Guidebook for New York
Food Scene
Amazing homemade pastas and super affordable (entrees $10 - $15, bottles of wine $25 - $45). The only catch is that it is *cash only* and be prepared for a hefty wait unless you go early/late.
51 locals recommend
Celeste Restaurant
502 Amsterdam AveAmazing homemade pastas and super affordable (entrees $10 - $15, bottles of wine $25 - $45). The only catch is that it is *cash only* and be prepared for a hefty wait unless you go early/late.
Modest drink specials and $1 oysters during happy hour, $25 lobster dinner on Sundays.
175 locals recommend
The Mermaid Inn
570 Amsterdam AveModest drink specials and $1 oysters during happy hour, $25 lobster dinner on Sundays.
Definitely stop by - at least for coffee - during your stay. It's really the only affordable option in Central Park, although we actually prefer grabbing a coffee and sitting on the Sheep Meadow.
247 locals recommend
Le Pain Quotidien
861 Lexington AveDefinitely stop by - at least for coffee - during your stay. It's really the only affordable option in Central Park, although we actually prefer grabbing a coffee and sitting on the Sheep Meadow.
Good coffee, but somewhat expensive at $3 for a large. Birdbath Cafe next door is a little cheaper as is the Mud Coffee window across the street at Cotta.
214 locals recommend
Joe Coffee Company
514 Columbus AveGood coffee, but somewhat expensive at $3 for a large. Birdbath Cafe next door is a little cheaper as is the Mud Coffee window across the street at Cotta.
Go for the pickle margarita and leave before dinner unless you're looking for a heart attack.
239 locals recommend
Jacob's Pickles
509 Amsterdam AveGo for the pickle margarita and leave before dinner unless you're looking for a heart attack.
Best pizza close by. They make a great margarita ($10). Cash only.
10 locals recommend
Numero 28 Pizzeria Cucina
660 Amsterdam AveBest pizza close by. They make a great margarita ($10). Cash only.
Favorite pizza downtown. You'll probably have to wait, but the service is incredibly fast once you're in!
45 locals recommend
Kesté Pizza & Vino
77 Fulton StreetFavorite pizza downtown. You'll probably have to wait, but the service is incredibly fast once you're in!
Great dinner spot. You'll probably have to wait, but there is a great German beer bar around the corner called Weschler's (on 1st Ave. btw. 7th and 8th).
355 locals recommend
Caracas Arepa Bar
291 Grand StGreat dinner spot. You'll probably have to wait, but there is a great German beer bar around the corner called Weschler's (on 1st Ave. btw. 7th and 8th).
Average food, average drink list, but amazing location and good, low key vibe. Much more laid back than the Frying Pan in Chelsea.
127 locals recommend
Boat Basin Cafe
West 79th StreetAverage food, average drink list, but amazing location and good, low key vibe. Much more laid back than the Frying Pan in Chelsea.
Essentials
Best and most affordable wine shop nearby, but 86th St. Wine and Liquor is a little closer if you're in a rush or feeling lazy (on the corner of 86th and Columbus).
541 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
100 W 125th StBest and most affordable wine shop nearby, but 86th St. Wine and Liquor is a little closer if you're in a rush or feeling lazy (on the corner of 86th and Columbus).
Good produce/grocery stop and a little closer (and cheaper) than Whole Foods
11 locals recommend
Mani Market Place
697 Columbus AveGood produce/grocery stop and a little closer (and cheaper) than Whole Foods
Everything Else
Same day laundry service -- drop off by 9am and pick up anytime after 5pm. $0.85 per pound of laundry, minimum of 10 pounds.
EFI Cleaners 2
609 Columbus AveSame day laundry service -- drop off by 9am and pick up anytime after 5pm. $0.85 per pound of laundry, minimum of 10 pounds.
Our favorite uptown movie theater - about a 25-30 minute walk down Columbus Ave.
131 locals recommend
AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13
1998 BroadwayOur favorite uptown movie theater - about a 25-30 minute walk down Columbus Ave.
5 minute walk from the apartment - take our park blanket and park bag and stock the latter with a bottle of wine and some snacks. (Just be discrete with the vino.)
23 locals recommend
Great Lawn
5 minute walk from the apartment - take our park blanket and park bag and stock the latter with a bottle of wine and some snacks. (Just be discrete with the vino.)
Drinks & Nightlife
Nothing special here apart from their happy hour deal - half off drinks until 8pm. Avoid the food, though.
22 locals recommend
Jake's Dilemma
430 Amsterdam AveNothing special here apart from their happy hour deal - half off drinks until 8pm. Avoid the food, though.