The Quick List of Places to Eat in New York City
New York is the city that never sleeps, however, it eats, a lot. This city is home to some of the most iconic, atmospheric, and most importantly, delicious restaurants in America. Unless you’re in the city for months, and plan to eat out for every meal, you’re not going to get to all of them. That’s why it’s important to make the most of your time there, and we’re going to help you get started with a quick list of the top 5 places to eat in New York City!
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
This two story diner is known for its friendly, charismatic, and talented staff! You’ll enjoy delicious food as well as a wildly entertaining show! The waiters and waitresses at Ellen’s Stardust Diner aren’t your run of the mill food service industry workers, they’re legitimate performers! To work here, you must audition, and they only hire the best!
Many of the staff members were once on Broadway, and many aspire to perform in such a setting. These are extremely talented artists, and the restaurant is high profile one created with the intention of helping these artists follow their dreams!
You’ll have loads of fun here! There will be singing, dancing, and food so good you’ll want to personally thank the chef. Eating here is one of the most exciting things to do in New York City, and we can’t recommend it enough! When you take your big trip, be sure to give it a visit!
McGee’s Pub
New York’s famous McGee’s is an Irish pub where you’ll find fast and friendly service, delicious food at reasonable prices, and possibly a little bit of nostalgia. Fans of the sitcom How I Met Your Mother will recognize this location as the inspiration for McLaren’s, a bar frequented by the gang in the popular TV show, and making this one of the top places to eat in New York City.
This landmark is a must for How I Met Your Mother fans and regulars alike. It’s the inspiration for the show’s most frequently seen location for a reason. This Pub is a local favorite, and was such far before the famous sitcom’s premiere, although I’m sure the show’s publicity hasn’t hurt business. It’s definitely worth giving a try, and we’re sure you’ll be satisfied with your visit!
Black Tap
Black Tap is a restaurant that specializes in highly-customizable burgers, but recently they’ve become rather famous for their unique milkshakes. There’s an array of flavors to choose from, and many additions that you can choose from in order to craft your perfect milkshake. Flavor range from Oreo, to Black Cherry, to Nutella (yes, I know one of you just lost it.) We all have that one friend that likes Nutella way too much.
I digress, the cultural phenomenon surrounding this restaurant’s shakes isn’t so much due to their ingredients, but rather to the way they make the milkshakes. They look completely crazy, in a skillful, crafty way. They’re chaotically ornate. They’ll be piled high with whipped cream, various candies creating patterns on the top, with sprinkles plastering the side of the cup. Basically, just imagine what a milkshake made by Willy Wonka would look like. That’s what you’re getting here. You can be as specific as you want with the design when you order, or you can just let them go crazy. Either way, we’re sure you’ll be impressed by the creativity.
Their crazy shake designs (I never thought I’d say that, but there it is) have taken over Instagram, so if you’re wondering just what these shakes look like, head over and give it a look. If you’re anything like me, after seeing these works of art, you’ll be planning your next visit to New York City around this place.
Blue Smoke’s Jazz Standard
Blue Smoke’s Jazz Standard is a basement spot under Danny Meyer’s BBQ, and it is definitely more on the upscale side of this list. Suit and tie are definitely recommended, as this is somewhere you go not just for food, but for a very posh experience.
Delicious food, including their award winning barbecue, will leave your taste buds satisfied, and the music being played in the background by world class jazz artists will serenade you, providing the perfect dinner experience.
The food and music are both exquisite. If you don’t want to take our word for it, take the word of the New York Magazine! They named Blue Smoke’s Jazz Standard the “Best Jazz Club” in New York. Take the time to give it a try! It’ll be a “spoil yourself” kind of night.
Hudson Clearwater
Okay guys, keep your voices down, because this one is confidential. Most tourists don’t know about this place, so seriously, let’s keep it our little secret.
You think I’m kidding? The entrance to Hudson Clearwater is an unmarked, green door against a red brick wall on a small side street in the West Village. Once you open the door, you’ll see a courtyard. In the courtyard you’ll see stairs. These stairs will lead you to the main restaurant.
Despite this locations utter lack of advertising, they do quite well, as this is a local favorite, a kind of little secret passed around exclusively. You won’t find this place unless you’re looking for it, and that’s kind of the beauty of it. So if you’re wanting to get away from the Times Square restaurants loaded with other tourists, give this little place a try!
This city has countless options that will satisfy any palate. From dining entertainment to craft eateries, and from jazzy dinners to secret hidden restaurants, there are tons of places to eat in New York City. You and your appetite can walk through the streets of NYC each day and find a new restaurant that you haven’t yet tried. Now we know why NYC is considered as one of the top food capitals of the world. So, what are some of your favorite food spots in the Big Apple?