First time in New York City...what to do?

thinkfloyd14 · 12-01-2009, 05:32 PM

Hi guys, Jan 6-10 will be my first time in New York City. I'll be staying in Manhattan and would like advice from people who live in NYC or are familiar with the city. I want to get the best out of the 3 1/2 days I'll be in the city, and need some friendly pelican advice.

Some background: I am not into plays or musical theatre so no broadway, I don't want to see museums or libraries or cathedrals, I want to feel what it's like to be young and live in NY, and hell...If I like it any better than I love LA, maybe I'll live there. I've already decided on the White Horse Tavern for a drink (where Dylan Thomas supposedly drank 18 whiskeys), Sparks Steakhouse for dinner... etc... I love rock music, whiskey, cars, women (although I am going with the gf) etc...

So give it to me!!!

Thanks,

Sammy

stomachmonkey · 12-01-2009, 05:39 PM

3 1/2 days is not a lot of time.

gprsh924 · 12-01-2009, 05:41 PM

My buddies and I went to NYC for a concert after freshman year of college so we couldn't hit the bars or anything (although none of the restaurants carded us so we were able to drink at dinner). However, we still had an awesome time. We saw some of the major sights, went to ground zero, Battery Park, Little Italy, China Town, basically tried to take in absolutely everything we could. We were there for the same time frame and were able to squeeze a ton in. Utilize the subway, its easy and cheap. Also, if you have time, I would head to Brooklyn for part of an afternoon. Its a really cool area, lots of brownstones, walk-ups and really good restaurants. We walked the majority of the time we were there, might be a little cold when you are there for that.

VINMAN · 12-01-2009, 05:45 PM

McSorleys (although they only serve beer)

Old Homestead for steaks

Music, there are alot of good places in the Village. Bitter End on Bleeker st.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Times Square. Hookers and blow. That should cover 3.5 days.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

If you're a guitar player, you gotta go see Manny's and Sam Ash on 48th St.

VINMAN · 12-01-2009, 05:53 PM

No more Mannys It closed back in May

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Whhhhaaaattt??? Didn't it have some kind of historic site protection? Who put them out of business?

jwasbury · 12-01-2009, 06:00 PM

Pick up a copy of the Village Voice (free newspaper) when you get here, or go on their website for nightlife and entertainment ideas.

As someone already mentioned, 48th street has a lot of music equipment stores. If you're into camera gear, go to B&H.

I think seeing Manhattan from the water is a really cool experience for visitors, but in January you may well freeze your @$$ off.

Times square is touron central, locals avoid it like the plague. I work there and can't stand it.

What do you like to eat other than steak...that may help bring forward specific recommendations.

NYC pizza is the best...be sure to get to one of the primo pizza joints.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 12-01-2009, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thinkfloyd14

...I want to feel what it's like to be young and live in NY

go down to Alphabet City at 2AM after a long night of drinking, dinner and fun and stand close to a couple of old steel trash can that are rumbling and clanging together. Look closely into the darkness, those aren't small dogs.

If you can passionately make-out with your gf for a minute or two while the rats are eyeing you versus what's in the cans, congratulations, you are a young, real New Yorker.

VINMAN · 12-01-2009, 06:09 PM

The economy Rick. They couldnt support themeselves. Although that had been going on for a while not a recent thing. There was talk of Sam Ash takin over the store., but I'm not sure about that.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 12-01-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwasbury

NYC pizza is the best...be sure to get to one of the primo pizza joints.

the best pizza I've had in NYC is the NE corner walk-up at 35th and 8th. Walk up, give the man $1.50, get a perfect slice of cheese right out of the oven.

VINMAN · 12-01-2009, 06:13 PM

Gotta go to Brooklyn for the best pizza!

thinkfloyd14 · 12-01-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

go down to Alphabet City at 2AM after a long night of drinking, dinner and fun and stand close to a couple of old steel trash can that are rumbling and clanging together. Look closely into the darkness, those aren't small dogs.

If you can passionately make-out with your gf for a minute or two while the rats are eyeing you versus what's in the cans, congratulations, you are a young, real New Yorker.

HAHAHA will do

thinkfloyd14 · 12-01-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwasbury

Pick up a copy of the Village Voice (free newspaper) when

What do you like to eat other than steak...that may help bring forward specific recommendations.

Mexican food but im not planning on eating any while im there, italian, but something authentic and something I cant get in LA... I want to go to the places where mobsters ate at, thats why Sparks is a must...where castellano was gunned down... also where b dylan used to hang, dylan thomas... etc... I love seinfeld as well, have to check out the coffee shop...

VINMAN · 12-01-2009, 06:28 PM

If you want italian, go to La Mella on Mulberry st. Its family style. so be prepared to eat till you puke.

Joeaksa · 12-01-2009, 06:29 PM

Katz's Deli for the best pastrami you will ever have.

Virgils for the best smoked chicken wings in the world!

thinkfloyd14 · 12-01-2009, 06:29 PM

sorry I'm really into the mob thing, is louie's restaurant in the bronx fiction or not?

i want "the best veal in the city?

I know... I'm all over the place

NJSC · 12-01-2009, 06:29 PM

All in the Chelsea area. Less crowded than Times Square tourist stuff. All walkable and subway is the hot ticket to get around NY overall.

Depends how the weather is, but the High line might be worth checking out. Just opened a few months ago. The High Line

Good place to eat is the Cookshop. Been there for lunch a number of times, seen some of the TV chefs eating there as well. Chelsea market is another lunch option.
Cookshop
chelseamarket

Be prepared to wait in line, but for the best cupcakes going, Magnolias can't be beat. Down on Bleecker St. Magnolia Bakery - New York City

Made it into a SNL rap few years ago YouTube - Lazy Sunday (REAL VIDEO)

dan79brooklyn · 12-01-2009, 06:30 PM

Downtown walking tour: West Village to SOHO to LES to Chinatown to Little Italy, check out the East Village around Tompkins Park...Give yourself an afternoon, pick some cafes, restaurants, shops etc... to hit in each area.
Younger 'cool-hip' stuff and people are downtown and in Brooklyn mostly.
Plenty of live music (look in the free papers boxes on nearly every corner).
u Can get a quick overview on a tour-bus as well.