Some other thoughts, R&R:

 

Along the line of Jax, I'd really consider adding a David Chang place to your list. 

You might also check out the Fatty Crab in mrnyc's neighborhood, which is a lot of fun, and great Malaysian street food inspired fare.

 

As for burger places, I like Shake Shack fine, but not enough to wait outside.  I much prefer either a quality old school NYC burger place (my favorite is JG Melon on the UES, but there are several others), or one of the better hipster ones, like Burger Joint in the Parker Meridian in midtown, which is painfully, self-consciously ironic in its atmosphere, but still fun.

 

I definitely second Porchetta.  They are masters at their craft.

 

I'm sure you can get plenty of good pizza recommendations from the crew here too if you're interested,  both sit down and slice places.  There are plenty of good ones without the silly waits you finds at some of the more famous ones.

I don't like seafood and don't eat shellfish so anything with crab in the name is probably out. I did the Parker meridian burger place on my last trip and wasn't impressed.

 

I am not sure about wait times and reservations for the Chang places. R how much seafood would be on the menu.Also, though i will be solo much of the time, my schedule is likely up in the air until just before I arrive because my friends in the city are very bad at planning ahead so it's hard to get an itin together right now.

 

Would love pizza recs. went to the famous place in Brooklyn last trip, looking to stay in manhattan this time I think

"Most of the places recommended are not what I would be looking for - too expensive, or beer-focused or seafood-focused..."

 

for "not...too expensive" you should definitely cross out The Modern, Joel Robuchon and Perry St from your original list. I think they average over $100 per person.

 

okay, definitely cross off L'Atelier De Joël Robuchon. It closed in June!

 

Wow, yeah, out of my price range.

Momofuku Noodle Bar is reasonably priced although the menus don't explicitly list prices for some reason. They also have an online reservation system.

 

http://momofuku.com/new-york/noodle-bar/dinner/

^yes, it's Momofuku Ko that's expensive.

I don't think the David Chang places are particularly sea-food heavy.  Not sure about the waits these days.  I think I've only been to the Noodle Bar, and it was too long ago. I keep meaning to get to more.

 

Not exactly a household name, but there's a nifty meat-centric Belgian place (i.e., far more than the generic mussels and frites stuff) in Murray Hill called Resto which served me well a few times several years ago: http://www.restonyc.com/  I'm a fan of good Belgian food generally (central Europe meets French; kind of like Alsatian I guess), but not sure how universally appealing it is.

 

Also, if you're into the genre, the Austrian cafe (http://www.neuegalerie.org/cafes/sabarsky) at the Neue Gallerie at 86th and 5th Ave after a run through the awesome little museum makes a great art and food duo.

 

For pizza, you can get so many recommendations, and at a certain point it's just so subjective which are better than others (among the good ones; god knows there is plenty of crap).  Best just to keep a list of some good places and then hit one or two when convenient.  You're likely familiar with a lot of the good ones anyway, and I have no hidden special finds, but in case useful here are some of my favorites:

*For slices, I like Bleecker Street pizza (Bleecker and 7th Ave); the classic Joe's (Bleecker and 6th), and the Sicilian slices at Artichoke (one location on East 14th, one on MacDougal) [though I find their famous signature slices kind of disgusting]. 

*For sit down, I dig the modern pies at Kesta (Bleecker near 6th), the excellent thin American pies at Posto (2nd Ave and 18th), the classic John's (Bleecker) and the coal fired classic Arturos.  Lots of good Neopolitan places as well. The real best to me is Franny's in Brooklyn, which is probably off your route a little bit.  But oh so good.

i was just thinking when you are out and about you might want to try some newer pizza places with a distinct specialty:  don antonio, forcella or pizzaarte -- they do naples/la montanara style pizza:

 

"First they flatten the dough, fry it (no fried taste) then put on the sauce, cheese and whatever, and then they bake it. this is exactly how they make it in Naples-a crisp, non soggy crust. Very tasty and very authentic..if its Naples style pizza you want."

 

also, ovest on w27th is another good neapolitan if you are visiting the chelsea galleries/highline or try naples45 if you are at grand central.

 

^which reminds me of a good point, dont go too out of your way for pizza, because there is bound to be something good near your travels whereever you are when the pizza craving moment strikes you.

 

^or if you're starving and really wanna go cheap and hardcore, try one of the many new 99-cents-a-slice places that have opened in recent years (although I would avoid a chain called Joey Pepperoni's--a likely name. Too greasy). Sure, they're not exactly what ya'd call "artisanal" :roll:, but I really don't think they're that qualitatively different from the standard-issue pizza places that have been around for ages which now charge $2.50 for a plain slice (except for Joe's in the Village, which Straphanger mentioned--it's excellent). I remember when those places charged 50 cents. Everyone was annoyed when they went to 75 cents, and outraged at $1.00!

Thanks all. Trip is fast approaching!

I wanted to thank you all for your great ideas and suggestions for my trip. Unfortunately, we've run in to a sudden and very bad financial situation so all extraneous spending has been instantly curtailed. This means my NYC trip is not happening. Not sure if or when I will be able to reschedule. But maybe this thread can serve others well in their travels there.

 

As a side note, though I know there's nothing I can do about the train ticket, what do you all recommend in terms of sites where I might be able to try to sell my concert ticket? I don't think craigs is reputable enough, especially the NYC craig's, for me to try to sell it there. Is there a more ticket-focused site?

I wanted to thank you all for your great ideas and suggestions for my trip. Unfortunately, we've run in to a sudden and very bad financial situation so all extraneous spending has been instantly curtailed. This means my NYC trip is not happening. Not sure if or when I will be able to reschedule. But maybe this thread can serve others well in their travels there.

 

As a side note, though I know there's nothing I can do about the train ticket, what do you all recommend in terms of sites where I might be able to try to sell my concert ticket? I don't think craigs is reputable enough, especially the NYC craig's, for me to try to sell it there. Is there a more ticket-focused site?

 

Why can't you get a refund for the train ticket? Amtrak issues ticket refunds.

It's typically super easy to cancel too.  Until recently, there wasn't even a fee for day-of cancellations.  Though depending on how you paid, you may end up with an annoying "e-voucher" that you have to turn into cash through additional steps (or apply to future travel).

 

And more importantly, I hope things are OK and that you guys are fully back on your feet soon, financially. 

You can cancel a train ticket? Who knew. I will go look into it.

Holy crap you guys, thank you so much! I just cancelled and only have to pay a 10% cancellation fee. I just assumed it was like air travel and you were screwed. I feel much better about cancelling now.

 

strap, thanks for the well wishes. Me too. very tough right now.

Holy crap you guys, thank you so much! I just cancelled and only have to pay a 10% cancellation fee. I just assumed it was like air travel and you were screwed. I feel much better about cancelling now.

 

strap, thanks for the well wishes. Me too. very tough right now.

 

I keep telling ya the virtues of train travel! ;) I hope your financial situation improves soon and you can take this trip.

you might try to sell your tix on stubhub.

Thx. I posted it there yesterday actually :)

As opposed to starting a new thread just so it can die later I am going to bogart this one.

 

The wife and I are going back to NYC for our Anniversary Weekend, Aug. 9-11.  We are just going for the weekend so it wont be anything too crazy.  She pretty much said "Don't plan"  :evil: :drunk: :angel:

 

But she was interested in renting bikes and riding around the city, probably through Central Park.  We just got a new Nikon D5200 camera and will probably be playing with that.  I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for Bike Rentals?  We are staying at the W Union Square, so it could be around there or up by Central Park.

 

Also, we are thinking of going to see some stand up comedy act somewhere.  Again if anyone has any recommendation they would be appreciated. 

 

I promise when I get back I will upload some pictures.  I need more experience with the camera anyway before we go to Europe in the fall.

a few suggestions --

 

 

you can rent citybikes anywhere. info here:

 

http://citibikenyc.com/

 

 

there are also bike rentals at the columbus circle corner of central park.

 

central park is a nice ride on the weekend. i would also rec a citybike ride down the westside along the hudson river park. there are plenty of places to stop off along the way, like the intrepid, chelsea piers, the frying pan, etc. more info:

 

http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/

 

i dont rec riding around in the city too much, but if you do lower ninth avenue is wide, has less traffic and has the original dedicated bike lanes.

 

 

as for comedy clubs, upright citizens brigade is free or $5 and it can be fun:

 

http://newyork.ucbtheatre.com/

 

 

another one that is often great is the comedy cellar, the bonus is it is in the heart of the greenwich village action on macdougal st:

 

http://www.comedycellar.com/

 

let us know if you have questions or need more -- happy anniversary+have fun!

 

 

 

a few suggestions --

 

 

you can rent citybikes anywhere. info here:

 

http://citibikenyc.com/

 

 

 

well, apparently not "anywhere!" just as I had suspected (as I had remarked to people who live in the area) there are no bike stations on the Upper East (or, apparently Upper West) Side!! WTF?? I figured Bloomberg wouldn't want one in front of his multimillion $$ townhouse, but the entire neighborhood??? of course everyone in his neck-o'-the-woods just takes the town car to get from point A to B. In other words, if you're a tourist, forget about getting to Museum Mile on a rent-a-bike! I guess you could just ask one of the Fifth Avenue doormen to watch it...for a small fee.

^ yeah there are none in the south bronx either. supposedly they are going to expand soon.

 

but it doesnt matter because outside of central park there is nothing to do above 59st anyway, esp given they only have a couple days and also they are staying downtown at the w union square.

 

^ yeah there are none in the south bronx either. supposedly they are going to expand soon.

 

but it doesnt matter because outside of central park there is nothing to do above 59st anyway, esp given they only have a couple days and also they are staying downtown at the w union square.

 

^ yeah there are none in the south bronx either. supposedly they are going to expand soon.

 

but it doesnt matter because outside of central park there is nothing to do above 59st anyway, esp given they only have a couple days and also they are staying downtown at the w union square.

 

 

ummm, the Metropolitan Museum, Guggenheim, Whitney, Museum of Natural History, Cloisters, Grant's Tomb :laugh:...

a short weekend trip, its august and you are recommending they go inside a bunch of museums?? they want to ride bikes, that means be outdoors. cuz like its summer.

 

and mts dont you go dragging them up to your ghetto lol!

 

 

a short weekend trip, its august and you are recommending they go inside a bunch of museums?? they want to ride bikes, that means be outdoors. cuz like its summer.

 

and mts dont you go dragging them up to your ghetto lol!

 

 

 

Says the alleged Straight man living in the heart of the gay ghetto!  Child Boo!

 

They are safer uptown, than in that poisonous vipers den of bitter & jaded Queens who live and visit the W. Village and Chelsea!

 

 

Says the alleged Straight man living in the heart of the gay ghetto!  Child Boo!

 

They are safer uptown, than in that poisonous vipers den of bitter & jaded Queens who live and visit the W. Village and Chelsea!

 

So I totally forgot about making dinner reservations until today.  We will be going to the Comedy Cellar at 11 so are figuring Dinner around 8, putting us pretty much at the height of the inner rush.  Looking for recommendations in that area; Meatpacking, Greenwich, NoHo, etc.  I imagine the majority of my day will be spent being told that there is no availability.

^You could try for a place that doesn't take reservations, like the Fatty Crab in the West Village: http://www.fattycrab.com/locations/  The wait might be long, but you could get there earlier, put your name in, and grab a drink in the neighborhood (or at their own tiny bar).

So I totally forgot about making dinner reservations until today.  We will be going to the Comedy Cellar at 11 so are figuring Dinner around 8, putting us pretty much at the height of the inner rush.  Looking for recommendations in that area; Meatpacking, Greenwich, NoHo, etc.  I imagine the majority of my day will be spent being told that there is no availability.

 

My suggestions (not that you'll use them HA!)

• Commerce (American) I LOVE this place.  LOVE LOVE LOVE
  
• Annisa (American)
  
• Kin Shop (Thai)
  
• Mary's Fish Camp (Seafood)
  
• Fish (Seafood)
  
• Casa (Brazilian)
  
• Favela Cubana
  
• North Square
  

^ Actually just got lucky and booked a table at Blue Hill @ 8:30, yesterday they didn't have anything before 10:30.  It does not look like we will be keeping this meal under $300, but it's our anniversary so eff it.  BTW, Commerce was on my list of places, and Annisa but they didn't have anything until 10:00.

 

Should be fun, pretty much everything is worked out at this point.  Bikes, Dinner, and Comedy.  Solid day in the city. 

 

 

^ Actually just got lucky and booked a table at Blue Hill @ 8:30, yesterday they didn't have anything before 10:30.  It does not look like we will be keeping this meal under $300, but it's our anniversary so eff it.  BTW, Commerce was on my list of places, and Annisa but they didn't have anything until 10:00.

 

Should be fun, pretty much everything is worked out at this point.  Bikes, Dinner, and Comedy.  Solid day in the city. 

 

 

 

Blue Hill doesn't compare to Commerce.  If you want a special meal for your anniversary, go to Commerce!  Your wife will really appreciate it.

^ Actually just got lucky and booked a table at Blue Hill @ 8:30, yesterday they didn't have anything before 10:30.  It does not look like we will be keeping this meal under $300, but it's our anniversary so eff it.  BTW, Commerce was on my list of places, and Annisa but they didn't have anything until 10:00.

 

Should be fun, pretty much everything is worked out at this point.  Bikes, Dinner, and Comedy.  Solid day in the city. 

 

 

 

Blue Hill doesn't compare to Commerce.  If you want a special meal for your anniversary, go to Commerce!  Your wife will really appreciate it.

 

I did.  She picked Blue Hill.  I can only take things so far.  Plus we really like the Farm to Table aspect, so that affected things as well.

^ Actually just got lucky and booked a table at Blue Hill @ 8:30, yesterday they didn't have anything before 10:30.  It does not look like we will be keeping this meal under $300, but it's our anniversary so eff it.  BTW, Commerce was on my list of places, and Annisa but they didn't have anything until 10:00.

 

Should be fun, pretty much everything is worked out at this point.  Bikes, Dinner, and Comedy.  Solid day in the city. 

 

 

 

Blue Hill doesn't compare to Commerce.  If you want a special meal for your anniversary, go to Commerce!  Your wife will really appreciate it.

 

I did.  She picked Blue Hill.  I can only take things so far.  Plus we really like the Farm to Table aspect, so that affected things as well.

Change.  I'm telling you.  Change that reservation.  One day, you'll listen to me....

^ Actually just got lucky and booked a table at Blue Hill @ 8:30, yesterday they didn't have anything before 10:30.  It does not look like we will be keeping this meal under $300, but it's our anniversary so eff it.  BTW, Commerce was on my list of places, and Annisa but they didn't have anything until 10:00.

 

Should be fun, pretty much everything is worked out at this point.  Bikes, Dinner, and Comedy.  Solid day in the city. 

 

 

 

Blue Hill doesn't compare to Commerce.  If you want a special meal for your anniversary, go to Commerce!  Your wife will really appreciate it.

 

I did.  She picked Blue Hill.  I can only take things so far.  Plus we really like the Farm to Table aspect, so that affected things as well.

Change.  I'm telling you.  Change that reservation.  One day, you'll listen to me....

 

Well, to be honest the wife was not a fan of L'Albatross and I believe you have been on the record of loving that place.  So in the interest  of marital bliss I am going to go with what she choose.  This way if she doesn't like it it won't be "my fault".  Something I'm sure you would love to say as much as her. 

 

Besides if I started listening to you then we wouldn't have these lovely little conversations.

 

Maybe we will stop there for drinks though, it's not far away.  The show at the Comedy Cellar isn't until 11 so I imagine we will have some time to kill.

^ hmm, i usually suggest gramercy tavern for something like an anniversary as its cant miss. regardless, i feel your wallet pain already.

 

as you know, blue hill and comedy cellar are very close to each other, but you prob only have an hour in-between, so you might just walk around and have a late drink after the show. little branch, pegu club & employees only are all walkable or short cab hops from there. or minetta tavern is right there, they have great crafty drinks too & it will be easier to get in late night.

 

instead of cocktails, if you like belgian beer the old rabbit club is right across the street from comedy cellar. its hard to find and pitch dark inside, but very memorable, i love it. vol de nuit is another belgian draft beer place nearby, belgians run it and fwiw its even more 'spouse approved.' i would also suggest my favorite craft beer tavern, blind tiger on bleecker as its close, but it will be crowded.

 

if you guys are real troopers and want to carry on, there are plenty of live jazz clubs around that go very late. i like zinc bar and smalls, but there are plenty of others nearby. arthurs and the garage are free.

 

anyway enjoy your meal and have fun -

 

ps -- if you like the farm to table thing, make sure to have brunch at the green table in the chelsea market. the restaurant, market and highline right above it will all be guaranteed 100% spouse approved.

^ Actually just got lucky and booked a table at Blue Hill @ 8:30, yesterday they didn't have anything before 10:30.  It does not look like we will be keeping this meal under $300, but it's our anniversary so eff it.  BTW, Commerce was on my list of places, and Annisa but they didn't have anything until 10:00.

 

Should be fun, pretty much everything is worked out at this point.  Bikes, Dinner, and Comedy.  Solid day in the city. 

 

 

 

Blue Hill doesn't compare to Commerce.  If you want a special meal for your anniversary, go to Commerce!  Your wife will really appreciate it.

 

I did.  She picked Blue Hill.  I can only take things so far.  Plus we really like the Farm to Table aspect, so that affected things as well.

Change.  I'm telling you.  Change that reservation.  One day, you'll listen to me....

 

Well, to be honest the wife was not a fan of L'Albatross and I believe you have been on the record of loving that place.  So in the interest  of marital bliss I am going to go with what she choose.  This way if she doesn't like it it won't be "my fault".  Something I'm sure you would love to say as much as her. 

 

Besides if I started listening to you then we wouldn't have these lovely little conversations.

 

Maybe we will stop there for drinks though, it's not far away.  The show at the Comedy Cellar isn't until 11 so I imagine we will have some time to kill.

It's quite obvious you don't pay attention to what I write here.  When will you kids learn?!  I'm not a fan of L'albatross.  I love Table 45!

 

I know how to treat a partner right, Let me know what you're in the mood for and I'll send you to the right restaurants!

^ Those are both Bruell restaurants.  I knew it was one of the two in that area. 

 

^^ I looked at Gramercy Tavern, but they did not have any open times.  I think their first was 10:00 or so.

^ Those are both Bruell restaurants.  I knew it was one of the two in that area. 

 

^^ I looked at Gramercy Tavern, but they did not have any open times.  I think their first was 10:00 or so.

 

You also should take your wife for cocktails at Robert.  Have a cocktail, soak in the view but DO NOT ORDER ANY FOOD.  The food is terrible, but the view is amazing.  I repeat, do NOT order any food.

I would say we will do that after biking around on Sat. as it is right by Central Park but I feel that we will be out of the element for that kind of activity.  Maybe Friday night, but she has a work function during the day that will lead to Happy Hour.  Not sure we will get up that far north.

I would say we will do that after biking around on Sat. as it is right by Central Park but I feel that we will be out of the element for that kind of activity.  Maybe Friday night, but she has a work function during the day that will lead to Happy Hour.  Not sure we will get up that far north.

 

Then hit up Gallow Green!

Been dying to try Blue Hill, let us know how it is.

Been dying to try Blue Hill, let us know how it is.

 

we went to the stone barns once long ago. wonderful. no idea these days.

 

The Wife just informed me that we will mostly be shopping on Sunday before our late flight home.  Last time this happened MTS was grasping his pearls because of the stores she went to, so I am thinking I(she) will need some advice as to what is in the area.  Especially since it is Sunday, always a day of strange hours. 

 

BTW, I love you guys. 

The Wife just informed me that we will mostly be shopping on Sunday before our late flight home.  Last time this happened MTS was grasping his pearls because of the stores she went to, so I am thinking I(she) will need some advice as to what is in the area.  Especially since it is Sunday, always a day of strange hours. 

 

BTW, I love you guys. 

 

Where do you want to shop?  What's your budget?

just walk around soho/nolita with her.

 

that has shops for all price ranges, its easy to do and she will enjoy it.

 

 

bonus - you can be the funny, silly, clever husband and take her to lunch here:

 

http://www.theclevelandnyc.com/

 

^ its good i just tried it. sit out front or they have a cute garden in back.

 

 

 

 

and if you can't get into or easily afford Gramercy Tavern, try the Gramercy Cafe. There aren't too many Greek coffee shops left in Manhattan!

and if you can't get into or easily afford Gramercy Tavern, try the Gramercy Cafe. There aren't too many Greek coffee shops left in Manhattan!

 

And make sure you offer your coffee 'regular'! :-D

The Wife just informed me that we will mostly be shopping on Sunday before our late flight home.  Last time this happened MTS was grasping his pearls because of the stores she went to, so I am thinking I(she) will need some advice as to what is in the area.  Especially since it is Sunday, always a day of strange hours. 

 

BTW, I love you guys. 

 

Where do you want to shop?  What's your budget?

 

Not too sure, but she has been on a banana republic kick recently. Didn't have much of a problem dropping $400 a few weeks ago. We are going to cole haan as she loves their shoes and I need to return a pair as well.