Marina's Tip

They offer a variety of delicious shareables, as well as larger entrees, with seasonally changing menus to ensure fresh, quality food and drinks. It’s a great spot to grab a quick bite with friends or to expand your knowledge of delicious Spanish classics. With a great happy hour (3pm-6pm weekdays), they offer well-priced food and drinks. They’re known for their shishito margarita and sangria but you can’t go wrong with any of their specialty cocktails. For dinner, they offer two different chef tastings best for larger parties which they will tailor to the guests' needs based on allergies and preferences. Must-tries are their lamb skewers, mushroom croquettes, and garlic shrimp. Their staff is very welcoming and knowledgeable, so feel free to ask whatever you need! If you sit at the bar on the Upper East Side, the bartenders Will and Julio will take great care of you. You can’t go wrong with anything Boqueria has to offer!

Marina's Tip

The baristas are great at what they do and always set the vibe with their amazing music tastes. It’s a lively coffee shop that gets your day started the right way. You can’t go wrong with any of the pastries they offer that come from their favorite bake shops in NYC, but make sure to get there early before they sell out for the day. They also carry great retail products consisting of merch, cute pins, and everything you may need to get your at home coffee bar started. Their UES location is slightly bigger but both have limited seating inside and outside so keep in mind if you’re meeting a friend for coffee, they might not have space. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, Black Press should be on your list. From pastries to coffee to gifts, you won’t be disappointed leaving... unless they sell out of their delicious pastries!

Marina's Tip

Kossar’s is not only a New York City staple, but is the oldest operating bialy bakery in the United States since starting in 1936 on the Lower East Side. Now with locations on the Lower East Side, Upper West Side, Upper East Side and on West 30th, they are a spot you can’t miss. The high-spirited and bright atmosphere makes every bagel run a great experience. They have a great selection of schmears as well as classic bagel sandwiches and even all-day breakfast. Made with great ingredients and, most importantly, NYC’s tap water, their bagels and bialys don’t have to be toasted to taste good. The customer service is always amazing and they even ask how much schmear you prefer. And don’t leave without grabbing a cup of their delicious fresh squeezed orange juice! Wherever you are in the city, make sure to stop by Kossar’s to taste the heart of New York.

Marina's Tip

L’industrie pizza is a not so secret gem of New York City. They have two locations, one in the West Village and one in Brooklyn, that always have a line wrapped around the block. From their classic slices to their more interesting combinations, you can’t go wrong. Each slice is perfectly thin, crispy and full of flavor. A must-try slice is the bacon and fig jam with dollops of ricotta and fresh basil. It is the perfect bite of salty, savory and sweet with freshness from the ricotta. Don’t forget to try it with hot honey to get the full effect! They also offer sandwiches, dessert and serve wine by the glass. Their frozen sangria is essential on a warm, sunny day and goes great with their gelato. Make sure to stay updated on their social media to see daily specials on their sandwiches, slices and desserts. If you have limited time in the city, this spot is worth planning your day around. The best time to go is when they first open at noon but no matter how long the line is, it is worth the wait!

Marina's Tip

Viand is an upscale diner located on the Upper West Side that offers elevated dishes we all know and love. They have great portions and options for everyone that will leave you satisfied and wanting to come back. The inside has cozy and classic diner booths with a great outside patio to enjoy when the weather is beautiful, or heating lamps during the colder months. On the weekends, their brunch is a must have. They offer unique dishes that everyone will enjoy from a short rib egg burrito to their amazing tiramisu pancakes with bacon bits and ladyfingers. Every brunch entree comes with either coffee and orange juice or a cocktail, included in the price. It’s the perfect spot to spend your morning before heading off to the Natural History Museum or a stroll in the park, but be mindful of the weekend crowds that frequent this beloved restaurant. Viand will satisfy whatever craving you walk in with, it’s a must try!

Marina's Tip

The Shell is a newer addition to the Upper West Side and is the perfect spot for happy hour and specials. It’s a lively place with a spacious patio to enjoy the beautiful weather. They have a great selection of signature and classic cocktails, wines and beer that range between $6-9 every day from 4 to 6 pm. To pair with their delicious drinks, they have fresh oysters for $1.99 each that will transport you right to the beach. Along with their happy hour, they have specials like paella and a bottle for 2 on Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s for $64 and an early dinner 3 course pre-fixe menu for $49 every day of the week. The server, Jorge, is very attentive, kind, and always brings a smile to the table. Nothing beats great service and great drinks!

Marina's Tip

Bodrum is an authentic Mediterranean Turkish restaurant located on the Upper West Side that has a wide selection of delicious dishes and wine. The inside is dimly lit and warm, but their outside patio is the perfect place to enjoy Mediterranean classics and a glass of wine in the spring and summer. It is more upscale, but the food quality makes it a New York City staple. They have various options, from salads to kebabs to pizzas, with vegan and vegetarian choices. My go-to is their Mezza specialty platter, the roasted branzino with pistachio relish and veggies, and a glass of Pinot Grigio. Try to go on a Monday night when all their wines are 50% off! Bodrum is a UWS classic and a must-try when craving genuine Mediterranean dishes.

Marina's Tip

They use fresh ingredients from local markets and businesses to create their unique ice cream variations. Though they have flavors classic to them like cookies and cream and stracciatella, their menu changes everyday along with their special sundae and soft serve. They sell pints, scoops, and affogatos as well as spritz and coffees. With their scoops you have the option of adding a sauce, crumble and panna on top. Their ‘red flag’ scoop is a sweet cream ice cream with strawberry swirl and house made graham crunch; top it with olive oil, panna and flaky salt for the perfect summer treat. It’s best to go as soon as they open because once a flavor sells out, it’s out!

Marina's Tip

If you’re looking for a chill third space to hang out with friends or family, Hex & Co is the place to go! With locations on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Union Square there’s always an excuse to stop by. It’s a board game cafe with alcoholic beverages, coffee, food and every board game you can imagine. The entry cost is $10 to play anything you see on their shelves and only $5 for students and children. They also sell board games, puzzles, figurines and more. It’s a great place for a large gathering or to have a cute date night!

Marina's Tip

Their menu is delicious, especially their classic burger and fried artichokes. The Impossible burger is also a great vegetarian option, coming with two patties instead of one for $17.50 (including fries!). It’s not on the high end, but for the price point and portions, it’s a wonderful upscale diner. They also have many great vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. They have a delicious French toast with a refreshing berry compote for breakfast. It’s not too sweet, and their maple butter and mint truly elevate it.

Marina's Tip

My favorite flavor is the ‘oreogasm’ with espresso crumbles and the sizes range from 8 oz for $10.50 to 40oz for $30! They also ship, cater, and deliver, though it is worth the trip.

Marina's Tip

To skip the line, I recommend going after 8 or 9 am during the week, though if you’re trying to get some for the weekend, make sure you go as early as you can. I think the best way to enjoy these bagels is by sitting on a park bench, ripping them open, and dipping them in the delicious schmear. They are worth the wait, and I’m sure they will change your bagel standards!

Marina's Tip

The bartender, Maggie, is so accommodating and kind. They have a happy hour from 3 pm - 7 pm on weekdays and 5 pm - 7 pm on weekends. All their happy hour drinks are less than $10, including a delicious passion fruit white sangria. The yucca fries are unbeatable; they’re light, flavorful, and addicting. For entrees, you can’t go wrong with the Asian chopped salad or teriyaki chicken bowl. The salad is fresh, and the mango brightens it up. The chicken bowl is packed with veggies, and they do not skimp on the chicken either.

Marina's Tip

Tessa is located on the Upper West Side and is the perfect spot for good, affordable happy hour drinks. From Tuesday to Friday, their happy hour is 11 am-6 pm, and on Mondays, only from 4 pm-6 pm. Cocktails are $10 and have a wide selection of drinks. If you’re not a cocktail person, they also offer ten different draft beers for $4 and select wines for $8. For larger parties, you can get a 60oz pitcher for $60 with a choice of bloody mary, mimosa, or sangria. I tried the bergamot, spicy lychee-tini, and pomegranate mezcalita. They were some of the best cocktails I’ve tried in the city. They weren’t overly strong but still flavorful and unique. Their food is pricier for happy hour, though the house dips were delicious. They were very refreshing, healthy, and a great snacking option. They don’t have a lot of outside seating, but the inside is quite big. The bartender, Gina, is very helpful with her recommendations on the menu and makes some delicious drinks. It’s one of the best happy hours in the city; you definitely can’t pass this one up!

Marina's Tip

Fini Pizza is a delicious, authentic pizza shop with two locations in Brooklyn and one in the Hamptons. Though they have a more simplistic menu, you can genuinely taste the quality of their ingredients. They serve traditional NY slices, Sicilian pizza, Caesar salad, and gelato. You can order by the slice in person, but call ahead or order online if you are getting a whole pie instead. They have a Sicilian pizza made with chickpea flour (which requires a 2-3 hour notice) for gluten-free food. My personal favorites are the Sicilian pepperoni and their classic white. Their Sicilian is one of the lightest textured slices I’ve ever tried; it doesn’t leave you feeling too stuffed. The dough resembles focaccia and is fluffy, aerated, and soft. The red sauce is seasoned, flavorful, and has a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory pepperoni. Their white pizza is unlike any other I’ve tried. It’s a traditional NY slice with fontina, parm, and mozzarella, but the real kicker is the lemon slice on the side. The citrus cuts the cheesiness and refreshes the palate with each bite. Drizzle each slice with their Calabrian chili oil for the perfect bite! Their food is excellent, and they pride themselves on giving back to the community. They help their local community keep the streets clean with their distinct green trash cans placed in small businesses that the Fini team takes care of themselves. They also host youth basketball tournaments, offer discounts for service workers, and treat avid youth readers with free pizza to keep them motivated. Fini is a must-try and deserves all the support they can get for their fantastic attitude and incredible pizza!

Marina's Tip

Martha’s Country Bakery has three locations in Queens and two in Brooklyn. It is an upscale bakery that serves everything you can think of! From every kind of cake to pies to cookies and gelato, there is nothing you won’t love. On top of their wide selection of goodies, they also sell vegan baked goods. Their vegan cheesecake is one of the best I’ve ever had and is the real deal. The chocolate desserts are rich and decadent and pair deliciously with their coffee. The Bedford locations are cozy and have a lot of seating to enjoy. I take everybody with a sweet tooth, and nobody has ever left disappointed!

Marina's Tip

Miyako is a true gem on the Upper West Side, serving delicious food and sushi. They have one of the best lunch specials you can find in the city. Every day from 12 pm-4 pm, you can get delicious food for under $15. Each lunch special comes with a soup or salad, but don’t bother with the salad. They have one of the best bowls of miso soup I’ve had! A great lunch option is their two-roll or three-roll special. For $11.95, you can choose two classic rolls from their list, or if you’re a bit hungrier, for $14.95, you can get three rolls. If you’re not in the mood for sushi, they have phenomenal entrees, too. They have a chicken teriyaki for around $10, which is everything you could ask for. It’s a significant portion and easily split between two people. It comes with a great amount of chicken, grilled onions, carrots, broccoli, and rice. Their salmon teriyaki is just a dollar more and is another great meal that won’t disappoint. The Hawaiian Volcano, Amsterdam, and Long Island rolls are my favorites of their specialty sushi rolls. All of the specialty rolls are under $15 and quite a steal! Recently, they added a drink special from 1 pm-9 pm daily: buy one drink, get one free. They don’t have cocktails, but they do have beer, wine, and sake, which is all BOGO! They have a few booths and tables inside, and the staff is always lovely. Everything has always been great, and I’ve never spent more than $30 on a filling, delectable meal. It can't get any better for NYC, especially the Upper West!

Marina's Tip

Mei Lai Wah is a must-try in Chinatown, and it’s known for its incredible and inexpensive pork buns. You can't go wrong at only $1.75 for their baked pork bun. All of their buns are a great size and filled generously. The pineapple bun with roast pork is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The outside has a sweet crust but is stuffed with flavorful pork. The star of the show is always the buns, but they do have other affordable goodies like dim sum, congee, and rice noodles. It’s a very tiny shop with no seating, so be wary about that, depending on the time of day. It can get busy randomly but they also have a kiosk outside to order from. If you’re in the area and are looking for an affordable, delicious bite, Mei Lai Wah has you covered!

Marina's Tip

The 79th Street Green Market is every Sunday morning from 9am-4pm all year round. They have vendors selling a variety of items including but not limited to locally grown flowers, produce, cheese, and baked goods. Though the prices are more than what you may pay for in the grocery store, the quality is worth every penny. Details for upcoming vendors can be found at grownyc.org to plan out your visit. For delicious cheeses and other dairy products, Valley Shepherd and Riverine Ranch have an array of great options. American Pride Seafood and Hudson Valley Fish Farm both have delectable, fresh seafood that will put grocery store fish to shame. Any baked goods from Francesca’s will be the perfect treat to sit on a bench and pick on. Across the street from the market on the corner of 77th is the GreenFlea Market which has a great selection of vendors selling clothes, jewelry, kitchenware, and street food.

Marina's Tip

Housing Works is an incredible non-profit organization with a great cause. They have six thrift stores in Manhattan and two in Brooklyn with a great selection of reasonably priced items. Some of my favorite items I have found at Housing Works over the years, from clothes to shoes to trinkets. They also have events throughout the year, such as their spring and fall annual fundraising event, Design on a Dime, Christmas in July, National Thrift Shop Day, and more. Their mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and the AIDS epidemic. They’ve been working with the community for 25+ years and have an excellent record of advocacy for overdose prevention, justice, and healthcare, as well as leading advocacy and harm reductions in Haiti. If you can’t make it in person, they also have a website where you can look for items from their different thrift stores and purchase them. Housing Works has been doing great work for our community and is a great thrift shop and organization to support!