Quick History

Prior to 1929, outdoor seating for restaurants wasn’t technically legal although it still existed and dates back to the mid 19th century

Louis Sherry claimed to have set up the first sidewalk café in this country, outside his Fifth Avenue restaurant in 1900. He wasn’t actually the first. In 1891 women out shopping in Manhattan liked to “eat al fresco under the vineclad, bush-shaded bower” in front of the Vienna Café.

Before the pandemic, only a limited number of areas allowed for any type of outdoor seating and approval process often took over 400 days

When the pandemic hit, a temporary outdoor dining measure was passed and implemented around June of 2020 to allow restaurants to increase their capacity to stay afloat

Over 14,000 restaurants applied for the temporary program

It was a bit of madness with all but new restaurants being build on sidewalks and in the streets near the actual restaurants

There were community hearings and advocacy groups gunning for the removal of all roadway cafes

In summer of 2023, Eric Adams signs the Outdoor Dining Bill, making the sidewalk and roadway cafe expansion permanent, leading to the rollout in March of 2023. Will be the nation’s largest outdoor dining program!

You’ll Have to Check It Out – Peculiar Pub

Check out Peculiar Pub here.

New Rules

New rules, called Dining Out NYC, go into effect March 1, 2024. Restaurants under the current temporary program have until August 3, 2024 to submit an application and continue with their current setup until 30 days after approval

Sidewalk Cafes

Intended to look and feel like a traditional sidewalk cafe

Can have basic overhangs but cannot be fully enclosed

Must have a perimeter fence/barrier to demarcate the seating area from the sidewalk (no more walking through tables… in theory haha)

Year-round sidewalk cafes

Reduced fees compared to previous Sidewalk Cafe program

Roadway Cafes

Accessible, lighter, open-air cafes that extend the restaurant’s look and feel out to the street

Can no longer be fully enclosed, for example they can have a “vertical divider” but only on the street side and it must maintain clear visibility

They can have basic overhangs like a pergola or umbrella and can include lighting

Seating must be easily movable

Cafes will be easy to move, clean, set up, and break down

Allowed April 1 to November 29 (eight-month season)

Located in the East Village, Giano is a cozy spot serving delicious homemade pasta dishes.

The staff is very friendly, the food is fresh, and they boast a solid wine list.

Be sure to check out Gaino (Google Maps listing here) and listen to the full review!

You'll Have to Check It Out Segment 'Burp Castle'

Near 7th Street and 2nd Ave, it's a beer bar that requires quiet talking.

You will be shushed.

Mostly Belgian beers but rotating taps with a wide variety including sweeter fruit beers, classic ales, and stouts.

The murals are amazing. Their website says "Temple of beer worship. Operated by the Brewist Monks since 1022 a.d." Back in the 90's the bartenders actually wore monk robes, but no longer unfortunately...

New York City is a city with a rich history. Buildings, businesses, and people all around have amazing stories to tell.

Great Jones Distilling Co, aka Great Jones Distillery, is no exception.

Great Jones Distillery is the first whiskey distillery in Manhattan since prohibition in the 1920s.

The space in NoHo is a massive 28000 square foot area with four levels, 3+ bars, a restaurant, and, of course, a fully functioning distillery.

Great Jones is the dream of Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th-generation spirits maker and chief executive who is the founder of Proximo Spirits, a liquor company based in Jersey City, N.J., that owns the new distillery, and whose family owns and operates the tequila giant Jose Cuervo.

For $35, you can tour this historic distillery and learn all about the whiskey distillation process. The tour also allows you to try all 4 of their whiskeys, learn about tasting, and even see prohibition-era pieces of history, including a hidden area used by bootleggers for running alcohol between buildings.

The tour also gives you a discount in the store so that you can take home your own bottle of delicious Great Jones whiskey! PS- The cheapest place to book tour tickets is their website.

Great Jones Distillery has a happy hour every Tuesday - Friday from 3:30-6 pm.

Food and Drinks We Like from Great Jones:

Mr. Jones-- bourbon, ginger liquor, lemon juice situation

Third Street Sour--bourbon, pear puree, lemon juice, red wine float

Empire State Cobbler-- bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, orgeat

Food is expensive but solid. Plan to spend $30-$40 for entrees. Their $30 burger is great, but it's also a $30 burger...

Our final review: Do the distillery tour, grab a cocktail at the bar afterward, and take home a bottle for your own shelf!

Check out Great Jones Distilling Co. here.

Finding free date ideas in NYC can be challenging; we've got your back with 21 fun options!

1- Conservatory Garden in Central Park

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

2- Little Island & Pier 57

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%, unless you choose to get some food at Pier 57.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

3- Kayak the Hudson

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100% if you plan ahead.

Is it good for 1st dates? Possibly, but it's probably better for a 2nd date or later.

4- Find Live Music in Central Park, Union Square, etc.

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

5- Cruise on the Staten Island Ferry

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%

Is it good for 1st dates? Probably better for a 2nd date or later.

6- Explore the NYC Public Library on 5th Ave

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

7- Walk the Entire High Line

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

8- Find a Museum Offering Pay as You Wish for NYC Residents (almost free)

Is this actually a free date? Not quite, but you could get in for $2. That's pretty damn close to free!

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep, but maybe 2nd+ depending on how safe you like to play it on 1st dates.

9- Have a Picnic in Central Park

Is this actually a free date? Kind of... You'd need to buy food, but you could possibly even put a picnic together from food you already have at home.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

10- Offer to Walk a Friend's Dog

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

11- Walk Down Riverside Park

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

12- Take Advantage of Culture Pass

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? It can be, but it might be better for 2nd dates or later.

13- Walk Through 6 1/2 Ave

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

14- Free Yoga or Dancing in Bryant Park or Hudson River Park

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? It's probably better for date #2 or later.

15- Explore Art Galleries in Chelsea

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

16- Get Lost in The Ramble or North Woods of Central Park

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Probably not, but it could be.

17- Take in the Views at Fort Tryon Park

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

18- People Watch & Explore Grand Central Station

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

19- Volunteer Together

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Probably better for date #3, 4, or later.

20- Hang Out in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

21- Do a Mini Architecture Tour

Is this actually a free date? Yes, 100%.

Is it good for 1st dates? Yep.

This Episodes You'll Have to Check It Out Segment- Sushi Gama UES

Be sure to hit up Sushi Gama during their happy hour. Happy hour for food is from 12-6pm and drinks are from 3-7pm.

Great prices, fresh sushi, and delicious drinks. Check it out here!

Whether you’re in a time crunch or just looking for a healthier lunch option, fast casual restaurants are the way to go!

And like most things, opinions can vary about the best fast casual in NYC.

Whether you’re looking for a salad, some tasty Mediterranean, or even fried chicken, we’ve got you covered in this article. Here are 20 of the best fast casual spots in NYC:

This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out - Please Don't Tell

This speakeasy is accessible through Crif Dogs, #11 on this list.

After entering through a phone booth, you'll find a dimly lit speakeasy with a host of delicious cocktails. Their smoky old-fashioned is our favorite!

Check it out here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RPTCZL3ZnN53FFz38

Be sure to get the Ultimate NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide to learn everything you need to know about getting around New York City. Get it here: https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide

Using the NYC subway can feel daunting and confusing, but we've got 10 tips to make your experience much easier!

Above all, don't be afraid to ask for help, be aware of your surroundings, and check the signs at the station and on the train!

Here are 10 tips for successfully using the NYC subway, even as a tourist:

This Episode's 'You'll Have to Check It Out' Segment: Grace Street Coffee & Desserts.

Try the mango shaved ice, it's life-changing!

Subscribe to our newsletter to get all the updates on new episodes, articles, and guides! ⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/newsletter-bth

Experiencing a Broadway show should be on everyone's NYC bucket list. The talent is top-notch, the theaters are phenomenal, and the experience is unparalleled.

In this episode, we're gonna break down some NYC Broadway tips that will make your experience both more enjoyable, and cheaper!

Best Way to Get Broadway Tickets

TKTS Booth

If you wanna do the Times Square TKTS booth (Broadway & 47th), you get the fast pass if you have a ticket from the previous day to skip the often 1+ hour long line!

There's usually a shorter line at the Lincoln Center booth (Columbus & 62nd), and sometimes different inventory than Times Square.

TKTS booth doesn't have every show, so if you're deadset on Wicked, for example, then buy beforehand.

You'll pay about the same price as apps or ticket sites the day of, but you'll have much better seats. Often in the orchestra (lower) section.

The app shows an inventory of each location, but it's not always exact.

Other Ticket Providers

TodayTix is great if you plan up to a month ahead. You can also use broadway.com, Viator, or ticket providers like Vivid Seats or Ticketmaster, etc.

At the Show

You always go through security, so don't bring weapons like pepper spray... If you forget, sometimes they'll hold it for you but don't bank on that.

You can usually bring snacks in, just be respectful about it and open them before the show starts.

Bring a jacket, the theaters are usually really cold even in the summer.

Don't use your phone at all, it ruins shows.

Please don't sing along.

If you need to use the restroom during intermission, leave as soon as the intermission starts. Lines are long, always!

Don't use the pedicabs when you're leaving the show. Just don't don't do it. You'll get price gouged.

Above all, enjoy the experience!

Subscribe to our newsletter to get all the updates on new episodes, articles, and guides! ⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/newsletter-bth

The Upper West Side (UWS) is a quintessential neighborhood in New York City for many reasons!

There are a host of bars, restaurants, and things to do in this bustling neighborhood that you won't want to miss.

In this Upper West Side Neighborhood Guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about exploring this popular section of Manhattan.

Where is the Upper West Side in NYC?

The Upper West Side is from Central Park West to Riverside Park, from 59th Street to 110th Street.

UWS Bars

UWS Restaurants

Things to Do on the Upper West Side

Don't miss out on exploring the Upper West Side neighborhood! Be sure to check out our website for a full write-up of this episode.

And, subscribe to our newsletter to get all the updates! ⁠https://rebrand.ly/newsletter-bth

The Museum of Modern Art (aka the MoMA) is one of the most popular museums in all of New York City. But before you head in, eat at one of these 5 must-try restaurants near the MoMA.

If not, you'll end up hungry with more floors to explore.

We've included five unique cuisines, differing price ranges, and some faster options if you're in a time crunch.

Here's an overview of five, plus a bonus, restaurants to eat at near the MoMA (each link opens the Google Maps listing)

If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. We even include some bonus "tax" pics of our dogs exploring NYC when you join the list. Sign up here: https://rebrand.ly/newsletter-bth

And please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and tell us which episodes you've enjoyed! https://apple.co/3ZZzI4C

Pier 57 in Chelsea is a recently renovated space with a beautiful rooftop park, a food hall with delicious cuisines, and community spaces.

The rooftop park boasts views of Chelsea, Little Island, Lower Manhattan including One World Trade Center, and even the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

The pier and park are free to enter, dog-friendly, and are open daily from 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.

One of the best parts of the park is you can grab delicious food from one of the dozen or so food vendors in the accompanying Market 57 food hall!

Market 57 has cuisines ranging from seafood to Japanese and so much in between. You can snag craft beers at Hudson Hops, delicious coffee from Bird and Branch, or a wide variety of tasty food options.

Pier 57 also hosts free community events like art classes, seminars, and other community-based events.

Be sure to check out Pier 57 on your next open afternoon in New York City!