Best Places in New York City
If you’re heading to the Big Apple this summer, but don’t want to bother with the massive crowds of visitors in Times Square or the Statue of Liberty, then check out our list of some of the Best spots in New York City to avoid selfie snapping tourists and just experience local life the way a New Yorker would:
Best Street Performance: Union Square
One of my favorite parts about street performers in New York City is how talented yet approachable they are. When I started talking to Adonis Crash Boom, for instance, after watching him break dance in Union Square, I had no idea he was recently featured on the TV show America’s Got Talent. It’s a pretty unique NYC experience: to get to watch such gifted performers, like Adonis, improvising with other dancers or dance troops; putting their passion on the street for all the people to witness.
Best Dinner: Mama Empanada’s
We are just starting to unwrap our crispy empanadas at Mama Empanada’s in Hell’s Kitchen when the table next to us passes over their unfinished pitcher of sangria asking if we want to finish it off. This is the kind of place that gives off a good time atmosphere vibe right away. It’s a small spot with no more than 15 tables with little room in between. Empanadas are delivered all at once in white bags with a stamp noting which type they are. I grab the desayuno Americano (skirt steak, eggs and cheese) and the Elvis (chocolate and peanut butter) to eat along with my avocado salad with skirt steak. Pitchers of sangria can be steep at nearly 50 bucks but are worth the spend if you are looking for a strong drink or two.
Best Workout: Gleason’s Gym
Some of the world’s greatest boxers have trained at Gleason’s Gym, including Muhammad Ali, Jake LaMotta and Mike Tyson. It’s also, surprisingly, however, a gym for everyone. We see a mom training with her son and daughter. In the ring next to them are professional fighters dripping with sweat and in zone for their next fight. Anyone is welcome to come in for a lesson with a coach, too. It’s a $20.00 drop in fee and anywhere from $35.00 to $50.00 per hour for a trainer.
Gleason’s first opened in the Bronx in 1937 and has seen a few homes before settling into the current location in Brooklyn. Inside, it’s a ruff ‘n gruff boxing gym with old school weight lifting equipment and people who are serious about training.
Cool Fact: This is also where Million Dollar Baby was filmed.
Best Pizza: Lombardi’s
Lombardi’s Pizza is on the list for any pizza-loving tourist hungry for coal-fired pizza. Here, pie is as fresh as it gets. No freezers are used because everything is delivered fresh daily, including the mozzarella, which is made to Lombardi’s specifications with a local cheese maker. There is no sugar in the dough or sauce for that matter which is made with fresh San Marzano tomatoes. Owner, John (or Papi as all of his employees call him) says he has had several lucrative offers for the restaurant. “I won’t sell. That would change the flavor and quality. And I love to work too much. I am still here nearly everyday.” Plus, Jack Nicholson, whose photo is featured on the wall, may have to find a new favorite New York Pizzeria. “I love it when he walks in this side door and says ‘I’m back’ before taking a seat at the table closest to the kitchen,” John tells us.
Insider Tip: The restaurant is most famous for the classic margherita pizza but any seafood lover should try the clam pizza, made with freshly shucked clams, garlic oil, pecorino-Romano cheese and parsley.
Best Walk: Walk the Highline to Chelsea Market
When an elevated freight line faced demolition on Manhattan’s West Side, a group of residents formed a group, Friends of the High Line, to protect the area. It is now an elevated walking path and public park. The nearly 1.5 mile Highline runs Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues.
Along the way vendors peddling ice cream and popsicles offer a quick pick me up. Or, hold off until you get to Chelsea Market, an urban food court with stripped-down brick architecture, with nearly 40 vendors selling everything from soup, coffee, sandwiches, wine and cheesecake. For a fresh seafood dinner with no frills, check out the steamed lobster counter at Lobster Place. Choose the size of your lobster before claiming a spot on a long wooden community table crammed with people anxious to dive into the good stuff.
Best Splurge: Katz’s Delicatessen
I spent 20 bucks on a sandwich and I don’t feel bad about it. That’s not to say the salami sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen was one of the best sandwiches I have ever sunk my teeth into but the experience is worth the splurge – this place opened in 1888 by two Icelanidic Brothers but this kosher style deli really gained a loyal following during the peak of the Yiddish Theatre and was frequently full of actors, singers and comedians from all over New York City. Since, it has been featured in several movies like When Harry Met Sally, Across The Universe and Donnie Brasco.
After we walk in, a security guard hands everyone in our group a yellow ticket and warns that if we loose it we will be charged a lost fee of 50 dollars. I grip it tightly and file in line watching a group of people ahead of me sample corned beef and pastrami. When it’s my turn to order, I too am on the indecision train but unable to decide between hard or soft salami. Offered a slice of both, I opt for the hard, which is stacked a few inches high between rye bread slathered with mustard. A plate of house made crunchy sour pickles is served on the side. Walking by walls covered with photos of celebrities we hurry into one of the few open seats with our lunch trays in hand. The bread falls apart on me and I am craving more flavor (and a vegetable) but realize the value is also in the experience of eating at one of the most famous delis in the world.
Bonus: Best Sunset: Dumbo
My favorite place in the city to witness the sunset is from Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) in Brooklyn. Here, it’s less crowded and bleacher style stone seating offers a perfect view from the beach looking towards the city skyline. Stop at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, an ex-fireboat house, for an ice cream cone before hand. Choose from classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla or something a little wilder like peaches and cream or butter pecan.
