Belle
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Posts: 4,309 
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Post by Belle on Feb 12, 2019 16:55:50 GMT
**Update**
We got back a week ago from NY and we had the BEST time! So many friendly people, amazing food and wonderful things to see and do!!
Thanks again for all of the suggestions below. I wish we could have tried everyone of them!
Here are a few of the places we ate --
Katz's Deli - We went on a Sunday afternoon and it was CRAZY busy however, it was well worth it! We had a rueben sandwich and pastrami sandwich along with latkes and the best pickles!
Junior's - We went twice (2 different locations in Times Sq) and both times DD and I had a salad. They had amazing fresh salads and the service was always great.The cheesecake was really, really good!!
Zabars - A bit of a miss for us but will give it another try next time. We stopped in for breakfast, thinking we could get a nice, freshly made meal. DH ordered scrambled eggs and bacon and it came in a black plastic container that they microwaved. DS wanted a bagel and lox and it came already assembled out of a cold case. DD and I had a bagel and cream cheese that were "just okay". Another bummer was that all of the seating was taken so there was no where to sit down to eat. However, I did get a cute reusable bag!! :-)
Irving Farm Coffee - Excellent coffee and food! DD had a slice of pumpkin bread with sliced banana, almond butter and honey drizzled over the top. Delicious!
Tacuba - One of our favorite meals was at Tacuba. Mexican food done really well. Very, very cool interior.
Lombardi's Pizza - Excellent and tasted like pizza in Italy. YUM!
I would love some suggestions on great places to eat while we are in NYC in April.
DH wants to go to Katz deli. I want to go to Zabars. Are all Zabars the same or is one location better than another? I also want to go to the Plaza Hotel Food Hall.
What is a good place for brunch on a Sunday?
Also looking for Chinese, family Italian, pizza and bakery/cupcake place?
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tanya2
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Refupea #1604
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Post by tanya2 on Feb 12, 2019 17:01:32 GMT
I thought there was only one Zabars location? On Broadway at 80th?
pizza - Lombardi's in little italy
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Julie W
Drama Llama
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Post by Julie W on Feb 12, 2019 17:06:37 GMT
For Chinese - you have to try soup dumplings - it's traditional Chinese Dumplings filled with soup (Xiao Long Bao). We really liked Shanghai Asian Manor in Manhattan Chinatown for these (we also tried them at Joe's Shanghai, but felt SAM was better), but if you're going into Queens Chinatown we heard they were really good at Shanghai You Garden.
Enjoy!
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Post by Bitchy Rich on Feb 12, 2019 17:21:23 GMT
I just watched a Chef's Table episode on Ivan Ramen. They have two locations in NYC. I would eat at one of those.
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Sarah*H
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Post by Sarah*H on Feb 12, 2019 17:22:07 GMT
We like Roberta's pizza and the Manhattan location is at the Urbanspace Vanderbilt food hall outside of Grand Central Terminal. It's the pizza dough recipe made famous by NYT Cooking.
We also always do one meal at Beecher's - either the world famous mac & cheese (or for me, just regular grilled cheese.) It's in the Flatiron District, just a stone's throw from Madison Square Park.
Try brunch at Jacob's Pickles in the Upper West Side. Not crowded and seriously amazing. Sarabeth's is always another good brunch option and there are several locations all over the city now.
On our trip a couple weeks ago, we were introduced to Best Bagel and Coffee at 225 W. 35th. I was skeptical, how different can one bagel place be from another? But it was awesome. It is also very popular and there seems to always be a line but it moves quickly. It was a little bit Soup Nazi-ish in that you have to be ready with your order when it's your turn so if you go, take advantage of your time in the line to look over the menu and be ready.
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Post by MichyM on Feb 12, 2019 18:01:38 GMT
Belle, any ideas what part of town you’re looking at for the meals? Particularly the Sunday brunch. I went to Katz’s 13 years ago. Had the best chopped liver sandwich (other than my mom’s) ever. I havent been back since, simply because it’s in an area of town I rarely spend time in. I need to make the trek over there again, maybe next trip 
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Belle
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Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Feb 12, 2019 18:02:55 GMT
I thought there was only one Zabars location? On Broadway at 80th? pizza - Lombardi's in little italy You are right about Zabars! I don't know why I thought there was more than one location?? We are staying on Broadway in that vicinity so will be able to walk right there! Thanks for the pizza recommendations, I will add it to our list! |
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Belle
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Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Feb 12, 2019 18:03:45 GMT
For Chinese - you have to try soup dumplings - it's traditional Chinese Dumplings filled with soup (Xiao Long Bao). We really liked Shanghai Asian Manor in Manhattan Chinatown for these (we also tried them at Joe's Shanghai, but felt SAM was better), but if you're going into Queens Chinatown we heard they were really good at Shanghai You Garden. Enjoy! Yes to the Xiao Long Bao. My kids love Din Tai Fung so appreciate the recommendation on these places! Thank you! |
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Belle
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Post by Belle on Feb 12, 2019 18:05:03 GMT
I just watched a Chef's Table episode on Ivan Ramen. They have two locations in NYC. I would eat at one of those. I will check into this! Thank you! |
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Post by MichyM on Feb 12, 2019 18:06:16 GMT
Pizza. Hands down (for me) is Joe’s in the West Village.
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Feb 12, 2019 18:11:27 GMT
We like Roberta's pizza and the Manhattan location is at the Urbanspace Vanderbilt food hall outside of Grand Central Terminal. It's the pizza dough recipe made famous by NYT Cooking. We also always do one meal at Beecher's - either the world famous mac & cheese (or for me, just regular grilled cheese.) It's in the Flatiron District, just a stone's throw from Madison Square Park. Try brunch at Jacob's Pickles in the Upper West Side. Not crowded and seriously amazing. Sarabeth's is always another good brunch option and there are several locations all over the city now. On our trip a couple weeks ago, we were introduced to Best Bagel and Coffee at 225 W. 35th. I was skeptical, how different can one bagel place be from another? But it was awesome. It is also very popular and there seems to always be a line but it moves quickly. It was a little bit Soup Nazi-ish in that you have to be ready with your order when it's your turn so if you go, take advantage of your time in the line to look over the menu and be ready. Thank you so much for these recommendations! Roberta's sounds yummy and I will look into the Vanderbilt food hall as I haven't heard of it before but I love food halls. I agree, Beecher's is awesome. I didn't know they had one in NYC? We are lucky to be local to Beecher's and they really do make the best mac and cheese! I will look into the Jacob's Pickles and Sarabeths too. We MUST go to the Best Bagel and Coffee if it is really the best!  DD is a big bagel lover and DH and I love coffee so it sounds like a perfect place for us. Thanks for the tip on being ready to order! |
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Post by brina on Feb 12, 2019 18:13:49 GMT
for brunch I love to go for Dim Sum - The Golden Unicorn in Chinatown is very good.
If you want to trek out to Brooklyn Spumoni Gardens is a classic.
For dinner I used to love Il Vagabono on the upper east side. a bit expensive, but so, so good
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Belle
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Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Feb 12, 2019 18:17:41 GMT
Belle , any ideas what part of town you’re looking at for the meals? Particularly the Sunday brunch. I went to Katz’s 13 years ago. Had the best chopped liver sandwich (other than my mom’s) ever. I havent been back since, simply because it’s in an area of town I rarely spend time in. I need to make the trek over there again, maybe next trip We are staying in the Upper West Side close to Natural History Museum. Our flight from Seattle lands a little after midnight Sunday morning so I figure we will be at our hotel sometime after 1am. Not sure what time we will wake up but brunch will need to be on the later side. If it ends up being a warm, spring day, I would love to spend most of the day in Central Park so maybe something around our hotel are adjacent to the park? I should have specified we are pretty casual so are looking for a place were we don't have to get too dressed up (won't be packing any fancy clothes). I am so glad to hear you enjoyed Katz's. DH has wanted to eat there for years!! I hope they allow sharing as those sandwiches look HUGE! |
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Belle
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Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Feb 12, 2019 18:18:50 GMT
for brunch I love to go for Dim Sum - The Golden Unicorn in Chinatown is very good. If you want to trek out to Brooklyn Spumoni Gardens is a classic. For dinner I used to love Il Vagabono on the upper east side. a bit expensive, but so, so good I definitely want to go to Brooklyn! I will look into Spumoni Gardens. :-) |
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Post by MichyM on Feb 12, 2019 18:38:21 GMT
Belle , any ideas what part of town you’re looking at for the meals? Particularly the Sunday brunch. I went to Katz’s 13 years ago. Had the best chopped liver sandwich (other than my mom’s) ever. I havent been back since, simply because it’s in an area of town I rarely spend time in. I need to make the trek over there again, maybe next trip We are staying in the Upper West Side close to Natural History Museum. Our flight from Seattle lands a little after midnight Sunday morning so I figure we will be at our hotel sometime after 1am. Not sure what time we will wake up but brunch will need to be on the later side. If it ends up being a warm, spring day, I would love to spend most of the day in Central Park so maybe something around our hotel are adjacent to the park? I should have specified we are pretty casual so are looking for a place were we don't have to get too dressed up (won't be packing any fancy clothes). I am so glad to hear you enjoyed Katz's. DH has wanted to eat there for years!! I hope they allow sharing as those sandwiches look HUGE! I'll ask my son and see if he has any recommendations. I can count on one hand (ok...actually both hands) the number of times I've been in the Upper West Side, and I rarely dine there. Someone else mentioned Sarabeth's. I was there once for brunch, many years ago. It was fine, Nothing special, nothing to complain about. There's one at Central Park South, within walking distance (the numbered streets are short blocks) to where you're staying. You could wear nice jeans or casual slacks and a nice sweater or shirt and feel at home there. That said, I'll let you know what DS says. |
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Post by bc2ca on Feb 12, 2019 19:00:34 GMT
We stayed on the UWS a few years ago and picked places on the fly for dinner. Because we stayed on West Coast time, we were eating a bit later and able to get tables easily. Our favorites were Land Thai and The Great Burrito. We also really enjoyed Dafni Greek Taverna on 42nd (near Times Square and the theater district). One of my favorite NYC souvenirs is a Zabar's reusable tote and I bring their fresh roasted coffee home for DH. |
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Post by artgirl1 on Feb 12, 2019 19:04:53 GMT
I visit NYC 3-4 times a year to see my DD and DGS, and always visit:
Russ & Daughters for bagels, (either pick up at deli - no seating, on Houston) or visit cafe on Orchard, named one of Oprah's favorites. Both Lower east Side. If you go to deli, they give you samples of any and all salmon/lox you want
Eataly, in the Flat Iron District - food court for shopping and small restaurants
Maison Premiere for martini's and oysters in Williamsburg Brooklyn - a tiny little French bistro
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Belle
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Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Feb 12, 2019 19:21:36 GMT
We are staying in the Upper West Side close to Natural History Museum. Our flight from Seattle lands a little after midnight Sunday morning so I figure we will be at our hotel sometime after 1am. Not sure what time we will wake up but brunch will need to be on the later side. If it ends up being a warm, spring day, I would love to spend most of the day in Central Park so maybe something around our hotel are adjacent to the park? I should have specified we are pretty casual so are looking for a place were we don't have to get too dressed up (won't be packing any fancy clothes). I am so glad to hear you enjoyed Katz's. DH has wanted to eat there for years!! I hope they allow sharing as those sandwiches look HUGE! I'll ask my son and see if he has any recommendations. I can count on one hand (ok...actually both hands) the number of times I've been in the Upper West Side, and I rarely dine there. Someone else mentioned Sarabeth's. I was there once for brunch, many years ago. It was fine, Nothing special, nothing to complain about. There's one at Central Park South, within walking distance (the numbered streets are short blocks) to where you're staying. You could wear nice jeans or casual slacks and a nice sweater or shirt and feel at home there. That said, I'll let you know what DS says. Thanks! |
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Post by MichyM on Feb 12, 2019 20:54:10 GMT
I'll ask my son and see if he has any recommendations. I can count on one hand (ok...actually both hands) the number of times I've been in the Upper West Side, and I rarely dine there. Someone else mentioned Sarabeth's. I was there once for brunch, many years ago. It was fine, Nothing special, nothing to complain about. There's one at Central Park South, within walking distance (the numbered streets are short blocks) to where you're staying. You could wear nice jeans or casual slacks and a nice sweater or shirt and feel at home there. That said, I'll let you know what DS says. Thanks! Ok, DS's recommendations (he's what I would call a bit of a foodie): Brunch (on the UWS): Spring Natural Kitchen The Smith Maison Pickle Chinese: King Fu Little Steamed Buns Nom Wah Xian Famous Foods Italian: Briciola L'artusi Fiaschetteria Pistoia Pizza: Joe's (smart kid John's Artichoke Hope this helps! |
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Post by christine58 on Feb 12, 2019 21:01:37 GMT
I am so glad to hear you enjoyed Katz's. DH has wanted to eat there for years!! I hope they allow sharing as those sandwiches look HUGE! They do..they are also pricey |
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Post by peano on Feb 12, 2019 21:43:57 GMT
I would love some suggestions on great places to eat while we are in NYC in April. DH wants to go to Katz deli. I want to go to Zabars. Are all Zabars the same or is one location better than another? I also want to go to the Plaza Hotel Food Hall. What is a good place for brunch on a Sunday? Also looking for Chinese, family Italian, pizza and bakery/cupcake place? There’s a Zabar's in Grand Central but it’s grab and go. |
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Feb 13, 2019 0:26:17 GMT
You already have a lot of good suggestions. If you have the time/inclination, go to Chinatown in Queens - hands down the best. There is an excellent food court in the New World Mall - can watch them make hand pulled noodles, dumplings, etc. Lots of good bakeries/dessert places too.
If you are staying in the Upper West Side, get cookies at Levain. The best!
There are a lot of good halls - always a good option to try different foods and good for a group.
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Feb 13, 2019 16:43:13 GMT
We stayed on the UWS a few years ago and picked places on the fly for dinner. Because we stayed on West Coast time, we were eating a bit later and able to get tables easily. Our favorites were Land Thai and The Great Burrito. We also really enjoyed Dafni Greek Taverna on 42nd (near Times Square and the theater district). One of my favorite NYC souvenirs is a Zabar's reusable tote and I bring their fresh roasted coffee home for DH. Thanks for the suggestions! I will add them to the list! :-) I love picking up reusable totes as souvenirs! I will get some of their coffee too! |
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Belle
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Post by Belle on Feb 13, 2019 16:43:57 GMT
Ok, DS's recommendations (he's what I would call a bit of a foodie): Brunch (on the UWS): Spring Natural Kitchen The Smith Maison Pickle Chinese: King Fu Little Steamed Buns Nom Wah Xian Famous Foods Italian: Briciola L'artusi Fiaschetteria Pistoia Pizza: Joe's (smart kid John's Artichoke Hope this helps! Thank you very much! |
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Post by NanaKate on Feb 13, 2019 16:47:37 GMT
Marking my spot...
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Feb 13, 2019 16:48:42 GMT
I visit NYC 3-4 times a year to see my DD and DGS, and always visit: Russ & Daughters for bagels, (either pick up at deli - no seating, on Houston) or visit cafe on Orchard, named one of Oprah's favorites. Both Lower east Side. If you go to deli, they give you samples of any and all salmon/lox you want Eataly, in the Flat Iron District - food court for shopping and small restaurants Maison Premiere for martini's and oysters in Williamsburg Brooklyn - a tiny little French bistro These all sound great! I was wondering if Eataly is related to the Eataly that we visited in Florence and it is! The one in Florence sells gourmet food items and is not a restaurant. Would be fun to try the one in NY! |
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DD is a big bagel lover and DH and I love coffee so it sounds like a perfect place for us. Thanks for the tip on being ready to order!
