Happy Bones (Soho): This hip little coffee shop serves a solid cup of joe - and their branding is right on (we’re suckers for that kind of thing). It’s small, so seating is limited. (@happybonesnyc)
Saturday’s NYC (Soho & West Village): This NYC-based surf shop & lifestyle brand serves one of the best cups of coffee in the city (in our opinion) - and once again, their branding is clutch. (@saturdaysnyc)
Devocion (2 Brooklyn locations): This specialty coffee shop’s claim to fame is that they’re “The only farm-to-table coffee roasters in the world”. They work directly with their Colombian farmers to get their coffee beans to Brooklyn overnight - how cool is that?! The vibes, the flavor, and (of course) the branding is equally cool as well! (@devocionusa)
Little Collins (Midtown): Emphasis on little, this tiny order-at-the-counter Aussie cafe serves delicious coffee and brunch - if you can snag a seat! (@littlecollinsnyc)
Sweatshop (Brooklyn): Why are all our fav NYC coffee shops Aussie-inspired? Anyway, here’s another! This aussie coffee shop serves the best flat white in Brooklyn - maybe even in all of NYC! (@sweatshop_nyc)
Cafe Integral (NoLita): This cute spot serves Nicaraguan specialty coffee, and it’s really so good. They serve kinds of coffee creations, but we’re big fans of their drip! (@cafeintegral)
Sey Coffee (Brooklyn): Light and airy and filled with plants, this Brooklyn-based coffee shop and roastery has a solid aesthetic… and they’re coffee is great too! The real highlight here is that they also serve sparkling water free of charge - yes please! (@seycoffee)
Breakfast
Sadelle’s (Soho): Smoked fish & housemade bagels - does it get more New York City then that?! Come to Sadelle’s for brunch, and be sure to make a reservation (the wait can be over two hours). If you’re hungry, order try the iconic Fish Tower, and if smoked fish isn’t your thing, they have plenty of egg dishes and delicious sticky buns on the menu! (@sadelles)
Bobby’s pick: House Salmon
Alli’s pick: Eggs Any Style (with a side of Sticky Buns!)
Butcher’s Daughter (Multiple locations in the city): This plant-based cafe is everything we’d want for breakfast (except bacon - but the food’s so good you don’t even miss it)! From the juices, to the toasts, to the breakfast bowls… it’s hearty and it’s healthy and it’s perfectly trendy. (@thebutchersdaughter_official)
Bobby’s pick: Egg Sandwich
Alli’s pick: Smashed Avocado Toast
Bluestone Lane (Multiple locations in the city): This coffee shop and cafe is another solid option if you’re looking for a healthy (and hearty) breakfast or brunch! They’re avocado toast is as pretty as it is tasty, and their “Big Brekkie” will keep you full all day! (@bluestonelane)
Bobby’s pick: Big Brekkie
Alli’s pick: Brekkie Board
Blackseed Bagel’s (Soho): Traditional bagels with a modern twist - we love popping by their Soho location for a couple of bagels on our way to sight-see. It’s not really a sit down and eat spot, it’s more of a “grab and go” - so keep that in mind! (@blackseedbagels)
Bobby’s pick: Classic BEC
Alli’s pick: AB&J
The Egg Shop (Soho): If you love eggs like we do, you’ll love this place. They serve all kinds of egg dishes (shocker, we know) - and every single item on the menu is delicious. It’s really cute inside, too! (@eggshopnyc)
Bobby’s pick: El Camino
Alli’s pick: Spandex
Two Hands (Nolita & Tribeca): Simple, nutritious, and delicious - this Aussie owned and run cafe is exactly that. It’s relaxed beach vibes meets city elegance, and the servers are friendly and inviting (a rarity in the city). You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but their picture-perfect acai bowl is a favorite of ours! (@twohandsnyc)
Bobby’s pick: BLAT
Alli’s pick: Acai Bowl
Lunch/Dinner
Don Angie (West Village): The hype is real on this hip Italian-American restaurant, and it’s recently been named one of the best restaurants in the city. We had arguably one of the best meals of our lives here. Make a reservation (about a month in advance if you can), order their famous Rolled Lasagna, the Buffalo Milk Caramelle, and the Chrysanthemum Salad, and you will thank us later. (@donangienyc)
Joe’s Shanghai (Chinatown): Located in the heart of Chinatown, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves some of the best Chinese in the city, and their famous soup dumplings are not to be missed! It’s nothing fancy and you sit communaly, but the experience itself is part of the fun! (Joe’s Shanghai on Instagram)
Bobby’s pick: Soup Dumplings
Alli’s pick: Shanghai Flat Noodle
Rosa’s Pizza (Queens & Brooklyn): This family-run, classic slice shop serves extra-large slices of pizza that are amazing. The perfect crispy-yet-chewy dough, sauce and cheese ratio, and tons of toppings and styles to choose from. It’s severely underrated - and quite possibly our favorite slice of pizza in NYC! (@rosas.pizza)
Prince St. Pizza (NoLita): While we’re on the topic of pizza, we can’t not mention Prince St Pizza! You’ll need to wait your turn for their famous pepperoni-loaded slices, but it’s worth the wait. And the instagram photo. (@psp_nyc)
Murray’s Cheese Bar (West Village): One of our all-time favorite NYC spots to eat - and if you love cheese, it’ll easily become yours too! Incredible Raclette, Fondue, Cheese Boards, Mac n’ Cheese… we could go on and on. Take your lactose pills before you come! (@murrayscheesebar)
Bobby’s pick: Murray’s Melt
Alli’s pick: Murray’s Classic Mac & Cheese
The Smith (four NYC locations): This casual American Brasserie is an easy go-to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner… but most of the time we simply come for their famous mac n’ cheese! (We love cheese, ok?) (@thesmithrestaurant)
Tiny’s and the Bar Upstairs: Quite possibly the cutest, coziest, most intimate little restaurant and bar, right in the heart of the bustling city. It’s magical. Come for a drink in their upstairs bar, or snag a seat by the fire and order a bowl of their Apple Butternut Squash soup… Either way, you’ll love it. (@tinysnyc)
Bobby’s pick: Pepper Crusted Hanger Steak
Alli’s pick: Whole Wheat Cavatelle
Shake Shack (multiple locations): While we’re In-n-Out diehards, we can never pass up on a trip to Shake Shack while we’re in NYC! The burgers practically melt in your mouth, and it’s an affordable option in a very expensive city. Oh man… now we want one. (Don’t forget about the fries and milkshakes, too!) (@shakeshack)
Bobby’s pick: SmokeShack
Alli’s pick: ShackBurger
Eataly (we prefer the Flatiron location): Alli could spend all day wandering through Eataly… browsing their Italian marketplace filled to the brim with fresh pastas, meats, fruits and veggies, Italian sweets, and SO MUCH MORE. Give yourself ample time to walk around and explore, and then take a seat at one of their six restaurants. We love them all, but La Pizza & La Pasta and their rooftop concept Birreria are two of our favs! (@eatalyflatiron)
Souvlaki GR (Midtown & Lower East Side): You’ll feel as though you’ve left New York and stepped into Greece in this “little taste of Mykonos” right in the heart of the city! Fresh, healthy, and festive… we love this spot for lunch or dinner! It’s served tapas style, so order some of everything! (@souvlakigr)
Momofoku (East Village): This noodle bar has won countless awards and praise over the years, and it 100% lives up to the hype! There’s truly nothing that hits the spot more than ramen on a cold winter’s day in the city! They don’t take reservations, so be prepared to wait… but it’s worth it. (@momolongplay)
Bobby’s pick: Smoked Pork Ramen
Alli’s pick: Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup
ABC Kitchen & ABC Cocina (Flatiron): Everything Michelin star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten touches is gold… and these two neighboring restaurants are no exception. ABC Kitchen is sustainably focused American Cuisine, and ABC Cocina is Latin-American cuisine and tapas. Both are incredible. Make a reservation in advance. (@chefjgv)
Ilili: We’re suckers for a good Lebanese restaurant, and NYC is full of them. Ilili may be the best one - but we’ll let you be the judge of that! Plates are small and meant to be shared, so it does add up. But you’ll be on such a foodie high you won’t even care how much you just spent! (@ililirestaurants)
Nish Nush (Tribeca & Financial District): If you’re looking for more affordable (and vegetarian) mediterranean cuisine, go here. Order at the counter, and be prepared for big & hearty portions… and some of the best hummus! (@nishnushnyc)
Bobby’s pick: Falafel Trio
Alli’s pick: Shakshuka
Dig Inn (Midtown): Fast, casual, healthy and delicious lunch/dinner spot in Midtown. Everything comes from local NYC farms, and it’s a perfect option for takeout or delivery. Their menu changes seasonally - but make sure to try their roasted sweet potatoes if they have them! (@diginn)
I Sodi (Greenwich Village): Delicious pastas and Tuscan dishes, oh my! I Sodi has garnished a lot of praise, and has been named one of the best Italian restaurants in NYC. Make a reservation well in advance. And make sure you try the Fried Artichoke. (@ritasodi)
Bobby’s pick: Paccheri Strascicati
Alli’s pick: Pappardelle Al Limone
Joe’s Pizza (we prefer the original location in Greenwich Village): Head here for a classic gooey, thin-crust slice of historic New York pizza. It’s cash only and there’s almost always a line, but it moves quick. It’s a NYC institution (and open until 5am on the weekends)! (@joespizzanyc)
Cafe Dante (Greenwich Village): We love the Parisian-style and decor of this cozy cafe, but the real winner here is their cocktails. If you love Negroni, you’ll be obsessed - they have it on tap! (@dantenewyorkcity)
Bobby’s pick: Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail
Alli’s pick: Negroni Bianco
Smith & Mills (Tribeca): It’s easy to walk right past this hidden Tribeca gem, located in a carriage house. It’s small (only about 8 tables), but we’ve never had a problem getting a seat. It’s a quiet and quaint little oasis in the city… and be sure to check out their bathroom! (You’ll see why.) (@smithandmills)
Bobby’s pick: Vieux Carre
Alli’s pick: The Pimm’s Cup
The Polo Bar (Midtown): We’re normally against spending over $20 for a cocktail, but we’ll always make an exception at this iconic Ralph Lauren establishment! Grab a seat at the bar, order some Pigs in a Blanket and a round of drinks, and you’ll be in mahogany heaven. (Make sure you’re up to dress code!) (@thepolobar)
Bobby’s pick: Old Fashioned
Alli’s pick: Brown Derby
The Heights (NoMad): You know how we have this love affair with rooftop bars? Well NYC is home to a couple of our favorites - including this spot above the Arlo NoMad Hotel! We love its trendy-casual vibe, and it has one of the best views of the Empire State Building in Manhattan! (Be sure to check out the glass floor!) (@theheightsarlo)
Bobby’s pick: Brooklyn Heights
Alli’s pick: Froze (all day!)
The Crown (Chinatown): Another rooftop bar with an epic view is The Crown, located above Hotel 50 Bowery. There’s indoor/outdoor seating, making it ideal for cooler nights too! (@thecrownnyc)
Bobby’s pick: The Crown Manhattan
Alli’s pick: East India
Gallow Green (Chelsea): This magical rooftop garden/bar is open year round, and it’s hands-down our favorite… Even if it is the busiest/most hyped. Located above the McKittrick Hotel, this picturesque bar is as Instagrammable as it gets - no matter the time of year! The drinks (and food) are pricey, but you’re paying for the experience. And it’s definitely an experience! (Tip: order the french fries. It’s a hearty portion for only $10!) (@gallowgreen)
Bobby’s pick: Sada Abe
Alli’s pick: Golden Child
11 Howard (Soho): We most recently stayed here, and it might be our new go-to. We LOVE the location - in Soho but just steps from Chinatown & Little Italy. It’s decorated with a Danish minimalism that is not only cool and modern, but warm and inviting. Most of all, we love that they donate a portion of your room rate to Global Poverty Project, whose mission is “A world without extreme poverty by 2030”! YES TO THAT. (@11_howard)
The Nolitan (Nolita): This trendy boutique hotel is also in a great spot - just a 5-minute walk to Soho, and surrounded by some of our favorite restaurants! They serve a happy hour for guests from 6-7pm, and a cozy complimentary breakfast in their lobby in the morning. Request a room on an upper level for amazing views of the city! (@nolitanhotel)
The Broome (Soho): With only 14 rooms, this charming boutique hotel is a calm and relaxing oasis in the heart of the city. The rooms are spacious (a rarity in NYC!), luxurious, and the complimentary breakfast in their picturesque courtyard is a dream. (@thebroomenyc)
The Hoxton (Williamsburg): If you prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, head to the Hoxton in Williamsburg. It’s beautifully and thoughtfully designed, they provide you with complimentary water and milk, a light breakfast bag each morning, and so much more! Choose between a “Cosy” or a “Roomy” room - either way, we know you’ll love it! (@thehoxtonhotel)
Chinatown & Little Italy: We could spend hours exploring the streets of Chinatown & Little Italy… Walk through the shops and markets, dine on dumplings and gelato, and immerse yourself in the fascinating diversity of this NYC melting pot!
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge: We just did this for the first time - and we’re so glad we did! Whether you talk all the way across or just halfway and back (what we did), you’ll see epic views of the city - especially at sunset! Just be prepared to fight the crowds a little!
Walk the High Line & Chelsea Market: The High line is a 1.45 mile-long elevated walkway and park, built along the old New York Central Railroad. It’s an epic way to get some exercise and see the city! Afterwards, walk down to the Chelsea Market where you can shop from local vendors and try different cuisines at one of their many food halls. It’s a must when you’re in NYC!
Sleep No More: This immersive theatrical experience of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is unlike anything you’ve seen before. There’s no stage - you’re walking (sometimes running) to explore the space and chase actors down the halls of the McKittrick Hotel. It’s a “choose-your-own-adventure” kind of performance, and it’s something you’ll be raving about for years!! (@sleepnomorenyc)
Broadway Lottery: If a more “traditional” NYC broadway experience is what you’re after, but you’re on a tight budget, this is for you! You can enter your name in a raffle (that’s either organized by the theater or a third-party website) for (typically) Orchestra section seats. While it is a gamble if you win or not, that’s part of the fun! Plus, the opportunity to see a top broadway show for $25-40 is a true steal!! Find out all you need to know here.
Pier 17: While it’s still being completed, we have a feeling that Pier 17 is going to be NYC’s new local hot spot with hot restaurants, events, and fantastic views of the skyline. If you’re heading here before March, head to their rooftop for the “Winterland Rink” - where you can skate on NYC’s only outdoor rooftop ice rink! It’s magical! (@pier17ny)
Explore the Boat Bars of NYC: We can’t think of a better way to take advantage of NYC’s stunning waterfront views than by grabbing a seat at one of their famous boat bars! This is a must during the warm-weather months. The Frying Pan, The Honorable William Wall (or as locals like to say, the “Willy Wall”, and Grand Banks are some of our favs!
Many of our fav NYC hotels are dog-friendly, and most restaurants with patios welcome furry friends as well, but as with most big cities, we say leave the pups at home. It’s much easier to freely explore without them!
