One of the things I love about living in New York City is that there is constant reinvention and upgrading going on around every corner. Even though the city as a whole will always have the same “feel” to it, there are always new places opening up or to be discovered for the first time.
Here are some of the things I’m loving about NYC right now – some old, some new, and others that I’m just…well, into.
bantam.
Last week Jessi and I visited our friend’s new Lower East Side lounge, Bantam. It just opened and is still partly under construction, but we could already tell that it’s going to be a great new spot. It’s a smaller space (which I tend to prefer) and has a Steve Lewis-designed modern yet classic look and feel – not too over-the-top like a lot of venues are going for lately. I’m excited to go back soon. Located on 17 Stanton.
[image via Urban Daddy]
saturdays surf.
Saturdays is one of our favorite spots in the city to escape and work on FreelyBe vision stuff. The SoHo surf shop {slash} espresso bar has a great outdoor courtyard in the back where you can chill out with friends and your La Colombe latte. Located on 31 Crosby.
frying pan.
Ah, the Frying Pan…an oldie but a goodie. Although I haven’t been there yet this season, I’m looking forward to crossing those infamous train tracks and braving the rocking of the boat for an evening of fun with my friends. Frying Pan is a great spot to go with a group to eat, drink, and soak in that fresh right-on-the-Hudson air. Located on Pier 66 in Chelsea.
the seaport.
Recently the South Street Seaport has become one of my favorite parts of the city. If being right on the water isn’t enough, there are also a ton of (new) great restaurants and shops on every corner. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and I could even see myself living in the area one day.
chop’t.
I’m not that person who is good at (or likes to) squeezing vegetables into every meal. I do, however, like an inexpensive and massive salad that I can load with meat and cheese and call a healthy meal. Long story short – Chop’t is the Mecca of these salads, and also conveniently located across the city.
hell’s kitchen flea market.
Located on 39th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is my go-to stop when it comes to adding to my (arguably tacky) vintage jewelry collection. They also have a ton of great vintage clothing, handbags, shoes, and antique collectibles. The market is open from 9am to 5pm every Saturday and Sunday, all year long.
[image via nycgo.com]
If you’ve been to NYC, what was your favorite spot?
If not, where would you like to visit most?
Um can I say that my favorite place was the Peanut Butter & Co. restaurant? 😉 Totally cheesy, but I don’t care!
I would love to visit all of the theaters and hang out in coffee shops nearby to meet the actors! I would so be that person taking pictures with everyone 😀
Oh I haven’t been to NYC in soo long but when I make it back I can totally see myself at chop’t and Saturdays 🙂
I want to check out that Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market! If it’s not raining maybe I’ll go this weekend.
Thanks for sharing all these!
I want to go chill at that cute coffee shop! Some of my favorite places to go are (obvi) 16 handles, Tonic (fun bar with great music), The Standard Biergarten, and definitely walking/running along the Hudson!
Katie @ Soulshine and Sassafras says
I’m a big fan of Rice to Riches (rice pudding) and McSorley’s. McSorley’s is this awesome 150 year old alehouse with sawdust on the floor and only light and dark ale. So perfect.
Rusty Knot, Standard Biergarten, and Rio (amazing margaritas)are my favorite places to get drinks in the Summer.
I love Central Park too!! I love lying out on Sheep’s Meadow.
Love Rusty Knot and Standard Biergarten too…will definitely have to try Rio soon!
Ooh a place I’ve actually been - Frying Pan! Went there last time I was in NYC:)
I had no idea that Saturday’s Surf Shop had a patio out back, I’ll definitely be going there ASAP!
Right now my NYC favorites are union square (to sit a read when the weather is nice), ceci-cela (to chill in the back room and eat a croissant) and greenwich village (to walk around and get lost).
great life
Ohh all of these places sound fantastic especially Frying Pan and Chop’t- those salads are HUGE! I’d also love to stop by that Flea market, it sounds so fun and I’m always looking to expand my jewelry collection!
Next time you go to Chop’t, get a (handful of) sea-salt caramel at the checkout counter. You will not regret it.
Amanda says
Every time I visit NYC I have to go to Otto for some delicious italian food!! It’s in greenwich village. Also the more popular choice for coffee in my book is Lilly Obriens across from bryant park
Always get so jealous of your life in these posts that feature New York.
Can’t wait to refer back to them when I (eventually) move out east.
Worked across from Chop’t in D.C. Needless to say I spent more $$ there than on shoes for that stint.
-Gabrielle
Sher says
I love Financier Patisserie in the Financial District. Delicious soy lattes and macaroons!
sant ambroeus on the upper east side! They do a tuna and egg sandwich that is to die for. I also love the bar at The Peninsula Hotel and The London NYC. I have a thing for hotel bars and NYC does them properly.
Perfect timing- I think I’m going to NYC the first weekend in May for my bachelorette party 😀 Although I’m not supposed to know haha, one of my girlfriends slipped the secret, shhh!
Alyssa says
I have a love affair with NYC daily. This post re-confirmed it.
1. What restaurants do you like by South Street Seaport? I used to live down there!
2. I <3 Saturdays Surf, too. Such a good, chill place.
I’ve been to a bunch because my best friend lives down here…Fresh Salt, Acqua…love Jack’s coffee! seems like there’s a bunch of new places opening too
My favorite spot is Tao…love the Buddha, love the food, love the ambiance!
Rachel Miller says
I went to NYC for my 16th bday and it was amazing! I didn’t go to too many places but Time Square at night is beautiful!