Kelly's Tip

Food is served a la carte, and the sides are portioned to share, typically for two people. The waiter will bring bread, take drink orders, and then take your meal order. When the steak is ready, the waiter will slice and serve the first cuts for everyone and pour the sauce over the meat, making for a fun little experience. It can get very busy, and the food usually comes out quickly, but I've never felt rushed out of the restaurant. Reservations are required, often weeks in advance. Payment is accepted in cash or by debit card only — no credit cards. It’s expensive but worth the splurge.

Kelly's Tip

What to get: Steamed Pork soup dumplings (SOUP IS VERY HOT SO BE CAREFUL!), scallion pancake, Fried Udon with beef, or the hibachi experience!

Kelly's Tip

I absolutely adore the front tables—they offer a fantastic view of the windows, perfect for people-watching. Brunch gets incredibly busy, so be sure to make reservations in advance!

Kelly's Tip

Discover the vibrant ambiance of The Independence Bar, where casual meets lively. Enjoy first-come, first-served hightop tables and indulge in the phenomenal Organic Chipotle Bison Burger and Berkshire Pork Chop. With an impressive wine and whiskey collection, it's perfect for a relaxed night out. For a more romantic setting, head to the dining room, where business casual attire is recommended, and let the charm of the evening unfold.

Kelly's Tip

The bar service at Barn Joo is top-notch and fast! Don't miss the kimchi fried rice and fried dumplings – they're must-tries!

Kelly's Tip

Indulge in the ultimate Hot Honey Chicken and French Toast—generously portioned to share with a friend. The cakes might look stunning for Instagram, but they don’t match up in flavor or price (take my word for it!). For brunch or drinks, snag a seat at the bar—it’s a cozy spot amidst the bustling crowd. Pro tip: slip to the left where the bar curves for a perfect drink spot away from the chaos. Dinner in the elegant multi-level dining room is a must, offering a chic retro ambiance. Remember, this isn’t casual dining—dress to impress in true NYC style!

Kelly's Tip

Get ready for the ultimate gelato experience in the city! With the best gelato around, this place is buzzing after dinner, especially on Saturday nights. Dive into a world of flavors—you can try as many as you want! My personal favorites? The rich coffee, the creamy pistachio, and the indulgent dark chocolate. It's a taste sensation you won't want to miss!

Kelly's Tip

My favorites are carne asada and seared fish tacos; they have happy hour from 4-7 Monday to Friday, and it's a hidden gem with short wait times.

Kelly's Tip

Reservations required! It’s very busy here! Enjoy shared tables and a lively atmosphere with great food and wine.

Kelly's Tip

The attentive servers here are a real delight. Their Neapolitan-style pizza stands out as the best I've tasted in NYC yet. While it can get quite bustling, I've often managed to snag seats at the bar, though making a reservation is advisable. There's a cozy spot near the door with just three seats, perfect for a quick entry. And don't even get me started on their tiramisu—it's absolutely heavenly.

Kelly's Tip

Usually, requesting extra veggies doesn't add to the bill. Despite the chilly ambiance and occasional emptiness, the food is undeniably delicious.

Kelly's Tip

Unlimited naan and yogurt sauce (available upon request and wonderfully fluffy). I adore the eggplant dip appetizer and naan.

Kelly's Tip

Long picnic-style tables are perfect for accommodating a large group of friends. The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it a great spot for watching sports or celebrating Oktoberfest. They also serve a popular brunch that's always bustling!

Kelly's Tip

Experience an exhilarating night out at this vibrant venue, where scantily dressed go-go girls steal the spotlight with their captivating bar-top performances. Amidst the lively chaos and packed ambiance, indulge in a few drinks and immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere. It's the perfect place to let loose and create unforgettable memories with friends

Kelly's Tip

Grab a seat by the windows and enjoy prime people-watching in the best city! Indulge in the delicious breakfast sandwich or savor the buttermilk biscuits and eggs—my top picks for a perfect start to the day.

Kelly's Tip

The tour and exhibits are emotionally heavy, but reflective of the experience. Expect to spend around 2 hours in the museum.

Kelly's Tip

Accessible via the Q train to Coney Island, it's less crowded on weekdays, though it can still get busy on pleasant weather days.

Kelly's Tip

Enjoy flexible admission prices at The Metropolitan Museum of Art—pay what you wish if you're a New York State resident or a student from New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Experience live music and drinks in the evening (drinks cannot be taken into exhibits), adding to the vibrant cultural atmosphere of your visit.

Kelly's Tip

Buy your Wristbands online to skip queues and start enjoying your time right away! Along the boardwalk and near the park, you'll find a variety of options like Nathan's Famous Hotdogs, Paul's Daughter, and Coney's Cones. Don't forget sunscreen and comfortable shoes for a perfect day out!

Kelly's Tip

Enjoy the invigorating experience of swimming in our designated areas, guarded by professional lifeguards daily from 10am to 6pm. The water, though brisk at around 60°F and sometimes choppy, offers a refreshing escape on a hot summer day. After your swim, indulge in a variety of food and drink options available along the boardwalk. Dive in for a safe, refreshing, and delightful day by the water!

Kelly's Tip

Avoid taking photos with costumed characters unless you're prepared to tip, as they will expect compensation and can be persistent. Steer clear of individuals dressed as monks offering bracelets; they'll try to put them on you and demand payment. Stay away from street petitions—they're often scams designed to pickpocket you. Lastly, don't linger around subway entrances; quickly enter and exit the stations to stay safe. Stay vigilant and enjoy your visit without unnecessary hassles!

Kelly's Tip

Come hungry and arrive early for the best experience! With vendors unique to specific locations and dates, there's always something new to try. Most offerings are bite-sized, allowing you to sample a wide variety, but there are also generous meat platters perfect for sharing. Expect crowds in good weather, so beat the rush by arriving early and securing a picnic table. Take advantage of ordering ahead online using the on-site QR code to skip the lines. By planning ahead, you can enjoy this culinary adventure in just a couple of hours!

Kelly's Tip

Experience theater in comfort and style with semi-casual attire that ensures you stay cozy in potentially chilly theaters. For the ultimate viewing pleasure, opt for seats in the first mezzanine, offering optimal views and a great overall theater experience. Maximize your savings by attending matinees, known for their affordability, and take advantage of heavily discounted Sunday shows. Don't miss out on this perfect blend of comfort, savings, and top-notch entertainment!

Kelly's Tip

The west side of the park features stunning attractions like Sheep's Meadow and the iconic Strawberry Fields. The best times to visit are in the Fall, when the leaves change color, and in Spring, when cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom. It's very safe during the day, though caution is advised at night.

Kelly's Tip

Discover incredible deals at Anthropologie's basement sale rack. For food lovers, Los Tacos is a must-try, and Chelsea Market is a culinary paradise you can't miss. After indulging in delicious bites, take a leisurely stroll on the High Line. This elevated park offers stunning views of NYC and is dotted with charming pop-up shops and stands, perfect for a unique shopping experience. Don't miss out on this vibrant and memorable adventure!

Kelly's Tip

Take a front-row seat on the upper deck for an unparalleled view (don't forget your sunscreen!).

Kelly's Tip

Tickets are affordable with a minimum requirement of two drinks per person during the show. Sitting in the front row might involve becoming part of the comedy act, making it more interactive; for a more relaxed experience, choose seats farther back. Servers will take your orders before the show begins to minimize interruptions, though refills may take a bit longer during the performance.

Kelly's Tip

Explore two stunning observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors of the world-famous Empire State Building, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the city skyline and a fascinating journey through its storied history. Beat the crowds by visiting on weekdays for a seamless experience filled with unforgettable vistas and insights into one of New York's most iconic landmarks.

Kelly's Tip

Bryant Park transforms with the seasons, offering a magical Christmas Village and ice skating in the winter, and fun-filled rollerskating in the summer. Year-round, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of its bar and explore an array of charming vendors selling coffee, empanadas, arepas, and unique artisan souvenirs. There's always something delightful to discover in this dynamic urban oasis!

Kelly's Tip

Experience breathtaking views at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, offering stunning panoramas of New York City that rival those from the Empire State Building. Whether you choose one or the other, you're guaranteed an unforgettable skyline experience.

Kelly's Tip

If you purchase a CityPass it includes a ferry ticket to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum, making for a seamless and iconic experience. Enjoy concessions on both islands and the ferry, but be prepared for long lines. For an extra thrill, book a separate ticket in advance to climb all the way to the Statue of Liberty's crown!