Things to do in New York City
-
A
Little Branch
If it weren’t for the casual bouncer dressed in slacks and suspenders, you’d never guess that a charming bar lurked behind the boring brown door positioned at the odd triangular intersection. When you get the go-ahead to enter, you’ll find a basement bar that feels like a wonder kickback to Prohibition times. Squeaky tunes waft overhead as locals clink glasses and sip inventive, old-timey cocktails.
reviewed
-
B
La Marqueta
reviewed
-
C
John Derian’s Dry Goods
reviewed
-
Inwood Hill Nature Center
reviewed
-
International Building
reviewed
-
D
Heidelberg
Beer, schnapps and schnitzel. This old-school German beer garden supplies the trifecta of Teutonic pleasure – as well as servers decked out in Bavarian costume. Feeling thirsty? You can order your Spaten in a 2L Stiefel (glass boot). Hokey-good fun. Ein Prosit!
reviewed
-
E
General Ulysses S Grant National Memorial
Popularly known as Grant’s Tomb (‘Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb?’ ‘Who?’ ‘Grant, stupid!’ goes a classic joke), this landmark holds the remains of Civil War hero and 18th president Ulysses S Grant and his wife, Julia. Completed in 1897 – 12 years after his death – the imposing granite structure cost $600,000 and is the largest mausoleum in the country.
Seventeen Gaudi-inspired mosaic benches, designed by Chilean artist Pedro Silva in the 1970s, surround the mausoleum. It’s a downright hallucinatory installation – and a good spot to contemplate the musings of the late, great comedian George Carlin, who was known to light up here back in the day.
reviewed
-
F
GE Building
reviewed
-
Gateway National Recreation Area
reviewed
-
Gallery Guide
reviewed
Advertisement
-
G
Folklore Center
reviewed
-
H
Fat Black Pussycat Site
reviewed
-
I
East Side Company Bar
Run by the owners of the overly precious ‘guest-list only’ Milk & Honey, this tiny, speakeasy sort of joint pours inventive $12 cocktails (lots of whiskey). You don’t need a reservation, just walk through the plywood doorway and step down into a low, tin-ceilinged bar that arches, as if you’re walking onto a dream subway car. There are cozy booths and DJ action in back, an inviting industrial bar in front.
reviewed
-
J
Earnest Sewn
reviewed
-
K
Doyers Street
From the southern point of Chatham Sq head north on Bowery until you come to Doyers Street. Take a left and stroll along the short, L-shaped lane, home to many barber shops, the local post office and one of the first dim sum restaurants. Legend says the street was constructed with a 90-degree bend to hinder the movement of straight-walking ghosts.
reviewed
-
L
DDC Lab
reviewed
-
M
Chelsea Galleries
Chelsea is home to the highest concentration of art galleries in the entire city – and the number of them just keeps increasing. Most lie in the 20s, on the blocks between Tenth and Eleventh Aves, and wine-and-cheese openings for their new shows are typically held on Thursday evenings. For a complete guide and map, pick up Art Info’s Gallery Guide, available for free at most galleries, or visit www.westchelseaarts.com. Among the showcases that create the most buzz in these parts are the so-called ‘blue-chip’ galleries: the Andrea Rosen Gallery, with gems by Katy Moran, Rita Ackerman and Felix Gonzalez-Torres; the Mary Boone Gallery, whose owner found fame in the…
reviewed
-
N
Candle 79
reviewed
-
O
Cafe Wha?
reviewed
-
P
Bryant Park Grill
A lovely restaurant and bar situated at the eastern end of the park, is the site of many a New York wedding come springtime. When it’s not closed for a private event, the patio bar is a perfect spot for a twilight cocktail or three.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Q
Bryant Park
Fashion Week, free films, Latin dancing, concerts and Broadway shows (plus ice-skating in winter): there's always something going on at this grassy haven behind the New York Public Library. With free wi-fi and a cute coffee bar, it's everyone's favorite satellite office. Come early for free films in summer - blankets suggested.
reviewed
-
R
Audubon Center Boathouse
reviewed
-
S
Beast
For a 30-minute rush, take a ride on the Beast, a tourist fave that will ferry you through the Hudson and around the Statue of Liberty at a brisk 45mph.
reviewed
-
Battery Park City Parks Conservancy
Offers a range of free or low-fee walking tours, group swims, children’s programs and classes. Check the website for upcoming events.
reviewed
-
T
Baptist Temple
Church.
reviewed