First Trip to NYC

[GrooveWarrior]

At 46, I'm taking my wife and our 2 high school age kids to NYC for the first time. We will get there early on a Monday and leave late on a Friday, so not a lot of time. We are staying in the Murray Hill/Midtown East area. Any recommendations would be great. We have scheduled a Broadway show. We are foodies, and plan to do as much sightseeing as we can. Don't necessarily need to hit any music shops. I'm guessing you can't just show up to Fodera and look around. That might be my only desire if possible.

Would love to try to catch a show at one of the famous jazz clubs.

Thanks

 

[Michedelic]

At 46, I'm taking my wife and our 2 high school age kids to NYC for the first time. We will get there early on a Monday and leave late on a Friday, so not a lot of time. We are staying in the Tudor City/Midtown East area. Any recommendations would be great. We have scheduled a Broadway show. We are foodies, and plan to do as much sightseeing as we can. Don't necessarily need to hit any music shops. I'm guessing you can't just show up to Fodera and look around. That might be my only desire if possible.

Would love to try to catch a show at one of the famous jazz clubs.

Thanks

Here’s some sage advice…

Pretty much how it panned out for me. Get a subway map, and memorize it.

 

[bass12]

My best times in NYC came from just walking around and taking in the vibe (people, architecture, sounds, etc.). I would definitely go for a stroll through Central Park.

 

[Oddly]

Central Park is great, especially the northern end...far less crowded, and some decent walks. Close by is the Museum Of The City Of New York, which almost nobody seems to have heard of, but I found to be excellent.
Brooklyn's Botanic Gardens/Prospect Park, Transit Museum and pizza at Grimaldi's...and of course a walk across Brooklyn Bridge, dodging the suicidal cyclists!
Then there's the free Staten Island Ferry, for a great evening-time view of lower Manhattan...maybe catch a SI Yankees game.

@Hotblack 's the man to advise on some decent music, and food.

 

[Jeremy Crockett]

The Brooklyn Bridge is not for sale.

 

[Es-La-Una]

1. Take the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour

2. Take the Empire State building tour

3. See Times Square

4. See a Broadway show or an opera at the Met

5. See the September 11th Memorial and park

6. You didn’t say when you’re going. If it’s during warm weather months and you’re into cycling, consider renting a bike and riding it all the way around the perimeter of Manhattan island. I think certain bike shops offer it along with group rides.

7. Buy a multi day transit pass and ride the subways and buses carte blanche.

 

[MJ5150]

I recommend a ride over to Court Street in Brooklyn for Sal's Pizza Store. It's not a sit down restaurant with table service, but it is killer pizza with that genuine Brooklyn family vibe. We spent a couple hours talking to Jon, Sal's grandson, and eating pizza just standing at the counter. We talked, he made pizza, we ate it, talked some more. Then we left.
We thought Sal's was better than Grimaldi's and the other tourist pizza joints, and there's no crazy long lines at Sal's.
But hey, I get it if you want Grimaldi's so you can say you went. Just be prepared to wait, and there is better pizza than them.
Head across the street to Court Pastry Shop for hands down, the best cannolis around. They supply cannolis to many of the restaurants in the area.
If you like Thai food, Joya is the joint to get it just down the road. When they say it's spicy, it's spicy. Be careful
The Chocolate Room is just that, a joint dedicated to all things chocolate. It was the first time I ever had drinking chocolate, and I've never had it that good anywhere else.
D'Amico Coffee is good, but not outstanding. They do have a vintage Victoria espresso machine from Italy that is way cool. If you're not a coffee snob like I am, you'll love D'Amico. If you're a fellow coffee snob you'll like it.
When we go to NYC, we try to avoid the popular trendy places and look for smaller joints. I'm big on engaging with people and getting to know them and their passions, which is why these joints appealed to us.
In Manhattan, one cool joint we found on the Eastside was Jackson Hole Burgers on 35th and 3rd. It's a cool vibe as well with some really good burgers.
Nino's on 46th has some good Italian food at good prices. Not out of this world awesome, but we'd go back there. I remember the folks being friendly and helpful.
Eataly is a fun place to stop for foodies too. I recommend a couple hours there to try several things.
Alfie's in Hell's Kitchen has some great breakfast as well as Friedman's in Chelsea Market.

Besides walking around Central Park, we don't do any of the touristy stuff. A typical day for us in NYC is usually about 8-12 miles walking around.
If you have any favorite talk shows, now would be the time to see if you can get in for a taping. We got to watch a taping of The Chew one time. That was free and fun.

-Mike

 

[Gorn]

While you’re walking down the street you’ll be approached by someone with either a question or an offer. They don’t have a question or anything to offer. Keep walking.

 

[ClusterFlux]

At 46, I'm taking my wife and our 2 high school age kids to NYC for the first time. We will get there early on a Monday and leave late on a Friday, so not a lot of time. We are staying in the Murray Hill/Midtown East area. Any recommendations would be great. We have scheduled a Broadway show. We are foodies, and plan to do as much sightseeing as we can. Don't necessarily need to hit any music shops. I'm guessing you can't just show up to Fodera and look around. That might be my only desire if possible.

Would love to try to catch a show at one of the famous jazz clubs.

Thanks

H'm, let's see.

Vatan for an outstanding vegetarian Indian meal
Summit One Vanderbilt for an observation deck, assuming you're not terrified of crowds
Jazz Gallery or Village Vanguard or Small's for shows
Metropolitan Museum of Art or MOMA is, well, a moral imperative, though the Whitney Museum has the best views of NYC

 

[electracoyote]

1. Take the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour

2. Take the Empire State building tour

3. See Times Square

4. See a Broadway show or an opera at the Met

5. See the September 11th Memorial and park

6. You didn’t say when you’re going. If it’s during warm weather months and you’re into cycling, consider renting a bike and riding it all the way around the perimeter of Manhattan island. I think certain bike shops offer it along with group rides.

7. Buy a multi day transit pass and ride the subways and buses carte blanche.

Excellent!

When it comes to NYC, I've been there a dozen times and every time I do the tourist thing. I hit all the above and a few more. Bike Central Park. Statue of Liberty (if no terrorist threats--you may need to apply and reserve tix in advance), hansom cab ride. I'll get on a double decker and ride around all day, getting on and off at my heart's desire. There is so much to see on those routes, especially for a first time.

Good luck and stay safe. NYC used to be a relatively safe and amazing experience, I hope is still is.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Would love to try to catch a show at one of the famous jazz clubs.

Depending on your definition of "famous" ...and of "jazz" ...I would recommend [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. Go in the middle of the week and you may even catch Tom Kennedy or Will Lee or Lincoln Goines on bass. And half the club empty.

 

[ClusterFlux]

Depending on your definition of "famous" ...and of "jazz" ...

I may be wrong, but.... I'd believe the last remaining "famous" jazz clubs are the Village Vanguard and the Blue Note. Both are a bit spendy, as they have drink minimums.

I believe both Minton's and Birdland are new clubs with the old names. Knitting Factory doesn't really have jazz anymore.

Iridium is a premiere jazz club, but I don't think they have anything next week.

I haven't been to Small's or Mezzrow lately. Almost all of the music there is traditional or post-bop, I don't think they allow electric basses on stage. They livestream all their gigs now.


Jazz Gallery is a great spot. It's not a club, it's a small performance space with great sound and a more experimental bent. I believe they have a private livestream for members, here's a public stream.

 

[Gorn]

I saw Times Square was recommended. I can’t imagine why. There are some colorful signs. I think they have benches and chairs now. There are smelly men in super hero costumes that’ll charge you $20 for a picture with them. Does that sound appealing? There’s an Olive Garden but those are everywhere. I’d skip it.

 

[Captain Chaos]

While you’re walking down the street you’ll be approached by someone with either a question or an offer. They don’t have a question or anything to offer. Keep walking.

All the times I’ve been in NYC and would get lost, I approach people and they all been nice to help me out.

There was this one time though, I was walking somewhere and this guy began screaming at me for no reason.

 

[GrooveWarrior]

1. Take the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour

2. Take the Empire State building tour

3. See Times Square

4. See a Broadway show or an opera at the Met

5. See the September 11th Memorial and park

6. You didn’t say when you’re going. If it’s during warm weather months and you’re into cycling, consider renting a bike and riding it all the way around the perimeter of Manhattan island. I think certain bike shops offer it along with group rides.

7. Buy a multi day transit pass and ride the subways and buses carte blanche.

Thanks. I’ll be there March 21-25.

 

[Hotblack]

@Hotblack 's the man to advise on some decent music, and food.

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

I would definitely take advantage of the food carts in Midtown. Lunchtime is the best.

Moshe's Falafel (One of my favorites)
Moshe's Falafel Best Mediterranean Food Restaurants in New York

Kwik Meal (Very well regarded)
Invalid Link Removed

Normally, I would recommend the Golden Shopping Mall in Queens for food fans. Unfortunately, it is closed for renovations, but nearby, the New World Food Court is also excellent. Take the 7 train from Midtown to Flushing.

New World Mall
Food Court - New World Mall, NY | Official Website | Northeast Largest Indoor Asian Mall

A famous spot that now has a few locations, Xi'an Famous Foods
Xi'an Famous Foods
The Lamb Cumin burger is popular, but the noodles are spectacular.

55 bar ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed]) is one of my favorite live music spots, but it is a dump. A cool dumb, with good drinks, but a dump nonetheless. Go for good music and a friendly crowd, but don't expect white tablecloths.

There's some good pizza nearby 55bar and The Blue Note.
Joe's Pizza (Joe's Pizza)
John's of Bleeker (John's Of Bleecker Street)

Murray's Cheese (Murray's Cheese | Gourmet Cheeses & Meats, Cheese of the Month Clubs) is the cheesemonger of NY. The Bleeker Street location is the original.

Iridium (https://www.theiridium.com/) is great. Little more pricey, but a classic venue.

Just saw this video the other day for a food court in Midtown, and it looks interesting. Might be worthwhile ().

Rockwood Music Hall is a great venue and usually has something interesting going on (Link Removed).

Veselka (Veselka) 2nd Ave location has a fantastic burger and very good pierogi. I highly recommend.

Katz's (Katz's Delicatessen - Shipped, Catered & Delivered) has arguably the best Pastrami in the world. Pricey, but spectacular. Side note: it's also the location of the famous YES!!! scene in When Harry Met Sally.

Top Of The Rock (Invalid Link Removed). It's touristy as all get out, but it is a great view. Go with this or the Empire State Building. No need to do both.

The High Line (Home | The High Line) is very nice. If you go to the Whitney Museum, the entrance isn't far away. Also nearby is The Old Homestead Steakhouse (The Old Homestead Steakhouse—Nationwide Shipping), the oldest steakhouse in NYC.

As far as Fodera, send them an email. They're known for being pretty open and friendly. Worse they can say is, "No."

Miscellaneous stuff you should have:
Subway Map (https://new.mta.info/map/5256)
Phone numbers:
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 311

If you need anymore recommendations, or have any questions, feel free to drop me a line.

 

[roller]

The High Line is kinda cool.

Walking Brooklyn Bridge is great. Great photo ops at water level near each end of the bridge.

The Village can be fun.

Check on the temporary exhibits at The Met, MOMA, etc. as there might be something really cool taking place. I was there a few years ago when the Tim Burton exhibit was at MOMA... and while I'm not a colossal Burton fan, it was badass.

Agree with Gore on Times Square -- it's such a tourist trap. It's kinda like Broadway in Nashville, only 90 times worse. It draws lots of out-of-towners.

 

[RedMoses]

-Smalls Jazz club in the west village is intimate, has excellent acts (local and famous) and isn't as pricey and touristy as some others mentioned. Rockwood music hall was mentioned, one of the best venues for local/regional acts as is Arlene's Grocery and Piano's. all next to each other in the lower east side. These will be more Rock/Funk/Pop oriented so check out the line ups.

-Second Avenue Deli is THE BEST pastrami in NYC and there's an East Midtown location so its easy, get the "Heart attack" its hot pastrami between two potato latkes, its big enough to split, also get the "health salad", its like cole slaw without the mayo

-Take the NYC ferry (if its not too cold), best views of NYC, there's an East Midtown stop so you can hop on and take it down to Wall street area to look at the architecture or take it uptown to East 90th street to enjoy the pretty Upper East side and walk to the park (15-20 min walk) and hit up the Metropolitan museum of Art.

 

[Hotblack]

-Second Avenue Deli is THE BEST pastrami in NYC and there's an East Midtown location so its easy, get the "Heart attack" its hot pastrami between two potato latkes, its big enough to split, also get the "health salad", its like cole slaw without the mayo

As you can tell, pastrami is a serious subject round these parts.

I will say that 2nd Ave Deli is kosher while Katz’s is not.

 

[Gorn]

If you hate money and you love standing in lines for average sandwiches, Katz is the deli for you.