Having grown up not too far from NYC, I have been many times throughout the years. I compiled a list of noteworthy places. Shoot me a note if you have any additional recommendations.
(Every location is linked, and my top recommendations are *starred).
Neighborhoods:
Food:
Ellen’s Stardust Diner: A popular diner where the waiters sing and dance - a super fun way to experience a meal in the city. Be ready to stand in line, as its been busy every time I have gone.
Sugarfina: A luxury candy store that is known for its alcoholic gummies. They create their own chocolate bars, gummy candy, and more. Its definitely a beautiful, upscale candy shop (that has many locations across the nation, as well as an online store) that will give you a very sweet experience.
*United Chocolate Works: NYC & Chicago based hand crafted Belgium chocolate that comes in many unique shapes (mainly tools). It's very evident that this chocolate is special, & trust me it's exactly that. I got the original hot chocolate and it was to die for. I absolutely recommend.
*Ferrara Desserts: "NYC's famous Italian bakery since 1892." Located in Little Italy, this is the go-to place for all Italian desserts. While everything is said to be great, I recommend the cannoli's (both regular and chocolate dipped), lobster tails, chocolate covered strawberries, and the fruit dessert cakes.
Baked Cheese Haus: A Wisconsin specialty located in NYC. Think of those big cheese wheels, but cut in half and melting under a heat lamp - yeah, SO delicious. Below is what I had:
Jambon Cru: Melted Raclette scraped over cured ham on toasted baguette with spring onions, baby gherkins and dijon
Hot Apple Cider Chai
Il Cortile Ristorante: A gorgeous restaurant located in Little Italy. The atmosphere was great but the appetizers and drinks we had we're okay.
*Sotto 13: PLEASE GO HERE. This place was definitely one to remember - but make sure you book a reservation weeks in advance because it fills up very quickly. The entire look and feel of the restaurant and the food were 5 stars. Below is what we enjoyed:
Burrata with a delicata squash puree, mixed greens, & toasted golden raisin brioche
Prosciutto di Parma Wood-Fired Pizza: Mozzarella, tomato sauce, arugula, parmigiano-reggiano
Carbonara: Spaghetti, pancetta, pecorino, fresh peas
Dos Caminos: An awesome Mexican restaurant that was voted #1 Margarita in NYC - which says something. I went here many years ago but I remember the fresh guacamole being absolutely unreal.
Drinks:
*Analogue: A cocktail & Jazz bar located in the West Village. Overall a great vibe and unique drinks. I recommend making a reservation on the website, as many people seem to love this bar for good reason. Below are the drinks we got:
Prickly Pear Poblano Margarita: Hiatus Tequila, Cointreau, Prickly Pear, Lime, Serrano Tincture
Be Different & Be Damned: Hiatus Tequila, Mango, Orange, Cinnamon, Lime, Pepper Tincture
Next Time:
Places I didn’t get to explore, but plan on once I return.
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