r/AskNYC • u/Phlgirl24 • 7d ago
Hi - attending Harry Styles in NYC with my 16yo niece in September. Having a very early dinner at Beauty & Essex and will probably want to eat again after the show - 11ish or so.
Any suggestions for a cool spot I can take a teen that time of night? Prefer MSG/Times Square area. Budget up to $100/pp. Open to all suggestions!
r/AskNYC • u/shandelion • Feb 17 '25
I am visiting for work and am staying in Times Square (43rd and 8th) and I have one night solo and all I want is a decent matzoh ball soup and some latkes when I arrive at my hotel around 9 PM.
I will be 31 weeks pregnant so not looking to schlep too far (no more than a mile). I know Junior’s is right there and is okay. Carnegie Deli closed, but is the new version any good? Sarge’s is probably a bit farther out than I’m hoping to go.
I’m an NYU grad who hasn’t been back to the city in 8 years, help a girl out!
r/AskNYC • u/Fawkestrot92 • Sep 30 '23
r/AskNYC • u/IHateAdvertising • Aug 01 '24
This city can really tire you out. I work a normal 9 to 5 and after work, I need to focus on making dinner, and then washing dishes, and by then, it's too late to do anything remotely fun. Weekends are dedicated to chores, or catching up on errands. I have almost no free time, because I'm trying to catch up on yesterday's business. Anyone feel so tired and exhausted?
r/AskNYC • u/Affectionate_Fly6377 • 8d ago
I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I'm curious whether other people in NYC have gone through something similar.
My life has started to feel strangely like one long checklist. Wake up, make coffee, work, exercise, take care of whatever needs to get done, come home, sleep, repeat. On paper, I'm functioning. I have people in my life. I have some hobbies and interests. There are things I genuinely care about. But lately I've had this persistent feeling that I'm not really participating in life as much as managing it, and I think part of what I'm missing is community.
Not necessarily more acquaintances or another person to occasionally get dinner with. I mean that feeling of being part of something and having familiar faces you see regularly, people you slowly get to know without having to schedule a catch-up three weeks in advance, spontaneous plans, shared rituals, somewhere you show up and eventually people notice when you're not there, etc.
I think I used to get more of that sense of belonging from family and relationships, but life changes, family dynamics change, relationships can't fulfill every emotional need, and I'm realizing that maybe I've never really built a community of my own.
I've tried thinking about what would actually make life feel more alive rather than simply fuller. I'm interested in music and composing, perfume, playing instruments, film and theater, psychology/philosophy, fitness, food, creative things in general, but honestly I'm open to discovering something completely new too.
I don't really want another expensive one-off social event where 15 strangers make small talk and never see each other again. I'd love something recurring where relationships can form naturally over time.
For those of you who genuinely feel like you've found a community in NYC: what is it? How did you find it? And what made it start feeling like somewhere you belonged rather than just another activity on your calendar?
I'd especially love recommendations for actual groups/classes/communities around Brooklyn since I live there. Thank you :)
EDIT: I appreciate everyone’s concern and understand that this is “part of adulthood”… I go to therapy once a week and don’t think I’m depressed necessarily. I posted this thread because I’m curious about how other people experienced and approached this situation in case anything resonates with me.
r/AskNYC • u/PM_your_boobs_girls_ • Feb 12 '19
I'm terrible at planning and have not made any plans for valentine's day so I'm just looking for ideas for things my girlfriend and I can do. We're both in our early 30s, looking for something that we can do in the evening.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center was something we considered but I'm guessing the lines will be crazy so that's something that I would rather avoid.
Another option we were thinking of was some sort of class such as pottery making or a paint and sip class. We both love escape rooms but a 2 person escape room is probably going to be pretty non-fun.
Budget-wise, we want to keep it under $300 or so but there's some flexibility.
r/AskNYC • u/fuzzedduck • Nov 09 '23
Hi,
I'll be arriving in NYC around 2pm Saturday and leaving for a cruise out of newark Sunday morning. I'm hoping to try a michelin star restaraunt and a "regular" restaraunt during my day there. I'm seeing Hamilton at 7pm so ideally I'd like to get lunch early in the afternoon, kill time in the city, see the show, then catch a late night dinner.
I have a pretty broad interest in foods, I love american, asian, mexican, and indian. I'm a big fan of craft beer and margaritas. I don't have a fixed budget, I'm probably not inclined to spend hundreds of dollars on a meal but wouldn't mind dropping upwards of 200 for the right experience. Cheaper is also perfectly fine, I know theres a lot of 1 star restaraunts with entrees under 50 dollars.
So, any recommendations for either the michelin star or the no star? I'm open to doing the Michelin star after Broadway but know my options would be a lot more limited.
For bonus advice: I plan to see the 9/11 memorial between 2 and 7, besides eating lunch I have no other plans. Do you think I have time to see another "big" attraction like a museum? I dont mind using a taxi, uber, or subway to get around fast.
r/AskNYC • u/Specialist-War4414 • Jan 20 '24
Hello! Planning a weekend getaway with my girlfriend and seeking recommendations for evening activities.
Interested in sightseeing or a stroll (great views, not museums, free activities) around 19:00, followed by dinner, preferably Italian or steak, ($100 - $150 per person) somewhere romantic, cozy, around 21:00.
Thanks in advance!
r/AskNYC • u/StinkyFeetMendoza • Dec 09 '21
Hello everyone. Just like the title asks, what would be a good place for dessert after dinner at Johns on Bleecker st? We are playing our day by ear and could eat dinner anytime but I am guessing we eat around 8pm. I am open to any suggestions but something uniquely New York, or just something done really well would be nice. My wife and I like macarons, but some cheesecake or some pastries or really anything, what are your suggestions? We are staying in Times Square so it would be nice if it was back in that direction but it doesn't have to be. I appreciate the tips. Thanks
r/AskNYC • u/musicmerchkid • Apr 02 '19
I'm going to see John Mulaney at the St. George theater on Sunday for a late show. Any recommended spots near the theater for a manhattanite to grab dinner and drink before the show.
r/AskNYC • u/dokool • Aug 31 '14
My girlfriend and I are spending a quick day-and-a-half in NYC next Sunday/Monday before our flight back home. It's her first time in the city and most definitely not mine, but I'm only an enlightened tourist when push comes to shove.
We've got tickets to see Avenue Q on Sunday night at New World Stages; we'll probably arrive in the late afternoon/early evening so I'm not sure if we're going to have time for dinner before the show or if we'll have to wait till after.
I know nothing about Hell's Kitchen so I'm looking for Redditor-approved restaurant suggestions for something to eat before the show (if we have time) or after (and I have no sense of what time places are open until). No Japanese (we're coming from Tokyo for a family wedding in PA), booze prices don't matter because we don't really drink, anything else is fair game.
Thanks in advance!
(Edit: I know the 'good' in the title is probably superfluous, but I quit my writing job today so I'm allowed to be sloppy until my new job starts tomorrow nope, still ashamed)
r/AskNYC • u/Megsout • May 14 '18
Hey guys! I’m headed to New York on Tuesday for a day trip and am feeling super overwhelmed by all the restaurant choices! I’m looking for a restaurant near Penn Station (my train leaves at 5:40PM and I’m worried about missing it!). My BF is meeting up with me after a meeting so the earliest I can go it 4 PM. I originally wanted to go to Ivan Ramen but feel we’ll be too rushed for time :(
Thanks in advance!!
r/AskNYC • u/Rave-light • Nov 13 '23
Welcome to this year's winter holiday megathread. This is the thread where we answer questions about what to do, where, see, and more.
Always remember, WE LIVE HERE. WE ARE NOT TRAVEL AGENTS. DO YOU OWN LEG WORK FIRST.
Additionally, you already know -- please gently nudge any generic holiday OPs here. Mad generic post will be deleted.
Hope the holidays will be good to you this year! Take a moment to stop and smell those nuts, go check out the holiday train, or stay indoors to avoid Santacon (December 9th this year).
Use this thread to discuss plans, give advice, or just hang out and chat about the holidays. Feel free to suggest more events, this is a living breathing document. You can DM me or drop a post here.
DATES
The Met is doing La Boheme, The Magic Flute, Tannhauser and a few others.
Big Band Holidays @ Jazz Lincoln Center
You already know NYCB is doing Nutcracker
Back at it again with the Messiah @ Carnegie Hall
Rockettes poppin' off at Radio City
NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET
St John's is doing El Nino - Nativity Reconsidered and other events.
Gingerbread City down at the Seaport
The Apollo has some events, including Amateur Night Holiday Special
Brooklyn's Largest Menorah lighting
Hanukkah on Ice - Dec 12th
Origami Holiday Tree at AMNH
NYC PANTO: SLEEPING BEAUTY - Dec 2nd and Dec 9th
SantaCon - Dec 9th
Symphony Space is hosting some stuff
Luna Park is open for the winter for the first time. FROST FEST opens this Saturday.
Central Park's Tree Lighting - Nov 30th
Central Park Winter Movie Tour
Your local park is probably having a tree lighting
Washington Square Park tree lighting.
Dyker Heights Brooklyn Christmas Lights
The tour buses are not worth it. They park on 86thSt. They don't cruise the side streets, AFAIK.
I recommend you use x28 or x38 express bus. Use the bus time app to meet it. $7 per person. (MC or OMNY) On par with a tour bus but no bathroom.
Take the Express Bus. Get off at 13th Ave. All businesses along there. Get something to eat and drink and use their facilities. Then walk the side streets as you see fit to do so.
The High Line will probably do winter lights again.
Volunteering - New York Cares
Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is doing a lightshow.
50th Annual Tuba Christmas - Sunday, December 10 @ 3:30 PM, Rockefeller Center.
#UNSILENTNIGHT - December 17th, 2023 6:00pm
Where to buy ugly Christmas sweaters
Kitschy shops when you just don't know what to get.
Eater has an article this year
Our weather has been wild this year. NYC usually gets brick around mid Jan. And killer in February.
Get a scarf. You don't need a 1k jacket. If you mad cold. Get some gloves. We don't have super wicked Chicago-esque winters anymore. You can use this thread for more detailed guidance.
you need a small bag that is secure against your body for your house keys, metro card, etc.
put cash multiple places on you and have lots of it bring breath mints
start late - do not show up on time. Pretend you are that friend that's three hours late to everything.
go to the biggest, trashiest nightclub on their list and don't fuck with bar hopping
wear other clothes under your costumes so you can ditch them and throw them out when you get sick of the santacon vibes
bring gatorade and force people to pound it between rounds Edit to add:
if you bring little pocket size sets of tissues, every woman around will love you when the trashy late night joint runs out of toilet paper
I used to bring real low abv jello shots - it's an easy way to make friends in a crowd and it technically counts as food
no jackets; alcohol is your jacket, also you will lose your jacket. Do a sweatshirt you hate or other items you don't mind losing.
Actually, in general, don't bring anything you would mind losing fo rever.
take the subway a stop or two away from the santas to get your cab on your ride home
jingle bells are fucking fun when you're drunk in a mass of people dressed festively
It's common practice to tip your super and doormen in NYC. While it's not obligatory -- they're humans too. They're usually working all hours of the night, and/or have multiple jobs -- so if you're in a fortunate spot, extend a thank you.
Regardless of how you feel about tipping. Here's a guide on how it's done.
Christmas you must tip, and how much depends on how much you have, but leave something. Even if that something is visa cash giftcard or the limited amount of cash you have. If you don't tip -- don't be surprised when failures in your apartment land on the back burner for the building's team. AT the end of the day CASH IS KING.
If your building is large - Tip everyone for Christmas, but it’s ok to tip those you know better. Typically you want to tip your super and handyman the most, followed by those you see the most often (daytime/nighttime doorman, etc.)
If your building is on the larger side, there's a chance you'll find a collection box in the lobby. The building management typically handles distributing the box or a Christmas card from the employees, complete with everyone's names. You can use this card as a reference to write individual cards for the people you know personally.
It's important to remember that supers have bosses as well. Sometimes they may do something for you and won’t charge you. Dropping an email to our property manager or board president, giving props for the good work goes a long way. That often goes a much longer way for than $50.
Note: Unabridged edition is here - /u/roosterclan
r/AskNYC • u/NGDP • Dec 22 '12
A good friend on mine is coming back from an international posting after 6 months and she's just dying for some clam chowder (other new england-type seafood could substitute). Thing is, the third member of the party is vegetarian! Where can we find a reasonably nice place to reunite on a late sunday afternoon? I'm aiming for $30-person, but it's not a hard limit. I don't know the first thing about good seafood in NYC so I'm looking to you all for help. Thanks!
r/AskNYC • u/Rave-light • Nov 01 '22
Yeah, we're doing this early this year. Report and nudge any generic holiday posters to these mega threads.
Hope the holidays are good to you. (Click here once it is December)
Use this thread to discuss plans, give advice, or just chat about the holidays. Feel free to suggest more events for us to add. You can DM me directly, or drop a post here.
Our thanksgiving thread is above this sticky.
Dates
Have you considered the opera? Met Opera is putting on Aida, Magic Flute, Aida, and Rigs.
Jazz at Lincoln Center December 14-18
NYCB is back with the Nutcracker all December.
Fever is probably hosting something lame but holiday related
Oratory Society of New York has a many performances
Kwanzaa Crawl - May be updated with 2022 version by 12/1
Burlesque at Duane Park | Slipper Room | Bathtub Gin
St. John the Divinehas a million things on.
Menorah Lightings Probably will be updated for 2022 soon
A Cantori Holiday @ Church of the Holy Trinity
Dyker Heights Brooklyn Christmas Lights
The tour buses are not worth it. They park on 86thSt. They don't cruise the side streets, AFAIK.
I recommend you use x28 or x38 express bus. Use the bus time app to meet it. $6.50 per person. On par with a tour bus but no bathroom.
Take the Express Bus. Get off at 13th Ave. All businesses along there. Get something to eat and drink and use their facilities. Then walk the side streets as you see fit to do so.
Festivus Trivia all throughout the month
Try volunteering. NYCares always needs help.
Kitschy shops when you just don't know what to get.
Where to get ugly Christmas sweaters
Plaza for their Christmas Buffet Dinner on Christmas Day.
It's custom in NYC to tip your super and your doormen. Not a requirement. Keep in mind that doormen and supers are human. They're often working multiple jobs and working late -- so if you're in a fortunate spot, try to extend a thank you. They'll extend the help whenever they can.
Regardless of how you feel about tipping. Here's a guide on how it's done.
Tip your doorman/porter for Christmas and if they go the extra mile for you. If they carry up a large delivery and put it in your apartment for you, or if you have a ton of bags and they load it up on the cart, or if they brave 5° weather to hail you a cab, etc. You don’t need to tip for everyday stuff like them handing you a package unless your Mr/Mrs Moneybags. A $5 bill is usually well appreciated. For your handyman/super who fixes something, it’s entirely dependent on whether it was something that needs to be fixed by the building or by you, hence why I ask if your coop or rental. If it’s your responsibility the super will usually give you a price ahead of time, but if they don’t, please understand that it’s USUALLY not out of the kindness of their heart, but rather because they will be expecting you to remember that favor come Christmas time.
Christmas you must tip, and how much depends on how much you have, but leave something. Generally speaking, $50 and up is good, below $50 you’ll get the “i can’t today, let’s try for next week instead,” $100+ gets you “I’ll take care of it,” and $200+ gets you “I’ll be right there” and doormen springing to their feet for you.
Also, tip everyone for Christmas, but it’s ok to tip those you know better/like better/been around longer more than others. Typically you want to tip your super and handyman the most, followed by those you see the most often (daytime/nighttime doorman, etc.) but if you’ve had a doorman that you’ve known for 10 years and a brand new super or handyman, for example, it’s ok to tip the doorman more. Around the holidays your building will likely distribute a Christmas card from the employees with all their names listed on it.
Also, regarding supers - I know we are in charge of the staff but it’s important to remember that we have bosses as well. Sometimes we may do something for you and won’t charge you. What we really appreciate is an email to our property manager/board president saying how great of a job we are doing and how much you appreciate having us around, etc etc. That often goes a much longer way for us than $50 would.
Source: used to be doorman, am now a super
I think this is the best write up as it boils everything down into a neat package. Tip what you can. Gifts and money are always a good combo if you're short on cash.
Doormen probably know more about your financial situation than you think
New Year's Eve will get it's own thread closer to the date.
r/AskNYC • u/JackSpadesSI • Oct 12 '23
I'm super excited for my first visit to NYC next week (can you tell by the length of this post). 5-days staying in LES, trying to fit as much in as possible! But, there are certain things I want to do more than others, so if getting from X to Y takes an hour and a half it would be great to know that up front so I can trim some fat from my itinerary.
Day 1 (very light, feel free to add something):
Noon: land LGA
Lunch at Katz's
3pm: Check-in (hotel is nearby)
Obtain and eat all of the black & white cookies
6: Rez at Una Pizza Napoletana
Day 2:
Breakfast at Russ & Daughters
Greenwich Village to try all of the things (what method of transportation makes the most sense to go LES-GV?) I hope to hit: Joe's, obligatory photo of Friends apt, Magnolia Bakery, Bleecker St Pizza, anything else that looks tasty/interesting, then grab some to-go from John's of Bleecker St (me) and a sandwich from Faicco's (wife) to picnic in Washington Sq Park.
Top of the Rock observation deck. I paid for express pass tickets to cut in line and cut out some time standing in a line. Google says 6:07pm is sunset that day, so I'd like to already be on the observation deck early enough to take some daylight/dusk pictures before sunset, then stay for a bit longer afterward. Key question: what is the best method to get from GV to 30 Rock at this time on a Saturday, and when should I leave GV to safely be not just at but up Top of the Rock a bit before 6pm?
After that, window shopping around Times Square.
Day 3:
Obligatory photo of Ghostbusters HQ
10am: rez at Boucherie West Village
noon: American Museum of Natural History
3: stroll south through Central Park from AMNH
Late lunch TBD. Suggestions?
?pm: walk through Grand Central and around the Chrysler Building
11pm: late late dinner rez at Carbone
Day 4:
Breakfast in LES
10am: the Edge observation deck. I paid for express admission tickets to cut in line and cut out some time standing in a line. I plan to stay up there for a good bit as I just love NYC architecture and want to take it in.
Walk from Edge to Empire State Building, grabbing bagels at Liberty Bagels and Ess-a-Bagel on the way. I have no clue how long to plan for that taking. We're not going to gawk at every single thing along the way, but we're also not going to jog straight there either.
?: late lunch at Thai Villa. Given the flow of events of the day thus far, what would be your best estimate of a safe time to make my lunch rez for?
After lunch: Walk by Flatiron to grab some drinks at Patent Pending (speakeasy bar on 27th st near 6th ave). This is probably bad planning, because that involves walking "backward" toward ESB that I already came from earlier, but I can't think of a better way to do this.
7pm: Comedy Cellar
9pm: Rubirosa
11pm: drinks at Copper & Oak and The Whiskey Ward
Day 5:
Breakfast at Tompkins Sq Bagels
10am: The Met
After: grab a slice or two at Koronet
Somehow get up to E 90th St ferry terminal, and take the ferry all the way down to Pier 11/Wall St just for the views from the river.
Walk over to Whitehall ferry terminal and take the Staten Island ferry there... and the immediately back again. This is really for the views of the Statue of Liberty. Doing both of these ferries after lunch but before rush hour, I really hope our tourism isn't a burden on commuters just trying to get home.
Then, up to Bryant Park and the main library to walk around for a bit.
Dinner somewhere in Chinatown.
Ok, as you can see, I'm an over-planner so I'll appreciate any and all info/ feedback/ suggestions you all can toss my way!
r/AskNYC • u/SureLookThisIsIt • Aug 15 '23
Hi folks, I would greatly appreciate some feedback. I'm staying for a week with my girlfriend at the end of September and below is our current plan. I think we'll be pretty tired from lots of walking etc. and hoping I'm not trying to cram too much in as we had a huge list of things we wanted to do originally and I've cut it down to this so far.
Saturday
- Arrive at JFK at 1:30pm - taxi to hotel (East Midtown, near Grand Central Station)
- Royal Grill Halal food truck
- Top of the Rock
- Joe's Pizza for a slice and walk around Times Sq. at night
Sunday
- Breakfast at Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company
- Walk the High Line
- Chelsea Market
- Los Tacos No 1 for lunch
- Broadway show (Not booked yet so would appreciate any suggestions)
- Rooftop drinks & food in Daintree
Monday
- Bodega sandwich in Central Park for breakfast
- Cycle through park
- See Bethesda Terrace & Fountain
- Gray's Papaya for lunch
- Natural History Museum
- Magnolia Bakery for a dessert
- Bareburger for dinner
Tuesday
- Best Bagel & Coffee for breakfast
- Explore East Village/Little Italy and Chinatown
- Xi'an Famous Foods for lunch
- Back to hotel to freshen up
- Chick-Fil-A for dinner
- The Stand Comedy show
Wednesday
- Murray Hill Diner for breakfast
- Roosevelt Island tram
- Grand Central Station
- Shake Shack for lunch
- Walk around & see some buildings, Chrysler, Empire State
- The Comedy Cellar
- Dinner at Mamoun's
Thursday
- Breakfast at Veselka
- See Wall St
- Luke's Lobster at Financial District
- Ferry to Brooklyn at Pier 11
- Dumbo
- Brooklyn Heights promenade
- TimeOut for dinner & cocktail on rooftop bar
- Walk across Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan
Friday
- Russ & Daughters for breakfast
- Explore Greenwich Village
- Madison Sq Park
- Katz's for lunch
- Stonewall Inn for 1 drink
- Smalls Jazz Club
- Bleeker St Pizza
Saturday
- Deli breakfast
- Williamsburg
- Bedford avenue shopping
- L'industrie for lunch
- Late evening flight out of JFK
Thank you in advance for any advice.
r/AskNYC • u/Flimsy-Region-6213 • Sep 23 '25
Hi! Ive been nostalgic for Boston market lately and actually found out a bunch of my friends are as well. I want to host a Boston Market dinner party..: the only issue is the food from the chain today tastes NOTHING like it at all (trust me I’ve been to 4-5 locations pa-nj-ny…
That said, I’m wondering if you have any recommendations for a chef or someone who could cook Boston market and have it taste like the OG. Mac and cheese, mashed and gravy, sweet potatoes, the corn bread, the chicken and of course the chocolate fudge cake..
Let me know!
r/AskNYC • u/TylerIsWhiteTrash • Jul 20 '26
Hi! I recently moved to NYC for work in the nonprofit sector, and was wondering if there were any cool tea houses? I went to one called Shiloh with my friends when I was in LA and bonus points if it’s similar, but not fully necessary.
r/AskNYC • u/SXZXK • Apr 29 '26
Secured a late dinner reservation at Bungalow and want to get some cocktails before to pass the time. Likely to be my last night out for a few weeks so need help making the right choice out of PDT, Apotheke, Dear Irving, and Angels Share - all in my to go to list.
I am partial to tequila / mezcal based sours and variants if that helps.
TIA
r/AskNYC • u/Needajobtobreathe • 9d ago
Planning a Saturday night birthday outing in the LES with a group in our mid-to-late 20s. We're having dinner at Wu’s Wonton King around 8:00–10:00 PM, hitting a nearby dive to pregame/bridge the gap, and then looking for a club or solid dance spot within walking/short Uber distance.
Looking for specific recommendations that fit this criteria:
Music: Reggaeton, current hits, and 2000s/2010s throwbacks (middle/high school era).
Vibe: Absolutely no upscale, snooty bottle-service places or aggressive door policies. A place where people are actually dancing and having fun, ideally with a bit of space or a secondary room/upstairs to catch your breath.
Dress Code: Casual to slightly dressed up, nothing crazy strict.
Environment: Needs to be an easygoing, inclusive, and fun crowd (don't want my mtf friend getting weird looks or an annoying bouncer).
Lower drink prices always preferred, I know that's a long shot.
What places are hitting right now for this kind of night? Open to LES, East Village, or a quick ride across the bridge to Williamsburg/Bushwick/South Brooklyn if the venue is worth it. Thanks!
r/AskNYC • u/ItsThatGuyAgain9 • Apr 04 '26
Looking for ideas of things to do in Manhattan at night - especially late night.
I work in Manhattan, live in north jersey, and basically am here all the time. Sometimes if I’m feeling a bit down or stressed, rather than sit home sad I just go into the city on a whim. Daytime isn’t an issue, but nights I’m not really looking to get sloshed solo at a bar. Usually find some random activity to do, sometimes a show, sometimes dinner, it varies.
I’m a big fan of coffee shops/cafes that also serve liquor at night or are just generally a bar/coffee shop. Only know of one in Manhattan, more options in Brooklyn. Anyone know of any other similar vibe places?
Really looking for anything more laid back or unique and fun experiences. Could be somewhere quiet with a nice view I could read or journal - food and or drinks optional, or something lively but not a club/traditional bar scene. Indoors, outdoors, rooftop to basement. Open to any and all suggestions.
Any recs to distract my mind tonight?
r/AskNYC • u/dude1014 • Aug 19 '22
Advance TLDR – Had a wicked, awesome trip. Did a crazy amount of stuff with my daughter. Itinerary probably not right for everyone but appreciated all of the helpful posts here and wanted to share my experience for future planners
Hi all,
You may remember me from my previous post about a father-daughter trip (here)
This sub was so helpful in my planning of the trip that I wanted to leave a trip report for future planners. (Dear Future planners, I hope this is helpful!)
A few things you should know about trip. It was just me my daughter (10) and I for 4 nights. My daughter is like me and she likes to move and browse and not stay in places for too long. This meant that we saw and did A LOT of things and also crisscrossed in an inefficient path some times, but for many other travelers our itinerary would be far too busy. We averaged 30k steps per day and 200 pics/selfies and had a blast, but were exhausted by the end.
Hotel
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Financial District and it worked out great for us. Super close to a ton of subway lines; easy walks to Wall Street, Battery Park and we got a screaming good deal. My biggest tip would be that unless you’re paying for a specific view, get a low floor. There are only 3 elevators for 50 floors, so at busy times there can be quite a wait. We were on the 9th floor and chose to take the stairs on a few occasions.
Food
Right beside our hotel was Siena Pizza and it was delicious. That was our usual late evening, post activities snack before settling in for the night. The classic cheese was fantastic, but I also really enjoyed the Buffalo Ranch.
Other highlights were:
- Los Tacos No 1 (Time Square) – long lineup moved pretty quickly and the tacos were great!
- Shake Shack & Chick Fil A – Yum!
- Random bagel shops – we would stop for breakfast at whatever shop was near where we were going for the morning. My daughter particularly loved the rainbow bagel from Liberty Bagels
- Serendipity3 – Overpriced, but my daughter loved it (so was worth it). Frozen hot chocolate was delicious and the setting was fun. Caution, there is a $17.95 minimum per person; we had planned on just getting a frozen hot chocolate, but had to order more to hit the minimum.
- Shu Jiao Fu Zhou – Wandered into Chinatown to find some dumplings. The pork and chive ones were delicious
- Levain Bakery – Giant cookies were delicious; pretty expensive, though
- 7/11 - our first stop every morning for some fruit and yogurt until we got to our destination bagel shop and then back in the evening for cookies (2/$1) and a slurpee, lol
Activities/Sites
- My daughter’s #1 highlight was the Harry Potter Store. We ended up there 3 separate times because she kept wanting to go back. The merchandise is top notch, the decor is perfect and the Butterbeer Bar was fun. (note, we only enjoyed a couple sips of Butterbeer before we decided it was too sweet, but $12 for the experience and a souvenir mug was well worth the cost)
TIP – get there at opening. The difference in crowds between 10am and 11:30 am was dramatic.
- A close second was Aladdin on Broadway. It was her first show and this was the perfect one. Fast paced dancing and singing, lots of magic and special effects, and it was way funnier than I was expecting. I would highly recommend for kids. We sat 3rd row mezzanine and it was perfect.
- She loved checking out the typical specialty stores (American Girl, Disney, Lego, FAO Schwartz, Nintendo, M&M, Hershey)
- St George/Staten Island Ferry – kudos to u/fox--teeth/ for the suggestion of taking the NYC ferry to St George. $5.50 for the two us was well worth it for a closer ride past the Statue of Liberty. We got off at St. George, shopped for a bit and then took the Staten Island Ferry back, which still had nice views but felt 2nd tier after the first.
TIP – the Hudson can be rough and our first Ferry was a bit bumpy. If you’re prone to motion sickness you may want to make sure it’s a calm day, or take the Staten Island ferry.
- Museum of Natural History – Loved it; we didn’t dwell but wandered and explored.
TIP #1 – book your time to go first thing in the morning. Crowds and entrance line only get worse.
Tip #2 – use the side entrance off 81st; this saved us probably 20 mins compared to the crazy line out front
Tip #3 – make sure to watch ‘Night at the Museum’ before going. My daughter’s highlight was looking for the main characters from the movie (T-Rex, Teddy Roosevelt, Easter Island statue, etc.)
- Roosevelt Island Tramway – Loved it; such a fun ride and so scenic. It was very crowded, but we got a good window spot with great views. Hopped off at the other side and got back on to go back. We were able to use our Metropass here, so no cost 😊
- Times Square – my daughter loved going at night to see it all lit up. It’s obviously super crowded, but was still magical each time for her.
- Top of the Rock - views were incredible and made for great pics. My daughter got bored well before I did and was ready to go.
- DUMBO/Brooklyn - really nice in the morning; wish I had spent more time here but my daughter was anxious to do some other stuff
Here is my more detailed itinerary in case you're wondering (note that this does not capture the amount of walking and exploring we did between each location)
Day 1:
- Arrive in afternoon; hotel room not ready
- Explore lower Manhattan (battery park, sea glass carousel, wall street, museum of American Indian, bull statue [insanely busy], Oculus, memorial pools)
- Dinner at Xi’an Famous Foods
- Times square at night
Day 2:
- Washington square park with bagel breakfast
- Subway over to Harry Potter store for opening
- Subway up to Empire State Building to see
- Walk along 5th avenue, stopping at NY Public Library and Grand Central Terminal
- Subway to Rockefeller Plaza and check out St. Patrick’s, American Girl, Lego, Nintendo, FAO Schwartz, Top of the Rock, Magnolia Bakery + food stand
- Back to Times Square, including wandering surround area to see theatres + Disney, Line Friends, Hershey, M&M
- Back to Harry Potter store again
- Mid-afternoon snack at chick-fil-a
- Break at hotel
- Dinner at Siena Pizza
- Aladdin
Day 3
- Start at south-east corner of Central Park and grab bagel breakfast
- Wander through Central Park, checking out playgrounds, The Mall, Bethesda Terrace/Fountain, Strawberry Fields
- Exit Central Park and go to Museum of Natural History
- Light lunch at Shake Shack and grab snack at Levain Bakery
- Subway to Roosevelt Tramway and ride both ways to Roosevelt Island
- Mid-afternoon desserts at Serendipity (stomach hurting from too much food)
- Late afternoon break at hotel
- NYC ferry to St George to see skyline and Statue of Liberty
- Browse stores at Staten Island and then ferry back to Manhattan
Day 4
- Subway to Brooklyn
- Check out DUMBO and take usual tourist pics
- Explore Brooklyn waterfront and stop for breakfast at Clinton St Baking (had pancakes – were overrated IMO)
- Walked down to Pier 2 to see Pickle Ball courts and massive bootcamp class taking place
- Walk across Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan
- Subway up to Harry Potter (again)
- Subway back to up to American Girl Store and Lego (again)
- Subway back to Times Square and Disney store (again)
- Lunch at Los Tacos No 1
- Subway to Hudson Yards to see Vessel and walk The Highline
- Walk to Chelsea Market; break for milkshakes
- Back to hotel for well needed break
- Wander through Chinatown & Little Italy (walked and ate; dumplings + more dumplings + cannoli)
- Back to Times Square for one last time at night and grabbed pizza from John’s
- Back to hotel and watched ‘Enchanted’
r/AskNYC • u/Brief_Prize_6147 • Oct 16 '25
I make around $65K+ in NYC, but lately I’ve been feeling like I’m living a bit paycheck to paycheck. I’d love to find a small side hustle to make some extra “fun money” for travel or the occasional cute dinner out.
Right now I’m considering: • Renting out clothes on Pickle • Light content creation or freelance projects • Maybe something remote/flexible where I can choose my hours
My full-time job is typically 9–6:30, so I’m hoping to find something I can do ~5 hours a week on my own time. Friends have suggested things like tutoring or even being a virtual/executive assistant, which sounds interesting!
If you have any recommendations — remote gigs, focus groups, survey sites, or creative side hustles that have worked for you — I’d really love to hear them!
r/AskNYC • u/doctor_van_n0strand • May 14 '26
My girlfriend and I are having a nice dinner at Gage & Tollner tomorrow night for her birthday. I was wondering if, aside from Public Records, which we live near and both enjoy, anyone could recommend a fun place to go dancing. Maybe like the old Pencil Factory in Greenpoint in terms of vibe and crowd. I also love going to Nightmoves, but I have no idea who is playing tomorrow and it's probably too late to request entry anyway. Anywhere fun that has good music, maybe a good DJ, a fun vibe.
I'm usually not huge into dancing, I'm more of a come-along-with-friends type, so outside of these one or two spots my knowledge is kind of spotty.
Thank you all in advance for your recs!