Hi there friends. I’ve been living in NYC for over a year now and honestly, it still feels so unreal. I mean I get to live in the most magnificent city during the most formative years of a person’s life. I get to meet so many fantastic people AND I get to experience the hottest pop-ups and bangin’ new restaurants. Somehow in all the madness, I forgot to update you on some of my new favorite places I’ve tried in NYC and loved. So, here’s almost six months of my new brunch spots, places to grab drinks with friends, and activities to load up for next summer.
You can check out my previous installments of this series here. Get your Google Maps ready because you’re going to want to check out all these places ASAP.
Good for Breakfast
Atrium Dumbo – Atrium was the perfect mid-spring brunch spot. Michelle and I sat outside on the terrace and the views were fantastic with the Manhattan Bridge to the east surrounded by the very picturesque Downtown Brooklyn. I ordered the Chicken and Waffles and it was absolutely delicious. Atrium had a bunch of savory dishes
The Egg Shop – I’ve been to The Egg Shop in Nolita several times now and it never fails to disappoint. The portions are on the smaller side, so you’ll definitely want to share a few dishes among friends. My favorites are the french toast and the BEC sandwich. Just thinkin’ about it is making my mouth water.
Clinton St. Baking Company – I’ve been wanting to make another stop back here because I didn’t get to sit in the main retro dining area when I went with Michelle in the spring. But, the food was magnificent. This is an NYC brunch spot that’s great for out of town visitors. It’s no-frills and the portions are generous. You really can’t go wrong here!
Golda – My Brooklynites out there are going to love this little spot nestled away just north of Crown Heights. The flavors of each menu item were out of control and the coffee was incredible. I love the little Brooklyn cafes because they still manage to feel like home.
The Penrose – I’ve loved living in NYC and getting to explore random areas of the city. I popped into the Penrose on a casual Saturday afternoon when I was solo exploring around the Upper East Side. I got chicken and waffles and they were to die for. I’m a southern gal and it definitely passed the test. I want to go back dinner for a cute little dinner and the location is prime walking distance from Central Park and Museum Mile.
Peaches – Another Brooklyn gem, hiding in plain sight in the Bedford-Stuyvesant ‘hood. I had a splendid late spring brunch with my favorite Dufflocq-Williams sisters. The french toast is next-level good and it really feels like a neighborhood gem.
Butler Bakeshop – I must have spent a lot of time in Brooklyn during the warmer months when the commute was tolerable because Butler Bakeshop is the cutest Australian cafe located in Downtown DUMBO. It’s a quick walk from the iconic views of Washington St and Main St Park. I got the egg sandwich and an iced latte and it was the perfect way to spend a solo day exploring DUMBO.
Good Thanks – Lower East Side has a ton of well-known gems that still hold onto their local charm. Good Thanks is one of them. It’s another Australian cafe with excellent avocado toast [seriously, some of the best I’ve ever had] and acai bowls. It’s basically an early 2010s Instagrammer’s dream. But, I just got for the food.
Shoo Shoo Nolita – Everyone needs the Shoo Shoo burger in their lives. Seriously, it’s a requirement. [We tried the smoothie bowl and it was too “healthy” tasting for me.] The pancakes were also flavorful and fluffy. The portions here are smaller, so I’d definitely share some plates with friends.
Gertie – Gertie is a slice of Sunday afternoon heaven tucked away in East Williamsburg. It’s an order at the counter and choose-your-own table set up which is relaxed and homie. The staff was incredibly friendly, there’s sparkling water on tap, and the pulled pork bialy was out of this world. One of my new favorite spots in the city for sure.
Sisters – This one is for all my aspiring interior designers. Sisters is a chic, yet rustic spot in Clinton Hill. The food is incredible and the vibes were just right for a Saturday brunch. It’s also within walking distance of Fort Greene Park which is a must-do if you’re in the area. I had the french toast and the egg sandwich and it was incredible.
L’Amico – For out of town visitors and Italian food lovers, L’Amico is the spot. It’s located at the base of the Kimpton Eventi hotel in West Midtown. I had the pancakes and they were incredibly fresh and well made. I also had a latte which was incredible. The space had beautiful aesthetics; imagine if Anthropologie opened a restaurant. Spectacular, let me tell ya.
Malibu Farm – Malibu Farm is an incredibly popular restaurant on Malibu Pier in Southern California, It was so fun to see that they opened a location on Pier 17 here in NYC. The Baked Apple French Toast tasted like Apple Pie for breakfast. I also had the egg sandwich which was also top-notch.
Gemma – I was pleasantly surprised with Gemma. It’s another spot that’s located in the base of a hotel lobby. It was pretty inexpensive for NYC prices and the menu was extensive and had some really great options for Breakfast and Brunch. It’s a quick walk to a lot of my favorite areas including Washington Square Park, SoHo, and the Lower East Side.
Good For Lunch/Dinner
Westville – It was so nice to catch up with an old friend from a summer internship on the outdoor patio at the Westville Dumbo location. I got french toast with berries and bacon and it was delicious. Westville has so many fresh options for all times of the day and is just a reliable spot to get food in a lot of different neighborhoods in the city.
La Esquina – I went to the La Esquina in the Upper East Side a while back only to hear that it recently closed down. However, there is a super cute location in SoHo that is also a photo hot spot. The tacos are good and the service is speedy. Also, apparently at night, the basement turns into a night club. I can’t tell you much about that, but there’s a fact.
S’Mac East Village – One day, I had a very severe craving for Mac and Cheese. One of the brilliant things about living in NYC is that you can have quick access to pretty much everything. Cue S’Mac. I had the Cajun Mac and Cheese (?) and it had andouille sausage, peppers, and lots of cheesy goodness. Bless up for comfort food.
Dig Inn – I love Dig Inn when I want something simple for dinner or I’m on the go for lunch. There are several locations around Manhattan, but I’ve only been to the two on the Upper East Side. The broccoli and sweet potatoes are so good and I can’t wait to get back there. I wasn’t a huge fan of the salmon main dish, but the chicken was delicious.
Maison Pickle – I went to Maison Pickle, the sister restaurant to Jacob’s Pickles, during Restaurant Week and was unprepared. It was so delicious and the space was large and very cute. Think neon signs, white subway tile walls, and lots of rustic decor. We ended up getting the chicken and french toast. It was massive but oh so good. I can’t wait to get back there and try some of their more traditional dinner entrees.
Galli – I love SoHo because there’s great window shopping, nice photo spots, and Galli. Fran, Kendall and I popped into Galli on a casual Friday night after recording a podcast with our friend Britney! Check that out here. But, Galli was so cute and had the perfect happy hour. I got an Aperol Spritz and we split some appetizers that were so generous and very tasty. I definitely recommend if you’re in the area and want a nice little spot to grab some food.
Aurora – A quick trip on the Ferry from Manhattan and you’ll find the most perfect little Italian spot in Williamsburg. Michelle and I came here on the Fourth of July before enjoying fireworks at the park. I had mushroom ravioli and my taste buds loved it. Apparently, Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler frequent this establishment, so there’s that, too.
Refinery Rooftop – Rooftop season was a major bust this year for me. Better luck next time! I definitely think the Refinery Rooftop was a cute spot to ring in the summer festivities. Grab a table and dine with some entrees and drinks. Rooftops are expensive, so go big or go home. The views of the Empire State Building were epic and the froze was great!
Serafina Meatpacking – Serafina in the Meatpacking District is the cutest little Italian spot. The exposed brick walls and an extensive menu of red wines define my happy place. I got a basic shrimp pasta dish that was delightful. You could tell everything was made fresh. There are so many locations around NYC and it’s a solid choice for a meal.
Green Fig – I went to the Green Fig restaurant which is located in the hotel, Yotel, for a brand event. We had a sit-down dinner and the food was actually incredible. From the appetizer to the main dish to the dessert, I felt like I was being transported by my taste buds. I would definitely go again on my own.
Good For A Sweet Treat
Oddfellows – Ice cream season is winding down and frankly, I’m sad. Oddfellows has several locations, but the DUMBO one is the perfect walk from Jane’s Carousel and the Washington St. photo extravaganza. I mean ice cream can make the perfect photo prop. I don’t have many bad things to say about sweet treats, and this cone[cup, actually] did not disappoint.
William Greenberg Desserts – This spot is such an underrated gem located in the Plaza Great Food Hall. I had one of the best slices of cheesecake topped with berries and a strawberry sauce. We brought our desserts out to Central Park for a long chat and stellar views of Central Park in early summer. 12/10 would recommend.
Ample Hills Creamery – Ample Hills Creamery is a Brooklyn gem and I definitely recommend it. It was a creamy masterpiece. I’m a big cookies and cream fan so I was super excited to try their variation of it. IT WAS FANTASTIC.
Morgenstern’s – There are several locations of Morgenstern’s around the city, but you need to stop into one immediately if you love a rich scoop of ice cream, a la Coldstone. I had the raspberry cheesecake flavor and I think it is officially my favorite ever ice cream flavor. I have yet to have anything in this lifetime to rival it.
Coffee Time
Devocion – There are several locations of Devocion in the city and I love the Flatiron and Fort Greene locations. I love that each space uses greenery and rustic elements to make a comfy and welcoming environment. I could sit here and work for a lifetime. The coffee is also out of this world.
Homecoming – Homecoming is a nice little escape from the hustle and bustle of Williamsburg. I love the plant selection and the backyard patio space. It’s a really cute spot for a little photo session and the employees are always so nice. I’ve had coffee there and the hibiscus tea and both were uber refreshing.
Ralph’s Coffee – I love Ralph’s Coffee in Flatiron and want to visit their UES location. Their portable truck is also the cutest ever. There aren’t many places to sit, but I love grabbing a latte and walking over to Madison Square Park to read a book and enjoy the Flatiron vibes.
Urban Backyard – UB is a very hot Instagram coffee shop on the edge of Soho and Nolita. The outdoor seating is kind of the cutest thing ever and the coffee is delicious. I have also been tempted on several occasions to pick up one of their succulent cupcakes because they are so cute and I have no self-control.
Think Coffee – I’ve been to several locations of Think and most importantly, the coffee is good. I love how local all the shops have felt and there’s always a host of freelancers working on things. They also seem to have a pretty extensive menu selection, so I’ll have to try some of their food and pastries soon.
Things to Do
Movie Nights in Bryant Park – I was a huge fan of the Bryant Park movie series. They have them on Mondays all throughout the summer months. It’s one of those activities that make you feel like you’re living in the movies. I loved spending an evening with my gals, eating a horde of Trader Joe’s snacks, and watching To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.
305 Fitness – I’m pretty content with my Crunch Gym membership, but I was itching to try the dance fitness craze that is 305. It was definitely an intense workout. I had a hard time walking around for at least two days after. They have a fun New Member Special for 10 days of unlimited classes for $34. I thought it was fun to try, but a little too pricey to do often.
AMC A-List – I have always loved going to movies and one of my favorite activities is going to the movies by myself. It’s extremely empowering. I joined the AMC A-List because movies in NYC are incredibly expensive and I don’t have time to go on $5 Tuesdays. I’ve seen so many movies and it’s honestly one of my favorite things to do each week!
Okay, there are all my recommendations for places to eat and things to do. I hope to keep these shorter in the future and back on my every two months grind. What types of places should I try out more? I kind of loved the laid back evening spots that I came across over the past few months, so maybe I’ll look into going out more in the early evening?! Who am i! See ya next time.
keep on keepin’ on,
