Well about Times Square, even though it's very touristy, if you haven't been there DEFINITELY GO THERE! It's still an amazing place despite the tourists. You don't have to spend hours there just walk through it and take in its splendor. I live about an hour and a half from NYC and my entire family comes from there (many still live there) so I've been there hundreds of times. Times Square is still awesome to see even though it's not the "real" New York as some would say.
I pledge to you a government that will not only work well, but wisely, its ability to act tempered by prudence, and its willingness to do good, balanced by the knowledge that government is never more dangerous than when our desire to have it help us blinds us to its great power to harm us.
-Reagan
Well about Times Square, even though it's very touristy, if you haven't been there DEFINITELY GO THERE! It's still an amazing place despite the tourists. You don't have to spend hours there just walk through it and take in its splendor.
I actually agree with this.
It is a spectacle, just a cleaner, kinder, g-rated spectacle.
Its the people traffic that keeps me away from 57-32nd st between 5th and 8th aves. whenever possible.
Rose Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History - one of the best star machines in the world. And they do 3D things that I don't understand but are remarkable. Best enjoyed in "enhanced" mode.
Circle Line boat trip around Manhattan on a nice day. Great views of the the whole city and who doesn't like boat rides?
To eat:
Lobster - Francisco's Centro Vasco on 23rd Steet. #1 for lobster in NYC by Zagats and not as expensive as you might think. Great atmosphere with giant claws all over.
Mexican - Panchitos on McDougal between Bleeker and W. 3rd Street (down from the falafel place). Great food, reasonable prices and a fun place to hang out.
Try John's Pizza on Bleecker Street (downtown in the West Village). Best New York Pizza, real brick ovens. No slices so bring a friend or two, you have to buy a whole pie.
Mamas on 106th/amsterdam is the best pizza ever...
Definitely pick up a copy of Time Out NY. For more food advice, you can check out chowhound.com
My recommendations:
Central Park
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Bronx Zoo (say hi to Sasha the tiger during one of the tiger enrichment sessions)
Rockwood (for really good live music!)
Chelsea Market
Walk along the Hudson on the west-side
Top of the Rock
Circle line cruise around Manhattan
For food:
I second Sakagura and Omen. They aren't "trendy" places to be seen but they are totally precious. If you want something more "sceny", try Nobu or Morimoto (I prefer Nobu)
Brunch at 5 Ninth (ask to sit in the garden)
Kittichai in the Thompson Hotel for upscale sceny Thai food
Don't bother with Indian or Chinese food, you get much better stuff in London, hands down!
Shake Shack at Madison Square Park
Grand Central (find some literature on it first, though)
Bars:
230 Fifth Avenue (huge-ass roof, with amazing views!)
Beer Garden in Astoria (never personally been but heard it's kick-ass!)
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions so far - much appreciated.
Sounds like I've got a busy week in NYC to look forward to.
Just go there knowing you won't see or do it all in one trip.
All the more reason to come back. Just like I need to get back to the UK again.
Have fun!
BTW, if someone hasn't recommended it yet - do the double decker bus tour thingy when you first get there. Do the circuit once and then start hopping on and off at points of interest.
The Lower East Side and East Village have been under represented here and that area, while not as gritty as years gone by, is a great area for tons of bars, food and bands.
Momofuko Noodle Bar on First Ave (between 10th and 11th Streets) and Momofuko Ssam Bar on 2nd Ave (corner of 13th) are both great. You have Paul's on 2nd Ave (between 7th and 8th) for a great burger and after a few drink, hit up San Loco (http://www.sanloco.com for locations) for great drunk-food tacos. And Katz's Deli...the classic NYC deli!! (205 E Houston).
The best way to to the Brooklyn Bridge is to take the subway into Brooklyn and then walk back to Manhattan.
Or take the Lexington Ave. line (4-5-6) to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall if you don't want to walk the whole bridge. But natureboy's idea gives you a better experience, I think.
All the helpful advice above has been included in a detailed plan that I have for my visit to NYC. I've checked websites for all the recommendations, and all of them looked pretty cool - I intend to visit as many of them as I can. :-)
There's two little things I'd appreciate any further advice on:
- we're planning a visit to Coney Island. Is there anywhere within an easy 1 hour bus/metro/train ride that's really nice/relaxed, and where I can meet some friendly non-New Yorkers??
- as an English bloke, I've never fired a gun and was considering a quick trip to a rifle range just for the hell of it (perhaps taking up West Side Pistol Range's "50 rounds for $50" offer). From a practical POV (as opposed to a anti-gun POV!), amI wasting my money??
Hope everyone's looking forward to MSG. I can't wait - it's going to be a hell of a week!
"If there's a sound you play that doesn't fit today,
why not just play the b'stard anyway?"
The Wildhearts
Go to Sbarro and get a 'New York Slice' of Pizza... also, don't go to the Empire State Building..it's waay too touristy- if you want to get a feel as to how New Yorkers live go to Time Square- named after all the great times had there
If you've never been to NYC before, I'd say wander over there at night once. I remember my first trip there, stepping off the subway into that mass of humanity and neon ... it was a trip. I wouldn't hang out there, or buy anything there ... but a brisk walk through isn't going to kill you.
You might even be glad you did.
everybody wants the most they can possibly get
for the least they could possibly do
Try John's Pizza on Bleecker Street (downtown in the West Village). Best New York Pizza, real brick ovens. No slices so bring a friend or two, you have to buy a whole pie.
Best thing I've read here yet, my FAVORITE pizza.....awesome stuff. I'll actually probably go eat there one of the days before the show.
I also agree with the person that said Corner Bistro, great burgers....be prepared to wait a bit to get seated though.
I found a really fun bar last weekend.....it's called the Fat Cat Billiards lounge. They have pool, ping-pong, shuffleboard, foosball, etc. It's downstairs in a basement, on Christopher St, right off 7th ave. I think they only serve beer and wine but it's rather inexpensive. I went there for a birthday party with about 20 people and we had an awesome time.
"This is about as perfect a crowd as you can get. I hate to placate, I ain't placating...." - EV, 9/29/96
Best thing I've read here yet, my FAVORITE pizza.....awesome stuff. I'll actually probably go eat there one of the days before the show.
I also agree with the person that said Corner Bistro, great burgers....be prepared to wait a bit to get seated though.
Yup - both of these are on my list!
But what about somewhere to visit OFF Manhatten after I've been to Coney Island? I'm spending almost a week in the city as there's so much I want to see...it'd be a shame not to make full use of my one day 'off the island'!
"If there's a sound you play that doesn't fit today,
why not just play the b'stard anyway?"
The Wildhearts
But what about somewhere to visit OFF Manhatten after I've been to Coney Island? I'm spending almost a week in the city as there's so much I want to see...it'd be a shame not to make full use of my one day 'off the island'!
If you want to get out of the city I'd recommend taking the train up to Cold Spring for the day. It's about a 75 minute trip north of the city on Metro North along the Hudson River and the town is across from West Point. Very nice little strip of shops and restaurants along the main street and a nice park along the river.
We usually go up there in the Fall as the leaves change, but it's nice any time of year.
Try John's Pizza on Bleecker Street (downtown in the West Village). Best New York Pizza, real brick ovens. No slices so bring a friend or two, you have to buy a whole pie.
I'm sorry I have to point out that John's on Bleeker is definitely NOT the best pizza in new york. It's not even in the top 10. You start with Grimaldis in DUMBO then head over to DiFara's if you want good pizza.
Also, if you want a good burger the place to go is the shake shack in madison square park. Corner Bistro stopped making great burgers years ago and only lives on through nostalgia. Danny Meyer, the guy whose company runs both Union Square Grill and shake shack make one of the best burgers in town.
I'm sorry I have to point out that John's on Bleeker is definitely NOT the best pizza in new york. It's not even in the top 10. You start with Grimaldis in DUMBO then head over to DiFara's if you want good pizza.
Also, if you want a good burger the place to go is the shake shack in madison square park. Corner Bistro stopped making great burgers years ago and only lives on through nostalgia. Danny Meyer, the guy whose company runs both Union Square Grill and shake shack make one of the best burgers in town.
Even though I completely disagree about John's, I am in agreement about Grimaldis...great spot and a short trip from Manhattan. Be sure to grab some ice cream or a milkshake just down the street on the pier also.
I like shake shack also, but be prepared to wait between a half hour and an hour...good recommendations though.
"This is about as perfect a crowd as you can get. I hate to placate, I ain't placating...." - EV, 9/29/96
Ok. for anyone that's interested (apologies if you're not), here's what I've come up with - thanks to the assistance posted here!
Main places to visit (even the 'touristy' stuff - hey, I'm a tourist sue me!):
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - PEARL JAM!!!
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL - EDDIE IZZARD!
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
STATUE OF LIBERTY & ELLIS ISLAND
GROUND ZERO
ROCKEFELLER CENTRE (TOP OF THE ROCK)
TIMES SQUARE
BROOKLYN BRIDGE
CHRYSLER BUILDING
GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
MUS. OF MODERN ART (MoMA)
CHINATOWN
GREENWICH & EAST VILLAGES
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
DAKOTA BUILDING & STRAWBERRY FIELDS
METROPOLITAN MUS. OF ART
RIVERSIDE PARK
CONEY ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK
ST PAUL'S CHAPEL
BATTERY PARK
NY PUBLIC LIBRARY
NEW MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
WEST SIDE RIFLE AND PISTOL RANGE
LITTLE ITALY
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
STATEN ISLAND & FERRY (OR CIRCLE LINE)
UNION SQUARE
WTC TRIBUTE & TOUR
And here's the various food/drink places I've got listed (the last few recommendations posted here will also be added):
IL POSTINO
KEENS
BLIND TIGER
STOUT
SUTTON PLACE
CORNER BISTRO
BLT BURGER
JOHN'S PIZZA
SOBA-YA
JAIYA
FRANCISCO'S
PANCHITO'S
MOMOFUKU NOODLE
MOMOFUKU SSAM
PAUL'S PLACE
SAN LOCO
KATZ DELI
EMPIRE DINER
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT
There are also various shops and clubs not listed here that I've also got in mind (plenty of Jazz bars, thanks!).
There seems a lot to fit in...in only 7.5 days, but I've got it all planned!
This is going to be an awesome trip. Thanks once again for all your help. Maybe I'll post an update on my return.
"If there's a sound you play that doesn't fit today,
why not just play the b'stard anyway?"
The Wildhearts
Ok. for anyone that's interested (apologies if you're not), here's what I've come up with ...
KATZ DELI
I really prefer the pastrami at Carnegie Deli, for what it's worth.
And you're more likely to be near there (55th ST and 7th AVE)
as you travel around Midtown.
I really prefer the pastrami at Carnegie Deli, for what it's worth.
And you're more likely to be near there (55th ST and 7th AVE)
as you travel around Midtown.
Looks like a busy/fun trip.
Have fun!
Don't worry, I'll add it to the list! Thanks...I'll be coming home for a break, but I'm sure it'll be a great trip.
"If there's a sound you play that doesn't fit today,
why not just play the b'stard anyway?"
The Wildhearts
Ok. for anyone that's interested (apologies if you're not), here's what I've come up with - thanks to the assistance posted here!
Main places to visit (even the 'touristy' stuff - hey, I'm a tourist sue me!):
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - PEARL JAM!!!
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL - EDDIE IZZARD!
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
STATUE OF LIBERTY & ELLIS ISLAND
GROUND ZERO
ROCKEFELLER CENTRE (TOP OF THE ROCK)
TIMES SQUARE
BROOKLYN BRIDGE
CHRYSLER BUILDING
GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
MUS. OF MODERN ART (MoMA)
CHINATOWN
GREENWICH & EAST VILLAGES
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
DAKOTA BUILDING & STRAWBERRY FIELDS
METROPOLITAN MUS. OF ART
RIVERSIDE PARK
CONEY ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK
ST PAUL'S CHAPEL
BATTERY PARK
NY PUBLIC LIBRARY
NEW MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
WEST SIDE RIFLE AND PISTOL RANGE
LITTLE ITALY
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
STATEN ISLAND & FERRY (OR CIRCLE LINE)
UNION SQUARE
WTC TRIBUTE & TOUR
And here's the various food/drink places I've got listed (the last few recommendations posted here will also be added):
IL POSTINO
KEENS
BLIND TIGER
STOUT
SUTTON PLACE
CORNER BISTRO
BLT BURGER
JOHN'S PIZZA
SOBA-YA
JAIYA
FRANCISCO'S
PANCHITO'S
MOMOFUKU NOODLE
MOMOFUKU SSAM
PAUL'S PLACE
SAN LOCO
KATZ DELI
EMPIRE DINER
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT
There are also various shops and clubs not listed here that I've also got in mind (plenty of Jazz bars, thanks!).
There seems a lot to fit in...in only 7.5 days, but I've got it all planned!
This is going to be an awesome trip. Thanks once again for all your help. Maybe I'll post an update on my return.
For the ones who had a notion, a notion deep inside
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
And here's the various food/drink places I've got listed (the last few recommendations posted here will also be added):
KEENS-great
SUTTON PLACE-so so
CORNER BISTRO-pretty good
JOHN'S PIZZA-YES
SOBA-YA-DOUBLE YES AND THE CHEAP EATS across the street
JAIYA-Yes but be warned service can really suck and order mild. Trust me.
MOMOFUKU NOODLE-good, but really tough to get into-hassle
MOMOFUKU SSAM-same
KATZ DELI-the best pastrami in the city-tip the cutter and dont go lean
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT-take walk around then leave
I lived 5 years at 18th and Irving right south of Gramery Park. I am going to have to go with Frank (6th st and 2nd Ave). Italian but not mom-and-pop little Italy style where somebody slaps a piece of lasanga on your plate. First time I walked in, uncle Neil was playing over the speakers and everyone inside was having a ball. I waited a good 30 minutes standing room only in the tiny bar for our table while drinking some cold tasty Bironi beer. Everything is chalk board original and fresh. Hand flatten super thin seasoned flank steak over a bed of arugula. Homemade gnocchi. Venison. Walls are old brick and the room just has the chill vibe. Our waiter had dreads and tatts all over and knew everything there was to know about wine and fresh ingredients. Totally unpretentious. show up in jeans. Everyone there is super chill and you can just drink beer and wine and visit in cramped quarters have some of the best food around. Cash only. I have never sent someone there that didn't love it. You can even eat at the bar if you are solo.
Should this just be all nyc questions? I hate to start a new thread for each question.
How quick can I get from MSG to Port Authority bus station? 10-15 minutes if I go quick? I'm in shape. I figure on foot will be quicker time-wise than waiting for one of the subway lines, no?
R.i.p. Rigoberto Alpizar.
R.i.p. My Dad - May 28, 2007
R.i.p. Black Tail (cat) - Sept. 20, 2008
It sounds like you're going to have a great trip with PJ as the extra cherry on top.
Everyone has given a ton of great recommendations. I totally endorse checking out a range of different types of places, from small neighborhood joints and hole-in-the wall ethnic places to an amazing gourmet food experience to give you the full taste of NYC.
Here are some of my current favorites:
Spotted Pig -- gastropub in the west village. I haven't had it but everyone tells me their burger is amazing. I do know that the fries are great and I love the gnudi. No reservations so be prepared to wait, especially on the weekend. If both bars are crowded, go grab a drink around the corner and come back.
Morimoto - Huge restaurant (by NY standards) in the meatpacking that has sushi and other innovative asian fusion, like the yummy tuna pizza. Usually easier to get in than downtown Nobu.
Lupa and Babbo - both are owned by "molto mario" Batali. Lupa is more casual and holds a lot of tables for walkins. Babbo is awesome but it's hard to get a reservation but they might have cancellations or you can sit at the bar. It's a high-end, gourmet restaurant with a downtown vibe -- the perfect mix.
Inoteca on Ludlow and Rivington is always dependable for good food and good vibe. Small plates Italian and reasonable wine list. I like it for late night.
Balthazar in Soho is always a classic. I'm constantly surprised how they're able to maintain year after year. I also like Raoul's in Soho as another French bistro option.
The hot trend right now is greenmarket/local cuisine and there are a lot of good options: Perilla, Market Table, Blue Hill, BLT Market.
For seafood, my favorite is Aquagrill in soho. Nice for brunch too. And finally, Taboon is awesome. It's a greek/middle eastern in Hell's Kitchen on 10th Ave but is totally worth it, especially if you're in Times Square/Rock Center area and want to avoid the touristy Times Square joints, which you should do at all costs, and the mediocre Ninth Ave restaurants.
For reservations, opentable.com is great. It's free and easy to use. Not every restaurant uses it but a lot do and it saves a ton of time.
Sorry to overwhelm but it's so hard to narrow down. You're lucky too because of the strong pound against the dollar -- it's almost like everything is half-price. Enjoy!
How quick can I get from MSG to Port Authority bus station? 10-15 minutes if I go quick? I'm in shape. I figure on foot will be quicker time-wise than waiting for one of the subway lines, no?
It's super close. 9 blocks or about a 10-15 minute walk to get to the box office. Walking is definitely better than the subway since it's only one stop -- it's not worth the 2 bucks unless it's raining then take the subway (A/C/E downtown) and walk underground through Penn Station to reach the Garden.
Comments
-Reagan
It is a spectacle, just a cleaner, kinder, g-rated spectacle.
Its the people traffic that keeps me away from 57-32nd st between 5th and 8th aves. whenever possible.
"To is a preposition.
Come is a verb"
Rose Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History - one of the best star machines in the world. And they do 3D things that I don't understand but are remarkable. Best enjoyed in "enhanced" mode.
Circle Line boat trip around Manhattan on a nice day. Great views of the the whole city and who doesn't like boat rides?
To eat:
Lobster - Francisco's Centro Vasco on 23rd Steet. #1 for lobster in NYC by Zagats and not as expensive as you might think. Great atmosphere with giant claws all over.
Mexican - Panchitos on McDougal between Bleeker and W. 3rd Street (down from the falafel place). Great food, reasonable prices and a fun place to hang out.
I'll ride the wave where it takes me...
Mamas on 106th/amsterdam is the best pizza ever...
My recommendations:
Central Park
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
Bronx Zoo (say hi to Sasha the tiger during one of the tiger enrichment sessions)
Rockwood (for really good live music!)
Chelsea Market
Walk along the Hudson on the west-side
Top of the Rock
Circle line cruise around Manhattan
For food:
I second Sakagura and Omen. They aren't "trendy" places to be seen but they are totally precious. If you want something more "sceny", try Nobu or Morimoto (I prefer Nobu)
Brunch at 5 Ninth (ask to sit in the garden)
Kittichai in the Thompson Hotel for upscale sceny Thai food
Don't bother with Indian or Chinese food, you get much better stuff in London, hands down!
Shake Shack at Madison Square Park
Grand Central (find some literature on it first, though)
Bars:
230 Fifth Avenue (huge-ass roof, with amazing views!)
Beer Garden in Astoria (never personally been but heard it's kick-ass!)
Sounds like I've got a busy week in NYC to look forward to.
why not just play the b'stard anyway?"
The Wildhearts
Just go there knowing you won't see or do it all in one trip.
All the more reason to come back. Just like I need to get back to the UK again.
Have fun!
BTW, if someone hasn't recommended it yet - do the double decker bus tour thingy when you first get there. Do the circuit once and then start hopping on and off at points of interest.
Great way to get your bearings on a first trip.
I'll ride the wave where it takes me...
Hey, 1981 just called - it wants that joke back.
The best way to to the Brooklyn Bridge is to take the subway into Brooklyn and then walk back to Manhattan.
Profit is the only thing
And everywhere the little kings
Are getting away with murder
- Paul Kelly
www.troywass.com
Momofuko Noodle Bar on First Ave (between 10th and 11th Streets) and Momofuko Ssam Bar on 2nd Ave (corner of 13th) are both great. You have Paul's on 2nd Ave (between 7th and 8th) for a great burger and after a few drink, hit up San Loco (http://www.sanloco.com for locations) for great drunk-food tacos. And Katz's Deli...the classic NYC deli!! (205 E Houston).
You have to hit a NYC deli!!
Enjoy!!
Houston, 9/5/92, Nacogdoches,11/20/93, Austin, 9/16/95, Dallas, 7/5/98, NYC MSG, 7/8/03, Letterman 10C fan show, 5/4/06, Irving plaza, 5/5/06, Camden 6/1/06, NYC MSG, 6/24/08, 6/25/08
Mansfield, 6/28/08, Austin @ ACL 10/4/09, Newark 5/18/10, MSG 5/21/10, Austin @ ACL 2012
Eddie Vedder
NYC United Palace Theatre, 8/4/08, 8/5/08, Washington DC, 8/16/08, NYC Beacon Theatre 6/21/2011
Or take the Lexington Ave. line (4-5-6) to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall if you don't want to walk the whole bridge. But natureboy's idea gives you a better experience, I think.
I'll ride the wave where it takes me...
All the helpful advice above has been included in a detailed plan that I have for my visit to NYC. I've checked websites for all the recommendations, and all of them looked pretty cool - I intend to visit as many of them as I can. :-)
There's two little things I'd appreciate any further advice on:
- we're planning a visit to Coney Island. Is there anywhere within an easy 1 hour bus/metro/train ride that's really nice/relaxed, and where I can meet some friendly non-New Yorkers??
- as an English bloke, I've never fired a gun and was considering a quick trip to a rifle range just for the hell of it (perhaps taking up West Side Pistol Range's "50 rounds for $50" offer). From a practical POV (as opposed to a anti-gun POV!), amI wasting my money??
Hope everyone's looking forward to MSG. I can't wait - it's going to be a hell of a week!
why not just play the b'stard anyway?"
The Wildhearts
If you've never been to NYC before, I'd say wander over there at night once. I remember my first trip there, stepping off the subway into that mass of humanity and neon ... it was a trip. I wouldn't hang out there, or buy anything there ... but a brisk walk through isn't going to kill you.
You might even be glad you did.
for the least they could possibly do
Best thing I've read here yet, my FAVORITE pizza.....awesome stuff. I'll actually probably go eat there one of the days before the show.
I also agree with the person that said Corner Bistro, great burgers....be prepared to wait a bit to get seated though.
I found a really fun bar last weekend.....it's called the Fat Cat Billiards lounge. They have pool, ping-pong, shuffleboard, foosball, etc. It's downstairs in a basement, on Christopher St, right off 7th ave. I think they only serve beer and wine but it's rather inexpensive. I went there for a birthday party with about 20 people and we had an awesome time.
Yup - both of these are on my list!
But what about somewhere to visit OFF Manhatten after I've been to Coney Island? I'm spending almost a week in the city as there's so much I want to see...it'd be a shame not to make full use of my one day 'off the island'!
why not just play the b'stard anyway?"
The Wildhearts
the beer garden does indeed kick ass, everyone should get there
-ed july 8th MSG 2004
If you want to get out of the city I'd recommend taking the train up to Cold Spring for the day. It's about a 75 minute trip north of the city on Metro North along the Hudson River and the town is across from West Point. Very nice little strip of shops and restaurants along the main street and a nice park along the river.
We usually go up there in the Fall as the leaves change, but it's nice any time of year.
The train leaves from Grand Central Terminal - http://as0.mta.info/mnr/schedules/sched_form.cfm
Buy your tickets at GCT to save money (more expensive on the train).
I'll ride the wave where it takes me...
Also, if you want a good burger the place to go is the shake shack in madison square park. Corner Bistro stopped making great burgers years ago and only lives on through nostalgia. Danny Meyer, the guy whose company runs both Union Square Grill and shake shack make one of the best burgers in town.
Even though I completely disagree about John's, I am in agreement about Grimaldis...great spot and a short trip from Manhattan. Be sure to grab some ice cream or a milkshake just down the street on the pier also.
I like shake shack also, but be prepared to wait between a half hour and an hour...good recommendations though.
I've been there a couple times, real fun place....just outside Manhattan in Astoria, Queens. About a 5 minute walk from the subway.
Main places to visit (even the 'touristy' stuff - hey, I'm a tourist sue me!):
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - PEARL JAM!!!
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL - EDDIE IZZARD!
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
STATUE OF LIBERTY & ELLIS ISLAND
GROUND ZERO
ROCKEFELLER CENTRE (TOP OF THE ROCK)
TIMES SQUARE
BROOKLYN BRIDGE
CHRYSLER BUILDING
GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
MUS. OF MODERN ART (MoMA)
CHINATOWN
GREENWICH & EAST VILLAGES
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
DAKOTA BUILDING & STRAWBERRY FIELDS
METROPOLITAN MUS. OF ART
RIVERSIDE PARK
CONEY ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK
ST PAUL'S CHAPEL
BATTERY PARK
NY PUBLIC LIBRARY
NEW MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
WEST SIDE RIFLE AND PISTOL RANGE
LITTLE ITALY
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
STATEN ISLAND & FERRY (OR CIRCLE LINE)
UNION SQUARE
WTC TRIBUTE & TOUR
And here's the various food/drink places I've got listed (the last few recommendations posted here will also be added):
IL POSTINO
KEENS
BLIND TIGER
STOUT
SUTTON PLACE
CORNER BISTRO
BLT BURGER
JOHN'S PIZZA
SOBA-YA
JAIYA
FRANCISCO'S
PANCHITO'S
MOMOFUKU NOODLE
MOMOFUKU SSAM
PAUL'S PLACE
SAN LOCO
KATZ DELI
EMPIRE DINER
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT
There are also various shops and clubs not listed here that I've also got in mind (plenty of Jazz bars, thanks!).
There seems a lot to fit in...in only 7.5 days, but I've got it all planned!
This is going to be an awesome trip. Thanks once again for all your help. Maybe I'll post an update on my return.
why not just play the b'stard anyway?"
The Wildhearts
I really prefer the pastrami at Carnegie Deli, for what it's worth.
And you're more likely to be near there (55th ST and 7th AVE)
as you travel around Midtown.
Looks like a busy/fun trip.
Have fun!
I'll ride the wave where it takes me...
Don't worry, I'll add it to the list! Thanks...I'll be coming home for a break, but I'm sure it'll be a great trip.
why not just play the b'stard anyway?"
The Wildhearts
No list of " Things To Do / See In NYC " is complete without
Green - Wood Cemetary.
That it ain't no sin to be glad you're alive
ORGAN DONATION SAVES LIVES
http://www.UNOS.org
Donate Organs and Save a Life
SUTTON PLACE-so so
CORNER BISTRO-pretty good
JOHN'S PIZZA-YES
SOBA-YA-DOUBLE YES AND THE CHEAP EATS across the street
JAIYA-Yes but be warned service can really suck and order mild. Trust me.
MOMOFUKU NOODLE-good, but really tough to get into-hassle
MOMOFUKU SSAM-same
KATZ DELI-the best pastrami in the city-tip the cutter and dont go lean
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT-take walk around then leave
How quick can I get from MSG to Port Authority bus station? 10-15 minutes if I go quick? I'm in shape. I figure on foot will be quicker time-wise than waiting for one of the subway lines, no?
R.i.p. My Dad - May 28, 2007
R.i.p. Black Tail (cat) - Sept. 20, 2008
Everyone has given a ton of great recommendations. I totally endorse checking out a range of different types of places, from small neighborhood joints and hole-in-the wall ethnic places to an amazing gourmet food experience to give you the full taste of NYC.
Here are some of my current favorites:
Spotted Pig -- gastropub in the west village. I haven't had it but everyone tells me their burger is amazing. I do know that the fries are great and I love the gnudi. No reservations so be prepared to wait, especially on the weekend. If both bars are crowded, go grab a drink around the corner and come back.
http://thespottedpig.com/
Morimoto - Huge restaurant (by NY standards) in the meatpacking that has sushi and other innovative asian fusion, like the yummy tuna pizza. Usually easier to get in than downtown Nobu.
http://www.morimotorestaurant.com/
Lupa and Babbo - both are owned by "molto mario" Batali. Lupa is more casual and holds a lot of tables for walkins. Babbo is awesome but it's hard to get a reservation but they might have cancellations or you can sit at the bar. It's a high-end, gourmet restaurant with a downtown vibe -- the perfect mix.
http://www.luparestaurant.com/
http://www.babbonyc.com/
My favorite Italian at the moment is DellAnima in the West Village. Delicious food in a sophisticated yet casual, intimate atmosphere.
http://www.dellanima.com/
Inoteca on Ludlow and Rivington is always dependable for good food and good vibe. Small plates Italian and reasonable wine list. I like it for late night.
http://www.inotecanyc.com/
Balthazar in Soho is always a classic. I'm constantly surprised how they're able to maintain year after year. I also like Raoul's in Soho as another French bistro option.
http://www.balthazarny.com
http://raouls.com
The hot trend right now is greenmarket/local cuisine and there are a lot of good options: Perilla, Market Table, Blue Hill, BLT Market.
For seafood, my favorite is Aquagrill in soho. Nice for brunch too. And finally, Taboon is awesome. It's a greek/middle eastern in Hell's Kitchen on 10th Ave but is totally worth it, especially if you're in Times Square/Rock Center area and want to avoid the touristy Times Square joints, which you should do at all costs, and the mediocre Ninth Ave restaurants.
For reservations, opentable.com is great. It's free and easy to use. Not every restaurant uses it but a lot do and it saves a ton of time.
Sorry to overwhelm but it's so hard to narrow down. You're lucky too because of the strong pound against the dollar -- it's almost like everything is half-price. Enjoy!
It's super close. 9 blocks or about a 10-15 minute walk to get to the box office. Walking is definitely better than the subway since it's only one stop -- it's not worth the 2 bucks unless it's raining then take the subway (A/C/E downtown) and walk underground through Penn Station to reach the Garden.