INN & OUT: NEW YORK CITY
If you’ve been to NYC, you know covering everything there is to do and see in one blog post is impossible. In fact, it’s almost impossible to eat in every worthwhile restaurant or experience what the city has to offer even as a resident! We would know, we’ve lived, worked and traveled the town many times. However, here’s a first take at some of our favorite places and activities for the ever-moving gentleman in the city.
DINING
Carbone: Not easy to get a last second reservation (unless you don’t mind eating at 11PM) as its small and busy but well worth the wait. It bleeds classic NY Italian with so many unique additions. The spicy rigatoni and bruschetta are a must. The wait staff is the real deal! If you’re looking for a memorable dinner for business or a lovely date do it here.
Scarpetta: Yes, there are a few of them nationwide now, but the original is in NYC as its perhaps the best spaghetti you’ll ever have.
Beauty & Essex: GREAT date night location in the Lower East Side. Don’t be fooled by the pawnshop you are greeted as you walk in the door. As you continue your descent to the restaurant you will be greeted by opulence and elegance.
Katz’s Deli: There are many jewish deli’s in NYC, but none quite like this. Enjoy probably the best corned beef or pastrami sandwich you’ll ever have in your life, enough said.
Tavern on The Green: Built in the 1880’s to house the sheep in Central Park this gem has history, charm and grace. Great spot to have brunch (on weekends) lunch or dinner when you are in Central Park. Great spot anytime of the year!
Harry’s: If you love a classic steak house, how about the one rumored to have created the first French 75 cocktail in the USA?
Vinyl Steakhouse: Like classic cuts and classic rock? This is your joint. No, its not just classic rock as I enjoyed old school hip hop, grunge and amazing cocktails. This place was a vibe. I’ll absolutely return here again with some music / steak / libation lovers.
Russian Tea Room: I’ve lived, grown up and traveled NYC my entire life and absolutely knew all about this place yet, never went… until recently. I had no idea this place is celebrating its 100th anniversary, wow! That means it was here before the Empire State Building. I’ll be honest, I didn’t dine here… but when in Rome, celebrated a win with some vodka. As you can imagine… they have a long list! Good for big groups (private floors).
Tip: Its right around the block from Carnegie Hall, go for tea, drinks or food before a play!
LIBATIONS
The Carnegie Cigar Club: If the black and white pics of iconic cigar smokers like JFK or Winston Churchill don’t give away the vibe perhaps stained wood interior will! It’s classic in every sense of the word! A great place to catch up with a friend or client.
Manhatta: Rooftop bars have nothing on the view from the top floor here. Aside from the fact that the food, service and cocktails are 10/10 on point, god… that view. The people are a fun watch too, you’re looking at Wall Street’s best here :)
The Campbell: Paying tribute to John W. Campbell, a Jazz Age financier who converted the space in Grand Central Station to his private office in 1923. Its 19th century Florentine design is stunning, and the cocktails aren’t too shabby either. Great spot to meet someone for a drink before hopping on the train! There is a dress code, but if you’re reading this it shouldn’t matter. Also, if you are bringing a lady friend we’re told the highly cherished Gossip Girl series filmed here once (big hit with the females).
Fraunces Tavern: One of the few buildings that remains from revolutionary NYC. In this building, George Washington bid farewell to his officers following victory of the Crown, it’s not only a museum but an active pub! Stop in for ale!
Little Branch: My sister and I tried this place out in Greenwich Village and were not disappointed. If you love mixology, I dare you to challenge them to meet your pallate! Further, where else in NYC can you enjoy a jazz trio / live music while enjoying a classic cocktail or something unique made from scratch on the spot.
Little Ned: A cool & swanky craft cocktail bar in the Nomad Hotel. Open to the public!
Pebble Bar: There are very few brick townhomes from the 1800’s left in Rockefeller Plaza and this building is one of those rare holdout exceptions. Dating back to Prohibition Era this unit has been serving alcohol (both illegally and legally). The most recent edition is elegant part-owned by former SNL star Pete Davidson, conveniently located next to NBC studios.
HOTEL
The Roxy: You could spend a day just taking part in all of the hotel’s amenities like The Django Jazz Club, Paul’s Cocktail Lounge, coffee and cinema all on the property. The rooms are incredibly retro, yet modern. See for yourself, depending on your timing you can get some great rates! We LOVE this hotel.
The Beekman Hotel: A Thompson property (nuff said) with an incredible re-imagining of classic NYC historic architecture. The restaurant and bar is a vibe… the food being good at that point is a bonus!
The Knickerbocker Hotel: A Thompson property (nuff said) with an incredible re-imagining of classic NYC historic architecture. The restaurant and bar is a vibe… the food being good at that point is a bonus!
Hotel Chelsea: From Mark Twain to Bob Dylan, this unique hotel has been serving guests since 1884 landing itself on the National Register of Historic places as well as a NYC landmark. The Victorian Gothic building has a WONDERFUL lobby bar and El Quijote, a Spanish restaurant thats also been in business for nearly 100 years.
Hudson Hotel: Located in Midtown (with Times Sq, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall just right around the corner), this boutique hotel features the “Library Bar” which is everything it sounds with classic english leather sofas and antique area rugs, bring your date and cozy up at the fireplace! Additionally, the Sky Terrace has a lovely unobstructed view of the Hudson River. Enjoy the Sangria!
The Mark Hotel: So you say you want real luxury? Ready to spend? This is a good little spot on the Upper East Side. Every detail at the Mark seems exquisite, definitely a luxury boutique if we’ve ever seen one. Spend an afternoon downstairs for happy hour at Caviar Kaspia, there is a good chance you might run into someone you’ve seen on TV (or Instagram).
ACTIVITIES
The Brooklyn Bridge: There is a footbridge you can walk across, free! (Amazing Pix)
Trinity Church: Stop by and pay your respects to Alexander Hamilton, buried here, free!
MSG: The world’s most famous arena! Go and check out the NY Rangers, Knicks or primo concert!
9/11 Memorial: Although, the site of horror… there is an ironic feel of peace & beauty here. Its family-friendly, and free!
NYC Encounters: Take a tour with my sister, Ginny Poleman! Tour guide at the Met anything else NYC! She will curate a custom tour just for you on Wall Street, Dumbo, Grand Central… you name it!
Metropolitan Museum of Art: I’m not an art museum guy, but… this is different. I looked at it much more like a history museum as it goes way beyond paintings on a wall. I saw Egyptian monarchy actually mummified, artifacts, rooms that felt like I was back in 14th century Rome and a rotating exhibit on women in fashion & the original bespoke female designers. Check and see what the featured exhibit is right now (click the title and go right to their website)!
COFFEE
Conwell Coffee Hall: Don’t you just love classic 100 year old architecture repurposed for todays needs? Coffee!
Named after JG Conwell, CEO of Life & Trust historic bank in the center of Financial District over 100 years ago. Enjoy a latte while considering your biggest dreams amidst a century old bank lobby.
The most important tip we have for you is to make sure you do not overwhelm your trip. Make sure to pick a few locations to try and you’ll just have to return to scratch the rest off from your list.
Cheers, gents!
