I'm spending a few days in NYC later this week. Can I get some recommendations on things to do? We have some things planned.....I want to go to Amy Ruth's, but maybe there is a better place for chicken and waffles. I'd also like to go to a good Jewish Deli, and I'd also like a good Italian sandwich. I think my wife has us booked for Oceana before we go see Avenue Q. We've done all the touristy stuff before, so we'd like to get off the beaten path this time. I'd really like to get into Brooklyn and see what there is to see there. Any recommendations? I'd also like to go to one of the better comedy clubs.
wife and I.....may have some friends at different times, but no kids. We're late thirties, foodie/wine kind of people.
Go To: Chinatown-for anything illegal that needs to be done, as well as nice food. Time Square-total enjoyment of the greatest city on earth, bring a lot of cash. Central Park-nice walk in the park, some musems around there are quite impressive. Flushing-for the other chinatown, but i dont like it there a lot, Mets games which such by the way. Yankee Staduim-Yankee games of course, if they still have any home games.
Second Ave Deli is the one a lot of people go to but has long lines, Katz's down on Houston is a little more acessible and more fun, IMO.
I've been to Carnegie Deli.....but in Vegas. It was pretty darn good (best cheesecake I've ever had in my life), and I've read that it is one of the higher rated delis in NYC. Any opinion on that one (how does it rank against Katz's?).
depending on your budget, a couple of places you should try. not necessarily the most trendy, but great food and wine: Gabriels: sophisticated italian, amazing italian wine list (wine spectator award). on 60th, across from the entrance to the madarin oriental in the new TW center. 'Cesca: also italian influenced, and one of the better reestaurants to open in the last year or so. on 75th, just east of amsterdam (west side). rich meats and fish, excellent wine list AIX: provencal, 88th and b'way. an unlikely spot of great cooking, but truly one of the greatest dining experiences i've had in new york in over 20 years. i've been three times, and each has been memorable.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn - take the L from Union Sq to the first stop in Brooklyn (Bedford Ave.) Try "Sea" for a great great Thai place and incredible atmosphere. It's on N. 6th street. Also on N. 6th is Galapagos, an art space combined with a live music/show/theatre/burlesque stage area. You'll probably find live music there during the weekend and variety shows during the weekdays. Stop by any place on Grand Ave for some wine, tapas, or just a good time. I reccommend Iona's - a great beer place with a backyard (where you can smoke!) with neighbors playing ping pong. Supercore on Bedford and S. 2nd is a great Japanese wine bar with awesome music and DJing on the weekends. www.nymetro.com is a good place to start..
Gramercy Tavern is a great place to eat (make reservations beforehand)....excellent menu, service, and ambience. AIX, which Basso recommended, is also a nice place with authentic dishes and a casual neighborhood feel. Another great French place is Daniel. There is actually a nice wine bar just down the road from AIX on 86th/Broadway....called Quest. Aquavit is an oldie, but goodie....Scandanavian fare.. There is a great new place in the meatpacking district called Spice Market......a Jean Georges restaurant....sort of Indian/Middle East fusion....really popular right now so you'll need reservations here too.. I prefer Katz's over Carnegie's..
For a comedy club, DEFINITELY go to the UCB Theatre (W26th and 8th AVE). It's right by Penn Station and MSG, so it's easy to get to. Almost all shows are $5-$10 and absolutely hilarious; if you can make it to the Sunday night Assscat 3000 show, CHECK IT OUT! The 9:30 show is free, but get there kind of early since it does fill up. Carnegie Deli, Katz's, and 2nd Ave...try to go to all three if you can, but depends where you are at what time. Hard to rate which is best (ie: YOU need to try and decide ). Avenue Q was great; you'll enjoy it! If you get a chance to catch a museum, my personal favorite was the Brooklyn Museum; out of the way but real nice. The Botanical Gardens is nice and calm to walk through. I found a fantastic bakery in Greenwich Village, right by Washington Square Park and right off the subway: Lafayette French Pastry (I'm pretty sure this is the place). AMAZING 7-layer cake, black and whites, rainbow cookies, etc. Reminded me of Three Brothers...but better. Anyway, hope you enjoy the city!
Thanks for all of the responses guys. I'll have to defer to others in the group for some of the meals (I can't pick ALL the restaurants), but I'm definitely going to push for AIX.....the menu looks stellar. Mr. Mooch....have you been to Laugh Lounge NYC? I've heard recommendations for this place as well UCB, and I was leaning towards the Lounge.
I think you probably meant Ouest (west, in French) it's on the west side of braodway bewteen 84-85, and it's a restaurant, not justa wine bar. the chef is the same guy who runs 'Cesca (see my post above) it was the first real high-end restaurant on the upper west side and really transformed the dining scene for the whole neighborhood. haven't been in a while, but it was quite fantastic whne it opened. still, if i had to choose just one, i'd make it AIX.
Trattoria del Arte is walking distance for you on 57th and 7th. Great antipasta bar and italian/seafood. If you want a unique little place El Paso on Houston has great paella and sangria. Also a good ethiopian on 42nd and 10th IIRC (anyone?)
Ya sorry, spelling, I meant "west" I've only been to the wine bar there myself (must have had a little too much to even realize there was also food being served!).....this reminds me though, another very good French place up there is Picholine....I highly recommend if you have not been yet..
Second Avenue Deli. 2nd Ave. at 10th Street. The real deal. Sam is right on with Katz's as well. Also a great one. Stay away from the Carnegie Deli and the Stage Deli. Tourist traps.
