A Local’s Guide to the Best of the Best in NYC

If you’re visiting New York, chances are, the locals can tell; you’re likely beelining for the Empire State Building and practically waiting for someone to shout, “Hey, I’m walkin’ here!” The spirit of New York is alive and well, yet amidst its boundless energy, it's easy to overlook the city's hidden gems. Let this list, curated by a native New Yorker, guide you through the best places to eat, sip, and shop in NYC. If you blink, you might miss it!

Grabbing a drink at night?

In the city that never sleeps, neither do we. Whether you’re grabbing a drink with a friend or trying to impress a date, these spots are sure to get the job done. If you find yourself by the Roxy Hotel, be sure to check out its underground jazz club, The Django. This subterranean gem is sure to get you into the New York groove with ​​handcrafted cocktails accompanied by a live jazz performance. The Parisian architecture takes you, momentarily, out of New York’s urban landscape, with a cavelike structure and brick exposed walls. Dante is a classic, but for good reason – the iconic space has been standing since 1915, though recently bought out by new owners. The Instagram-worthy interior is made better only by the refreshing Italian cocktails served at the bar. I’d also recommend Jean’s – that is, if you can snag a table. After some light bites, head down to the cocktail bar in the basement, which is only “occasionally open,” adorned with a disco ball and a checkered floor. 

Best Wine Bars

If you’re looking for a classier sip, head over to one of the many wine bars in New York. On the Lower East Side you’ll find a petite wine bar called Le Dive, which is a hub for the self-proclaimed sommeliers of Dimes Square. Le Dive also serves small bites, like oysters and charcuterie, which could make for a cute work post-game (though, take off your pumps – you’ll be waiting an hour before you’re seated.)  You should also check out James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem’s The Four Horsemen, a quaint spot in Brooklyn with an extensive natural wine list and delectable small plates. Gem Wine is also always a crowd-favorite, boasting a comfortable and homey atmosphere, good wine, and some seasonal dishes that wouldn’t hurt digging into. 

Daytime Hangout

If you’re tuckered out from all the drinking I’ve assigned you thus far, here’s your chance to sit down and smell the roses… or, more frankly, the roasted nuts stand on the corner. Relax and debrief your night over matcha at Sorate, a Japanese teahouse that sources their product from a family-owned farm in Kyoto. 

Matchaful, a female-founded café with a delectable (and sustainable!) matcha. Maman is a must-go, if you’re a fan of charming decor and buttery pastries. 

Best vegan/plant-based places

For anyone looking for some vegan spots in the city, and I’m sure there’s a lot of you, Spicy Moon is at the top of my list. This vegan szechuan option boasts Dan-Dan Sichuan noodles that are to-die-for. Le Petit Monstre, a patisserie in Brooklyn, offers vegan options of pastries, cakes, and more. Lastly, Le Botaniste, the first organic, plant-based, and carbon-neutral restaurant in the city, has a versatile wine and food menu. The spot is dedicated to sustainability and clean recipes. 

Dinner Spots

After grabbing a traditional New York slice, head out for some less traditional, but equally delectable, meals. The Odeon, a beloved city staple since 1980, is a classic spot for group dinners and, with its classic neon sign, an elegant reminder of NY’s past. The steak tartare is a favorite, but make sure you get the Cosmopolitan – it was invented here. Indochine is another fun group pick, especially by the fashion-forward crowd. The French-Vietnamese food is far less interesting than the scene that Indochine attracts, but both are memorable. Dinner for two? Check out Lucien, the artsy French bistro in the East Village. Its walls are adorned with signed photographs from its famous clientele, an homage to its allure amongst New Yorkers. Scalinatella is my family’s, and Jimmy Fallon’s, personal favorite. Past its unassuming exterior and down a small flight of steps lies the authentic and intimate Italian bistro. 

Hotels for Staycations with a Lover

If you’re anything like me, you may want to get out of the city without going through the process of actually getting out of the city. Located in the heart of TriBeCa, The Greenwich Hotel is home to 88 luxurious rooms and suites, of which no two are alike. Amenities like its Shibui spa make the gorgeous hotel tenfold more appealing. For the minimalist, in what used to be a bank lies Nine Orchard, a new, well-designed hotel offering unmatched views of the city. Not only are the rooms – which are cutely labeled like a NYC apartment building – beautiful, but the food and drink scene here is wonderful on its own. 

Best places to shop in Flatiron, our neighborhood
I may be biased, but I think Flatiron has some of the best shopping in the city. Treat yourself to a shopping spree, because, well, you deserve it! Be sure to check out Aesop, a luxury brand with an extensive collection of plant-based skincare, haircare, fragrance, and travel kits. If you’re a fiend for a good deal, and you don’t mind waiting in a line around the block, go to 260 Sample, which offers large percentages off designer brands weekly.