FOOD & DRINK
Near the Action
Midtown Manhattan
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Grand Central Terminal, Lower Level
Casual or Dressy. You decide! The best place to people watch inside Grand Central Terminal. Best seats are at the Oyster Bar itself, but for a time-traveling experience, find The Canopy Bar & Cocktail Lounge in the back room. Jess would occasionally slam a half dozen here on her breaks from Agern.
230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169
Fun food hall with a variety of options. Great meeting place for groups to grab a light dinner... say, before an 8pm party at The Campbell!
42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
We have made many memories at this elegant yet easy-going, American restaurant. Including an amazing date during a snow storm when we participated in their 'sno-corkage' fees. We recommend eating in The Bar Room (or at the beautiful bar) which serves walk-ins only and is adorned with colorful artwork. The Dining Room serves a top-notch tasting menu and requires a reservation. Open for Lunch & Dinner.
162 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
We love a Pastrami Sandwich on Rye + Dr. Brown's Cream Soda at this iconic deli in Zach's old neighborhood. Take some rugelach to go, ya look hungry!
915 Third Ave, New York, NY 10022
At this unpretentious Midtown East pub, the house cheeseburger was once dubbed the “Cadillac of burgers” by Nat King Cole circa the 1950s. Still smashing burgers today.
245 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
This incredible Japanese eatery with an extensive menu has been home to many post-Broadway show meals for us. Gotos include Yaki Soba with kimchi, Yellowtail Collar, and if you order the Hamachi Crudo, ask for extra shiso leaf.
RECOMMENDATIONS
For Your Time in NYC
Lower Manhattan
35 Cooper Sq, New York, NY 10003
This came into being after we moved, and it took only one visit for us to dream about it... Featuring Middle Eastern roots and Danish technique, Librae is like a gallery showing of dough.
241 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013
To-die-for French food here (something we don't often say!) The Paris-Brest a la Pistache might be the best dessert in the city. Lunch or Dinner. Reservations recommended.
80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Beautiful Brasserie in SoHo serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. We suggest a 5pm Gin Martini + Seafood Tower + Steak Tartare, boom, death row meal. Reservations recommended but you could easily walk in during off-hours.
51 Grove St, New York, NY 10014
A vegetable lovers' dream, serving up Italian small plates on a charming block in the West Village. It may sound strange, but their green salad is iconic. Same goes for the Svizzerina. Lunch or Dinner. Mostly first-come-first-serve, but they do set aside some tables for reservations.
30 Water St, New York, NY 10004
This Irish pub has two floors; a tap room downstairs, and upstairs, one of the best cocktail bars in the city. The Parlor has even held the rank of the best bar in North America! Their Irish Coffee is a must-try. Casual and open all day!
8 Liberty Pl, New York, NY 10038
We can't NOT go. We order any of the hand-pulled noodles, the spinach dumplings and always the Spicy Cumin Lamb Burger. There are now locations all over the city. No frills. Must love numbing spices. Don't skip on adding more black vinegar at the condiment station.
TOURISM
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Incredible history to be learned on this comprehensive 90 minute guide to one of NYC's landmark buildings / where Jess and Zach worked together. This was required for us to take back in 2016 when we were opening Agern. It left a big impression, we still talk about this tour today.
The Whispering Wall in Grand Central Terminal
89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
When you're in Grand Central, not far from the Oyster Bar is the famous whispering wall. Grab a buddy and see what all the whispers are about :)
East Coast Memorial / Statue of Liberty Lookout
Battery Park, New York, NY 10004
One of Jess' favorite spots to Citibike to. (Via a clear, safe lane that runs along the rivers!) A nice way to take in the majesty of Lady Lib without schlepping to her island.
405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174
Nothing to do here but we love this art-deco sparkly skyscraper. Still stunning to look at after all these years; day or night. Find your moment with it.
FDR Drive &, E 34th St, New York, 10016
Want to see more of the city but don't want to take the subway? Check out the NY Ferry which departs from places all over the east side of Manhattan. This is one of our favorite things to do in summer – take the scenic breezy route to dinner in Brooklyn, etc. Or! Just get some fresh air with a view and loop back to where you started from.
Financial District / The New York Stock Exchange
11 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
Get your photo ops on Broadway in front of The Fearless Girl and Charging Bull 📈
89 Broadway, New York, NY 10006
This historic downtown church, right next to the NYSE, is a museum in itself. The surrounding graveyard is beautiful and highly recommended to walk through. Alexander Hamilton (yes, the musical theatre star) is buried there!
(Duh.)
In case you forgot, NYC houses several world class museums and the best of the best on stage. If you are in the mood for classic or modern art, head to The Met, MoMA, or the Whitney. If you're looking to see a musical or play, check out the TodayTix app for day-of deals on the latest shows. We currently recommend Titanique!!
