New York City Recommendations

Lowcountrygamecock said:

I'm taking my wife to New York City for our anniversary in December which will be the first trip for both of us.  We're starting to talk about places we want to eat, where to stay and what to do.  Any recommendations are welcome.  We'll be flying in on a thursday and home on sunday.  My priorities are fine steakhouse, pizza, a true new york deli and cheesecake in no particular order.  

I would go to Peter Luger but you will need a reservation and they only take cash. Go to Katz deli. We liked Grimaldi’s for pizza. We stayed at the Sheraton near time square and surprisingly it was very nice. Also I would get a city pass if I were you. Gets you into a lot of stuff. The other thing I would do is go to at least one broadway show. If you are debating about which skyscraper to visit go to the new World Trade Center or Top of the Rock.

I go "into the city" 3 or 4 times a year with clients

I had the best Pizza I ever had off Times Sq at Patzeria Family and Friends @311 W 48th Street.  They had a Lasagna Pizza that was incredible.  But honestly you can walk into hundreds of the corner restaurant delis and get a good slice most of the day- Try the Chicken Parm its a nice twist.

Ive had great Steaks at-
3 different Del Friscos around Rockefeller Center, Mortons, Bobs, and 212.  All were perfect.  I like Del Friscos Grille by the Rockefeller Ice Rink- nice and small and easy to deal with.  I always get reservations.

I have been to Top of the Rock so many times with customers I basically get them up there now, tell them when the bus picks them up then go back to Del Friscos bar.  Frankly its the same as Empire State building just slightly different view.  You can see the Time Sq ball from both, you can see towards Statue of Liberty from Empire State Builidng.  Either way buy your tickets in advance.

In December Saks 5th Avenue will be done up real nice its cool thing to see.

If youve never been, Ellis Island is really amazing history lesson.

The Met, The Guggenhiem, American Museum of Natural History are all good fun.

Ive wanted to do the Cable Car to Roosevelt Island- that looks cool.

The bar at the Marriot Marquis above Times Sq is a great place to see Times Square without the nonsense of being in it.

So many choices but here’s my go to: Katz deli for pastrami, Peter Luger for steak, Lady M for crepe cake, Johns of Bleecker for pizza, Ippudo for ramen, The halah guys for chicken rice, Joe’s Shanghai for Chinese food. 

midtown is a nice central spot to stay.  can walk up 5th avenue and window shop and see central park.  make a reservation and have a drink at the bar at the baccarat - most gorgeous bar you'll ever set foot in.  

breakfast at balthazar and walk around soho.

Ellis Island is very cool and well done.  you can stay on the boat and skip statue of liberty to save time if you want. ground zero is close to battery park. 

esse bagel for a breakfast bagel. 

i eat at vitae every time i go to nyc - disclaimer, it's family - but the food really is excellent

We loved Bowery Meat Company for steak.  Family style Italian, try Carmine’s. We go to the one on Time Square.  Get the meatballs and you may not have room for breakfast the next day. 

Balthazar and Sarabeth's are two of the best places for a killer breakfast.

Another vote for Katz's deli.  That place changed my life.

If you're feeling some smoked fish, you might should visit the Sturgeon King Barney Greengrass

Steak....Smith & Wollensky’s. Make sure you get their hash browns. 

Last time I was up that way we stopped Hudson Yards and went to see the Vessel.   Really interesting views. It is free but you need to book tickets for a specific time.

One year we went up in December and did the Empire State Building for sunrise.  It was the first day it snowed that year and was overcast so we did not see the sunrise but got to see the city wake up. Only about 20 or so people so you could take your time and walk around and see of the exhibits/history. However, it is an *early* wake up call.

Pizza
https://www.grimaldispizzeria.com/locations/1-front-street-brooklyn/

Italian
https://www.carminesnyc.com/locations/times-square
https://www.tonysnyc.com/

Pub Grub
https://www.pignwhistleon36th.com/

BBQ
https://www.hillcountry.com/new-york-city-menus/



Hotel 57 is of the Renaissance / Marriott brand is where I stay for work.   It is very close to the apple store, Central Park, and the "high end" stores on 5th. 
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycbr-renaissance-new-york-hotel-57/

The above hotel is about a 20 minute walk to the "sqaure" and theater district. It is a really nice walk during the winter. SAC's does put on a "holiday" themed show on the side of their building so you can catch that and see the Rockefeller tree.  St. Patrick's is a must if your are of Christian faith.

Some folks HATE NYC, but there is really something really special about NYC close to Christmas. I love it.

Some folks HATE NYC, but there is really something really special about NYC close to Christmas. I love it.

saw a volvos back window get smashed, xmas gifts stolen, while eating a burger on park ave one day before xmas. woman came running down the street yelling ...i cant believe this is happening.    saw a car get stripped in maybe 15/2o minutes on the highway coming into the city, doors, stereo, seats, hood, then they flipped it over and dropped the motor coming into la guardia i dropped a friend off at a hotel with a car riddled with bullets and a pool of dark blood, car prolly sat there all day without anyone calling.   seen about 5 or 6 adult men chasing a young kid down the road kicking him and throwing things at him, kid was maybe 8, a few streets above time square.  ive only been there twice, where can you go to see all that in two days, gotta love it.  really like the hole in the wall guinness bars.  doesnt take much to keep me entertained the south street carolers and the restaurants there were descent.  poor college kid back then, bought a macys box, for the girlfriend, just a box, yes, they will sell you a box, filled it later got some miles outa that box.  gotta love the place, just watch your back side on the south side

billt01 said:

@fishlessman

Park Ave going North has its issues, Park at 57th would not have that issue. 

I've been there ~ a dozen times and have never encountered any of the issues you saw. 

If I can ask, where did you stay?

ive only gone in for a day at a time, leaving at midnight.  it was back in the 80's, probably went to neighborhoods that i shouldnt have but had to see harlem for my self, the small irish bars in the lower neighborhoods etc. its alot different now, well except for that airport

For lunch I really like Mexicue - near Bryant park on 40th street.  Their pulled pork and brisket tacos are legit...  Give it a try! Great bourbon too.