Better Together Here: Exploring NYC

Bagels are one of the most famous NYC foods and a MUST-have during your time here. Many people argue that New York is the capital of the world for bagels.

Why are the bagels so good in NYC?

Many people claim that the bagels in NYC are so amazing because the tap water here is considered some of the best in the world. NYC has "soft" water from the Catskill Mountains, meaning it has lower concentrations of calcium and magnesium. The mineral content in water affects the gluten in the dough. Extra hard water strengthens the gluten, which can cause tougher baked goods, meaning softer water yields softer baked goods.

Some bagel experts claim the bagels are so good in NYC because of the refined bagel techniques, including longer proofing time and boiling techniques before baking. Either way, the bagels in New York City are truly second to none.

Liberty Bagels

4 locations in NYC. 5th Ave by the Plaza Hotel/Central Park. Midtown location by Herald Square. Fidi location. Queens location.

They offer fun-flavored cream cheeses and always have rainbow bagels (plain flavor with fun colors). It also features seasonal colors, which are a fun addition. We love the BEC, works bagel, and blueberry bagel. Try the cream cheese before you commit to an entire bagel's worth of it.

We recommend ordering ahead of time on weekends and holidays. Otherwise, the line takes about 30 minutes on a busy weekend morning.

PopUp Bagels

6 locations in NYC (some in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Long Island, NY).

Ashley's new favorite bagel spot in the city!!

They sell the bagels in increments of 3. For example, the smallest order is 3 bagels and 1 schmear, which is great for 2 people and costs $12.

The menu is simple and they only have 5 bagel flavors (Plain, Sesame, Everything, Salt, Poppyseed). Then they have plain cream cheese, scallion, seasonal cream cheese, butter, and vegan schmear options.

It's the softest and freshest bagels I've ever had, and also the best scallion cream cheese I've ever had.

Pick-A-Bagel

Pick a bagel is a solid option, and they have a few locations around the city. We like their bagels with cream cheese and their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on everything.

The ordering process can be a little chaotic, so be prepared for that.

Russ & Daughters

Since 1914, this landmark NYC institution has been continuously owned and operated by four generations of the Russ family. A classic bagel establishment serving a variety of bagels, lox, pickles, and desserts. It's been open for more than a century and has 2 locations on the Lower East Side, one in Hudson Yards, and one in Brooklyn.

Getting a platter can be fun if you want to sit down and have a true experience with a variety of spreads, breads, and smoked fish.

If you want a bagel with lox, plan on it costing around $20. This place has a wide variety of options. You can get a regular bagel and cream cheese or you could buy caviar. I sampled the pastrami-cured smoked salmon, and it was the best of my entire life.

Apollo Bagels

We haven't been here, but it is a very popular spot. Every photo, video, and review I've seen looks amazing. Only 3 bagel options (plain, everything, sesame). From what I've heard and seen online, plan on waiting in line for 30 min.

General Bagel Tips

-Each bagel shop has a different ordering process. Follow what others are doing and you should be fine.

-Bagel shops are usually a good place to try a black and white cookie.

-If you go to a deli or bodega, you can get a cheaper BEC option that will still be delicious, but it won't be made on a good bagel.

-Bagel shop coffee is usually mediocre. It's fine and will do the job, but if you are a coffee connoisseur, be warned.

You'll Have to Check It Out - Sugarfish

Fairly priced, delicious omakase sushi. Check it out here.

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Sprawling, beautiful Central Park must be part of your New York City explorations. When checking out Gapstow Bridge or the Balto Statue and an I've-been-walking-all-day hunger strikes, know there are some GREAT food options right in the park.

Let's check out the best restaurants in Central Park! We'll dive into some cheap(er) options, a couple of fancy places, and even a great sandwich spot to bring into the park for a picnic.

Let's do it. 👇

Le Pain Quotidien

Le Pain Quotidien has two locations physically in Central Park and several others around the city. One location by Sheep Meadow. Another location is by the Conservatory Water (closer to the Met if you want to come for breakfast/lunch before the Met).

Both have grab and go options as well as a sit down area with table service. Very dog friendly patios and Scout loves to eat here. Everything we have had here is great and so fresh.

Recommend: The coffee. Breakfast sandwiches, pastries, lentil soup (comes with fresh baked bread). Also sells wine and beer, and is a nice spot for a drink in the warmer weather.

The Ballfields Cafe (The Migrant Kitchen)

On the North side of the Heckscher Ballfields off of 65th Street.

Opens every weekend in April and is open 7 days a week starting in May.

The Migrant Kitchen also has a location on the UWS. Portions of every meal purchased go towards providing meals to New Yorkers in need. They have served nearly 4 million meals to food-insecure communities across NYC.

Regular menu has hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, popcorn, ice cream. They sell beer, wine, and margaritas.

Recommend: Crispy chicken wrap and harvest lemonade. Harvest lemonade has cardamom and ginger in it.

Central Park Boathouse

Located right between Bethesda Terrace and The Ramble. It's basically in the middle of Central Park so plan on a long walk to get there if coming from midtown. No cars go there. 20 min walk from 7th ave and 59th St. But from 5th Ave and 72nd entrance it's a 5 min walk.

Most romantic and expensive option. Featured in tons of movies and shows. Sex and the City, 27 Dresses, When Harry Met Sally.

$20 starters, $30-60 entrees. $19-22 cocktails.

Highly recommend for a splurge meal. Quintessential NYC establishment. Overlooks the lake and you can watch people rowing in the boats. Ducks swimming by... very cute!

Central Park Boathouse Cafe

Casual walk-up counter outside the Boathouse. They have breakfast sandwiches and pastries. For lunch, they have sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Great place to grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee in the morning.

Highly recommend grabbing something to eat and then going and getting lost in The Ramble. The entrance is just straight up the sidewalk from the Boathouse Cafe.

You'll Have to Check It Out - Lenwich

4 across Manhattan, the closest to the park is 55th and 8th

Get the Italian sandwich or Caesar Wrap and take into the park for a picnic.

Melba's Cafe by Woolman Rink

Mostly mediocre and overpriced food, would recommend mostly for dessert, coffee, or beer/wine.

Tavern on the Green

Located on 67th Street & Central Park West. Can get dropped off in a car right by the entrance.

Originally built in 1870 to house the sheep that grazed in Central Park's Sheep Meadow. Transformed into a restaurant in 1934.

$20ish appetizers and $30-60 entrees. Participates in "NYC Restaurant Week" twice a year (usually January/February and July/August). Happy Hour food menu & discounted cocktails, wine, and beer available at the bar counter & the lounges only.

Tavern To Go

Anna is a true gem of a barista and gives all the dogs little treats and places them on top of the coffee. Great drip coffee, latte, cappuccino. They also have some pre-made baked goods and sell wine & beer in the afternoons.

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Visiting New York City is memorable, but often more expensive than anticipated. Unfortunately, many tourists waste money on easily avoidable mistakes!

In this episode, we'll help you avoid those how-the-hell-is-this-so-expensive moments during your travels to New York.

You'll learn the hack to not pay full price for Broadway shows, where to get the best souvenirs, and how to avoid a common ordering mistake at bars that led to the saddest we've EVER seen our friend Harvey..

#1- Not Double-Checking Your Tab/Bill

• Check for auto gratuity, especially with larger groups
• If they don't give you an itemized receipt, ask for one
• A tip of 18-20% is standard, don't feel pressured to tip higher than that

#2- Full-Price Broadway Tickets

• Use TKTS booth for day of tickets or Today Tix if you plan in advance
• Enter the lotteries and/or rush tickets

#3- Buying Bottled Water at Restaurants or On the Go

• NYC tap water is delicious, safe, and FREE
• Refill your bottle throughout the city
• When the restaurants ask "sparkling or still?" say tap

#4- Staying in Times Square

• You don't need to stay near Times Square, but prioritize being close to a subway station
• Base your stay on proximity to the majority of your plans, but 30 minutes or less to your plans is great

#5- Pedicabs (Anywhere) & Horse-Drawn Carriages in Central Park

• They're extremely overpriced; we've seen pedicabs charge $100 to go 10 blocks (that would cost about $10 in a taxi)
• Horses in Central Park aren't treated well and are overpriced

#6- Ordering Too Much Food

• You won’t want leftovers since you likely won’t have a microwave (or fridge), so share, share, share!
• If you end up with too much, give to someone in need vs just leaving it on your plate 

#7- Overpriced, Crappy Souvenirs

• Instead of souvenirs in Midtown area, go to Chinatown (if you really want the cheap, I ❤️ NY stuff)
• Or, go to unique thrift stores or shops like Artists and Fleas in Chelsea Market
• Gift shops at museums

#8- Statue of Liberty Tours/Boat

• Staten Island Ferry is free
• Make sure you really want to do it... Our nephews were stoked to do it, but then said it was the most boring day ever.
• The full experience takes at least 4 hours

#9- Buying Shots of Alcohol

• They will be way more expensive than you think, unless there is a special
• Instead, go buy a shooter from a liquor store OR
• Get a well drink

#10- Taxis or Uber/Lyft Everywhere

• Especially cabs in and out of Times Square.. you pay for time or mileage, it is set to make sure THEY make money 

• It may not look crowded on the street you’re on, but it probably is 
• Go to 9th ave or 5th ave for taxis when between 30th street & 50th street

You'll Have to Check It Out - The Strand Bookstore

• Opened in 1927, family-run since its founding
• Today the Strand carries over 2.5 million new and rare books covering topics as far ranging as philosophy to finance and even an entire children's section
• Wide array of literary and New York-esque gifts and trinkets
• Also has a little coffee shop and a public bathroom!
• Host events like book signings and literary lectures

Check out the Strand Bookstore here.

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In this episode, we'll explore unique NYC museums including George Washington's favorite tavern, massive Unicorn tapestries dating back to the 1400s, and even what it was like to live in the cramped tenement buildings as an immigrant in New York in the 1860s.

1. Museum of the Dog
2. Fraunces Tavern Museum
3. Museum at Eldridge Street 
4. Museum of Jewish Heritage 
5. New York Transit Museum 
6. The Met Cloisters
7. Tenement Museum

1- Museum of the Dog

• Founded in 1982, originally part of the AKC headquarters (American Kennel Club)
• The museum offers rotating exhibits featuring objects from its 1,700-piece collection and 4,000-volume library
• Limited-time exhibits have included:

Price: Around $15. Get tickets here. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

2- Fraunces Tavern

• Oldest bar and restaurant in NYC - 1762

• On December 4, 1783, nine days after the last British soldiers left American soil, George Washington invited the officers of the Continental Army to join him in the Long Room of Fraunces Tavern to bid them farewell.
• In early 1785, Fraunces agreed to lease the Tavern to the Confederation Congress for use as office space for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of War

• Currently has multiple restaurants and bars within it

Price: Around $10, with some free admission options on weekends. Tickets are only available at the museum, but information is available here.

3- Museum at Eldridge Street

• The Museum at Eldridge Street is housed in the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue. Built in 1887, it is an architectural marvel, and a symbol of immigrant aspirations realized. The Eldridge Street Synagogue was the first synagogue in America purpose-built by immigrants from Eastern Europe and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996

• Unbelievably beautiful architecture, including ornate stained glass
• Extremely knowledgeable guides, usually small-ish groups

Price: Around $15 and we recommend the docent-led discovery tour vs self-guided (same price). Get tickets here.

4- Museum of Jewish Heritage

• As a place of memory, the Museum enables Holocaust survivors to speak through recorded testimony and draws on rich collections to illuminate Jewish history and experience. As a public history institution, it offers intellectually rigorous and engaging exhibitions, programs, and educational resources.
• If you go on a weekday, expect students on field trips
• The Rescue in Denmark exhibit is one of our favorites

Price: Around $18. Get tickets here. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays.

5- New York Transit Museum

• Housed underground in an authentic 1936 subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, is home to a rotating selection of twenty vintage subway and elevated cars dating back to 1907.
• Visitors can board the vintage cars, sit at the wheel of a city bus, step through a time tunnel of turnstiles, and explore changing exhibits that highlight the cultural, social and technological history – and future – of mass transit.

Price: Around $10. Get tickets here. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

NYT Episode about the subway.

6- The Met Cloisters

• The Cloisters, a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, is America's only museum dedicated exclusively to the art of the Middle Ages.
• Features multiple ornate gardens with a wide variety of plants, herbs, and trees
• See The Unicorn Tapestries, made in the late 1400's

Price: Around $30. Get tickets here. Closed on Wednesdays.

7- Tenement Museum

• Explore stories of tenement dwellers through guided tours of two historic buildings, 97 and 103 Orchard Street, and their Lower East Side neighborhood.
• Also, offer walking tours of the surrounding area

Price: Around $30. Get tickets here.

You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Blue Haven South

Lively sports bar with great drinks, tasty food, and friendly staff. Check it out.

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Citibike in NYC offers a convenient way to explore the city without having to worry about long lines at bike rental shops, locking up your bike, or anything complicated. With over 1,700 bike stations and millions of yearly riders, it's one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city, specifically Central Park!

While Citibike has unfortunately raised its prices, it can still be a somewhat affordable option if you plan on shorter rides.

In this article, we'll cover how much Citibike costs, how to use it, and tips for safely riding around New York City.

Let's do it. 👇

How Much Does Citibike Cost?

NOTE: If you don't have a US phone number, you either need a US esim, OR you must use the payment kiosks at the Citibike stations.

When it comes to Citibike, there are four main options:

1. Pay per ride (more info below)
2. Day pass (more info below)
3. Citibike membership $219/year (almost never worth it)
4. Lyft pink memberships $199/year (worth it if you use Lyft frequently or your travel credit card gives you a discount/perk for this)

Pay per Ride Cost

• $4.99 to unlock (or use our referral link to waive your first unlock)
• First 30 minutes on a standard bike are free, then $0.38/minute
• eBike costs $0.38/minute

Use our referral link (you can't ever have had a Lyft account) and get a free bike unlock!

For example, a 2-hour bike rental from a rental company starts around $18 but likely ends up costing a bit more due to fees. This is possibly a better option, depending on your plans.

Bike Rental:

• 1 hour - $8 + fees
• 2 hours - $18 + fees
• 3 hours - $25 + fees
• 4 hours - $30 + fees

On busy times/days/holidays, you will probably wait in line to get your bike!

Day Pass Cost

• $25 for 24 hours of unlimited 30-minute standard bike rides, then $0.38/minute
• eBike costs $0.38/minute

How to Unlock a Citibike

• Use the Citibike or Lyft app
• Buy a day pass or unlock code via their website
• Buy a day pass at the station kiosk

Pre-Ride Check

• Check brakes 
• Adjust seat before unlocking 
• Verify there is a strap if you are gonna need it
• If night, verify the light turns on once you unlock 

Tips for Safe Biking in NYC

• Opt for bike lanes when possible
• Ride with traffic direction
• Central Park and West Side Highway are the safest bike areas in Manhattan 
• Over use your bell, people are often unaware of bikes.. Don’t expect people to stop
• Just cause someone else on a bike is going at a light doesn’t you mean should be
• Gloves and a beanie, you’re always colder on a bike than when walking

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

• $25 per person for 90 minutes of tabletop shuffle board
• Unlimited food/drink options on weekends and evenings at around $60-$85
• Great drinks, fun vibe, and usually a live DJ on weekends
• Check out Electric Shuffle here

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The East Village in New York City is a bustling, lively neighborhood full of top-notch restaurants, fun activities, and plenty of bars worth checking out.

East Village Location

The East Village runs from Houston to 14th St and then 4th Ave on the west end to the East River.

Within the East Village, there are sections including Alphabet City, Little Ukraine, and the Bowery.

It has often been a center of counterculture in New York and is seen as the birthplace of punk rock in the city.

Places to Eat in the East Village

1. Giano - Our favorite Italian restaurant in the city.
2. Veselka - Popular Ukranian spot with a focus on breakfast and brunch.
3. Kafana - Traditional Serbian food in a cozy setup.
4. Prince Tea House - Lots of tea options, desserts, and more.
5. Ray’s Candy Store - Long-standing dessert shop with soft serve, deep-fried Oreos, and more.
6. 7th Street Burger - Fairly priced smash burgers and fries.
7. Two Boots Pizza - Unique flavor options in a funky spot.
8. Lavagna - Tuscan flavors in a compact restaurant, amazing pasta.
9. Joe’s Pizza - Quality New York pizza available by the slice or pie.
10. Mama Fina’s - Authentic, fairly-priced Filipino food.
11. San Marzano - Low-priced Italian spot with a bustling crowd.

Bars & Places to Drink in the East Village

1. Amor y Amargo - Craft cocktails focused on Amaros and bitters.
2. Burp Castle - Quiet bar (you will get shushed) with imported beers.
3. Please Don't Tell - High-quality cocktails in a speakeasy accessed through a phone booth.
4. The Bronx Brewery - Unfortunately, it's now permanently closed since we recorded this episode.
5. The Wayland - Unique cocktails with tasty bites.
6. McSorley's Old Ale House - One of the oldest bars in NYC with only two options (dark or light ale).
7. Barcade - Loads of arcade games and an extensive draft list.

Fun Things to Do in the East Village

1. Astor Center & Astor Wine & Spirits (This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment) - Top-notch wine and liquor store with an accompanying educational center focused on wine and liquor history and education.
2. Atelier Sucre - Small kitchen offering cooking and baking classes.
3. AuH2O - One of the best thrift stores we've been to in Manhattan.

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New York City is home to dozens of world-famous attractions most visitors are eager to experience. Unfortunately, some of the most popular tourist attractions are not cheap.

While some of these are worth the admission fee, we'll lay out cheap (and even free) alternatives to help ease the financial burden of exploring NYC.

In this episode, we'll look at five familiar tourist attractions and offer alternatives for traveling on a budget. Here's what we'll cover:

1. Observation Deck Alternatives
2. Statue of Liberty Alternatives
3. Pedicab or Horse-Drawn Carriage in Central Park Alternatives
4. Broadway Show Alternatives
5. Museum Alternatives

And listen to the end because we're throwing in a bonus alternative you won't find on other recommendation lists.

1- Observation Deck Alternatives

• The public library rooftop at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (free) on the corner of 5th Avenue and 40th Street (close to flagship NYPL location)
• Instead, take the money you'd spend on an observation deck and go to a bar with a view - 2 for 1. Some options include Manhatta, Nubeluz, Overstory, Darling, 230 5th
• Whitney Museum has beautiful rooftop views of Chelsea and lower Manhattan
• Pier 57 rooftop or Little Island (free)
• Roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
• Brooklyn Bridge Park (free)
• Central Park (free)

2- Statue of Liberty Alternatives

• View it from the Battery Park area (free)
• Staten Island Ferry (free)

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

• Multiple locations in Brooklyn and a spot on Bleecker Street
• Phenomenal margaritas with fresh-squeezed lime juice
• Cozy vibe and friendly staff
• There's a live DJ, at least on the weekend
• We didn't get a burrito, but they looked (and smelled) amazing

Check out Super Burrito on Bleecker Street here.

3- Pedicab or Horse-Drawn Carriage in Central Park Alternatives

• Central Park audio guide (free)
• Take the subway close to specific spots ($2.90 per swipe)
• Use Citi Bike
• Rent bikes or electric scooters

4- Broadway Show Alternatives

• Rush tickets
• Lottery tickets
• Off-broadway
• Smaller theater performance groups
• College performances like Juillard, Columbia, NYU, Fordham (in rare instances, free)

5- Museum Alternatives

• Make friends with a local who will get you in via Pay As You Wish, which gets NY, NJ & CT into many museums at low cost
• Art galleries, especially in Chelsea (free, usually). Use the free See Saw app (only on iOS)

Bonus Idea: Live Pro Sports Events Alternatives

• Go to a bar near the stadium - So many good options near MSG and Yankee Stadium specifically
• Go to a sports supporter's bar for your favorite team

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While Midtown Manhattan has many negative stereotypes among New Yorkers, the neighborhood is full of top-notch restaurants, vibrant bars, and phenomenal activities!

In this article, we'll focus on what we're calling 'Upper Midtown,' or the area from 50th Street to Central Park and 8th Avenue to 5th Avenue.

Top 4 Things to Do in Upper Midtown

1. Central Park
2. MoMa
3. Radio City
4. Carnegie Hall

Top 4 Restaurants in Upper Midtown

1. Sugarfish - Get one of the omakase options; we usually get the Trust Me
2. Quality Italian - Must try their homemade sambuca, Lobster alla vodka, and Whipped ricotta
3. Kin Ramen
4. Bengal Tiger

Top 4 Coffee Shops in Upper Midtown

1. Blue Bottle
2. Zibetto Espresso
3. Ground Central Coffee Company
4. Flavor Taste Bodega

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

The Ribbon is a cozy spot near Central Park West on the Upper West Side, with friendly staff, a phenomenal happy hour, and plenty of TVs with sports. They offer delicious drinks & their top-notch chicken tenders are probably our favorites in NYC.

Their happy hour, daily from 4-7 pm, includes $7-$13 bites (including the chicken tenders) and $6 beer, $10 well drinks & wine, and $12 specialty cocktails, including a margarita, old fashioned, and pineapple mule.

Check out The Ribbon on 72nd Street here.

Top 4 Bars in Upper Midtown

1. Valhalla
2. Tanner Smith’s - Brunch bottomless cocktails - $35 with the purchase of an entree for 90 minutes
3. Haswell Green’s - Named after Andrew Haswell Green, an influential city planner for NYC. Green was responsible for Central Park, the New York Public Library, the Bronx Zoo, the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and also participated in or led significant projects, such as Riverside Drive, Morningside Park, Fort Washington Park, and protecting the Hudson River Palisades from destruction.
4. Faces & Names - Great trivia set up every Tuesday night, solid food options include mini tacos, burgers, and pretzel bites

Top 4 Places to Shop Upper Midtown

1. 5th Ave/Rockefeller Center
2. Nordstrom
3. Columbus Circle
4. Tj Maxx on 57th street & 8th avenue

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The Upper East Side of New York City is home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, some phenomenally expensive homes, and a lively restaurant and bar scene.

In this quick guide, we'll break down what an afternoon (or full day) on the Upper East Side can look like from pre-museum activities, an excellent bar for happy hour, and a few food options you won't want to miss!

First Stop - Early Lunch at Don Filippo & Coffee at 787 Coffee

Don Filippo is quite the unassuming spot, with the decor giving you the feel of an authentic '90s pizza joint. But don't be fooled; their pizzas are phenomenal, available as a pie or by the slice.

Don't skip the garlic knots!Check out Don Filippo here.

Before heading to the MET, take a quick detour for some delicious and highly-rated coffee from 787 Coffee. Their cappuccino is solid and they also offer delicious drip coffee.

The museum is massive, and you don't wanna be dragging during your visit!Check out 787 Coffee on the Upper East Side here.

Main Activity - 2-3 Hours at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)

Head to their website beforehand to buy tickets (which will save you some time) and plan out certain exhibits or art pieces you want to see.

It's a huge museum covering many time periods, art styles, and art mediums.Check out the MET here.

Optional 2nd Activity - The Obelisk & Belvedere Castle in Central Park

These two iconic spots in Central Park are close to the MET and will only take roughly 45-60 minutes to explore after your visit to the museum.

Check outThe Obelisk here & seeBelvedere Castle here.

Post-Museum Drinks at The Raven Pub

Ideally, you catch their happy hour until 7 pm to get $7 beers, wines, and well drinks!

We love this pub, which features a surprisingly robust food menu, plenty of beers on draft, and live music throughout the week.Check out The Raven Pub here.

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

Sushi Gama is a fantastic option for some fresh sushi with quick service and fair prices, especially during happy hour.

Happy hour for food is from 12-6pm and drinks are from 3-7pm. We love this spot!Check out Sushi Gama here.

Dinner at Up Thai on 2nd Avenue

This is one of our favorite Thai spots in New York City! Up Thai is a slightly upscale Thai spot serving unique dishes, delicious duck options, and phenomenal cocktails.

Their specials are worth trying and rotate with the seasons. Beef Shortrib Panang and Duck Tamarind are some of the best Thai dishes we've had. We recommend getting many dishes and sharing rather than everyone getting their own dish.

The M&M (Magical Spicy Margarita) and the Lycheetini are our go-to cocktails. Vegetable Pad Thai has perfectly cooked, thick vegetables rather than the small/stringy veggies that typically come with Pad Thai.

Check out Up Thai here.

Dessert Option - Anita La Mamma del Gelato

There can be a line, especially in the summer, so plan on that, but it will be worth it. They have phenomenal gelato, and their waffle cones are a must-get!

Check out Anita La Mamma del Gelato on the UES here.

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This episode will give you all the spots you need to check out in the popular Financial District of New York City!

Where is the Financial District in NYC?

While most neighborhoods in NYC do a bit of blurring together, the Financial District technically covers most of the southernmost tip of Manhattan.

It runs from the West Side Highway on the west to the Brooklyn Bridge and East River on the east. This neighborhood runs from the north, starting at Chambers Street and City Hall and running south until The Battery.

Battery Park and Battery Park City are not technically a part of the Financial District, but we will include them as part of our guide to the lowest part of Manhattan.

Things to Do in Financial District NYC

NYC Financial District's Best Bars

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out Segment - Pisillo Italian Panini

Bread is sourced from a bakery in Brooklyn and is fresh daily. All ingredients are imported from Italy and these are massive AND delicious sandwiches! Check it out here.

Coffee Shops in the Financial District

Restaurants in FiDi NYC

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