I am off to New York on Sunday for a 5 day break. We have booked a number of the usual tourist type things to do - Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty, Empire State etc. We are staying in Times Square and would appreciate any recommendations from those who have been to NYC of places to eat. Not looking for Michelin Star, just decent food at a reasonable price (for NYC, I am aware it is an expensive city so prepared for the cost)

Obica mozzarella bar, near the Flatiron Building is somewhere I always have as a place to eat for one night.... decent italian food, reasonably priced, good location. Jimmy's corner is always a bar I enjoy an hour or 2 in as well for a drink.

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:23 pm

I am off to New York on Sunday for a 5 day break. We have booked a number of the usual tourist type things to do - Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty, Empire State etc. We are staying in Times Square and would appreciate any recommendations from those who have been to NYC of places to eat. Not looking for Michelin Star, just decent food at a reasonable price (for NYC, I am aware it is an expensive city so prepared for the cost)

Russ and Daughters is great for breakfast/brunch - https://www.russanddaughters.com/

Katz's Deli is incredibly popular but worth it: https://katzsdelicatessen.com/

Fette Sau does incredible BBQ if that's your thing (it's definitely mine): https://www.fettesaubbq.com/

Dusk drinks at The Top of The Standard (*via a walk along the Highline en route): is a very special experience: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restauran ... _York.html

Just be prepared for the strong stench of cannabis.

Heard Katz's deli is legendary in NYC for it's sandwiches, not sure whereabouts it is. Very popular which means busy. (As in post above)
Arbys is a well known chain, last time i ate at one was very good, but that was a while ago.
Loads of choice there.

Jamesy wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:46 pm

Just be prepared for the strong stench of cannabis.

Par for the course wherever you go these days it seems.

I second Katz deli, it's an experience. No need to have breakfast before you go! I'll be eating there myself in a couple of weeks

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:50 pm

Par for the course wherever you go these days it seems.

Yes I know, it’s just so much stronger nowadays. Never used to smell as bad as it does now when I was a young un.

I was in New York 5 months ago and stayed in Times Square too. On the first night, we visited The Olive Garden, a franchise place next to the M&M Store. There was a 20-minute wait, which felt like an eternity with tired children, but it was a good place to acclimatise before venturing out properly the next day.

But you're spoiled for choice in all the touristy places. It is expensive with tax and (obligatory) tips (which staff don't deserve - they are just doing their job, as Roy Keane would say). You'll probably end up GoogleMapping and picking somewhere based on reviews.

There are plenty of bars on top of the skyscrapers, too. They look like private bars from street level, I learned to be cheeky and just wandered up.

Be aware - Apple Pay / contactless isn't as common as you might think; that caught me off guard a few times.

Paying for bills is weird, too, so the waitress comes with the bill; you write the amount you want to tip (work it out in your head 15% or 20% of the total) and write it down. Then you pay, but they don't take the money out immediately; they add the figure on themselves at the night's end and then take it out of your account. It's strange. At least, I think that's how it worked... I never really got my head around it.

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:50 pm

Par for the course wherever you go these days it seems.

Yes, New York wreaks of it... not just the odd potent gust, it's a constant smell.

Very envious. I was in a play a few steps from Times Square, lived across from Central Park, somewhere I'd definitely not have stayed if not for work. Never had much interest in NYC before but straight off the plane it hits you, like a film set on every corner. Enjoy!!

Rudy's bar a couple of blocks from Times Square. Possibly the cheapest bar in Manhattan, and you get a free hot dog with every drink!
https://rudysbarnyc.com/
If you have time the Top of the Rock has great views of Manhattan. Prefer it to the Empire State as you get views of the Empire State! Worth booking a slot an hour before sunset then you get to see the city in daylight as well as lit up at night.
https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attra ... tion-deck/
We love it, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

claptrappers_union wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:54 pm

Yes, New York wreaks of it... not just the odd potent gust, it's a constant smell.

It is indeed. And it ain’t good. Citizen Khan’s London will be the same in a few years time.

Jealous!

Was there last year, another shout for Rudy's - great bar.

Me and my mrs hardly ate much whilst we were there, pretty much just grazed, there are some excellent street foods to be had. We only had one 'proper' meal in a restaurant, it was very very expensive.

I don't believe anyone has mentioned The Edge, that's the skyscraper we went up, has the highest viewing platform in the Western Hemisphere, very very cool. We went at sunset, it was stunning.

There's a lot of people mentioning the smell of weed, I can't say I noticed it at all.

Have a great time!

Jamesy wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:58 pm

It is indeed. And it ain’t good. Citizen Khan’s London will be the same in a few years time.

It's already there....

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:50 pm

Par for the course wherever you go these days it seems.

But not in Singapore

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 2:06 pm

It's already there....

It's *really* not. Don't believe every red top you read.

Yes, the Edge is fine. I didn't eat there, but I went up at night, and it was windy. Kids loved that.

Be aware, too, that you are visiting the ‘land of the free’. Be prepared for that plastic policeman to tell you can't do anything. You can't sit there, you can't stand there, you do this, you can't do that. Follow the rules.

I told my family I'd meet them at McDonald's after their girly shopping day. They sat on the top floor overlooking Times Square. I went to find them, but I couldn't go up without a receipt. I couldn't reason with the security guard.

I visited the 9/11 museum, and as it was closing, you'd expect a gentle voice to announce - “Thank you for visiting the 9/11 museum; the exhibition is now closing. Please make your way to the exits. The Museum opens tomorrow at 10 am…”

Instead, they send out an angry black girl bellowing at you to get out. Same with queuing up to Top of the Rock, too, angry 20-somethings shunting tourists into lifts… made you wonder if you wanted to be there.

Be prepared that most people working in New York are like AI drone bots

Emmett’s pizza in Soho. Best deep dish in Manhattan with some top quality wine to go with it.

Keys and Heels is amazing too but I’ll let you google to find out what that is

https://pershingsquare.com/ - lovely diner directly opposite Grand Central Station. We ate breakfast here but by all accounts it's excellent throughout.

https://katzsdelicatessen.com/ - it's famous for a reason. A must try for me.

https://bleeckerstreetpizza.com/ - classic by the slice American pizza.

https://handcraftburgers.com/ - probably one of the best burgers I've ever eaten.

https://www.amorloconyc.com/ - we visited this Mexican restaurant late on after a Broadway show. Excellent.

https://libertybagels.com/ - another famous spot for a classic American bagel. Breakfast or Lunch.

https://orders.carlosbakery.com/carlos- ... quare/menu - if you've a sweet tooth, Carlo's is a great Italian/American bakery.

https://www.doughdoughnuts.com/ - the finest Donuts on the planet. Good coffee too.

Enjoy the city, take it all in. It really is a magical place.

LDNBFC87 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 2:10 pm

It's *really* not. Don't believe every red top you read.

I don't read red tops, or any other newspaper for that matter. I live close enough to and travel regularly enough into London and the smell of cannabis is omnipresent. Maybe not on the scale of NYC (this will be my first visit so i can't comment yet) but it is certainly one of the most pervasive aromas as you walk around London

I work in central London regularly and I don’t think I can remember ever smelling weed there. Maybe I’m hanging around the wrong areas.

I’m off to NYC twice this year, really looking forward to both trips

Lots of places closed down since I last went pre-covid.

https://www.eataly.com/us_en/new-york-city has some decent Italian options including the rooftop bar at Flatiron.
https://thedeadrabbit.com/ for expensive drinks
https://mothersruinnyc.com/ for not as expensive drinks
https://www.legends33.com/ for watching soccer
https://relaisdevenise.com/locations/new-york.php - reasonably priced steak and chips
https://www.hillcountry.com/ - decent barbecue (for NY)
https://nishidasho-ten.com/ and https://www.tottoramen.com/midtown-east - for ramen if you want decent, cheap food.

Bear in mind that menu prices are pre-tax (about 10%) and tips (15%-20%)

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 2:44 pm

I don't read red tops, or any other newspaper for that matter. I live close enough to and travel regularly enough into London and the smell of cannabis is omnipresent. Maybe not on the scale of NYC (this will be my first visit so i can't comment yet) but it is certainly one of the most pervasive aromas as you walk around London

Are you spending all your time in Camden and Brixton?

Montreal was very potent, too, not as bad as New York mind.

When you visit the ESB there is a sports bar on the opposite side to the entrance and they serve the biggest fish and chips I’ve ever had. Not cheap as nothing is there but it went down well with a few Stella’s.
Can’t remember the name of it but it is typical New York bar, narrow and long.

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 2:06 pm

It's already there....

I know it is, I’ve almost tasted it!
Enjoy your break, New York is still a great city. The Bronx Zoo is well worth a visit if you are with kids.

aggi wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 3:07 pm

Are you spending all your time in Camden and Brixton?

Well i have been to 2 Burnley games in London recently, one at Fulham and one at Tottenham. Both trips I passed people with the fragrance of cannabis following them. Indeed i saw a couple of people targeted by sniffer dogs at both games and spoken to by the Police. I have been to a few gigs in Camden and Brixton with the same smell in the area. I will say it is not unique to London, I noticed similar 3 weeks ago when i went to a gig in Wolverhampton and Harlow town centre is as bad.

Carragher's bar is worth a look, not sure if he still owns it though.

claptrappers_union wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:52 pm

But you're spoiled for choice in all the touristy places. It is expensive with tax and (obligatory) tips (which staff don't deserve - they are just doing their job, as Roy Keane would say). You'll probably end up GoogleMapping and picking somewhere based on reviews.


Paying for bills is weird, too, so the waitress comes with the bill; you write the amount you want to tip (work it out in your head 15% or 20% of the total) and write it down. Then you pay, but they don't take the money out immediately; they add the figure on themselves at the night's end and then take it out of your account. It's strange. At least, I think that's how it worked... I never really got my head around it.

To be fair to the staff regarding the tip thing, most of them get paid a pittace for the actual work (like 3 $ per hour) and rely on tips to top them up to a decent salary. This is why they get so shirty if you don't leave a tip.

Avoid restaurants, use Diners. The food is nicer and way cheaper.

Make sure you visit Brooklyn Heights on the Subway

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 2:44 pm

I don't read red tops, or any other newspaper for that matter. I live close enough to and travel regularly enough into London and the smell of cannabis is omnipresent. Maybe not on the scale of NYC (this will be my first visit so i can't comment yet) but it is certainly one of the most pervasive aromas as you walk around London

Nonsense.

Herts Clarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 3:34 pm

Well i have been to 2 Burnley games in London recently, one at Fulham and one at Tottenham. Both trips I passed people with the fragrance of cannabis following them. Indeed i saw a couple of people targeted by sniffer dogs at both games and spoken to by the Police. I have been to a few gigs in Camden and Brixton with the same smell in the area. I will say it is not unique to London, I noticed similar 3 weeks ago when i went to a gig in Wolverhampton and Harlow town centre is as bad.

I lived in Brixton for over ten years until very recently and can count on one hand the number of times I smelled it.

ChrisG wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 3:48 pm

To be fair to the staff regarding the tip thing, most of them get paid a pittace for the actual work (like 3 $ per hour) and rely on tips to top them up to a decent salary. This is why they get so shirty if you don't leave a tip.

It's a disgraceful system. I've posted on social media about tipping, and Americans think that paying a fair wage will damage customer service. But we still still tip for excellent service in the UK, and our service is much better than the average service in America, especially in New York.

When you go down to ground zero, head down to Stone Street - it's probably a 10 mins walk - old buildings, loads of bars/restaurants

I was there back in August I think and they had a good trick park near ground zero / outside the new train station there. That's worth checking to see if anything is on at the time you're there.

Been to NYC a few times, I don’t recommend the Statue of Liberty as it’s a long time out of your day for not a lot and there are plenty of things to go up for the views.

I do recommend getting the underground to the Staten Island ferry there and straight back just for the trip ( you don’t need to book as it’s mainly used by commuters) but you get the views of the statue and NYC behind for a few dollars.

I also recommend walking back from the ferry dock on the ‘Highline’ an old railway line raised and winding its way through the city back to the centre.

https://www.thehighline.org/visit/

It's 2 or three years since I was there but there are some great places for breakfast..which will set you up for the day We found the Galaxy Diner ( 9th Avenue / W 46th street ) and , if you like Chinese you've got to give China Town a go..great value when I went. Sounds like you've got an agenda planned but if you fancy a free guide for the day try New York Greeters...our bloke was great...took us to the places you wouldn't normally go...all we did was treat him to lunch ( he took us to a great place in Chinatown ) and make a small donation to the Greeters .We'll never forget Al Riggi from Queens .

We liked Ellens Stardust Diner on Broadway and Churascarria Plataforma - Brazilian Steakhouse restaurant on West 49th Street.

Unless you like waiting in a queue on the street with all the other tourists to be charged 20 quid for a corned beef butty and a few pickles - I wouldn't bother with Katz's Deli.

Plenty of great delis in the various neighborhoods in NYC of course.

dandeclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:36 pm

Obica mozzarella bar, near the Flatiron Building is somewhere I always have as a place to eat for one night.... decent italian food, reasonably priced, good location. Jimmy's corner is always a bar I enjoy an hour or 2 in as well for a drink.

I recommend Jimmy’s Corner Bar probably the cheapest in NY. Can get a little busy but has a good atmosphere

LDNBFC87 wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 4:52 pm

I lived in Brixton for over ten years until very recently and can count on one hand the number of times I smelled it.

Huh, weird
I’m out driving around most days in Oxfordshire and Berkshire and I smell weed every day

It’s quite prevalent, to say it isn’t is nonsense
I’ve also smelled it everytime I’ve gone into London
People smoke it with the same regularity as normal cigarettes

When I got back from holiday in august, I smelled it at the airport in Bristol

Jamesy wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:46 pm

Just be prepared for the strong stench of cannabis.

No. He's not going to Peterborough.

jos wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 5:35 pm

I also recommend walking back from the ferry dock on the ‘Highline’ an old railway line raised and winding its way through the city back to the centre.

https://www.thehighline.org/visit/

+1 for the Highline, absolutely stunning.

Chelsea Market is underneath a portion of it (if memory serves me correctly), well worth having a mooch round there.

i agree, London stinks of weed all over, as does manchester. in fact, you cant walk into Burnley town centre these days without getting a lung full of it at some point. just the modern world.

GetIntoEm wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 1:40 pm

i agree, London stinks of weed all over, as does manchester. in fact, you cant walk into Burnley town centre these days without getting a lung full of it at some point. just the modern world.

It is the modern world and maybe I’m getting older. It just smells horrible.
I live in Shrewsbury and walk to work some mornings through terraced streets and can smell it at 07:30.
What sort of life are people leading when they have to smoke a big dooby first thing in a morning?

Jamesy wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 2:14 pm

It is the modern world and maybe I’m getting older. It just smells horrible.
I live in Shrewsbury and walk to work some mornings through terraced streets and can smell it at 07:30.
What sort of life are people leading when they have to smoke a big dooby first thing in a morning?

i agree, not for me, but get wafts of it all over town

Jambounchained wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:58 pm

+1 for the Highline, absolutely stunning.

Chelsea Market is underneath a portion of it (if memory serves me correctly), well worth having a mooch round there.

Your memory must be correct as my wife and Inexited the highline to visit Chelsea markets.

I'm looking forward to being back NY later in the year, best city i've ever visited.

Try to get out of Manhattan, even if it's just a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge - there's a great pizza place at the Brooklyn end called Grimaldi's. Prospect Park and Greenwood Cemetery are interesting. You could also get the subway down to Coney Island, ride the Cyclone and get a hotdog at Nathan's.