Austin's Tip

Opened in 2021 in the heart of Chelsea, this vibrant eatery is Chef Ayesha Nurdaja’s modern, energetic twist on Middle Eastern cuisine. Think of it as the livelier, faster-paced sibling of the beloved Shuka. Named after the Hebrew word for "open air market," this hotspot is perfect for gathering hungry friends and diving into a shared feast. Plan for about two plates per person to fully savor the experience. Dress in smart casual—leave the flip-flops and workout gear at home, but there's no need for dress shirts or blazers. Start your meal with an array of dips and warm pita, but don’t forget to save room for the irresistible tahini soft serve ice cream.

Austin's Tip

This newly opened Jose Andrés cocktail bar sits on the top floor of the Ritz Carlton NoMad and is one of my favorite places to impress out of town friends and get amazing 270-degree views of the Manhattan skyline. Two balconies on each side of the cocktail bar offer great sunset photos with friends. I recommend the west-facing right balcony for the best sunset views and larger space for photos. Athletic wear, t-shirts, baseball hats, flip flops, attire with large logos, and excessively distressed or revealing clothing are not permitted.

Austin's Tip

No visit to NYC would be complete without a visit to the iconic Greenwich Village establishment, Joe’s pizza.
This classic New York style pizza features a thin crust, classic tomato sauce, and various toppings. They accept cash only so come prepared. Seating is limited so I like to head to Washington Square Park and enjoy my slice of NYC there. Pier 45 is also about a half mile away and has tables and chairs while overlooking the Hudson River. While there’s always a line, it moves quickly. Grab a slice and then head over to Groove, Cafe Wha?, or Blue Note Jazz Club for some live music in the evening.

Austin's Tip

The place where it all started, visit the very first Shake Shack location in Madison Square Park, NoMad, established in 2001. Now a ubiquitous counter-serve chain, Shake Shack serves gourmet takes on burgers, fries, and custard. Located directly in the park with outdoor tables and chairs, dress comfortably for the weather and be sure to grab a ShackBurger™ and frozen custard to go with it. In the winter, they also offer covered, heated, outdoor seating. Situated right next to the R, W, and 6 subway stations, make sure to look up and take some photos of the Flatiron Building on the south side of the park.

Austin's Tip

No NYC adventure is complete without a bagel stop, and Ess-a-Bagel in Midtown consistently tops the charts for a reason. Anticipate a line at any of their three bustling locations, and be prepared to enjoy your bagel elsewhere as seating fills up fast.For a hearty and mouthwatering breakfast, order the everything BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese). Or explore over 20 decadent schmears (aka cream cheese) to adorn your bagel of choice. No need to toast these beauties—they're some of the freshest you'll ever taste.

Austin's Tip

This hidden gem in lower Manhattan offers a delightful farm-to-table experience, with a menu that changes seasonally to ensure fresh and flavorful dishes. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s best to reserve a table a day or two in advance to secure your spot. The dress code is smart casual, giving you the freedom to dress stylishly yet comfortably. On pleasant days, don't miss the chance to dine in their charming courtyard, adding an extra touch of ambiance to your meal.

Austin's Tip

In the bustling heart of Chelsea lies a new cocktail bar renowned for its exceptional happy hour deals and inventive drinks. Nestled in a cozy, narrow space, patrons can enjoy a prime view of the skilled mixologists at work by snagging a seat at the bar. Open until the wee hours every day, the highlight is their daily happy hour from 4-7PM, boasting $1 North Fork, Long Island oysters and $8 cocktails. The dress code is laid-back, making Crown Alley an ideal stop for a casual pre-dinner drink. Conveniently accessible by foot or via the C/E/1 subway to 23rd street.

Austin's Tip

After opening in July 2023, Cafe Chelsea brings a new brasserie to the Chelsea neighborhood. Some say it trumps the iconic Balthazar in SoHo by Keith McNally’s. Grab a booth and have fun snapping a few photos with the decor and viral food. The Ravioli is what many come for and it won’t disappoint your tastebuds nor Instagram Story.

Austin's Tip

RH Rooftop is a failsafe option I love to take out of towners to impress and get them excited about an experiential night out! Grab a reservation on OpenTable and make your way to the Meat Packing restaurant early. Stop by floor three’s espresso and wine bar for a beverage of your choice while you then peruse the eclectic collection across four floors (wine glass in-hand.) The lunch menu is what I’ve come to appreciate for the excellent plating and execution. Go simple with the Burrata to share and an arugula salad or Avocado toast and you won’t be disappointed. Rooftop views available at no extra cost.

Austin's Tip

One of the hottest restaurants in NYC also serves up some of the best pasta you'll taste. Reservations open up 30 days out at 10AM EST sharp and they are notoriously tough to get so plan accordingly. My favorites include the ricotta filled occhi pasta and the featured antipasto toast that rotates seasonally. Executive Chef Missy Robbins has a sister restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, called Lilia. Both offer stunning open kitchens and pasta dishes so you can make a reservation at either when one fills up.

Austin's Tip

This boozy steakhouse has created a name for itself for good reasons and is well worth the hype. Just don't come here thinking you'll stick to your diet. Split a cheeseburger for an appetizer, one of the best burgers in NYC and almost as good as the legendary Au Cheval burger in Chicago. Then order an English Cut prime rib and you'll leave more than satiated. While getting lucky as a walk-in on Mon-Wed is not unheard of, I wouldn't press your luck too far.

Austin's Tip

For NYC, the Polo Bar (yes, related in every way to Ralph Lauren) will give you perhaps the best odds of a celebrity sighting, even ahead of Carbone and Rao’s. Getting in requires luck and a 10AM ET phone call 30 days out. However, you can also get better odds going through your hotel concierge or calling for day-of cancellations. The food options to keep in mind when you walk into the meticulously designed American restaurant are the corned beef sandwich served on rye and the New York Strip; classics that are hard to mess up and these versions stack up well.

Austin's Tip

You can go to Carbone, but you wouldn’t need me to tell you it’s a “place to see and be seen” so where I feel you can get a better meal and have a better chance getting a reservation is Don Angie’s. Come with friends because portions are big and shareable; I specifically recommend the lasagna and Garganelli Giganti as the standout pasta dishes.

Austin's Tip

This Italian bar and cafe brings a piece of Italy to the West Village and has interior decor and design like it's straight out of the 1940s. Grab a seat outside if the weathers nice and enjoy one of the best spots to people watch in the village.

Austin's Tip

Head to the 18th floor of the Graduate Hotel for panoramic views of New York City. The stylish and chic interior is perfect for photos. If the weather is nice, enjoy the sunset and skyline views from the spacious balcony. The Panorama Room is known for its creative cocktails, and reservations are recommended for visits from Thursday to Saturday due to limited options on Roosevelt Island. For a fun experience and photo opportunity, take the tramway from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island.

Austin's Tip

Grand Banks, located at the end of Pier 25, is perfect for enjoying good drinks, great oysters, and taking amazing boat photos with the skyline in the background. Opt for a standout cocktail from the menu and pair it with Ceviche and freshly shucked oysters. The menu offers four light bites, so expect a snack rather than a full meal. Afterward, head to Au Cheval in Tribeca for one of NYC's best burgers.

Austin's Tip

This Chinatown restaurant in the Lower East Side is an in-and-out establishment that delivers on the one reason you should come, the dumplings.
While there may be a long line when you arrive, it moves quickly. They’re cash only and be prepared to take the food out because there aren’t many tables. The peanut noodles and pork dumplings rank as some of the best in the city and have me coming back again and again.

Austin's Tip

Discover the hidden gem of Pier 57's nearly two-acre rooftop park, open to the public daily. It's perfect for capturing stunning photos of the Hudson River, Downtown Manhattan, and Hudson Yards. Enjoy breathtaking views of Hudson River Park, the NYC skyline, New York Harbor, and unforgettable sunsets. To visit, enter through Market 57 and follow signs to the elevator. If Market 57 is closed, walk along the south side of the pier and follow signs to the elevator leading to Pier 57 Park.

Austin's Tip

Gapstow Bridge, situated at the southeast corner of Central Park, has offered a picturesque blend of nature and Manhattan since 1874. It's my go-to spot for stunning photos and views. For the best lighting and colors, I suggest visiting in the morning or evening, when the sun rises or sets. If you're here in the evening (excluding Sundays and Mondays), don't miss Darling, New York's exclusive rooftop lounge, where you can enjoy a cocktail while overlooking Central Park.

Austin's Tip

Experience the ultimate view of the entire NYC skyline at the Edge, renowned for its stunning vistas and iconic glass walls perfect for photography. Tickets are easily available even if you decide to visit on the same day, ensuring spontaneity and convenience. For an added adrenaline rush, don't miss the "City Climb" experience, where you can scale the top of this 1,200ft skyscraper harnessed in, offering an unforgettable adventure high above the bustling cityscape.

Austin's Tip

A Greenwich Village destination for funk, soul, and R&B music 7 nights a week. They have a number of house bands and feature special guests and bands weekly so be sure to check their lineup ahead of time. Opening daily at 4:30PM for happy hour, the live music and reason to pay a visit doesn’t begin until around 9:30PM each night. There’s no cover to get in (a rarity for live music in the city) but they do have a two drink minimum so plan accordingly.