hid from the rain for a few hours here and didn't feel too poor when we left either. Win.
Little Branch - Greenwich
Nestled on a corner in Greenwich, this perfect hidden cocktail bar served up some of the best cocktails we have ever had. Just writing about it is making us thirsty.
Torst - Brooklyn.
A collaboration between Daniel Burns and Evil Twin Brewery, with a strong focus on the beer each drink is served at its own individual temperature to match the style of beer, geeky yes, ingenious, hell yes!
Blind Tiger Ale House - Greenwich
A traditional bar selling great range of craft beer, an easy place to lose a few hours.
Alphabet Beer Co - East Village
A bottleshop and bar based in the East Village, Definitely worth stopping by for a drink or some specials to takeaway.
Mulberry project - Little Italy.
Genuinely hidden cocktail bar, blink and you could miss it. Their master mixologists will make you anything if you list them your favourite ingredients with no judgement.
The Rum House - Midtown
Probably the most touristy spot on our list but it just had that special something that transported you back a few decades, helped by the fact its attached to the beautiful Art Deco Hotel Edison which is swoon worthy in itself.
