Last weekend I had the privilege of spending my birthday in New York City. As far as I'm concerned, NYC is the best city on this planet. My favorite thing about NYC is that you can have the time of your life just walking down the street people watching. To me, its a playground full of creativity, energy, and limitless possibilities. Don't get me wrong- I love DC, but NYC is a special place and there's no other place like it. Each time I go to NYC, I like to try new places, yet revisit old favorites as well. Due to my growing list of favorites, I wanted to share my list which will hopefully have something new for you to try on your next trip to NYC! Since NYC has a few labels- Foodie Heaven, Fashion Capital, and the City That Never Sleeps, I tailored my list around these three topics- Where to Eat, Shop, and Not Sleep.
Where to Eat
1. Buddakan
You MUST go to Buddakan. I've had an obsession with the gorgeous Buddakan ever since it was featured in the Sex and the City movie (Carrie and Big's rehearsal dinner), and it wasn't until a year and a half ago I was finally able to eat there. The food was so beyond that every time I think of it my mouth waters. I'm not even joking- its that good. I went again last weekend and it was just as wonderful as I remembered. The entire vibe of the restaurant is sexy, modern, and all out makes you feel important just being there.
What to order: I'm pretty sure anything you order here will be outstanding, but I've had the Charred Filet of Beef, Chilled Udon Noodles, Kung Pao Monkfish, and Crispy Calamari Salad and its all out of this world.
Charred Filet of Beef
Chilled Udon Noodles
2. Bocca East
For authentic Italian food, Bocca East will not disappoint. Our friend who lives in NYC took us here and guaranteed us we'd love it- and we did. You must order the Calamari e Zucchini to start, and if you like pumpkin, order the Ravioli de Zucca. Have a glass or two of the Verdicchio Masso Isolato 2011 Marche wine and try their delicious limoncello.
Ravioli de Zucca
Limoncello
3. Freeman's
Freeman's is located in SoHo through a side street alley full of graffiti and street art. It's a cozy restaurant that makes you feel like you're in a colonial tavern! Order one of their craft cocktails and the Artichoke Dip to start. The photo ops are pretty cool too!
Freeman's Alley
Craft Cocktails
Artichoke Dip
4. Crif Dogs
Another must on your list is this place! Their specialty is hot dogs and tater tots and boast an extensive menu full of different styles of dogs! The other awesome thing about Crif Dogs, is they have a speakeasy, called PDT (stands for Please Don't Tell) that you enter through a phone booth!
Tots, Philly Tubesteak, and Chili Dog
5. H&H Bagels
Because you can't leave NYC without eating an authentic NYC Bagel.
Where to Shop
SoHo- Hit the streets of SoHo and shop til you drop! Broadway is the main street with all the big name brand stores, but be sure to check out the side streets for cool boutiques and galleries.
Flagship Department Stores- don't forget department stores like Macys, Lord & Taylor, Bloomies, and Saks Fifth Ave all have their flagships in NYC, so the selection at these stores is beyond!
Window Shopping- walk up Fifth Ave heading uptown, then continue up Madison Ave for high end designer jaw dropping window displays that will make you go to play the lotto ASAP to be able to afford everything in them.
Where to Not Sleep
Lower East Side (LES):
Fat Baby- for a basement dance party.
Local 138- for hot music and crazy graffiti bathrooms.
I wasn't kidding about the graffiti bathrooms!
Welcome to the Johnsons- for the ultimate dive bar and cool bartenders- not to mention the owner is Lady Gaga's ex boyfriend.
MeatPacking District:
Brass Monkey- I've spent many FUN nights here and their rooftop is awesome. Since it does get crowded, make sure to get there early and head straight to the rooftop to stake out your spot for the night before its at max capacity!
Brass Monkey, that funky monkey
Troy Liquor Bar- This basement lounge is super chic, but comes with the no frills of a club.
The husband and I clearly enjoying ourselves at Troy
SoHo:
Sweet & Vicious- I've never had anything but a blast here! Their Happy Hour is awesome and their late music is on point.
Happy Hour Jargaritas at Sweet & Vicious
And for good measure...
You can't leave NYC without seeing a Broadway show (my favorites are Chicago and Phantom of the Opera) or taking a stroll through Central Park or The High Line.
All That Jazz
Here's to you, New York, New York.
XOXO
Blonde in the District