The Museum of Natural History is one of our favorite NYC museums, perfect for all ages. But before going to explore this famous museum, you've got to have a full belly!

There's nothing worse than being excited to spend a few hours in a museum only to start feeling hungry an hour in...

So, head to one of these ten places to eat near the Museum of Natural History before heading in. We've included a variety of cuisines, price points, and general vibes.

Here are our 10 favorite food options within 10 minutes of the Museum of Natural History:

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Beer Run UWS

If you're looking for a cozy, welcoming bar with a wide variety of craft beer options, head to Beer Run on the Upper West Side.

They have dozens of draft options (available in multiple sizes) AND multiple fridges full of various craft beer can options. They've got IPAs, sours, ambers, and any other type you'd want to try!

Check out Beer Run on the UWS here.

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Food halls are the perfect solution when traveling with a group, especially for lunch. It's particularly true when you have any kids and/or picky eaters with you.

Everyone can try something different and reconvene to still eat together in one place!

Here are our picks for the 5 best food halls in Manhattan:

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Bronx Brewery East Village

We absolutely loved the Bronx Brewery location in the East Village! The staff is very friendly, the burgers are delicious (including vegan & vegetarian options), and the sports viewing experience was ideal.

Check out the Bronx Brewery in the East Village here.

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If it's your first time (or even 3rd or 4th) visiting NYC, you should be aware of some common mistakes to avoid!

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment: Terra Blues

Terra Blues Jazz Club ($20 cover on the weekends). You are paying to get in, and once you are in, you can stay as long as you want. First come, first served seating, but some reservations are available (until around 8pm) if you plan ahead. Terra Blues has talented artists, great cocktails, and a huge whiskey list.

Bonus Mistake: Don't walk slow on sidewalks and especially don't take up the entire sidewalk! See our full sidewalk guide here.

Bonus Idea: Watch your favorite sports team at a supporters bar. View our full list here.

An iconic piece of traveling in New York City is hailing a classic yellow taxi cab.

While sometimes it can be cheaper to take Lyft/Uber, hailing a taxi can be cheaper and easier if you get one right away.

Main Tip: Know the Cross Streets, Not Just an Address

The most important note for getting in a cab is to know the cross streets of your destination. If you’re going to a major landmark (Empire State Building, the Met, etc.) you may be fine just saying the name of the place, but for anything else, you will want the cross streets.

Here are some more general tips for taxis in New York City:

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Jasper's Taphouse & Kitchen

Jasper's is a phenomenal bar and restaurant in Hell's Kitchen with an extensive happy hour, friendly staff, and delicious bar-style entrees and appetizers.

They also have beer towers! Roughly 88oz of beer for only $30 during happy hour!

Plus, the music isn't too loud and there's sports on the TVs. What more can you ask for?

Check out Jasper's Taphouse & Kitchen here.

Rideshare Hacks

Prices for Lyft/Uber fluctuate highly depending on the weather (rain drives up prices), time of day (rush hour drives up prices), and your location.

Here are some general tips for using Lyft/Uber in NYC:

It’s a good idea to check both apps against each other to compare prices. Your experience will vary, but one is almost always a significant amount cheaper than the other.
Always confirm the license plate of the car you’re getting into, again it’s about safety

It’s often best to set your pickup location at a main avenue if possible, but it’s not completely necessary
Wait & save can save you 5-15%, so use that if you’re flexible on getting to your next destination. Most of the time, the wait ends up being slightly shorter than what the app will say

If you plan on using rideshare apps frequently while in New York City, it can be worth signing up for Lyft Pink or Uber One. The monthly cost can be offset with 3-5 rides.

We’ve loved our experience with Lyft Pink and have found it to be cheaper than Uber in most cases. Lyft Pink is $9.99/month or $99/year. So if you plan on using Lyft more than 3-4 times on your trip, the cost is likely worth it.

Lyft Pink also includes extra perks like:

Never used Lyft before? Sign up via our referral link to get ride credits.

Show Notes:

Taxi Medallion Deep Dive

Whether you're a vegetarian or trying to consume less meat, we've got 7 delicious vegetarian restaurants in NYC!

Plus, we'll give two bonus ideas for finding the best vegetarian options in the city.

1- Beyond Sushi - Vegan Sushi NYC

Beyond Sushi is both Vegan and Certified Kosher, offering a variety of Sushi rolls in Midtown Manhattan. All ingredients are 100% plant-based.

2- The Butcher's Daughter Review

100% vegetarian menu with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

The Butcher's Daughter is a popular, delicious Vegetarian option with locations in Los Angeles and New York City.

3- Friend of a Farmer Review

Loved the avocado tartare, charred eggplant dip, and the vegan pot pie.

4- Spicy Moon

Cozy spot with electic decor serving plant based Chinese dishes. One review said "This place might turn me into a vegan".

Bengal Tiger - This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment

Bengal Tiger has phenomenal appetizers, entrees, and drink options at a fair price. It's conveniently located in Midtown West, close to the MoMA and Broadway shows!

They were located on 56th near 6th Avenue, closer to the Museum of Modern Art, but recently moved a few blocks west on 56th between Broadway and 8th Ave.

5- Mamoun's Falafel Review

Their original Greenwich Village spot is a true hole in the wall, but the food and service are top-notch. It may be the best falafel we've ever personally tried!

6- Empanada Mama

30+ empanada options with dozens of vegetarian options in a bustling spot; what else needs to be said?

7- Westville NYC Review

Westville has multiple locations in NYC, including the UWS, Hell's Kitchen, Williamsburg, Dumbo, and more.

They offer a wide variety of vegetable plates and locally-sourced dishes.

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Finding cheap drinks in NYC, amidst the swath of $18 Gin & Tonics, is vital for any traveler or local.

These spots not only have cheap beers and specials but also plenty of fun vibes to go around.

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out - Amor Y Amargo

While not cheap ($18 cocktails), you get a unique, well-crafted, thoughtful cocktail. All the drinks here include Amaros and, in most instances, unique bitters.

The decor and bar itself are beautiful. We loved all the drinks we tried here, and you will, too!

Plus, they have dozens of unique bitters for purchase.

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To keep it simple, here are 7 categories of things to do that will help make your decisions easier.

Here are our local recommendations for the best things to do for your weekend trip to NYC.

We recommend doing at least one thing from each main category or more. If there’s a category you’re stoked on, do more in that category. 

1- Go to a Broadway Show

This Episode’s You’ll Have to Check It Out Segment – Eataly NYC

Eataly has three locations in New York, Flatiron, Downtown, and Soho and 20 across the globe. They have locations in places like Dallas and Las Vegas, and even as far as Istanbul and Japan.

From the Eataly website: “The idea was simple: to gather high-quality food at sustainable and reasonable prices, to celebrate Italian biodiversity, and to create an informal, natural, and simple place to EAT, SHOP, and LEARN — all under one roof.”

On top of a robust collection of authentic Italian groceries, bites, and drinks, most Eataly locations have restaurants and bars inside the store. It’s the perfect spot to grab some food for a picnic at one of NYC’s amazing parks!

The Flatiron location has a rooftop restaurant, the Downtown location has a beautiful wine and cocktail bar, and the Soho location has a pizza and pasta focused restaurant.

Be sure to check out their events for when you’re in town! Eataly often has unlimited wine and food fests, cooking classes, and more.

Check out the NYC locations here (links open Google Maps in new tab):

In this episode we break down, with stats and opinions, the best airport to fly into New York City. We'll discuss the pros and cons of LGA, JFK, and Newark Airports.

Flying Into Newark Airport to Go to NYC

Stats about Newark Airport Delays

From April 2019 to April 2024, Newark Airport had a 73.1% on-time rate for flights (worst of the three).

It also had a 3.96% cancellation rate (highest of the three)

Pros of Newark Airport

Cons of Newark Airport

Flying Into JFK Airport

Stats about JFK Airport Delays

From April 2019 to April 2024, JFK Airport had a 76.45% on-time rate for flights.

It also had a 2.75% cancellation rate.

Pros of JFK

Cons of JFK

Flying Into La Guardia Airport

Stats about LGA Airport Delays

From April 2019 to April 2024, LGA Airport had a 76.62% on-time rate for flights.

It also had a 3.69% cancellation rate.

Pros of LGA

Cons of LGA

Our Pick for Best Airport to Fly Into New York & Recap

La Guardia!

Be sure to download our Ultimate Transportation Guide to learn exactly how to get to and from each airport. https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

The Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn is a vibrant, albeit crowded and touristy, spot to take in views of Manhattan, explore the waterfront, and enjoy some delicious food.

Where is Dumbo?

It encompasses two sections: one situated between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, which connect Brooklyn to Manhattan across the East River, and another extending eastward from the Manhattan Bridge to the Vinegar Hill area.

Why Is It Called Dumbo?

Dumbo stands for "Down under Manhattan Bridge overpass" and was said to be coined in the '90s by locals to make the neighborhood sound less desirable to developers.

1- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

It's crowded but worth it; try to go at off-times. You can walk in from the Manhattan side across the Brooklyn Bridge into Dumbo!

2- Timeout Market

Spread across 24,000 square feet, the curated dining destination packs multiple eateries, three bars, a fifth-floor rooftop, and art installations into one space that encompasses the best food, drinks, and culture that New York has to offer.

3- Evil Twin Brewing

Their flagship brewery is in Ridgewood in Brooklyn, but their Dumbo location boasts almost 20 local beers on tap.

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Bargemusic

Since 1977, Bargemusic has presented chamber music in an unlikely and startlingly beautiful venue—a floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge. Both established and emerging musicians perform at Bargemusic on a small stage with the dramatic backdrop of the East River and lower Manhattan skyline.

Mark Peskanov, Bargemusic Artistic Director, has performed for decades with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Isaac Stern, and many other world-famous artists.

4- Grimaldi's Pizzeria

Multi-level Brooklyn staple serving pies for over 100 years.

5- Brooklyn Bridge Park - Views, Free Events, Near the Water

If you go to brooklynbridgepark.org, they have a full calendar of free activities, including workout classes, live music, movie showings, and other fun activities.

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