While in New York City

While in New York City we say "Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!"

Every neighborhood has its charm, hidden gems, and "local" favorites. It's just a matter of finding them. If you're staying in Chelsea at one of the hotels listed, here is a list of places to eat, possibly drink, and definitely be merry.
  • Shake Shack, a landmark burger joint - Madison Square Park (original location)
  • Doughnut Plant, name speaks for itself - Chelsea Hotel, W 23rd between 7th and 8th Ave
  • Patsy's, brickoven pizza - W 23rd between 8th and 9th Ave
  • The Breslin, a gastropub - 16 West 29th Street between Broadway and 5th Ave
  • Boqueria Flatiron, Spanish tapas - 53 West 19th Street between 5th and 6th Ave
  • The Half King, classic pub & restaurant - W 23rd and 10th Ave 
There is also Chelsea Market on 9th Ave in between W 15th and W 16th St. which has a variety of vendors - good site seeing lunch spot.

Along the west side there is an historic freight rail line that was converted into a public park called The Highline. Check out the site to get more information and if you can, take the walk!

As most of you know, the New York City that we know and love is centered around good eats. If you're feeling a bit adventurous and willing to travel around town, here is a list of more of our favorite places in this concrete jungle we call home. We also shared our favorite items to order. Some of these places have multiple locations (*) so don't feel tied to the neighborhood we wrote down. It's merely because it's convenient to our apartment.

Savory Comforts
Shake Shack, landmark burger joint, Upper West Side*
  • 2 Shack Burgers with a Grape soda
  • 1 Shack Burger with a Fifty/Fifty
  • Cheese fries to share
Mandoo Bar, Korean dumplings, K-town (yes, there are many other places in K-town, but we like their dumplings!)
  • Goon Mandoo (fried pork and chive dumplings)
  • Kimchee Mandoo (boiled Kimchee dumplings)
  • Vegetable Mool Mandoo (boiled vegetable dumplings)
  • Seafood Pajeon (seafood pancake)
  • Dolsot Bibimbap (seasoned vegetables and sliced beef served atop white rice in a hot stone pot with a raw egg)
Luke's Lobster, Maine Lobster Rolls, Upper West Side* - Noah's Ark to share

Gray's Papaya, hot dogs, Upper West Side* - Recession special: 2 hot dogs and papaya fruit smoothie (100% natural)

Sweets
Magnolia Bakery, Upper West Side*
  • Banana Pudding
  • Lemon Squares
  • ... and everything else
Minamoto Kitchoan, Japanese sweets, Rockefeller Center
  • Tokoyo
  • Fukuwatashi Senbei
  • Kasutera
Levain Bakery, Upper West Side
All their Cookies

Beard Papa's, cream puffs, Upper West Side - classic vanilla puff