From the philanthropic Viva Glam initiative to the consistently sold-out collaborations with our favorite celebs, there are quite a few things that make MAC one of the most iconic brands in the beauty industry. But above all, the one thing that’s been at the core of the company’s success over the past 30 (!) years is its commitment to bringing professional-quality makeup to the masses.
MAC was one of the first brands to democratize makeup artistry and turn it into a trade anyone can learn. And now, it's one-upping its own legacy by bringing pro-approved products to the people, too. Things just got real. Three legendary makeup artists — Diane Kendal, James Kaliardos, and Kabuki — have collaborated with MAC to release its own individual Make-Up Art Cosmetics (yep, that’s MAC’s full name) color collections representing their signature styles. Among them is Kendal’s rich, vibrant eyeshadows, Kabuki’s bold, punchy lip paints, and Kaliardo’s earthy, sensual neutrals for a diverse range of MUA-approved options.
But don't worry if you don't know their names — you're going to love what each of their lineups have to offer. There’s something for everyone here, and whatever beauty vibe you're after, you can find it online and in MAC stores right this second.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Diane Kendal Creme Shadow x 6: Glamorize Me, $40, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Diane Kendal Casual Colour Lip & Cheek Colour x 6: Enhance Me, $40, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Diane Kendal Studio Conceal & Correct x 6: Cover Me, $40, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Diane Kendal Kajal Crayon, $18 each, available at M.A.C Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Diane Kendal Studio Quiktrik Stick in Sheen/Smoldering, $32, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Diane Kendal Opulash, $18, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x James Kaliardos Lipstick in Coral Bliss, $17, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x James Kaliardos Pressed Pigment in Light Touch, $22, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x James Kaliardos Into the Well Eyeshadow in Midnight Tryst, $17.50, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x James Kaliardos Hot & Naughty Too Black Lash, $23, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x James Kaliardos Full Face Kit in Moons of Saturn, $40, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x James Kaliardos Tricolor Lipgloss, $21, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x James Kaliardos Jumbo Penultimate Eye Liner, $21, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x James Kaliardos #50 Small Cluster Lash, $17, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x James Kaliardos Eye Brows in Stud, $17, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Kabuki Magic Crystal Glaze Gloss in Ice Follies, $21, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Kabuki Magic Powder Blush Duo in Today We Live, $29, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Kabuki Magic Retro Matte Liquid Lip Colour, $21 each, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Kabuki Magic Paints, $22 each, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Kabuki Magic #51 Lash, $17, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
M.A.C. Cosmetics x Kabuki Magic Dazzleshadow x 4 in The Shining Hour, $32, available at M.A.C. Cosmetics.
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Update: It has been confirmed that the Obamas will indeed be moving to the spacious Kalorama mansion owned by Joe Lockhart and Giovanna Gray. An eagle-eyed CBS reporter even spotted moving vans earlier this week. We can now take a peak inside, too, thanks to listing photos from when the house was last on the market in 2014. The Obamas will remain in D.C. until at least 2019, when Sasha is set graduate from Sidwell Friends.
This story was originally published May 25, 2016.
President Obama only has a few more months left in the White House, but it looks like the family will be sticking around in D.C. for a while. After the end of Barack’s presidency, Politico reports that the Obamas may lease this 8,200-square-foot mansion. Not too shabby.
The home is owned by former White House press secretary Joe Lockhart and his wife, Glamour editor Giovanna Gray. Lockhart and Gray moved to New York in February after he accepted the job of the NFL’s executive vice president of communications.
Politico reports that the house was built in 1928 and was last sold in May 2014 for $5,295,000. Some highlights of the home and property include an oversized terrace overlooking the gated courtyard, a two-car garage, and an au-pair suite. The home sits on a quarter-acre of land in the neighborhood of Kalorama. Historically, Kalorama has been a popular area for former presidents, including Woodrow Wilson and William Howard Taft, to settle.
The Obamas have long been planning to stay in D.C. after 2016 — so that their youngest daughter, Sasha, can finish high school at Sidwell Friends School. The family's possible new home looks incredible, but they've yet to comment on or confirm the news. All we can say is that while nine bedrooms is a lot, it will still be a bit of a downgrade from the White House's 132.
The beautifully aged brick is a dramatic change from the pearly exterior of the White House.
Photo: Courtesy of McFadden Group.
Maybe Secret Service agents will take up their post in this roomy entrance hall.
Photo: Courtesy of McFadden Group.
There's sure to be some famous friends entertained by the Obamas in the gorgeous formal living room.
Photo: Courtesy of McFadden Group.
We wonder if White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford will ever pay a visit to this kitchen. It looks nice enough!
Photo: Courtesy of McFadden Group.
The first lady is sure to fill these beautiful built-ins with healthy cookbooks.
Photo: Courtesy of McFadden Group.
The dinette and kitchen island offer plenty of seating in addition to the home's large formal dining room.
Photo: Courtesy of McFadden Group.
This could be where Obama takes his first relaxing nap after eight long years of service.
Photo: Courtesy of McFadden Group.
This elegant bathroom is only one of eight-and-a-half others.
Photo: Courtesy of McFadden Group.
It may not be the the cushy 40-seat White House Family Theater, but we wouldn't mind watching a few flicks in this den.
Photo: Courtesy of McFadden Group.
This looks like the perfect backyard for first dogs Bo and Sunny to ride out their retirement from the White House.
Photo: Courtesy of McFadden Group.
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You're at 20,000 feet, and you realize your flight doesn’t have WiFi — which wouldn't be a big deal, except you forgot your book at home, and none of your Spotify playlists are available offline. The summer travel season is upon us, and we just can't let this nightmare happen to you: Here's how to prep your phone so your next cross-country jaunt is time well-spent.
A couple days before your flight (or better yet, right now!), take an inventory to see what you’re missing. Perhaps it’s time for some new podcasts to tickle your brainwaves, or maybe you need a new, addictive puzzle game that will make your hours in the air simply fly by.
We’ve rounded up a handful of the best new apps, games, podcasts, and more that you should pre-load onto your phone before you step through security. These options will help you kill time in transit and plan what's ahead once you land. Armed with these options, you’ll be able to handle any layover — even a (god forbid) unexpected extra three hours at Newark.
This article first ran June 2, 2015, but has since been updated.
TV & MOVIES
If you’re unimpressed by the in-flight movie selection, or you just prefer watching something on your phone or tablet at your leisure, download some shows on Google Play, iTunes, or Netflix, which finallyintroduced offline streaming, before your trip.
Photo: Courtesy Apple.
The Girl On The Train
If you missed the big-screen version of this Gone Girl -like book, starring Emily Blunt and Justin Theroux, rent it now on iTunes. The suspenseful drama will keep you on the edge of your seat until you arrive at your destination.
Photo: iTunes.
The Lobster
Set in a dystopian future, this quirky love story starring Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz is a must-watch.
Photo: iTunes Store.
Frank & Lola
Travel to Las Vegas and Paris in this romantic drama starring Michael Shannon and indie favorite Imogen Poots.
Photo: iTunes.
MUSIC
Spotify and other streaming music services won't work on your flight unless you've downloaded items or synced them to your phone for online listening. To do this on Spotify, make sure you're on a Wi-Fi network. Then, at the top of a playlist, switch on "Available Offline." A downward-facing green arrow will pop up when that playlist is ready for offline listening. Choose playlists that will get you hyped for your destination, or help you relax into a deep slumber.
Or, download a new album or two. A few picks, up ahead.
Ed Sheeran, "Shape of You" and "Castle on the Hill"
Catch up with the latest from Sheeran, a key member of Taylor Swift's squad. Both of his new singles, "Shape of You" and "Castle on the Hill", sound more mainstream and upbeat than his earlier hits, but are still worth a listen.
Photo: iTunes Store.
Emeli Sandé,Long Live the Angels
The songstress behind "Next to Me" is back with more pop-filled power vocals. Listen to "Hurts" today and get the entire album for your December travels.
Photo: iTunes Store.
Bon Iver, 22, A Million
Bon Iver's first album since 2011 blends the band's signature acoustic tunes with fresh, electric beats. If you like the idea of "industrial folk," this could be your jam.
Photo: Jagjaguwar.
Passenger, Young As The Morning, Old As The Sea
Moody vocals are perfect for cold winter days. Download Passenger's latest for your next road trip and make sure you don't miss "Fool's Gold."
Photo: iTunes Store.
BOOKS
If you’re one of those people who doesn't get motion sickness reading on flights (don’t mind us while we pop some Dramamine), immerse yourself in another world with a digital download of some fresh literature. Don’t have an e-reader? You can use the Kindle app to buy and read titles on your phone. It offers a number of convenient features, including the option to turn the background dark (or a more natural sepia) and adjust the font, its size, and the screen brightness.
You can also buy books through Google Play if you’re on an Android device, or through iBooks on iOS.
Photo: Courtesy Amazon.
Moonglow: A Novel by Michael Chabon
Have you ever sat with your grandmother or grandfather and listened for hours as they told incredible stories about what life was like when they were growing up? Michael Chabon, the bestselling author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, captures the marvels of such stories in his latest fact-based novel about his grandparents.
Photo: Amazon.
Game of Queens by Sarah Gristwood
You've seen the movies — now go further into the worlds of Europe's ahead-of-their-times female rulers. This biography explores the 16 century's most formidable women, from Anne Boleyn to Mary Queen of Scots.
Photo: Amazon.
To Capture What We Cannot Keep: A Novel by Beatrice Colin
A love story in the City of Love: Beatrice Colin's novel imagines a romance that occurs as the Eiffel Tower is constructed in the background. There are the standard issues of class and status, but Colin presents them in new and magical ways.
Photo: Amazon.
GAMES
Tease your brain and delight your eyes with some beautiful new mobile games. You’ll get sucked in and before you know it, you’ll be landing. We’ve got three options worth checking out, whether you’re looking for something simple and free or aiming to drum up all sorts of childhood nostalgia.
Pictured, the Frogger-style Crossy Road. A classic(free on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone).
Panda Pop is the kind of game that's so fun you will get sucked into playing it for the entirety of your flight. The game's different levels require you to match and pop bubbles to save baby pandas. So yes, it's cute and addictive — the ultimate combo.
This app is a combination of pinball and artwork. Your "canvas" is the pinball table and the more you hit the color blocks at the top with the ball, the more beautiful the table becomes. You'll quickly get as addicted to creating unique patterns as you will to hitting the ball.
This new game is part Game of Thrones, part Sim City. As a medieval ruler, you'll have to answer the demands of your court and kingdom while fighting your enemies.
Photo: App Store.
Silk
Silk ($2.99 on iOS) is one of those apps that you can play for hours and hours...and hours (i.e., it's perfect for long car rides and plane trips). Pick a color and start drawing with your finger — beautiful geometric shapes will appear and regenerate on screen. Don't blame us if you can't put it down.
Photo: Courtesy Silk.
APPS
No worries if games aren’t your thing: There are plenty of other offline apps to help you plan activities at your destination or learn something new. Just remember to download these apps before your trip, so you can access the information anywhere, at any time, without worrying about data rates or Wi-Fi access.
TripAdvisor Offline City Guides
It’s exciting to explore a new city, but your adventures may be more fruitful if you have some idea of the hot spots you want to hit. Use TripAdvisor’s Offline City Guides app (free on iOS) to peruse the restaurants, attractions, and hotels at your destination. You can plan your days while you’re crammed in seat 24E, and once you land, you can use the app’s guided audio tours to learn the history of neighborhoods and landmarks as you walk around. Plus, it has a huge library of national and international cities — from Tel Aviv to Stockholm to Portland.
Photo: Courtesy TripAdvisor.
Pocket
We’re constantly favoriting tweets, saving articles on Facebook, and bookmarking websites to go back and read later…but we hardly ever do. If you use an app like Pocket (free on iOS and Android), you can save all those links you’re meaning to read in one handy location. Download articles before your trip (or set the app to only download them when you’re on a Wi-Fi network) and you’re ready to go. The app lays out webpages into a clean, distraction-free interface with adjustable brightness, and you can organize what you save using tags or by favoriting items. This app is handy for catching up on reading while you’re traveling, but it may end up helping you read more during your daily commute, too.
Photo: Courtesy Pocket.
Tablet Hotels
Tablet Hotels brings its hotel-finding expertise to your phone with its latest app (free on iOS). You'll find special upgrades and deals, plus the app makes it easy to find a well-reviewed hotel at the last minute, no matter where you are.
Photo: Tablet Hotels.
PODCASTS
Travel days are the perfect time to catch up on all those podcasts you’ve been meaning to listen to. You can use an app like Overcast (which dynamically boosts and normalizes volume for consistent listening) or Apple’s built-in Podcasts app, among other services. Here are three shows that you can learn from, laugh at, and be inspired by.
Photo: Courtesy Overcast.
Strong Opinions Loosely Held
If you're looking for something brand new to listen to, try Refinery29 's podcast, Strong Opinions Loosely Held. New episodes come out on Mondays, and it covers topics ranging from what it's like being woman on death row, to why the Kardashians are important to modern culture.
Photo: Courtesy Refinery29.
How I Built This
This NPR podcast centers around entrepreneurs discussing what it's like building a business and, in particular, the challenges they faced in their company's early years. The episodes include interviews with Angie Hicks of Angie's List and the founders of Instagram.
Photo: NPR.
Note To Self
Note To Self is a wonderful, fascinating exploration of the way technology impacts our lives. Hosted by Manoush Zomorodi, recent episodes discuss issues such as blind children and touchscreens (and whether we're going to see the end of Braille), and the ever creepy question, "Is my phone listening to me?"
Photo: Courtesy WNYC Studios.
99% Invisible
The premise of this podcast is thinking about the things that we never think about. What's the deal with the inflatable men at used car lots? Where did the fortune cookie come from? It covers a vast variety of topics, from architecture to history to technology. Its latest episode explores the "Wonders of the Urban Wilderness."
Photo: Courtesy Radiotopia.
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Bars are as bountiful as Starbucks in New York City, but there are a few that raise their drinks — and their dishes — to an art form. So don’t just settle for a slice (or two) of $1 pizza! Instead, hit these crowd-pleasing gastropubs, where the scene is chill and the food is four stars; we're for any place that encourages a burger, fries, and a cold beer on tap. Seriously, what else could you possibly want in a night out?
Bricolage
A Vietnamese gastropub in cozy Park Slope exists. And it's good. Served in a casual-comfy setting, Bricolage boasts an impressive cocktail menu on top of their elevated bar fare. Try the papaya salad or an order of the Banh Canh noodles. And if you're feeling especially bold, there's always a spicy pig ear to be had.
Bricolage, 162 5th Avenue (between Douglass and Degraw Street) in Brooklyn; 718-230-1835.
Run by the same duo behind beloved BK Italian spot, Frankies, Prime Meats achieves gastropub meets German steakhouse. And it's just as fantastic as you might imagine it to be. Park it in the wooden-boothed bar area or snag a table in the back dining room — regardless of where you sit, the fare is hardy and the brews are full and frosty. Whatever you do, be sure to order the PM Burger with Creekstone certified black angus,fermented dill pickles, and hand-cut fries with the add-on of blue cheese.
Prime Meats, 465 Court Street (at Luquer Street); 718-254-0327.
This under-the-sea-themed Park Slope bar is swimming in funky-fresh vibes. Not only does the back patio house a koi pond, but the eats at this joint take boring bar food to an eclectic mix of street noshery. Ranging from kielbasa with kraut, pork schnitzel, fish tacos, to burgers, fries, and much more, Sea Witch knows what up to wash down with your next cold brew.
Sea Witch Tavern, 703 5th Avenue (between 21st and 22nd Street) in Brooklyn; 347-227-7166.
This Cobble Hill gastropub serves up comfort fare with flair in a quaint wood-bar setting. With an extensive beer list and boasted about chicken and waffles dish, the meals here are anything but ugly. Don't skip the brunch menu — it's tailored to perfection and features a mean smoked salmon Benedict.
The Ugly Duckling, 166 Smith Street (at Bergen Street) in Brooklyn; 718-451-3825.
Dirty Pierre is one of those spots you could call a definite "diamond in the rough" (heavy quotes). It's a tiny gastropub in Forest Hills that just so happens to have fantastic service with even better fare. Try the cheesy French onion soup or the "famous" 1/2 pound burger on an toasty English Muffin bun. The menu spans from French to American and even a few Mexican offerings too (shrimp quesadilla, anyone?).
Dirty Pierre, 13 Station Square (at Continental Avenue); 718-830-9698.
This Brooklyn Height's historic bar has been updated with satisfyingly retro-chic touches. The interior is warm and funky and so is the gastropub fare. Order the buffalo-fried cauliflower, or trout roe and rye crackers, and wash it all down with a Long Island Gimlet.
Long Island Bar, 110 Atlantic Avenue (at Henry Street) in Brooklyn; 718-625-8908.
Situated on top of the Renaissance Hotel in Midtown, Rock & Reilly's offers up sky high rustic-industrial vibes. With classic Irish pub fare and a few wackier options (ahem, cheeseburger spring rolls), this unexpected spot will give you all the sports bar feels with a dash of quirky personality and tasty dishes to boot.
Rock &Reilly, 218 West 35th Street (at 7th Avenue); 646-850-2850.
A low key Nolita bar dishing out delicious brunch and dinner fare in addition to some fabulous spirits (Aperol spritz, anyone?), YN is the spot to frequent on any lazy Sunday. The made-to-order cocktails and smooth craft beers pair up perfectly with the waffle sandwich or homemade kettle chips.
YN, 227 Mott Street (between Prince and Spring Streets); 212-226-3330.
Photo: Courtesy of YN.
Gottino
Gottino is on the quainter end of the gastropub spectrum. Serving up superb small plates and quality Italian wines by the glass, this evening destination is a lovely surprise. Stop by to try their delectable fig and ricotta crostini drizzled with honey and almond slivers — and stay for a relaxing evening with a comfortable price tag attached.
The Redhead has boldly put a gastropub spin on Southern comfort fare. Something about fried chicken that's crispy, crunchy, and salted-buttery soft, just pairs perfectly with a cold draft beer. Be sure to stop by early on weekends, as this joint gets packed — you'll be glad you did.
The Redhead, 349 East 13th Street ( at 1st Avenue); 212-533-6212.
The Sparrow Tavern is an ideal spot to have your first gastropub experience. Upon first glance, you may not expect much, but rest assured that it will definitely exceed all expectations. Thanks to its delicious bar food, to-die-for drinks, and buzzy crowd, this divine dive is truly a hidden gem.
Henry Public is your one stop spot for a true BK gastropub. This Cobble Hill saloon exudes some major swanky, old school vibes — with wooden decor and cozy corner tables. If you're stopping by for beers after work, you may as well order up their famous turkey leg sandwich or marrow bones with toast (for good form).
Henry Public, 329 Henry Street (at Pacific Street) in Brooklyn; 718-852-8630.
As the moniker suggests, the bar has a Norse theme going on. The selection of craft beer is enormous, and the atmosphere encourages hanging around for a while and trying as many as you can — just use your Viking strength. If you get hungry, there is really solid drunk food of nachos, chicken fingers, fried pickles, and so on.
Here’s a place everyone can agree on. There’s plenty of space, the happy hours specials are awesome, the locations are uber convenient, and the food is next-level bar food. There is the solid greasy stuff, as well as English stuff like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. Maybe it could be your gang’s Cheers?
The Crooked Knife, 232 West 14th Street (between Eighth and Seventh Avenues); 212-929-4534, and 20 East 30th Street (between Madison and Park Avenues); 212-696-2593
A lot of places call themselves Irish pubs, but this one is actually run by three lads from the Emerald Isle. They bake Irish soda bread daily and match it with homemade butter, in standards like a Guiness beef stew and fingerling potatoes. Aside from the big G, though, the beer list is surprisingly stocked with American brews.
Hartley’s, 14 Putnam Avenue (between Grand Avenue and Downing Street); 347-799-2877
The folks behind beloved local spot Dear Bushwick closed down and rebranded as Sincerely Burger. No surprise here, the focus is burgers (with fish and veggie patty options), but the accoutrements deserve special attention. The disco fries come with oxtail gravy, for example, and there are a handful of alcoholic milkshakes for only $6.
Sincerely Burger, 41 Wilson Avenue (at Melrose Street), Bushwick; 929-234-2344
Bacon trend won’t die, and it had better not. With a name like this, you can indeed expect pork to find its way into almost every dish, with fun ideas like a beer and bacon flight. There are even bacon-infused liquors in the cocktails. You could see it as kind of shticky, or just kind of delicious.
Bar Bacon, 836 Ninth Avenue (between 54th and 55th Streets); 646-362-0622.
A decent place to eat near Penn Station? Will wonders never cease. Haymaker has a gigantic beer list, with 20 ales on tap and another 10 waiting in the wings but still on your menu (a great way to get you to come back). The eats are like an even better version of bar food: wings in a sweet lime chili sauce, or “bacon wrapped bacon,” pork belly in a bourbon maple glaze.
Haymaker, 252 W. 29th Street (between Eighth and Seventh Avenues); 646-429-8237.
This Brooklyn spot has all the makings of a typical gastropub — the ambience is rustic, inviting, and pub-like with wooden floors, booths, and a bar. But the menu itself is where the refreshing twist on the dining genre comes into play. In addition to the classic burgers and chips, Vekslers is also serving up some majorly delicious Asian-American fare. Its fusion fare (pork buns, scallion pancakes, kale Caesar with peanuts, and even some General Tso's chicken) is sure to delight.
Vekslers, 521 Hicks Street (at Degraw Street); 718-534-5498.
Nestled within the cozy streets of NYC's West Village, Bar Sardine is much more than your average watering hole. The close quarters keep this space intimate with a retro-chic finish for hip vibes all around. Come for the cool craft cocktails and stay for the insanely delicious Fedora Burger (smoked cheddar, crispy potatoes, cucumbers and BBQ mayo)— oh, and the soy and black garlic deviled eggs!
Bar Sardine, 183 W. 10th Street (at the corner of W. 4th Street); 646-360-3705.
There's almost always a crowd at Dale Talde's popular neighborhood spot — and it's easy to see why. The inventive menu elevates standard bar fare: munch on whipped ricotta toast, a falafel burger, or a side of buffalo cauliflower.
Can a place this cool actually deliver a good burger? It sure can. The all-black-everything decor and hip locations can’t detract from the eleven different burger offerings (a Middle Eastern option with feta and hummus!) and yummy shakes. The craft beers on tap feature local brews from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
Black Tap, 529 Broome Street (between Sullivan and Thompson Streets); (917) 639-3089, and 248 W. 14th Street (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues); (212) 675-7236.
Don’t overthink the venue for happy-hour drinks with coworkers. This neighborhood staple offers up several $4 beer options and $3 short rib sliders from 4-7pm, and the large space allows for even the most reticent, party-poopin’ colleagues to sit down. Blessedly, Malt House opened a second location in the Financial District, which is in perpetual need of new bars.
The Malt House, 206 Thompson Street (between Bleecker and 3rd Streets); (212) 228-7713, and 9 Maiden Lane (between Broadway and Nassau Streets); (646) 682-7577.
Anyone who’s ventured out to see a show or game at the Barclays Center knows that the surrounding food scene still hasn’t quite caught up to the needs of all those spectators. Rose’s aims to fill that gap. Opened up in Franny’s former space (and by the same owners), the menu boasts solid comfort foods, including what may be the best burger in the borough.
Rose’s Bar & Grill, 295 Flatbush Avenue (between St. Mark’s Avenue and Prospect Place); (718) 230-0427
Royale is the kind of place you want to keep all for yourself. Hidden away on Avenue C, the divey exterior belies the delicious burgers that await within, as well as the beautiful back patio. The $4 beers during happy hour though? That’s one dive hold-out you can allow.
Royale, 157 Avenue C (at 10th Street); 212-254-6600.
This corner spot is named after the two Brits who produced steam engines during the Industrial Revolution, and the space does indeed feel like you’re grabbing a brew with factory coworkers at the turn of the last century. The menu isn’t only heavy Anglo fare, however. There’s veggie-centric options like a quinoa salad with baby kale, eggplant meatballs, and a side of artichoke hearts.
Located beneath Beecher’s cheese shop, the Cellar is where they age the cheeses and delight patrons with dairy, dairy, and more dairy. There’s so much more than mac and cheese and cheese boards, though: try the interesting, flavorful dishes like a kale salad with rhubarb and pistachio, or the steak with avocado and radish.
The place should be applauded just for surviving its bro-y Murray Hill environs with a delicious, veggie-centric menu intact. But the real all-star meal here is boozy brunch, with a vast menu and multiple flavors of Bloody Mary's. Why hasn’t anyone else thought of mid-morning appetizers?
Resto, 111 East 29th Street (between Park and Lexington avenues); 212-685-5585.
If you happen to find yourself in the vicinity of the Queensboro Bridge (it happens), hightail it to The Jeffrey, a welcome escape from the fratty Irish bars of Midtown East. The menu offers around sixty different beers at any given time, so feel free to spend an afternoon experimenting, particularly at the picnic tables in the backyard.
The Jeffrey, 311 East 60th Street (at First Avenue); 212-355-2337.
Lots of beer places in New York assert some sort of German or Eastern European heritage, but Jimmy’s No. 43 actually feels like an old-world beer hall, with a curved-ceiling basement hideaway. The beer menu is long, and the food is hearty: think potato soup, bratwurst, and brussel sprouts. Go hard, or go home.
Jimmy’s No. 43, 43 East 7th Street (between Cooper Square and Second Avenue); 212-982-3006.
Gastropubdoesn’t have to be a synonym for“hole in the wall,”and Post Office proves this by being improbably gorgeous, with dark wood paneling and comfy club chairs by the windows. While the menu is incredibly straight-forward (grilled cheese, deviled eggs), the mostly whiskey-based cocktails are spicy and interesting. Hello, hellfire habanero bitters.
Post Office, 188HavemeyerStreet (between South 3rd and 4th streets); 718-963-2574.
New York night life tends to quiet way, way down on the Upper West Side, but there are pockets of fun between Lincoln Center and Harlem. One of them can be found at The Ellington, which has an airy, barn-like feeling and (delicious!) grilled cheese bites on the menu.
The Ellington, 936 Amsterdam Avenue (at 106th Street); 212-222-4050.
When arguing about which bar to hit next on the Lower East Side, the group can usually agree on Spitzer’s. This happy, lively place features wide communal tables and forty beers on tap, but don’t let the frivolity keep you from eating. There’s something for everyone: sliders, burgers, grilled cheese, and a fried chicken the menu calls “epic.” Believe it.
Spitzer’s Corner, 101 Rivington Street (at Ludlow Street); 212-228-0027.
Top Chef star Dale Talde’s most fun restaurant is the rowdy Pork Slope. And while there is obviously plenty of pig up for grabs, that’s hardly where the finger-licking ends; there's also spicy chicken nuggets, fried catfish, and some of the best nachos in New York City. You can swallow it down with the many beers available, or the seemingly endless list of bourbon, rye, and whiskey.
Pork Slope, 247 Fifth Avenue (between Garfield Place and Carroll Street); 718-768-7675.
If you are seeking authenticity from your gastropub experience — not just burgers and beers — look no further than Highlands. The restaurant isn’t just Scottish in name and appearance, though the pheasant wallpaper is nice. You’ll find a U.K. take on several of the mains, including that blasted haggis, along with endless whiskey options.
Highlands, 150 West 10th Street (at Waverly Place); 212-229-2670.
If the term "gastropub" still manages to conjure up a dude scarfing down a burger and swilling a pint, then consider the Wren the antidote. The clean, downright feminine space offers an eggplant sandwich and lemony roast chicken, and the cocktails contain pinkies-up add-ins like strawberry-lime cider and cherry liqueurs. For the ladies who drunch, if you will.
The Wren, 344 Bowery (at Great Jones Street), 212-388-0148.
This popular eatery claimed to be the first gastropub when it opened in New York in 2004, and while that might be a bit of a stretch, how many bars with food earn a Michelin star? If you can handle the wait, the warm, rollicking atmosphere contrasts the surprisingly elegant British-Italian menu. And, hey, you might even spot a celebrity.
The Spotted Pig, 314 West 11th Street (at Greenwich Street), 212-620-0393.
Seeing as it is in the West Village, Wilfie and Nell is typically packed with pretty young things. The restaurant encourages patrons "not be shy in squeezing in wherever they find space," which people definitely do. The plates are, of course, hearty and meant to be shared, from seasonal fried pickles to a Murray’s cheese board.
Wilfie and Nell, 228 West Fourth Street (between Seventh Avenue and West 10th Street); 212-242-2990.
The Spotted Pig's chef and co-owner April Broomfield ran with a good thing when she opened the Breslin, which is even more British-looking than its predecessor. The tartan, dark wood, and oil paintings of animals prepare you for a menu heavy on meat and cheese. Wash it down with the their own cask-conditioned ale, the Spotted Pig Bitter.
Bedford Avenue gets a little more swanky with every passing week, but one place that still feels homey and relaxed is Allswell. Everything is comforting, from the calico, quilt-like wallpaper to the fried chicken sandwich and the well-researched domestic beer list.
Yes, the Upper East Side can be hip — in its own posh-old-lady kind of way. The Penrose's sprawling space resembles a bed and breakfast in Vermont, albeit it with one of the best whiskey lists in the city. The beer, wine, and cocktail menus are similarly surprising and fun, while the food is simple and delicious: think burgers, mac and cheese, and fried pickles.
The Penrose, 1590 Second Avenue (between 82nd and 83rd streets); 212-203-2751.
If your office is in Tribeca, you already know that there aren't a ton of chill bars to hang out after work with colleagues. Distilled aims to be that bar, and its massive capacity means you won’t be all smushed together, either. There are loads of beers, cocktails, and even "mead" options, and the grub is remarkably upscale. Consider it your new neighborhood spot.
Distilled, 211 West Broadway (between Franklin and White streets), 212-601-9514.
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to eat roasted guinea pig in Flushing, Queens. Oh, is that not how the Statue of Liberty poem goes? Either way, New York’s melting pot is reflected best in its culinary offerings — from 99 cent pizza to the tasting menu at Eleven Madison Park. If you've exhausted your Seamless queue and Yelp recommendations, that means it's time to venture outside of your comfort zone. Take a look at our list of the weirdest, craziest, most insane dishes in New York City, and gird your stomach. It's going to be a mouthwatering ride.
What: Pizza Cretzel
Where: Breads Bakery
Food mashups are a dime a dozen these days — but something about Breads Bakery's cretzel just gets us. Part croissant part pretzel, this crisp and doughy creation is ideal dipping in a myriad of magical sauces spanning far beyond mustards. Although offered in a variety of flavors, we'd have to argue that the pizza cretzel reigns supreme (served with some marinara, of course).
Breads Bakery, 18 E 16th Street (between W. Union Square and 5th Avenue); 212-633-2253.
Thursday Kitchen in Manhattan's East Village is a mix of Korean cuisine meets French — oh, and also Spanish. This trifecta of eclectic eats churns out an impressively fresh and unexpected menu. Case in point: Their alcoholic take on our childhood "Capri Sun," made in a variety of tropical flavors and complete with light up LED ice cubes.
Thursday Kitchen, 424 E. 9th Street (between 1st and Avenue A); 646-755-8088.
Water your plant and eat it too at Spot Dessert Bar. This potted-optical illusion is actually a sweet treat: Dig your gardening spoon in layers of berries, soft cheesecake, and meringue kisses. You can water your soil with black rose milk tea and even finish it off with some fertilizing raspberry sorbet.
Spot Dessert Bar, 13 St Marks Place (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue); 212-677-5670.
Vinnie's Pizzeria has served us with the ultimate meta NYC meal: Pizza on a pizza. Why? Simply because one is never enough for all the slice slamming pizza rats out there, pounding their concrete jungle pavement. So stop by this Williamsburg pie-haven and pay homage to the Big Apple with none other than a piece of pizza-artwork.
Vinnie's Pizzeria, 148 Bedford Avenue (at North 9th Street); 718-782-7078.
Sure, you've seen the rainbow bagel. But what about the rainbow-funfetti-birthday-cake-croissant? We'll give you a moment to digest that dessert whopper. Imagine the flakey-buttery croissant enveloping a gooey sprinkled cake batter center. We're getting the goosebumps just thinking about it. See you at Union Fare!
Union Fare, 6 East 18th Street (between 5th and Broadway Avenues); 212- 633-6003.
Rain drops keep falling on my...plate? Round K Cafe has #blessed us with one of the strangest dining experiences to date. This Japanese dessert "cake" is drenched in a sweet syrup and served with a side of soy bean flour. Believe us when we say that what appears to be a jelly fish swimming in soy sauce and saw dust, actually tastes pretty damn delicious.
Round K Cafe, 99 Allen Street (at Delancey Street); 917- 475-1423.
Cafeteria's mac and cheese spring rolls take Asian-fusion to an entirely new level. A crispy-fried exterior encases the golden-cheesy interior for creamy crunches in every bite.
We call this the ultimate (and unexpected) in comfort food appetizers.
Cafeteria, 119 7th Avenue (at West 17th Street); 646-791-7908.
Besides being known as "that Aussie bistro on the UWS", Burke and Wills has an even bigger weird brag: their Kangaroo Burger. Chef Rodrigo Nogueira has put his unique modern spin on Australian cuisine — and "The Roo Burger" is undoubtedly the star dish of this uptown spot.
Of course, the idea of a Kangaroo burger sounds a bit crazy — but trust, one bite into this savory thing and you'll be a roo-believer.
Burke Wills, 226 West 79th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue); 646- 823-9251.
You know what really bugs us? That Grasshopper Taco at Toloache. We just don't understand how this crunchy little thing drenched in savory spices is just so darn good! And, besides the immediate shock value, you absolutely cannot stop eating them. Yes, of course the restaurant has a fabulous decor and relaxing ambiance, but in the end, it's all about those grasshoppers.
Toloache, 205 Thompson Street (at Bleecker Street); 212- 420-0600.
The Llama Inn is a hip Williamsburg destination dishing out creative Peruvian fare — and their beef stir fry is the soul of this foodie situation. Take a traditional stir fry, top it with well dressed french fries, wrap it all together in a savory scallion pancake, and there you have it: a weirdly delectable NYC dish.
Llama Inn, 50 Withers Street (at Meeker Avenue) in Brooklyn; 718-387-3434.
Photo Courtesy of: Llama Inn.
What: Smokey Lavender Nitrogen Ice Cream
Where: ViVi Bubble Tea, LES
This bright and, pun intended, bubbly tea shop has become an NYC fan favorite for something other than their colorful beverages. Crowds flock to this LES joint looking to grab a cone artfully filled with nitrogen ice cream. The spectacular flavors range from Nutella flaked with gold to lovely rose, and even a dark smokey lavender.
ViVi Bubble Tea, 205 Allen Street (at E. Houston); 646-651-7779.
Photo Courtesy of: ViVi Bubble Tea.
What: Caviar Potato Skins
Where: Westlight
Westlight, a brand new rooftop bar by prominent NYC restauranteur Andrew Carmellini, is serving up the most inventive of bar food. Case in point: the caviar potato skins. Situated at the top of the towering William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg, this spot is just about as weird-hip as it gets.
Westlight, 111 N. 12th Street (at Wythe Avenue) in Brooklyn; 718-631-8400.
Photo Courtesy of: Westlight.
What: Mystic Pizza Bagel
Where: Baz Bagel
Baz Bagels has not only sized up a childhood food favorite ( Bagel Bites, anyone?), but it's also named the dish after a classic Julia Roberts throwback, Mystic Pizza. This is food nostalgia at its best. And if you're not into pizza for breakfast, then check out any of the other wacky bagel mashups (e.g. The Pretty in Pink with beet and horseradish cream cheese).
Baz Bagel, 181 Grand Street (at Mulberry Street); 212-335-0609.
Photo Courtesy of: Baz Bagel.
What: Fried Pickles
Where: Wilma Jean
Wilma Jean is a casual burger and fried chicken joint located in cozy Carroll Gardens. The menu is run-of-the-mill solid Southern fare — but for those not born and bred below the Mason-Dixon, the fried pickles may come as somewhat of a strange surprise. But these crispy, crunchy, generously beer-battered, and properly deep-fried delicacies are not to be passed up. The buttermilk ranch dipping sauce complements the sour flavor perfectly.
Wilma Jean, 345 Smith Street (at Carroll Street); 718-422-0444.
Photo Courtesy of: Wilma Jean.
What: Ramen Burger
Where: Smorgasburg
If you have yet to know (or taste) NYC's famed Ramen Burger, here's the 411: Keizo Shimamoto made this food fantasy a reality through a little inspiration from his dual cultural heritage — Tokyo born and California raised. Although simple in execution, a ramen bun with burger interior, the public has gone wild for these savory sliders. If you're interested in joining this cult following, stop by Smorgasburg this Saturday for a bite.
Smorgasburg, Williamsburg, East River State Park, 90 Kent Avenue (at N. 7th)
Photo Courtesy of: Smorgasburg.
What: Katz's Pastrami Egg Roll
Where: RedFarm
How do you take a New York institution, like Katz's Deli, and turn it on its head? By wrapping its staple food up in an egg roll. The rich appetizer is just one of the standout dishes serving up a fresh take on dim sum. Guests line up nightly to order the Jewish-Chinese mash-up, as well as RedFarm's other quirky dishes, like filet mignon tarts and Pac-Man dumplings that are almost too cute to eat.
RedFarm, 529 Hudson (between 10th and Charles Streets); 212-792-9700.
Photo Courtesy of: RedFarm.
What: Broccoli Hot Dog
Where: Dirt Candy
Dirt Candy's broccoli dogs are far from the only quirky item on the menu. The Lower East Side spot has been making headlines for chef Amanda Cohen's inventive use of vegetables, from a kale matzo ball soup to onion chocolate tarts. But her broccoli dog is in a class of its own for actually managing to taste like a hot dog, which is far more than a lot of soy or tofu dogs can claim. The dog is primarily a long stalk of broccoli that manages to somehow have the snap and flavor of our favorite ballpark franks, making it as mind-bendingly weird as it is tasty.
Dirty Candy, 86 Allen Street (between Grand and Broome); 212-228-7732.
Photo Courtesy of: Dirt Candy.
What: Everything donuts
Where: Flex Mussels
We’re patiently waiting for doughnuts to become the cupcakes of this era in NYC eating. Flex Mussels is doing their part with these puffs, which are covered in everything-bagel seasoning and seeds. Oh, and mirroring jelly doughnuts, a curl of scallion cream cheese on the end alerts you to the stuffing therein. Why choose between two balls of dough when you can have the best of both worlds?
Flex Mussels, 154 W. 13th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues); 212-229-0222, and 174 E. 82nd Street (between Lexington and Third Avenues); 212-717-7772.
Photo Courtesy of: Flex Mussels.
What: Monthly special
Where: Mimi Cheng’s Dumplings
Their standard pork and veggie dumplings are little pockets of heaven, but it’s the announcement of a new special on the first of every month that breaks out the lines of East Villagers. The choices of Cubano (pictured) or cheeseburger could easily be a gimmick, but the carefully crafted recipes are standouts in their own right. A chicken parm dumpling, stuffed with organic chicken and mozzarella and dipped in tomato sauce, is so wrong it’s entirely right.
Of all the euphemistic terms for foods that would make a 6-year-old diner throw a tantrum — sweetbreads ain’t so sweet, kid — none is more adorable than trotter, as in what a pig trots on, as in pig feet. This new Brazilian-Latin American restaurant serves up those little footsies in a pancake, with ancho pepper BBQ sauce and aioli to help you forget what you’re eating.
Chef Amanda Cohen’s whole M.O. is to prove that vegetables can be the star of the meal, not relegated to side status. This dish is a strong opening statement for the prosecution, with rainbow-bright colors and innovative use of radish in all its forms (including, cheekily, horseradish flavoring).
Dirt Candy, 86 Allen Street (between Grand and Broome Streets); 212-228-7732.
Photo Courtesy of: Dirt Candy.
What: Onion carpaccio
Where: Atera
Any one of the eighteen dishes on Atera’s tasting menu is a gorgeous little miracle, with painstakingly arranged blossoms or sublime rings of vegetables. Pretty enough to be a painting is the onion carpaccio, a wispy suggestion of onion that resembles a hot-air balloon in flight on your plate. This level of artistry is what you’re paying for—it’s why you come to New York!
Atera, 77 Worth Street (between Church Street and Broadway); 212-226-1444.
Photo Courtesy of: Atera.
What: Calf’s Brain Cream
Where: Takashi
The whole point of going to Takashi, aside from the actually enjoyable food, is the shock and awe of the menu, which lists beef tongue, testicles, and every other squicky item you can imagine that might be pulled from a cow. The brain cream, however, is next level: It comes in a toothpaste-style tube, with an accompanying dish of black caviar. We dare you!
Takashi, 456 Hudson Street (between Barrow and Morton Streets); (212) 414-2929.
Photo Courtesy of: Takashi.
What: Chorizo Ice Cream
Where: Oddfellows
Leave it to the masterminds at Oddfellows to concoct a pork sausage-flavored ice cream. The chorizo-caramel combo brings you the best of both sweet and savory worlds, and is made with real sausage. So don't be shy, give your tastebuds a run for their money.
Oddfellows, 175 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn; 347-599-0556; 75 East 4th Street (between Bowery and Second Avenue); 917-475-1812.
Photo Courtesy of: Oddfellows.
What: Burrata Soft Serve
Where: Dominique Ansel Kitchen
Just when you thought we'd found a way to put cheese on everything, Dominique Ansel, the magical genius behind the cronut, introduced cheese-flavored ice cream. It's not just EZ Cheese in a cone, of course. DA is tres sophistique. This 'scream is burrata, as in, the cheese your mouth waters for at every single Italian restaurant.
Dominique Ansel Kitchen, 137 Seventh Avenue South (between Charles and West 10th streets); 212-242-5111.
Photo Courtesy of: Dominique Ansel Kitchen.
What: Golden Opulence Sundae
Where: Serendipity 3
When the giant chalice of frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3 is indulgent enough for your liking, go hard with a sundae that contains dessert caviar, imported Parisian candies, Venezuelan cocoa, and 23 carats of edible gold leaf. It may cost $1,000, but the restaurant swears they sell at least one a month.
Serendipity 3, 225 East 60th Street (between Second and Third avenues); 212-838-3531.
Photo Courtesy of: Serendipity 3.
What: Korean Fried Chicken
Where: Talde
Top Chef contestant Dale Talde has made a small restaurant empire in Park Slope, where his trademark is creative Asian flavors. The big crowd pleaser at his eponymous outpost is the Korean fried chicken, which is perfectly battered with a generous dollop of spicy sauce.
The adorably bright Jamaican love shack that is Miss Lily’s puts a Caribbean twist on every dish, and a prime example is the corn cob side.“We char the corn on a hot grill, turning it for even cooking, then brush on our jerk mayonnaise, before tossing it in roasted coconut flakes and serving with lime,”says Chef AdamSchop. If your mouth didn’t water with that description, check your pulse.
Octopus is a key item in the Mediterranean diet, and you probably stopped being freaked out by the little tentacles in your calamari basket a while ago. But, what if the octopus was freakin’ alive when it was dropped on your table? You’ll have to hike out to Woodside to watch the thing get boiled in front of you, but it’s definitely NYC bucket-list material.
Sik Gaek, 49-11 Roosevelt Avenue (between 43rd Avenue and Queens Boulevard), Queens; 718-205-4555.
Photo Courtesy of: Sik Gaek.
What: Masala Mac and Cheese
Where: S’MAC
No, there is nothing more delightful than a restaurant dedicated to mac and cheese. Except maybe the playful portion sizes — nosh, major munch, mongo, and party! — and the ingenious variations, like Buffalo, Cajun, and Parisienne. The most boundary-pushing is the Masala variation, which blends warm Indian spices with all that gooey, cheesy goodness.
S’MAC, 345 East 12th Street (between First and Second avenues); 212-358-7912.
Photo Courtesy of: S'MAC.
What: Kangaroo Loin
Where: Burke and Wills
Go ahead and name some Australian things. Vegemite. Hot surfer guys. Kangaroos! Burke and Wills is one of the most wonderfully sophisticated Aussie-inspired places in the city, where you can dine on this kangaroo loin under a glass roof. Sorry, cuddly marsupial friends.
Burke and Wills, 226 West 79th Street (between Amsterdam Avenue and Broadway); 646-823-9251.
Photo Courtesy of: Burke and Wills.
What: Smoked Whole Goat Neck
Where: Ducks Eatery
Not all barbecue joints are created equal. Ducks Eatery gives you the requisite hickory-smoked wings and ribs, but there is also a duck confit waffle and the most adventurous, an entire goat neck. It’s for two, of course, and is accented with bing cherries and coconut rice.
Ducks Eatery, 351 E. 12th Street (at First Avenue); (212) 432-3825
Photo Courtesy of: Ducks Eatery.
What: Strawberry-Cinnamon Glazed Berkshire Baby Back Ribs
Where: Traif
The fascinating treatment of the ribs at Traif has a lovely story to go along with it, from a time chef Jason Marcus traveled to Vietnam in 2002. "Being lovers of all things spring roll, [my friend and I] went to a restaurant that night honoring the month-long spring roll festival,” he says. “They had a special dish that caught out eyes: ‘strawberry-honey ribs.’ The dish sounded different but, exactly why I came to Vietnam — for inspiration.” He experimented with Vietnam spices and strawberry before stumbling on this “simultaneously comforting and exotic” dish.
Traif, 229 South 4th Street (between Roebling and Havemeyer streets), Brooklyn; 347-844-9578.
Photo Courtesy of: Traif.
What: Pez Globo
Where: Toro
Everything is good when fried and with a squirt of lemon. The most fun dish at this tapas restaurant is the pez globo — crispy blowfish tails sprinkled in Moroccan spices like cumin. There are loads of other small seafood dishes on the menu, so slip this one into the mix, and don't tell the scaredy-cat picky eater at your table.
Everything about this Carroll Gardens spot is cozy and special, from the minimal seating (12 people!) to the artfully-arranged American plates. Their most interesting dish these days is the pickled mussel, served with mustard seed and mustard flower, which Chef Elise Kornack says was inspired by memories of Nantucket. "My mother and I would collect mussels together along the jetty and bring buckets-full back to the house to steam and eat," she recalls. "Often I would eat them with heirloom tomato salad and dip the mussels in the vinegar left behind once the tomatoes were finished. This dish is my homage to those summer nights."
Take Root, 187 Sackett Street (between Hicks and Henry streets), Brooklyn; 347-227-7116.
Photo Courtesy of: Take Root.
What: Salted Caramel Chicken Fingers
Where: Sticky's Finger Joint
The ultimate bar food gets an upgrade at Sticky's, which is dedicated to nothing but chicken fingers. Of course, that hardly means they’re boring, with Mexican-, Japanese-, Chinese-, and Italian-style delights to choose from. But, the most out-of-the-box dish is the salted caramel fingers, which are coated in crushed pretzel, dipped in salted caramel, and sprinkled with salt.
As you may have guessed from its name, Shalom Japan is one of those restaurants that fuses two totally incongruous cuisines and cultures. Our favorite example is the lox rice bowl, which combines smoked fish, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, and rice. Sort of like a sushi roll, but in a bowl.
Shalom Japan, 310 South 4th Street (between Keap and Rodney streets), Brooklyn; 718-388-4012.
Photo Courtesy of: Shalom Japan.
What: Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata
Where: Norma’s
Bring your very best brunch posse to Norma’s, an opulent mecca for fancy breakfast foods housed in Le Parker Meridien. The pièce de résistance is the zillion dollar lobster frittata, which boasts 10 ounces of caviar and a $1,000 price tag. "We wanted to create something decadent and over-the-top," says executive chef Emile Castillo. "Our menu is all about fun and different, and the zillion dollar frittata is just that. Plus, it's delicious."
Norma’s, 119 West 56th Street (between Sixth and Seventh avenues); 212-708-7460.
Photo Courtesy of: Norma's.
What: Huarache de Nopal
Where: The Black Ant
Chef Mario Hernandez traveled to the city of Tepoztlan last summer and was inspired to grill some cactus. "I met a sweet lady named Doña Chavela who has the most amazing fruit and vegetable stand where she sells a delicious cactus mushroom stew used for the filling in quesadillas," he explains. Comprised of cactus pad, figs, asadero cheese, and marmalade, the dish is "crispy, fresh, light , spicy, sweet and salty." In other words: "All flavors that a chef strives for in a dish!”
The Black Ant, 60 Second Avenue (between 3rd and 4th streets); 212-598-0300.
Photo Courtesy of: The Black Ant.
What: Foie Gras Doughnut
Where: Do or Dine
Your days are numbered, cronut. The hippest pastry hybrid in town is officially the foie gras doughnut at Do or Dine, a punk-rock outpost in Bed-Stuy. The richness of the duck takes well to the sugary fried dough, but really, what doesn't take well to sugary fried dough?
Do or Dine, 1108 Bedford Avenue (between Lexington Avenue and Quincy Street), Brooklyn; 718-864-2290.
Photo Courtesy of: Do or Dine.
What: Mapo Tofu Chili Cheese Fries
Where: King Noodle
It's always fun to plop different junk on top of french fries. King Noodle innovates with their unique Asian poutine. "The dish is a combination of two Sichuan specialties — Mapo tofu and stir-fried potato slivers, the latter of which is like a pile of tiny, thin cut french fries cooked with Sichuan peppercorns," they explain. "We wanted to be able to reference some of our favorite dishes while making the atmosphere fun and pub-like. Enter: cheese." Indeed!
King Noodle, 1045 Flushing Avenue (at Vandervoort Place), Brooklyn; 718-456-6543.
Photo Courtesy of: King Noodles.
What: Chocolate Chunk Pizza
Where: Max Brenner
Right this way, choco-holics. Max Brenner is the haven for all things chocolate (drinks, ice cream, desserts), and it has pretty great "normal" food as well. Their chocolate pizza combines the two, making for what the restaurant calls "the epitome of the Max Brenner experience."
Max Brenner, 841 Broadway (between 13th and 14th streets); 646-467-8803.
Photo Courtesy of: Max Brenner.
What: Extra Virgin Olive Oil Ice Cream
Where: Oddfellows
Many of the rotating ice cream flavors at Oddfellows seem to make zero sense; it's like they're basically daring you to taste them. Chef Sam Mason tried an olive oil ice cream in Spain and never forgot it. "I always wanted to do it as a flavor because I love the taste of it, but also because the texture of olive oil ice cream is unique," he says. "It pairs perfectly with a lot of our other flavors as well, especially some of the citrus sorbets we've done."
Oddfellows, 175 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn; 347-599-0556; 75 East 4th Street (between Bowery and Second Avenue); 917-475-1812.
Photo Courtesy of: Oddfellows.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
You've probably heard about how gritty Soho was back in the '70s and '80s, when artists flocked to the downtown 'hood in search of affordable living and studio space. It's tough to imagine that today, what with the large flagship stores, the high-priced lofts, and the uneven cobblestone streets filled with enthusiastic shoppers and slow-moving tourists. But, you know what else has changed? The culinary landscape.
Today, Soho is home to some of the most beloved eateries in the city, as well as a ton of newer spots that offer a fix for whatever you're craving. We're talking farm-to-table freshness, some of the most delicious Mexican eats on the East Coast, and pasta — lots and lots of pasta. Check out our picks for the hottest restaurants in one of the hottest neighborhoods in Manhattan.
Seamore's
Take a trip to the Cali coast, or just take a trip to Seamore's in Soho —this beachy spot is flooded with air, light, and chill vibes. A seafood focused Mexican menu, the plates here are always fresh and funky. Try Chrissy Teigen's favorite crispy fish tacos, made with a lightly battered and fried fish of the day that's been topped with cabbage and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
Seamore's, 390 Broome Street (at Mulberry Street); 212-730-6005.
Created by the same team behind our other Soho darling, Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones slings the downtown (i.e. chic) pie heat. These pizzas are thin crust and chewy perfection, thanks to two wood-fired Stefano Ferrara ovens, and come in a variety of savory flavor profiles (e.g. the clam pie with charred broccoli raab, cream, salted chiles, and white wine steamed clams). Not to mention this is the very spot where Beyoncé noshed after the VMAs.
Pasquale Jones, 187 Mulberry Street (at Kenmare Street).
With a wood-paneled exterior, Ed's brings low-key New England seafood shack vibes to bustling downtown Manhattan. Offering a plethora of oysters, steamers, seafood pasta dishes, and of course lobster rolls, this Soho spot serves up coastal catches with comforting hometown gusto. Be sure to try the lobster ravioli — it's rich.
Ed's Lobster Bar, 222 Lafayette Street (at Spring Street); 212-343-3236.
This French-Moroccan cafe on Mott Street is best known for its Insta-worthy brunches — but the real meal to be had here is dinner. Gitane is cash-only (so the prices are right) and offers flavor-packed plates (ideal for sharing) in a chic Soho setting. And the Moroccan couscous with red peppers, potatoes, raisins, toasted pine nuts, hummus and eggplant? It's not to be missed.
Beyond and beneath an antiqued neon "Corner Deli" sign lies La Esquina, a darkly lit and luxurious Mexican dining destination. But you'd never know — this Soho eatery is top secret, reservation-only, and exceedingly hard to get into (literally, a guarded nondescript door within the deli serves as the entryway).
If you're unable to score a reservation, you can always score some fabulous tacos from the counter upstairs...while casing the mystery door for a stealth entrance.
La Esquina, 114 Kenmare Street (at Centre Street); 646- 613-7100.
Known as the "vegetable slaughter house," The Butcher's daughter is the hip place in Soho to get your organic and veggie-friendly fix. Providing top-of-the-line juices and lots of whole grain noshes, this neighborhood eatery is perfect for a trendy downtown bite.
Uncle Boons is your downtown Soho spot for delicious and dependable Thai. Located in a quaint loft-like space, it's a perfect date night destination — or a even just a low key, good grub, hangout with comrades.
Uncle Boons , 7 Spring Street (between Bowery and Elizabeth Street);
The corner bistro looks like it hasn’t been redecorated since 1983, which is part of the appeal. Sit at an outdoor table and select from a simple French menu (maybe coq au vin and cheese-drenched onion soup?) while you watch the Soho beauties and their shopping bags breeze by.
Bistro Les Amis, 180 Spring Street (at Thompson Street); 212-226-8645
Photo Courtesy of: Bistro Les Amis.
Cafe Altro Paradiso
The owners of nearby restaurant Estela promise “another kind of paradise” with this space, which is huge and airy and filled with light. The Italian-ish entrees are so simple that you may want to hang out strictly with the starters, like spicy anchovies on a buttery crostini, or a seared octopus with chickpeas.
In a neighborhood where everyone else is too cool for school, this vibrant Jamaican diner explodes onto Houston Street. You’ll find jerk spices on everything—jerk corn, jerk fries, jerk wings, and so on—multiple seafood dishes, and yummy cocktails. Including one served in, yep, a coconut.
Miss Lily’s, 132 W Houston Street (at Sullivan Street); 212-812-1482
Photo Courtesy of: Miss Lily's.
Aurora
Expanding from their original venue in Williamsburg, the menu at Aurora has plenty of homemade pastas but we’ll just mention this one: burrata-stuffed ravioli with crushed truffles and a butter emulsion. If that description didn’t kill you, try their surprisingly great brunch, which boasts $5 refills on cocktails.
Aurora, 510 Broome Street (between Thompson Street and West Broadway); 212-334-9020
Photo Courtesy of: Aurora.
Mooncake Food
Calling itself a “new kind of Asian food,” Mooncake refuses processed meats, sugary sauces, and heavy frying at its original location in Soho (they already have two other outposts). So go ahead and fill up on the fascinating fusion of Asian flavors, as with the whitefish salad bahn mi or a grilled tofu noodle salad with ginger cilantro pesto dressing.
Mooncake Food, 28 Watts Street (between Thompson Street and Sixth Avenue); 212-219-8888
Photo Courtesy of: Mooncake Food.
Galli
“Let’s do Italian” is comforting enough, but Galli promises “Italian comfort food,” so why not take a seat? The restaurant serves up the classics (pasta alla norma, vodka, pesto, amatriciana) and a whole calamari category and multiple kinds of protein parmesan. Don’t fight it. There’s no point.
Galli, 45 Mercer Street (between Broome and Grand streets); 212-966-9288.
Photo Courtesy of: Galli.
Coco & Cru
Come to Coco & Cru for a refreshingly delicious breakfast, lunch, or brunch (because brunch is life). An Aussie-inspired establishment that serves up freshly sourced and flavorful eats. The space is clean, bright, and open air— nestled in the bustling heart of Soho.
Coco & Cru, 643 Broadway (at the corner of Bleecker Street); 212-614-3170.
Photo Courtesy of: Coco & Cru.
Mimi
Let this gray-marble sliver of a restaurant be your secret for as long as you can. The menu was dreamt up by a 25-year-old chef, Liz Johnson (who managed to fit in a stint at Per Se at an age most people spend partying) and is filled with rich French delicacies.
Mimi, 185 Sullivan Street (between Bleecker and West Houston streets); 212-418-1260.
Photo Courtesy of: Mimi.
Chikarashi
Haven't hopped on the poké bowl train yet? Now's the time with Chikarashi — a sleek NYC spot serving up their own take on the new food trend. With a fusion of Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisines, these bowls are fresh, full of flavor, and affordable!
If you firmly believe that breakfast should last all day, run (don't walk) to Egg Shop. From brunch 'til late, you can avail yourself of the many egg-ccentric items on the menu, from classic bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches to their take on bibimbap and veggie-rich bowls and salads (topped with an egg, of course).
Egg Shop, 151 Elizabeth Street (between Broome and Kenmare streets); 646-666-0810.
Photo Courtesy of: Egg Shop.
Osteria Morini
Bow down in devotion at this altar to carbohydrates. The handmade pastas are the main event here, and a great way to sample chef Michael White’s skills without dropping the insane dollars on his other NYC restaurants (which include Marea and Ai Fiori). In fact, pastas are only $10 after 9pm on Mondays!
Osteria Morini, 218 Lafayette Street (between Spring and Kenmare Streets); 212-965-8777
Photo Courtesy of: Osteria Morini.
Jack’s Wife Freda
You may be surprised to find out that this cafe doesn’t just exist as a background for models’ Instagram posts. It also peddles Mediterranean fare with particular attention to sea creatures. Their shared dishes—grilled halloumi, a plate of straight-up garlic—are great with girlfriends (as you, yes, try not to gawk at the models).
Jack’s Wife Freda, 224 Lafayette Street (between Spring and Kenmare Streets); 212-510-8550
Photo Courtesy of: Jack's Wife Freda.
The Dutch
A neighborhood of bustling, beautiful, effortlessly cool people need a restaurant that caters to all of the above. Consistently packed to the gills, the Dutch makes room for every American comfort food, from pasta to roasted chicken to three cuts of beef. The presentation is everything, darling.
The Dutch, 131 Sullivan Street (at Prince Street); 212-677-6200
Photo Courtesy of: The Dutch.
Lucky Strike
This French bistro is as old-school New York as a restaurant can be that opened in 1989. The menu is scribbled on giant, antique mirrors around the warm wooden space, and the food is straightforward and comforting. French onion soup and mac cheese? Oui.
Lucky Strike, 59 Grand Street (between Wooster and W. Broadway); 212-941-0772
Photo Courtesy of: Lucky Strike.
Public
Spot the far-flung influences in chef Brad Farmerie’s menu. His training and travels result in sashimi next to Caesar salad near a Moroccan braised lamb shank, and somehow it all works. These flavor experiments, plus the industrial decor, make for one cool dining experience.
Public, 210 Elizabeth Street (between Spring and Prince streets); 212-343-7011.
Photo Courtesy of: Public.
Raoul’s
Can’t make it to Paris this year? We feel your pain. The next best thing is Raoul’s, run by two French immigrant brothers since the ‘70s. The atmosphere is everything — viva la vie boheme — but the steak au poivre and duck-fat fries aren’t too shabby, either.
Raoul’s, 180 Prince Street (at Sullivan Street); 212-966-3518.
Photo Courtesy of: Raoul's.
Burger and Barrel
Here you'll find the classiest burger joint in all the land. The candlelit ambiance makes for a surprisingly great spot for a first date, as does the menu — it’s not just burgers, but other crowd-pleasers, too, like roasted chicken and ravioli. Bond over the many small plates, which are just right for sharing.
Burger and Barrel, 25 West Houston Street (between Greene and Mercer streets); 212-334-7320.
Photo Courtesy of: Burger and Barrel.
Aquagrill
The best seafood restaurant in New York? Aquagrill might just be. It’s not just that the menu contains every kind of fishy fare your heart could possibly desire — it’s also the inventive, worldy preparations, like the crab claws with jicama-jalapeno-pineapple slaw, or the sea bass with Korean kimchi in a wasabi-miso sauce, that knock our socks off.
Aquagrill, 210 Spring Street (at Sixth Avenue); 212-274-0505.
Photo Courtesy of: Aquagrill.
Blue Ribbon Brasserie
Brothers and graduates of Le Cordon Bleu Bruce and Eric Bromberg named their restaurant group after the esteemed institution — "the blue ribbon" is the English translation. They have restaurants all around the world, including flagship Blue Ribbon Brasserie, which distinguishes itself as a French dining experience for night owls. Lucky for us, it's open until 4 a.m., seven days a week.
Blue Ribbon Brasserie, 97 Sullivan Street (between Spring and Prince streets); 212-274-0404.
Photo Courtesy of: Blue Ribbon Brasserie.
Carbone
The Italian restaurant to end all Italian restaurants: That seems to be what chefs Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone were aiming for with Carbone. The menu is precisely what you would expect — linguini vongole, prime porterhouse, Caesar salad — with impeccable service and mighty-high prices. Try the spicy rigatoni vodka, which many Yelpers claim is the best pasta dish in the city.
Carbone, 181 Thompson Street (between Bleecker and Houston streets); 212-933-0707.
Photo Courtesy of: Carbone.
Socarrat Paella Bar
Jesus ‘Lolo’ Manso has created an empire of Spanish restaurants in Manhattan, all bearing the name “socarrat,” the term for the crust that forms at the bottom of a paella pan. The Paella Bar in Nolita boasts a bustling communal table and pans overflowing with lamb, shrimp, beef, cuttlefish, lobster, squid, duck, pork, and just about every protein that walks or swims this earth.
Socarrat Paella Bar, 284 Mulberry Street (at East Houston Street); 212-219-0101.
Photo Courtesy of: Socarrat Paella Bar.
Alidoro
Sandwiches, sandwiches, and more sandwiches: That's Alidoro’s business. The specialty sandwich shop has about a billion combos on its menu, all named after famous Italians (like the Da Vinci and Sinatra). With all that prosciutto, sopressata, capicollo, mortadella, and more, you half expect a Sopranos cast member to be playing cards out front.
Alidoro, 105 Sullivan Street (between Spring and Prince streets); 212-334-5179.
Photo Courtesy of: Alidoro.
Navy
If you're coming to Soho for its charm, you’ll most certainly find it in spades at Navy, a seafood spot with appropriately nautical décor touches. Chef Camille Becerra sets herself apart from other fish restaurants with veggie complements, like branzino with leeks puree or octopus with pickles and lemon aioli.
Navy, 137 Sullivan Street (between West Houston and Prince streets); 212-533-1137.
Photo Courtesy of: Navy.
Parm
Italians love arguing about what real Italian food is — namely, how it’s not the ziti you’re being served in Staten Island or New Jersey. Parm serves up unabashedly Italian-American sandwiches, with chicken parm, eggplant parm, and meatball parm all on the menu. They also cater. Remind us what there is to argue about, again?
Parm, 248 Mulberry Street (between Spring and Prince streets); 212-993-7189.
Photo Courtesy of: Parm.
Lure Fishbar
If you don’t love seafood, this might not be the place for you. There is a marine touch to nearly dish, like a lobster crouton appetizer, tuna tacos, and any other fish-themed course you could possibly wish for. Okay, there’s a burger and herb-roasted chicken, for the non-seafood fanatics, but that’s no fun in a place like this!
Lure Fishbar, 142 Mercer Street (at Prince Street), 212-431-7676.
Photo Courtesy of: Lure Fishbar.
Rubirosa
Of all the pizza and Italian joints in New York, it always seems to be Rubirosa that everyone thinks they personally discovered. Well, the secret is out. The cozy spot features the decades-old thin-crust recipe from the Pappalardo family (straight out of Staten Island), plus chef Al DiMeglio’s homemade pasta dishes.
Rubirosa, 235 Mulberry Street (between Spring and Prince streets); 212-965-0500.
Photo Courtesy of: Rubirosa.
Little Prince
Let this spot be your introduction to French food. Little Prince has the requisite steak frites and wine list, but without the holier-than- thou attitude (or prices). Plus, you still get that romantic bistro ambiance. Bon appetit!
Little Prince, 199 Prince Street (between Macdougal and Sullivan streets); 212-335-0566.
Photo Courtesy of: Little Prince.
ll Mulino Prime
Just what New York needs: Another steakhouse. Right? Actually, yes, especially when it's by the Italian powerhouse Il Mulino group. Il Mulino Prime — whose decor is White Party-ready — is a tiny ode to beef. Though the cuts take center stage, you'd be remiss to pass up other dishes, like the lobster mac and cheese or the short ribs ravioli.
Il Mulino Prime, 331 West Broadway (at Grand Street); 212-226-0020.
Photo Courtesy of: Il Mulino Prime.
Charlie Bird
The owners of Charlie Bird claim that they were inspired by "essential New York." What does that mean? According to this Sixth Avenue hotspot, it looks like neon lights on brick walls, feels like a tight space with lively diners, and tastes like an American menu with heavy Italian influence. Oh, and said menu is printed on colorful graffiti-esque paper, too, as if designed by Warhol himself.
Charlie Bird, 5 King Street (at Sixth Avenue); 212-235-7133.
Photo Courtesy of: Charlie Bird.
Ruby's Cafe
There's an expansive Australian ex-pat community hiding in New York, and you'll probably find a good number of them dining at Ruby's. Their recently expanded space has a menu full of Aussie standards, including —yup, you know it — Vegemite on toast. If that yeast paste freaks you out (it's an acquired taste, after all), there are plenty of solid burger, sandwich, and salad options.
Ruby’s Cafe, 219 Mulberry Street (between Spring and Prince streets); 212-925-5755.
Photo Courtesy of: Ruby's Cafe.
Balaboosta
As a resident of New York, you may be proud of the Yiddish phrases you've picked up along the way — right, bubbala? But, you might have missed balaboosta, which translates to "perfect housewife" (or "bossy woman," but six of one…). This spot features Middle Eastern dishes with Mediterranean touches, the best of which are the smaller plates like hummus or grilled eggplant crostini.
Balaboosta, 214 Mulberry Street (between Spring and Prince streets); 212-966-7366.
Photo Courtesy of: Balaboosta.
Hundred Acres
When you’re aching for an escape from the city, get a touch of the country at this airy spot on MacDougal Street. The food and decor is meant to evoke a farmhouse, with French doors open to the sidewalk and loads of local veggies on the seasonal menu. The best part, however, might be the delightful drink options, which include a dozen whiskeys and bold cocktails. It's enough to make you long for sleepy summer afternoons.
Hundred Acres, 38 MacDougal Street (between King and Prince streets); 212-475-7500.
Photo Courtesy of: Hundred Acres.
Tacombi
Next time you find yourself arguing with co-workers about where to have happy hour, insist they join you at the ridiculously fun Tacombi. It's decorated to look like a shack on a Mexican beach, and a converted VW bus serving gluten-free tacos is parked right in the center of the space. The relaxed vibe is perfect to sip cerveza after cerveza. You can practically hear the waves crashing nearby.
Tacombi, 267 Elizabeth Street (between Prince and East Houston streets); 917-727-0179.
Photo Courtesy of: Tacombi.
David Burke Kitchen
Of all of David Burke’s restaurants, Kitchen might be the most fun. Gingham and denim abound in the playful dining room, and for all of its higher-end fare, you can still order a bucket of beer to enjoy in the gorgeous outdoor space. The menu is full of hearty American farm favorites like lamb, ribeye, and chicken with arugula ravioli.
This sweet little diner looks like a quaint 1950s spot, with flower-dotted wallpaper and shiny red table tops. The basement even has a happening little bar. But it's the tasty Thai fare that will make this fun, quirky spot a favorite to nosh on noodles and nostalgia.
Lovely Day, 196 Elizabeth Street (between Spring and Prince streets); 212-925-3310.
Photo Courtesy of: Lovely Day
Sadelle’s
We respect anyone that respects the bagel, and this Jewish bakery/restaurant raises them to an art form. They emerge fresh from the oven and ready to be smothered in shiny layers of sturgeon, salmon, tuna salad, and more. There’s also the epic egg sandwiches, plus finger-lickin’ sticky buns. Wear leggings to brunch, is what we’re saying.
Sadelle’s, 463 West Broadway (between West Houston and Prince streets); 212-254-3000.
Photo Courtesy of: Sadelle's
Lupe's East L.A. Kitchen
Tell the Angelenos in your life to stop whining about how Mexican food on the West Coast is so much better than anything here. Lupe’s brings that flavor to Soho, with low-key diner decor and even more casual prices for its flavorful burritos, enchiladas, and seafood dishes.
Somebody get Sinbad's agent on the phone: Black-ish is getting a spinoff, and it pretty much sounds like the second coming of A Different World.
Deadline reports that the popular sitcom is working with ABC to develop a spinoff show that would follow the Johnsons' oldest daughter, Zoey (Yara Shahidi), as she heads to college. If that sounds familiar, it's because it's the same premise as A Different World, the 1987-93 Cosby Show spinoff that focused on Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) leaving home to study at a fictional Black university. Bonet left the show after the first season, paving the way for Jasmine Guy's spoiled Whitley Gilbert and Kadeem Hardison's spectacularly spectacled Dwayne Wayne to emerge as leads.
Will series creator Kenya Barris and former show runner Larry Wilmore draw inspiration from the Hillman College crew? At this point, it's too early to say. While Black-ish will reportedly introduce Zoey's college journey in a backdoor pilot episode airing later this spring, nothing has been formally finalized.
All that said: We're here for this. A show about a bright, Black young woman embarking on new adventures at school in this political climate has serious potential.
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The story of Archie Andrews, small-town football player/musician/teenage Don Juan, has captured audiences' hearts — including mine — since 1941. According to my parents, they couldn't so much as go to the grocery store without picking up an Archie comic to satisfy my thirst for the latest Betty and Veronica drama. (#TeamVeronica!)
So when I heard that my beloved childhood comics were being turned into a CW show, teased as Pretty Little Liars meets The OC, I was pretty skeptical. I was very, very wrong.
Riverdale is the ideal guilty-pleasure watch: It's funny, salacious, dark, and kind of beautiful. Oh, and did I mention there's a murder mystery?
It's going to be quite a ride. So, grab your favorite booth at Pop Tate's, sip a milkshake, and join me as I take a little trip to Riverdale each week and round up the best theories about what Archie, Betty, Veronica, Cheryl, and Jughead are really up to.
The sleepy town of Riverdale might be a little more dangerous than we thought. The trailer appears to open with a violent crime à la Pretty Little Liars, which suggests that much of the show's plot will focus around finding out who the killer is.
But first things first — who dies? From the trailer, it seems the likely victim is Jason Blossom, high school quarterback, and brother to head cheerleader and Regina George wannabe Cheryl Blossom.
As for who kills him, let me just say this: In the comics, Jason is an obnoxious rival of Archie with a soft spot for Betty. Could this be a clue?
What is Archie lying about?
In the trailer, Archie's father Fred Andrews asks him who he is lying to. That's all well and good, but here's what I want to know: What's he lying about?
Could it have something to do with the murder that seems to have the town in a tizzy? Is he cheating on Betty with Veronica again? (Or vice versa?) What exactly is lurking underneath that shock of red hair?
Photo: The CW.
Who is Archie sleeping with?
Archie, Archie, Archie. I see you, making out in that car with someone who is neither Betty nor Veronica. Who is this mystery woman?
Whoever she is, I bet she has something to do with the murder. Just a hunch.
Photo: The CW.
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Listen, a bagel a day does keep the doctor away — and don't let anyone tell you differently. Everything about the chewy, round halos of glutenous heaven deeply nurtures our food-loving souls. Sweet bagels, savory bagels — even damn rainbow-colored bagels — we accept them all with open mouths and tubs of scallion cream cheese.
I definitely won't be the first to say it, but if you haven't had an NYC bagel you haven't ever really had a bagel — and what's more, perhaps you haven't ever really lived either. But don't worry, we're here to help! Scroll ahead for our ultimate boiled-and-baked hit list.
Brownstone Bagels
This cash-only Park Slope spot is tucked onto the corner of a, you guessed it, brownstone-lined block. Whether you're in the market for a bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel or just a lunchtime turkey and avocado sandwich situation, Brownstone has you covered. The bagels are thick, fluffy, and have just the right amount of crisp.
Brownstone Bagels, 671 Union Street (at 4th Avenue) in Brooklyn; 718-622-6030.
Established back in 1976 by a family of Austrian bakers, Ess-a-Bagel hand rolls batches of jumbo bagels on the daily. And with an insane cream cheese selection, this midtown spot is capable of satisfying the most specific (and ravenous) of NYC rolled dough connoisseurs.
Ess-a-Bagel, 831 3rd Avenue (at E. 50th Street); 212-980-4315.
Russ & Daughters is yet another kick-ass New York institution churning out classic Polish bagels and schmears. This truly old school spot has been run by the Russ family for the past 100 years — so you know you're in for a solid bagel with lox spread.
This Brooklyn Heights' counter shop doles out hand-rolled bagels, sandwiches, wraps, and more. Grab your breakfast, lunch, or dinner (hey, they're open late) and take it to-go for a picnic on the promenade — there's nothing quite like munching a bagel while overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
Montague Street Bagels, 108 Montague Street (between Hicks and Jeffery Street) in Brooklyn; 718-237-2512.
The ideal place for grabbing a bagel that you just can't wait to eat when you get home — so instead you park it in the park out front and dig in a.s.a.p. The spread here is ample and the joint is open 24-hours a day 7-days a week. Meaning it's never too late or too early to quench that toasted dough craving, however or whenever you like it.
Bagels On The Square, 7 Carmine Street (between Macdougal Street and 6th Avenue); 212-691-3041.
For the seriously shcmear-obsessed — Bergen Bagels boasts 30 plus cream cheeses among other spreads. The consistency is fluffy-chewy and the flavors are wholly on point. We'll be making our very own bruschetta bagels this weekend: basil cream cheese and sliced tomato on a toasted garlic bagel.
This spot just so happens to be right around the corner from R29's offices — so guess what's on the menu for bagel Fridays? Brown-bag bundles of warm, fluffy, and chewy discs with ample accompaniments of schmears and spreads. So if you happen to find yourself hungry and wandering the streets of Tribeca one morning, step into Zucker's and order up your very own bag of bagels.
Zucker's Bagels, 146 Chambers Street (at West Broadway); 212-608-5844.
Looking for a bite of history alongside your morning lox spread? Kossar's is here to serve you a lesson or two in serious schmears. This LES spot spans back all the way to the 1930s and offers up the trifecta of bread collections: babkas, bagels, and bialys (the bagel's less-dense cousin).
Kossar's, 367 Grand Street (at Essex Street); 212-473-4810.
This Brooklyn establishment is as the name would suggest. The bagels are hand-rolled to ideal fluffy-chewiness, providing an ample vessel for melty cheese, crispy bacon, and runny eggs (or just a good smear of scallion cream cheese).
Tompkins Square gets its fair share of Instagram attention — perhaps you've seen the Sunday snaps? Stacked breakfast sandys with enough ooey gooey melted cheese to satisfy the most hungover of bagel patrons. See you in the East Village this weekend?
A NYC institution, Absolute is absolutely the reliable boiled-and-baked dough joint that you simply must visit. This UWS institution serves up fat, fluffy, and just the right ratio of chewy-crunchy bagels. Make sure you arrive early in the morning when the bounty is fresh and the lines not yet gargantuan.
Absolute Bagels, 2788 Broadway (at W. 108th Street); 212-932-2052.
Smith Street does not yet hold legend status in the world of NYC bagels — but it very well should. This unassuming Carroll Gardens café has some truly delectable smears, spreads, and breakfast sandwich combos. The bagels are big, golden, and chewy perfection.
Smith Street Bagels, 202 Smith Street (at Baltic Street) in Brooklyn; 718-858-6000.
Black Seed is to bagels as SoHo is to Manhattan: the street-chic spot. These bagels are almost too hip to be consumed — except they're not, because I've definitely gobbled mine up before you could say Instagram. Pop by for a thinner, crisper, take and be prepared to wait in line with the trendiest of crowds.
Ah, yes, the infamous rainbow bagel. Call it heresy, call it cute —regardless of what you want to call it, it exists in all it's multicolored sprinkled excess glory and it isn't going anywhere soon. So stop by The Bagel Store (aptly named) and maybe give it a try, just to say you did.
The Bagel Store, 754 Metropolitan Avenue (at Graham Avenue) in Brooklyn; 718-782-5856.
We're going out on a limb here and assuming that most have not heard of or frequented this BK spot — simply because the bagels are not NYC traditional. The consistency is airy and thin, making for a lighter experience altogether. So if you haven't been by, it's worth the visit. At least for the next-level French toast filled and chocolate bagel offerings.
Brooklyn Bread, 436 Court Street (between 2nd and 3rd Place) in Brooklyn; 718-403-0234.
Are you ready to put those tequila-shot nightmares to bed? Yeah, we are too. There are plenty of easy recipes out there that will help you take your cocktail game to the next level. So swap out those shot glasses for martini glasses, tumblers, and popsicle molds. These are the fast and refreshing tequila drinks of your dreams! Mix it up and sip away.
All you diehard BB fans out there (or just lovers of the color blue), get ready for the drink of your dreams! The Breaking Bad margarita takes it to the next level with blue salt AND blue ice chips.
Is there anything better on a Saturday afternoon than a spicy Bloody Mary and some simple — but delicious — bacon and eggs? Didn't think so. Brunch is the weekend's saving grace. It doesn't happen too early; it's a social event almost everyone enjoys; and it offers just the right amount of indulgence. And, there's no one who knows brunch better than the R29 crew. We've rounded up our go-to weekend spots — from boozy to vegan, dim sum to Mediterranean, satisfying nearly every craving in the book. Ahead, 78 favorites to try this weekend (obviously not all at once). Happy feasting!
The Smith
"The Smith's Upper West Side outpost is massive and they take reservations, which makes it great for groups. Aside from the fact that there's unlimited seltzer water (a great hangover cure), the extensive menu has something for the brunchers and lunchers amongst you. I love the Sicilian baked eggs and the burger. Oh, and some of their signature mini doughnuts to share, of course." — Marshall Bright, Editorial Assistant Living
"I am currently loving The Regal in Williamsburg. Amazing decor and even more amazing bloody Mary's. Plus the best Chicken and Waffles I have had in NYC!" — Jeremy Jankowski, Executive Group Director
The Regal, 163 Hope Street (at Union Avenue); 718-388-4626.
"If brunch is your secret way of extending last night's festivities into the next morning, look no further than House Of Yes. The Bushwick space is a full on club/performance space and also happens to feature a restaurant with some seriously good brunch cocktails. Check the schedule because you can sign up for a daytime dance party plus brunch or even a weekend meal following a vinyasa yoga class set to "house beats." Whatever you choose, this won't be your typical Sunday morning, and that's why it's definitely worth trying, even if your usually more of an Instagram-and-go type of bruncher. Plus, did I mention there's an entire section of the menu dedicated to Eggs Benedict? If that isn't reason enough to go, then the The Bae — a mix of gin, aperol, orange blossom water, pomegranate juice, and champagne — definitely is. " — Zoe Bain, Senior Food Editor
House Of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Avenue (at Jefferson Street).
Photo: Courtesy of House Of Yes.
French Roast Uptown
"The Upper West Side may get a bad wrap as a culinary desert, but it's hard to argue with the French Roast's no frills, back-to-basics brunch menu. I've tried the burger, served with a constellation of adorable little cornichons(!), and the sublime brioche french toast, but always come back to the three eggs any style—scrambled, with home fries and bacon, obviously. There's rarely a wait, and I love that it feels like a true UWS neighborhood spot (so much so that it's easy to imagine Nora Ephron popping in for a quick bagel!)." — Rachel Selvin, Assistant Managing Editor
"Even with all the impressive restaurants in the hot neighborhood of Williamsburg, I am continuously drawn back to Juliette for weekend brunch. In the main dining room, greenery hangs from the windowed ceiling, making you feel like you’ve walked off a Brooklyn street and straight into a romantic Parisian café. It’s not just restaurant’s décor that keeps me coming back though. The food is crafted with fresh ingredients and French techniques, and that shows in every bite you take. The Baked Eggs are a must-try. Just imagine a hot skillet filled with potatoes, lentils, two eggs, spinach, and sausage all hanging out together in beautiful tomato crème fraîche sauce. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll be there on a day when they’re serving hash bombs, cheesy potato fritters that keep you extremely happy until your main course comes." — Olivia Harrison, Food Trending News Writer
Juliette, 135 N. 5th Street (at Bedford Avenue) in Brooklyn; 718-388-9222.
"Although Tekoá replaced a beloved neighborhood favorite (Ted & Honey), it has done a damn good job filling the over-sized cafe shoes that preceded it. Owned by the same Spanish-fare masterminds behind next door's La Vara, this zesty spot offers up luxurious brunch items for practical prices. The scrambled eggs with créme fraiche and chives on top of toasty french rounds (please add the avocado) is the stuff that morning dreams are made of. Nestled next to cozy Cobble Hill Historic Park, the vibes are peaceful and the food is on point." — Elizabeth Buxton, Editorial Assistant Food
Tekoá, 264 Clinton Street (at Verandah Place) in Brooklyn; 347-987-3710.
"You know when you're looking for that perfect balance of 4-star service/ambiance with a $$ price point in a sort-of convenient spot...and then you laugh because it doesn't exist? Well...
Fifteen stories above the heart of the Lower East Side, Mr. Purple brings in crowds based on the cool factor alone. Add in the gorgeous city views, fun cocktails, delicious brunch staples (like avocado toast, DIY omelette, and spicy bloody Mary) and a convenient location, you'll start to wonder why you ever went anywhere else on Saturday and Sunday mornings." — Ariane Bonne, Account Coordinator
Mr. Purple, 180 Orchard Street (between E. Houston and Stanton Street); 212-237-1790.
"People come from down the block, the outer borough, and even as far as other countries just to enjoy Marcus Sameulsson’s Harlem restaurant. Brunch is definitely the time to visit — his signature dishes, like fried chicken, mac and greens, and cornbread, are served alongside other brunch classics (so there’s something for everyone). But the best part is the jazz music up front. You get amazing musicians and singers jamming out to everything from gospel to rock, and for absolutely no extra cost." — Marshall Bright, Living Editorial Assistant
Red Rooster, 310 Lenox Avenue (at W. 126th Street); 212-792-9001.
"Surfish is amazing — constantly good, and some of the best sangria I've ever had. They also have a $16 prix-fixe brunch: includes your entree, endless coffee, and a drink." — Allison Ochiltree,Video Department PM
"Ever since moving to the LES this summer, I've been on the hunt for a classic diner (read: no açaí) that's chic. Nickel & Diner is just that: an homage to the lunch counters of the 50s and 60s, but presented in an updated way -- from the food to the décor. The egg sandwich and chicken soup with ricotta dumplings were my two favorites, but after ordering about 3/4 of the menu, I can safely say it's hard to go wrong here. Better still: it's right around the corner from Opening Ceremony for some post-brunch shopping." — Gabriel Sands, Senior Marketing Manager
Nickel & Diner, 1 Howard Street (at Centre Street); 646-870-6100.
"I grew up in Israel so naturally I love middle eastern food, as well as there's nothing I ever want more for brunch than eggs - so Cafe Mogador has got the perfect combo of both. The brunch prefix is amazing for all the eggs Benedict lovers out there, and you get a glass of delicious fresh juice AND a cup of coffee/tea, not sure what more you could want... oh they also have labne... and halumi..." — Anna Sudit, Designer
Cafe Mogador, 101 St. Marks Place (between 1st Avenue and Avenue A); 212-677-2226.
" Kind of in love with everything about Maman. From the worn wooden tables to the blue-and white porcelain plates, the decor plucks you straight out of New York and into the quiche-filled French countryside of your dreams. Plus, unlike a lot of other popular brunch places in the city, there's actually room to breathe -- you never feel like you're eating on top of the strangers next to you. Like a true parody of myself, I always tend to order the de-constructed avocado toast and fried egg (the homemade bread just makes it too good to pass up). But, everything here is perfectly decadent, just the right amount of indulgence for a hearty weekend brunch. The waffle iron hashbrowns, brioche "perdu," and, of course, the quiche of the day. Amazing. Oh, and don't forget to grab a chocolate chip cookie for the road!" — Melissa Haney, Marketing Analyst
Maman, Multiple locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
"If you love pancakes, Cafe Luluc is a must brunch (be warned, these flapjacks are dense in the best sense). And if you're not sold on sweets, go for the mushroom and gruyere omelette served with a side of mustard greens and crispy fries. The food is frenchy, the interior is always bustling, and there's a lovely back garden for when the weather is fine." — Elizabeth Buxton, Food Editorial Assistant
Cafe Luluc, 214 Smith Street (at Butler Street) in Brooklyn; 718-625-3815.
"Oh man! I'm not even vegan but I love this spot. I don't know how they do it but their food is so good, my go to is the drunken cowgirl which is a mix up of 'eggs', veggie chili, 'cheese', and everything in between." — Alex Marino, Graphic Designer
Champs Diner, 197 Meserole Street (between Bushwick Avenue and Humboldt Street); 718-599-2743.
"Everyone needs to RUN to M. Wells Dinette at MoMA PS1 in Long Island City. Dining area is set up like a classroom which is super nostalgic and the chalkboard menu is constantly changing - their steak tartar and chicken liver pate, balanced with a yummy bright salad are go to's. As a bonus my fiance and I have a huge crush on Chef Hugue and his wife Sarah." — Maryann Schafer
M. Wells Dinette, 22-25 Jackson Avenue (at 46th Avenue) in Long Island City; 718-786-1800.
"Delaware and Hudson has everything I need in a brunch place, from a dish with smoked fish in the starring role to a delightful boozy drink option. I'm also slightly biased because it appeals to my mid-Atlantic roots (I mean, you can get scrapple as a main OR a side at this place)." — Sara Coughlin, Editorial Assistant
Delaware and Hudson, 135 North 5th Street (at N. 5th Street) in Brooklyn; 718-218-8191.
Photo: Courtesy of Delaware and Hudson.
Locanda Verde
"The homemade sheep's milk ricotta with truffle honey will change your life! The best part is it's served with semi burnt baguette slices that they's grated orange zest on before the toasting. Oh! My! God! I'm starving now. Go! You won't be disappointed." — Steve Doss, Events Project Manager
Locanda Verde, 377 Greenwich Street (at N. Moore Street); 212-925-3797.
Photo: Courtesy of Locanda Verde.
Le Barricou
"One word. Pancakes. They are so amazing. They let you know that they're going to take about 30 minutes because they have to bake BUT it's so worth it once they come out. I think it's actually impossible to finish them alone. If you're not busy at work right now just google them." — Alex Marino, Graphic Designer
Le Barricou, 533 Grand Street (in between Union Avenue and Lorimer Street) in Brooklyn; 718-782-7372.
"There's literally nothing not to like about this cozy little spot in SoHo. Not only do they have one of the best Bloody Mary's in the city (in my humble opinion), their avocado fritters are delicious and come with a spicy aioli you will want to dump on everything. My favorite things on the menu are their huevos rancheros and their shrimp and grits. Both are deliciously comforting, but have a divine, unexpected kick to them. And if you ask REALLY nicely, the kitchen will sometimes allow you to sample one of their amazing lemon ricotta pancakes as a side. Extra bonus: Lots of natural light for the perfect 'gram." — Maria Del Russo, Beauty Editor
Seamore's, 390 Broome Street (at Mulberry Street); 212-730-6005.
Photo: Courtesy of Seamore's.
Saxon + Parole
"Great for large groups. Gorgeous decor, setting, AND a stellar bloody Mary bar and bread basket. They pickle everything in house." — Laney Coletti, Agile Coach
"It helps that this catering company-turned-restaurant is literally 30 steps from my apartment, but it's a weekend favorite when I don't feel like cooking or doing dishes. It's super small, but the cheddar chive breakfast sandwiches are to die for."— Julie Bogen,Social Strategy Planner
Company On Edgecombe, 537 Edgecombe Avenue (at W. 159th Street); 212-265-0072.
"Bottomless sangria on tap, need I say more? Barracca boasts seasonal sangria options that make for an incredible boozy brunch. Food-wise they offer tapas style munchies, including bacon wrapped dates and patatas bravas. Perfect for spring dining in the Village!" — Anissa Richmond, Branded Video Producer
Barracca, 81 Greenwich Avenue (at Bank Street); 212-462-0080.
Photo: Courtesy of Baracca.
Harlem Public
"One of the best places in Harlem! You can't go wrong with the pork grits, and I think the mac and cheese is made with enough cheese to induce a food coma. This spot is nestled in the heart of Hamilton Heights and definitely worth the trip."— Anissa Richmond, Producer Branded Video
Harlem Public, 3612 Broadway (at W. 149th Street); 212-939-9404.
Photo: Via @hungrynyc.
Tilda All Day
"Cozy, comfy, and hip. The food and coffee are delicious! Aside from crazy delicious offerings like Welsh Rarebit (not RABBIT), gravlox with cucumber, coriander, coconut, and the most ridiculously tasty egg sandwich, they also bake their own pastries and have something like 36-lbs of butter delivered each week! The pastries are super unique (earl grey pound cake, THE most amazing coffee cake) and change daily. Tilda's menu stays the same from breakfast to late lunch, hence the 'all day'. Also, the owners are awesome and basically built the place themselves."
—Deb Wenof, Senior Photo Editor
Tilda All Day, 930 Fulton Street (at St. James Place); 718-622-4300.
Photo: Courtesy of Josh Dickinson Photography.
Extra Virgin
"Their Egg's Benedict (with crispy bacon!) is the most delicious I've tried — and, trust me, I've tried them all. Plus, hairstylist Harry Josh told me that he and his client Gisele (yes, that Gisele) hit up this spot every time she's in town for the French Toast. If that's not a reason to go, I don't know what is."
—Cat Quinn, Beauty Director
Extra Virgin, 259 W. 4th Street (at Perry Street); 212-691-9359.
"This spot has a really chill, no-frills vibe with a great bottomless brunch option. It also has amazing cocktails and the best lobster mac and cheese in town. Lobster mac and cheese for brunch, you ask? YES, it is actually the perfect brunch food especially when you are hungover, and it's paired with a Bloody Mary. The owner is also always there and greets you with a smile. She is really relaxed and sets a good vibe."
—Emily Harris,Sales Director, Financial Services
Poco NYC, 33 Avenue B (at E. 2nd Street); 212-228-4461.
"Fort Defiance has the best all-American breakfast — super-crispy hash browns, thick (but not too thick) bacon, and perfectly cooked eggs however you like 'em. Plus, inventive and delicious cocktails! Be sure to go back for Monday burger night — a burger and a beer for only $14."
—Kate Hyatt,VP, PM/Production
Fort Defiance, 365 Van Brunt Street (at Dikeman); 347-453-6672
I love the peaceful, gauzy, white-and-brick space, and that booth in the front is magical for a leisurely brunch with friends. Plus, the pão de queijo is delicious at all times, always. Also, they won't kick you out if you stay all afternoon, right through dinner...
— Neha Gandhi, VP, Editorial Strategy
Comodo, 58 Macdougal Street (at King Street); 646-580-3866
Prune
"Everything at this Lower East Side spot is delicious, but the eggs Benedict pretty much sets the standard for me. Perfectly poached eggs, wonderfully tangy and buttery hollandaise, and the best English muffin you've ever had? It's the Platonic ideal of the dish; served with potato rosti, a crunchy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside side that will pretty much ruin you for all other breakfast potatoes. Oh, and the Bloody Mary comes with a shot of beer. Genius."
— Marshall Bright, Living Editorial Assistant
Prune, 54 E 1st Street (Between 1st and 2nd Ave); (212) 677-6221
"Brunch spots on the Upper East Side are some of the best kept secrets, since everyone's busy making reservations downtown. Casimir & Co. is a quiet bruncher's dream, tucked away on the second floor of the corner of 73rd and Lex. You can get a generous serving of Bloody Mary's with a side of eggs poached however you want them for a dime off their French cuisine-inspired prix-fixe menu. My friends and I always make sure to finish off the meal by splitting the large cheese board and divvying up the bill in the French film DVD cases they always deliver it in."
"Distilled in Tribeca is one of my favorite spots to bring out-of-town friends for brunch. It’s lively on Sunday mornings and has that cool neighborhood vibe you can’t get many places downtown. They put a creative spin on all of the classics, like substituting country fried duck for their chicken and waffles, and making house-made preserves for their granola. Oh, and I’m a vegetarian, but I can still appreciate the smell of their gochugang wings as they pass by; please get them and tell me how they are. Though it’s not written on the brunch menu, be sure to wash everything down with a Dram Betty (vodka, rosemary, cucumber, and lemon) and try not to fill up on the free, unlimited herbed popcorn you get when you sit down. If there’s a wait for the outdoor patio, just snag a seat at the bar. The bartenders are super-friendly and will definitely keep you entertained."
—Amanda Johnson, Search Marketing Assistant
Distilled, 211 West Broadway (at Franklin Street); 212-601-9514.
Photo: Courtesy of Distilled.
Antibes Bistro
"If you live in New York, you're fully aware how desperate the Lower East Side has become. But Antibes Bistro is the only reason I keep going back. It's the true meaning of a hidden gem, partly because it's tucked away on Suffolk Street — which is relatively quiet compared to the rest of them — and because it's delicious and affordable. It's completely unaware of how French it is with its grade-A coffee and European-style menu. I suggest you do what I've been doing for the past four years: Go there every Sunday (or as many as you can) by yourself, bring The New York Times, order the orange juice and French toast, and read. And don't forget to ask for blueberry syrup; if they don't have it, ask for two house syrups. It's the perfect place to just be."
—Landon Peoples, Editorial Assistant, Fashion
Antibes Bistro, 112 Suffolk Street (between Rivington and Delancey streets); 212-533-6088.
Photo: Courtesy of Antibes Bistro.
The Commodore
"I love getting the chicken biscuit and a can of Schaefer here on the weekends — because if I'm being completely honest, I just give up on Saturday and Sunday (and Thursday and Friday, too)."
—Emily Howe, Photo Research Assistant
The Commodore, 366 Metropolitan Avenue (at Havemeyer Street); 718-218-7632.
Photo: Courtesy of The Commodore.
Concord Hill
"Concord Hill on Graham Avenue in Williamsburg isn't a secret, but all the same I feel like I'm shooting myself in the foot for sharing it because these days getting a table is a snap. Inventive American dishes combined with killer Bloody Mary's — plus a divine spicy chicken sandwich that actually cures hangovers? This spot is Sunday morning magic."
—Elizabeth Kiefer, Entertainment Writer
Concord Hill, 374 Graham Avenue (between Skillman Avenue and Conselyea Street), Brooklyn; 347-463-9322.
Photo: Courtesy of Concord Hill.
The Fat Radish
"The Fat Radish was doing avocado and egg toast before it was cool, which is only one of the reasons I love this place. Reasons two and three are the banana bread and the ambience (lots of light, and shockingly well-maintained foliage — all year long). And, they take reservations. Oh, if you ever find yourself on the Upper East Side, I also love The Fat Radish's sister restaurant, The East Pole!
—Sydney Mondry, Editorial Intern
The Fat Radish, 17 Orchard Street (between Canal and Hester streets); 212-300-4053.
Photo: Courtesy of The Fat Radish.
Aurora
"When I first went to Aurora, I sat outside in their beautiful garden (and didn't have to wait the typical three hours). I had the most amazing prosciutto and burrata to share with the table. To my surprise, I saw a dish called Baccala Mantecato on the menu — a delicious salted cod dish with poached eggs, roasted tomatoes, and cheese that I had first tried while I was studying abroad in Florence, and hadn't seen it on a menu anywhere since. Obviously, I ordered it, and it was absolutely amazing. This is definitely my favorite restaurant in Williamsburg."
—Bianca Heyward, Editorial Intern
Aurora, 70 Grand Street (at Wythe Avenue), Brooklyn; 718-388-5100.
Photo: Courtesy of Aurora.
BLVD Bistro
"Yes the fried chicken is amazing; yes the mac and cheese has seven different types of cheese (and bacon!). All those things are wonderful. But what really makes this place absolutely amazing? The biscuits. They're super-fluffy, incredibly buttery...these are the type of biscuits you scarf down immediately — waiting only to slather on some cane syrup sugar butter. Just watch out for the inevitable food coma!"
—Jessica Chou, Associate Editor, Digital Innovation
BLVD Bistro, 239 Malcolm X Boulevard (at West 122nd Street); 212-678-6200.
Photo: Courtesy of BLVD Bistro.
The Rabbithole
"I know it's been done a million times — and I have literally probably tried Eggs Benedict at every restaurant in New York City, but nobody — nobody — does it better than Rabbithole in Williamsburg. I have been going there steadily for six years. The biscuit is homemade, the bacon is insane, and the rosemary potatoes are literally to die for. This will be my last meal. One time when I was younger, I even ate it twice in one day."
—Jeremy Jankowski, Director, Key Accounts
The Rabbithole, 352 Bedford Avenue (between South 3rd and 4th streets), Brooklyn; 718-782-0910.
Photo: Courtesy of The Rabbithole.
Buttermilk Channel
"It's all in the name — buttermilk pancakes, need I say more? This country-chic restaurant serves up some mean fried chicken and waffles on a nightly basis, so you can just imagine how finger-lickin' good their brunch must be. For some gourmet Southern fare with a pocket-friendly price, definitely float on over to Buttermilk Channel!"
—Elizabeth Buxton, Editorial Associate
Buttermilk Channel, 524 Court Street (at Huntington Street), Brooklyn; 718-852-8490.
Photo: Courtesy of Buttermilk Channel.
Iris Cafe
"Iris Cafe in Brooklyn Heights is my favorite brunch spot of all time. It has really eclectic dishes and a warm environment, plus, the street that it's located on is incredibly charming! Seriously, what's not to like?"
—Madison Utendahl, Creative Associate
Iris Cafe, 20 Columbia Place (between Joralemon and State streets), Brooklyn; 718-722-7395.
Photo: Courtesy of Iris Cafe.
The Smile
"I'm such a fan of this cute little brunch spot. It's got a warm and welcoming vibe, and everyone is just so friendly. Plus, its Mediterranean-inspired menu is seriously delicious. My recommendations? The spiked basil lemonade and the baguette French toast."
— Christina Dun, Entertainment Intern
The Smile, 26 Bond Street (between Lafayette Street and Bowery); 646-329-5836.
Photo: Courtesy of The Smile.
Pies 'n' Thighs
"I always associate Pies 'n' Thighs with dinner foods (fried chicken and pie), but its brunch is top notch. You can still get your fried food fix, but there is also tons of other delicious, southern-style breakfasts, many served alongside their amazing biscuits. They also have incredible doughnuts — the butter pecan is easily one of my top five favorite doughnuts in New York City."
"This is my go-to neighborhood spot for the best Bloodys, delicious Mexican food, and vibe-y tunes. The huevos purgatorios and the coarse ground polenta are always winners, and if Bloody Marys aren't your thing, the cocktail list will take care of that; my top picks are the margaritas and the 'Mi Corazon'. Round that all off with a fun and friendly staff and outdoor seating, and you can't go wrong."
—Theresa Caffrey, Senior PM/Producer
Nights and Weekends, 1 Bedford Avenue (between Manhattan Avenue and Lorimer Street), Brooklyn; 718-383-5349.
Photo: Courtesy of Nights and Weekends.
Rye
"Two words: Homemade biscuits. Just an order of the biscuits, complete with their honey, jam, and sweet butter on the side, puts me in my brunch happy place. Add an inventive take on eggs benedict that includes pork belly(!) and a chill, stereotypical (in a good way) Brooklyn vibe, and Rye is a must-try."
—Megan McIntyre, Beauty Features Editor
Rye, 247 South 1st Street (between Roebling and Havemeyer streets), Brooklyn; 718-218-8047.
Photo: Courtesy of Rye.
Piccoli Trattoria
"While I normally wouldn't think to go to a traditional Italian restaurant for lunch, this is my absolute favorite place in the city — although, I normally go for a treat-yourself dinner. I happened to walk past one day and noticed their breakfast menu (which is, essentially, standard brunch fare with an Italian influence). I was more than pleasantly surprised, especially since the prices on their weekend menu are pretty reasonable. Plus, brunch paninis? Yes, please."
"Pure has to be one of my favorite brunch spots because it's super-intimate, has efficient service, and is reasonably-priced. Plus, their sweet potato fries are the best, and the food will leaves you feeling well-nourished, not disgustingly-full."
— Jade Earle, Executive Assistant
Pure Bistro, 88 Fifth Avenue (between Warren Street and St. Marks Place), Brooklyn; 718-622-5314.
Photo: Courtesy of Pure Bistro.
Sugar Freak
"I'm a Brooklyn girl, but if there's one reason to leave my borough for brunch, it's this place. Three words: Brunch. Beignet. Sliders. With praline bacon, y'all. Between the macaroni and cheese bread bowl and the fried shrimp po' boys, there are infinite reasons to keep coming back."
"Ivan Orkin might be best known for his super-traditional ramen broths, but I like his stuff best when it's a mix of his Jewish upbringing with his Japanese life. So, when he churned out a breakfast all day ramen for his Gotham West Market spot, I was sold — New York State cheddar gets emulsified with a double dashi broth, poured over whole wheat noodles, and mixed with thin slivers of scallion omelettes and ham. It's perfect for a hangover. Traditionalists can go for a classic Japanese breakfast, too."
—Jessica Chou, Associate Editor, Digital Innovation
"It may be a bit of a hike, but Le Fanfare in northern Greenpoint is a great new tucked-away brunch spot. Rarely busy, you can always count on delicious standard brunch dishes with an Italian skew, cocktails that can't be beat, and tasty espresso drinks. The ambiance is chill, the waitstaff is friendly, and you can actually hold a conversation with someone; so it's a great place for a date, or if you are fighting a pounding hangover headache!"
—Katie Hegarty, Director of Brand Experiences, Lifestyle
Le Fanfare, 1103 Manhattan Avenue (between Clay and Dupont streets), Brooklyn; 347-987-4244.
Photo: Courtesy of Le Fanfare.
Egg Shop
Three words: Bacon. Salt. Rim. Yes, I'm talking about Egg Shop's Bloody Mary, which might just be the best in New York City (and trust me, I've tried tons). Food-wise, you really can't go wrong at a cafe that celebrates one of the most ubiquitous items around: the egg. The bacon, egg, and cheese is a classy, delicious version of the deli favorite, and the side of fried chicken is, well, heaven in the form of breaded goodness. Warning: The wait can be lengthy, but if you roll in around 3 p.m. (late risers, rejoice!), you'll have no problem grabbing a seat in this little slice of Nolita heaven.
—Erin Cunningham, New York Editor
Egg Shop, 151 Elizabeth Street (between Kenmare and Broome streets); 646-666-0810.
Photo: Courtesy of Egg Shop.
Mezetto
"Whenever my friends from out of town ask for a brunch recommendation, I always point them to Mezetto. Without fail, they'd come back thanking me profusely and praising me for how 'in the know' I am (I found this place on Yelp, but I digress). Everything about this restaurant is on-point, from the Instagram-friendly decor to the scrupulous service. Try not to be overwhelmed by the super-gratifying duck confit skillet or the flavorful grilled calamari — you'll want to leave room for the bottomless passion fruit mimosas."
—Venus Wong, Editorial and Production Assistant, Living
Mezetto, 161 East Houston Street (at Allen Street); 212-933-4587.
Photo: Courtesy of Mezetto.
Lovely Day
"Lovely Day in Nolita has the loveliest brunch ever (repetitive word choice intended). It's my go-to for a classic Irish breakfast with some ginger fried chicken on the side. Super cheap, super yum, and super cute. The only drawback is that they're cash/Amex only."
—Gabriel Sands, Marketing Manager
Lovely Day, 196 Elizabeth Street (between Prince and Spring streets); 212-925-3310.
Photo: Courtesy of Lovely Day.
Dimes
"The secret's totally out! My favorite neighborhood breakfast place is so packed on weekends that I make a point to wake up early just to snag a seat sans wait. I love that they have homemade almond milk - a very nice, very downtown touch!"
—Naomi Nevitt, Shopping and Market Director
Dimes, 49 Canal Street (between Orchard and Ludlow streets); 212-240-9410.
Photo: Courtesy of Dimes.
Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria
"Il Buco Alimentari is my favorite spot to brunch. The thing is, I could never reasonably afford going to this hot-spot on my own, unless my parents are in town, but the brunch (while expensive, I'm sure, by NYC standards) is an approachable way to get in on all the Italian goodness. I love the pastry (bombolone 4 lyfe), the pastas, and the fish sandwich...it's all legitimately incredible. Sure, I can have ramen for dinner...but at least I'm having Il Buco for brunch."
"Take the chic ambiance, add a Grapefruit Cooler, the Goat Cheese Sage-Pudding, and the back garden room, and you've set yourself up for the best Soho Saturday morning ever. Basically, they had me at gooey cinnamon rolls."
—Mary Catanzarita, Account Manager
Hundred Acres, 38 Macdougal Street (between Prince and West Houston streets); 212-475-7500.
Photo: Courtesy of Hundred Acres.
M.O.B.
"Citrus scented silver dollar pancakes served with cardamon pistachio butter, figs, and blood orange hibiscus syrup. The description pretty much seals the deal without question. M.O.B.'S brunch menu may be small, but they make up for it in artistry and quality. The large open communal space is also very inviting, and you're welcome to add your artwork to the wall. No matter what you get, you'll never walk away disappointed."
—Je Suis Encrateia, Senior Front-end Engineer
M.O.B., 525 Atlantic Avenue (between Third and Fourth avenues), Brooklyn; 718-797-2555.
Photo: Courtesy of M.O.B.
Five Leaves
"I absolutely love Five Leaves. There's always a wait, but if you go with a group of two, it's never that bad (and their outdoor seating has a nice view of the park). Between you and me and the internet, I like to put my name in and then walk around the block to Peter Pan and pre-game on donuts. It makes the wait a lot more palatable."
—David Kopach, Account Director
Five Leaves, 18 Bedford Avenue (at Lorimer Street), Brooklyn; 718-383-5345.
Photo: Courtesy of Five Leaves.
Queens Comfort
"Queens Comfort. Hands down. The service rocks, the food is bonkers (think Cap'n Crunch french toast balls and fried green tomato eggs Benedict), the ambiance is hilarious (like stepping into a living room straight out of an '80s sitcom), AND — drum roll please — it's BYOB.
"It's totally unpretentious, absolutely delicious, and the perfect amount of rowdiness. The owners and staff are comprised mostly of local childhood friends and shape its homey vibe."
"If you are looking for sunlight and decadence, look no further than Greenpoint Fish and Lobster. Do yourself a favor and order the slow-cooked eggs, biscuits, and lobster gravy — and wash it down with a Michelada."
"Whoever put the B-R in brunch is my kinda lady. If it were socially and medically acceptable to order EJ's jumbo flapjacks for breakfast (not brunch) every day, I would do that. Since it's not, I take a Bloody Mary, scrambled eggs, toasted challah, and a mint cookies and cream milkshake to-go. EJ's is the department store of diners — if they don't make it, you don't need it."
—Nina Wolpow, Editorial Assistant
EJ's Luncheonette, 1271 Third Avenue (at East 73rd Street); 212-472-0600.
Photo: Courtesy of EJ's Luncheonette.
Café Moto
"Moto in Williamsburg has an awesome brunch and an even more awesome atmosphere. The spot is tiny, adorable, usually has live music, and the food is really good."
"I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Maysville in Flatiron. It's a southern restaurant that specializes in its bourbon collection. The chef is from Alabama, and I've now had just about every item on the brunch menu (crispy grits, beef tartare, quiche, etc.), and it's all out of this world. The staff is also incredibly knowledgeable, which is helpful when trying to narrow things down from over 200-plus bourbons. And, if you're feeling overwhelmed, the bacon bourbon Bloody Mary is outstanding."
—Julia Finch, Photo Editor
Maysville, 17 West 26th Street (between Broadway and Sixth Avenue); 646-490-8240.
Photo: Courtesy of Maysville.
Alice's Arbor
"Alice's Arbor in Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy (outer-borough brunch, holla!) is down-to-earth, delicious, veg-friendly, and not too expensive — and there's blood-orange mimosas. Also, I've never had to wait, which is more than I can say for [insert name of any restaurant in Manhattan here]."
—Amelia Edelman, Content Editor
Alice's Arbor, 549 Classon Avenue (between Fulton Street and Putnam Avenue), Brooklyn; 718-399-3003.
Photo: Courtesy of Alice's Arbor.
Milk Bar
“You can find me at Milk Bar in Prospect Heights pretty much every Saturday. They have THE BEST coffee. And, toasties, which are basically toasted baguettes topped with some combination of cheese, veggies, and poached eggs. And, sometimes avocado.”
Milk Bar, 620 Vanderbilt Avenue (between St. Marks Avenue and Bergen Street), Brooklyn; 718-230-0844.
Photo: Courtesy of Milk Bar.
Joe and Misses Doe
"Joe and MissesDoe (formerly JoeDoe) combines two of my favorite things: comfort food and '80s rock vibes. As a girl from the South, I'm hooked on their biscuits with honey butter and their cheddar grits offering. Plus, their fun beer cocktails hit the spot on a sluggish Saturday morning."
—Jessica Roska, Senior Editor, Brand Experiences
Joe and MissesDoe, 45 East First Street (between First and Second avenues); 212-780-0262.
Photo: Courtesy of Joe and MissesDoe.
Vinegar Hill House
“Even if you don't live in the neighborhood, it's worth making a trip to Dumbo for the sourdough pancakes at Vinegar Hill House. The rustic interior is super cozy, but I prefer the garden out back, which feels like you're tucked far away from the rest of the world. If you're in the mood for more fun after your meal, do a tour and tasting at the nearby Kings County Distillery in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. They have moonshine!”
— Caroline Stanley, Deputy Editor, Local Markets
Vinegar Hill House, 72 Hudson Avenue (between Water and Front streets), Brooklyn; 718-522-1018.
Photo: Courtesy of Vinegar Hill House.
Jack’s Wife Freda
"Jack's Wife Freda is exactly where you want to nestle yourself on any weekend afternoon with friends. Its kale Greek salad is the best in town, and the Mediterranean breakfast with two eggs, salad, avocado, and pita always hits the spot. And, for the more adventurous, the cantaloupe mimosa is a pretty damn awesome way to start your day."
—Sam Schlaifer, PM/Producer
Jack's Wife Freda, 224 Lafayette Street (between Spring and Kenmare streets); 212-510-8550.
Photo: Courtesy of Jack's Wife Freda.
Jacob's Pickles
"I'm having trouble typing out this sentence because I can't stop thinking about how ridiculously good Jacob's Pickles is. Oh, you like carrots? They're pickled. Beets? Pickled. Bloody Marys? Huge, and they come with a deviled egg. Plus, they have cheesy grits for days. It's a hangover dream."
— Vanessa Golembewski, Features Writer
Jacob's Pickles, 509 Amsterdam Avenue (between West 84th and 85th streets); 212-470-5566.
Photo: Courtesy of Jacob's Pickles.
Buvette
"This cozy spot in the West Village is full of Parisian countryside charm and definitely worth the wait (forewarning: It doesn't take reservations). Be prepared to go carb crazy — everything is warm, fluffy, and soaked in butter, but it's literally so delicious that you won't give it a second thought. My favorite dishes include the steamed scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, heavenly croissants, and you must get one of the Croques. After indulging, you can walk it all off by shopping your way through the West Village!
—Nikki Mendell, PR Manager
Buvette, 42 Grove Street (between Bleecker and Bedford streets); 212-255-3590.
Photo: Courtesy of Buvette.
Red Farm
"For six months after Red Farm opened down the block from my apartment, I boycotted it. Chinatown is full of great, cheap dim sum, who needs fancy West Village dim sum? You — you need it. That is, unless you hate whimsical treats like multicolored dumplings getting chased across the plate by a sweet potato pac-man and spring rolls made with Katz's pastrami."
—Ben Reininga, Deputy Editor, Features & Contributors
Red Farm, 529 Hudson Street (between West 10th and Charles streets); 212-792-9700.
Photo: Courtesy of Red Farm.
Dudleys
"The avocado toast is simply to die for, and paired with a flat white, it makes for the perfect brunchie/breakkie combo!"
—Ly Ngo, Editorial Art Director
Dudleys, 85 Orchard Street (at Broome Street); 212-925-7355.
Photo: Courtesy of Dudleys.
The Penrose
"Oh, god, the Penrose. Cozy, delicious comfort food, perfect cocktails, and an easy atmosphere. I recommend the scrambled eggs and spiced beef with a side of guac and bacon. And a mimosa, obviously."
—Julie Bogen, Social Strategy Planner
The Penrose, 1590 Second Avenue (between East 82nd and 83rd streets); 212-203-2751.
Photo: Courtesy of The Penrose.
Melba's Restaurant
"You really can't go wrong with Melba's. Not only do they have the friendliest staff, but the restaurant really makes you feel like you're a part of a community; I've accidentally ended up as part of a couple stranger's birthday parties at Melba's, and one of those 'strangers' is my friend now. But even beyond the atmosphere, the food is amazing. You have to try the southern fried chicken and eggnog waffles. Actually, now that I've typed this out, I definitely have to go this weekend."
—Rebecca Smith, Senior Audience Development Editor
Melba's Restaurant, 300 West 114th Street (at Frederick Douglass Boulevard); 212-864-7777.
Photo: Courtesy of Melba's Restaurant.
The District
"I'll get right to it: The District's pork sausage pie is heaven on earth. It's kind of hard to describe how truly special the dish is because, well, I've never eaten anything like it. Although, the restaurant's drunken-blueberry french toast is a really close second. This quirky, Irish gastropub is hidden away in Yorkville on the Upper East Side boasts amazing service, and rarely ever has a wait (super important). My boyfriend will be so upset to find out I've given away our secret spot."
—Ellen Hoffman, Associate Shopping Editor
The District, 1679 Third Avenue (at 94th Street); 212-289-2005.
Photo: Courtesy of The District.
Back Forty
"It's a warm and comfortable neighborhood spot with great food and a creative menu, unlike your average brunch restaurant. Between farm-to-table food, a great Bloody Mary, and my all-time favorite burger, this place is my top choice to spend a late Saturday morning."
—Nell Riley, First Impressionist
Back Forty, 70 Prince Street (at Crosby Street); 212-219-8570.
Photo: Courtesy of Back Forty.
The Bluebell Cafe
"Going to Bluebell on weekend mornings is like taking a vacation to a country side bed & breakfast without having to really venture far from the subway. I'll make the trip over there from anywhere in New York City just to have their country eggs with bacon, biscuit, and jam. The simple, homestyle breakfasts fit in perfectly with the wooden tables, and mismatched dishes — you'll feel like you're in the kitchen you never knew you had."
—Rachel Handelman, Campaign Manager
The Bluebell Cafe, 293 Third Avenue (between 22nd and 23rd streets); 646-649-2389.
Photo: Courtesy of The Bluebell Cafe.
Harlem Tavern
"The spirit of New Orleans pervades this brunch,
A catfish po' boy sandwich on which to munch,
A spiced mahi-mahi salad that goes crunch,
And, live jazz music adding zing to the punch,
You'll absolutely love this tavern — call it a hunch!"
Harlem Tavern, 2153 Frederick Douglass Boulevard (between West 116th and 117th streets; 212-866-4500.
Photo: Courtesy of Harlem Tavern.
Chavela’s
"I have searched far and wide for great Mexican food in New York with little to no luck. I am a West Coast girl and will say that after leaving L.A, it has been tough to find a good Mexican spot in NYC. When I visited Chavela's for the first time, my search ended, and I could not have been happier! The food is amazing, the drinks are on point, and the ambiance is perfect and festive."
—Lilac Perez, Photo Editor
Chavela's, 736 Franklin Avenue (at Sterling Place), Brooklyn; 718-622-3100.
Photo: Courtesy of Chavela's.
Norma’s
“You have to be pretty confident in your brunches to have a $1,000 lobster frittata that you ‘dare [me] to expense’ — and confident Norma’s is. Like the idea of a mango-papaya brown-butter cinnamon crêpe served with fresh-squeezed OJ? Maybe a fois gras brioche French toast plate? No? Fine. Nutella-filled pancakes with pineapple and raspberries it is. It's modern breakfast in a modern place.”
—Bryant Rockoff, Junior Developer
Norma's, 119 West 57th Street (between Sixth and Seventh avenues); 212-708-7460.
Photo: Courtesy of Norma's.
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Oh, Upper West Side — after viewing you for many years through the eyes of Seinfeld, George, Elaine, and Kramer, I think it's fair to say that us New Yorkers have grown to absolutely adore you. Whether it’s your classic architecture or proximity to Central Park, you never cease to amaze and amuse us.
Besides, of course, Tom’s Restaurant on Broadway, the UWS is home to many other great eats! Hosting an eclectic mix of foods, from sizzling fried chicken to fresh oysters, the neighborhood boasts all cuisines, so you better believe that you won’t leave this side of town with an empty stomach.
Without further ado, read on and check out our top picks for the tastiest spots in this historic uptown neighborhood.
Kefi
If you're into Greek food and you happen to find yourself on the UWS, then Kefi's your place. This straightforward spot offers a whole slew of traditional and well-priced fare in sharp but uncomplicated digs. Be sure to order the grilled octopus and bean salad as well as the braised rabbit pasta with Graviera cheese — they're both fire.
Kefi, 505 Columbus Avenue (at West 84th Street); 212-873-0200.
The Mermaid Inn on the Upper West offers the neighborhood a quaint and comforting Cape Cod seafood-escape. The oysters are fresh and so are the deals (i.e. $1 oysters for Happy Hour). Not to mention the Mermaid fish tacos fried in a beer batter with red cabbage, pickled jalapeños, and some pico de gallo are also right on the money. So stop by for lunch, dinner, or even brunch — and scoop up an order of their shrimp and grits for good measure.
The Mermaid Inn, 570 Amsterdam Avenue ( Between 87th and 88th Streets); 212-799-7400.
Although no Carbone, Carmine's on the UWS brings classic old-school red sauce joint vibes to an ever expanding, over-the-top, Manhattan Italian food scene. This white-cloth, family-style restaurant is an ideal spot for a cozy group dinner — the wine is always flowing and the massive plates of fried calamari and spaghetti pomodoro piping hot.
Carmine's, 2450 Broadway (at W. 91st Street); 212-362-2200.
Community Food and Juice is an uptown spot offering seasonally local and organic eats. Touted as specializing in "eclectic-American cuisine" this Upper West Sider serves up a wide range of unexpected meals. Share the edamame-ricotta dumplings with truffle soy vinaigrette and P.E.I. Mussels with steamed with white wine, butter, red Thai chilies, fresh basil, and tarragon for dinner. Or stop by for brunch and try the biscuit sandwich served with scrambled eggs, chicken-apple- sausage, and Cabot cheddar. Whatever the meal, it's sure to be a decadent mix.
We believe that bagels can and should be considered fine dining — and Absolute is here to serve as that hard evidence. An UWS boiled and baked dough institution, this shop boasts some of the fluffiest, chewiest, hand-rolled discs around. Not to mention the beautiful bounty of spreads and schmears have the masses traveling from afar. We'll just be uptown, enjoying a candlelit bagel dinner in the park.
Absolute Bagels, 2788 Broadway (at W. 108th Street); 212-932-2052.
Looking for sleek and veggie-friendly eats on the UWS? Candle Cafe West is the spot. Not only does this restaurant ensure quality organic ingredients, but they also serve up artfully creative dishes and drinks. Start with the Candle Cocktail (carrot, celery, beet, mixed greens, and ginger) followed by a plate of the Spaghetti & Wheatballs.
Good Enough to Eat goes out to all the brunch lovers out there. Known for their stacked omelettes, waffles, and pancakes, this UWS spot takes the coffee cake for best in breakfast. Get there early or get ready to line up — because if it's good enough to eat, it's good enough to wait for.
Love grub that has you uttering, “mm mm good?”. If so, waltz on over to Jacob’s Pickles. This southern delight will take you straight out of NYC and way down past the Mason Dixon. Known for a wide variety of pickles (hence the name), crispy fried chicken, and fluffy buttermilk biscuits, you'll be sure to experience all the Southern comfort feels at first bite.
With a decor embodying the 1960’s, Lincoln Square Steak is the place to go for a charred to perfection steak with downright amazing sides.
Known for it’s attentive staff, you won't be leaving this steakhouse dissatisfied (or hungry). And be sure to arrive around 7p.m.— you wouldn’t want to miss the talented pianist that accompanies your dining experience.
Lincoln Square Steak, 208 West 70th Street (at Amsterdam Avenue); 212- 875-8600.
The Ribbon hosts a wide variety of deliciousness — perfect for casual family fun or a rowdy Monday-night-football game. Whatever the occasion, you can sit and enjoy the company while munching on their famed fried chicken or beloved prime rib.
The Ribbon, 20 W. 72nd Street (between Columbus Avenue and Central Park W.); 212-787-5656.
Enjoy the Guacamole en Molcajete, prepared table-side in a lava-rock mortar. After you've had your fill, bask in the show-stopping modern ambiance that'll leave your eyes bigger than your stomach.
Rosa Mexicano, 61 Columbus Avenue (at 9th Avenue); 212-977-7700.
Though it's filled to the brim with New Yorkers, you will surely ask yourself, “ Am I happy to be in Paris? ” upon arrival. Cafe Luxembourg is by far the top bistro on the UWS. Adorned with beautiful antiques and French delicacies, it's the perfect place for wine lovers who're also in the mood to grab a delicious bite (perhaps before the opera or post-ballet). Bon appétit!
Cafe Luxembourg, 200 W. 70th Street (at Amsterdam Avenue); 212-873-7411.
Hibachi, hibachi, hibachi ( Drake voice) — calling all Upper West hibachi lovers. Flame is a hip bistro serving up Asian-fusion cuisine: plenty of sushi and, of course, hibachi. With a sleek modern interior, it's the perfect place for family and friends to convene on special sushi occasions.
Flame, 100 W. 82nd Street (at Columbus Avenue); 646-870-0301.
If you've ever craved some great Italian food post-Museum of Natural History walking fatigue, Bellini is your restaurant refuge! A lovely and trendy Italian restaurant offering up amazing pasta dishes and brick-oven pizza. With enough space for groups, it's a comfortable UWS trip to Italy.
Bellini, 483 Columbus Avenue (at W. 83rd Street); 212-724-4615.
Located in the notable Empire Hotel, Ed’s Chowder House gives NYC seafood a whole new meaning. With a taste of the Eastern shore, they bring Upper West Siders some top-of-the-fishing-line dishes, from hot chowders to delightfully briny oysters. You'll be sure to feel casually lost at sea.
Ed's Chowder House, 44 W. 63rd Street (at Columbus Avenue); 212-956-1288.
On Thursday, the latter rapper posted some photos from that year of him with his ex and her future husband to Instagram, seemingly suggesting that Kim might have been going behind his back with West.
"Same Night!!! Could it have. ... Nah!!! LOL," he joked in one caption.
A photo posted by LORD NCREDIBLE ALMIGHTY 🕉IkeT🆙 (@nickcannon) on
Kardashian and Cannon's relationship was short-lived. It lasted from September 2006 to January of the following year, Cosmopolitan reports.
There's no hard feelings between the two now, though, according to Us Weekly. Cannon told Power 106 in 2014 that Kim was "a great girl" and the Kardashians were "some of the most incredible people I ever met in my life."
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Selena Gomez has come a long way since she starred as Alex Russo on the Disney Channel's Wizards Of Waverly Place. To wit: In just a few short years the actress-turned-singer has starred in numerous films, cranked out many chart-topping songs, and even joined UNICEF's team as a celebrity ambassador. She hit her stride in the beauty department, too.
While Gomez loves to take risks on the red carpet — and seems to be forever experimenting with her hair (a girl after our own hearts) — she has a few mainstay looks that have proven so reliable, she calls on them again and again. Having signature looks is a must — no matter if you're a star or not, so it's no surprise hers are damn inspiring. We're talking waves with just the right amount of shine, eyes painted into upturned shapes, and a bouquet of rose lip colors — all of which she's perfected with just the right nuances. Suffice it to say, these looks have been refined.
Check out the slides ahead to see for yourself. One tip: Have a notebook handy, because you're going to want to copy all of 'em...
1. The Polished Smoky Eye
We dare you to take a trip down memory lane and find a red carpet appearance where Gomez wasn't wearing some version of this polished-yet-sultry eye. Thanks to makeup artists like Hung Vanngo and Daniel Chinchilla, the star's winged-out smoky eyes have become her signature.
Unfortunately, this look isn't the easiest to master at home — but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. The technique is similar to a regular smoky eye, but involves creating a winged-out finish and a touch of metallic texture right in the center of the top lid. This keeps the entire effect open and sultry, not overly-edgy or punk-inspired. (Also rad, but clearly not her thing.)
Tip: Place medical tape, a shadow guide, or a business card along the outer corner of your eye before dusting on your shadow — this will make it easy to create a crisp line.
Photo: Via @selenagomez.
2. Her Lips, But Better
While many celebs opt for a rainbow of lip shades for their many events, Gomez tends to keep things in neutral territory. According to celebrity makeup artist, Pamela Cochrane, the modern version of a nude is a your-lips-but-better (YLBB) shade. Clearly Gomez got the memo...
The key to finding the ideal YLBB hue is to invest in lipsticks that are just a touch deeper than your natural lip color. Not sure where to look? Brands like Maybelline and Bite have entire ranges of nudes dedicated to helping you pick the perfect one. From there, check out this handy guide for more information on finding your shade of buff.
3. Beachy & Textured hair — But Never Matte
Gomez's voluminous tresses have become a calling card for the entertainer — and most-often worn in a natural-looking wave. She's found a perfect balance: A lived-in, textured shape, but still shiny and bouncy.
We love emulating beachy waves like Gomez's because the look doesn't involve a whole lot of precision. Start with clean, smoothed out strands (whether by air- or blow-drying, depending on your texture), then create waves and bends with a curling wand.
Remember: The goal isn't to make your hair look polished or "done," so curl your hair is alternate directions to make the waves appear more natural.
4. In-Your-Face Falsies
No Gomez-inspired eye look is complete without a pair of inky, full falsies. And we're not talking teeny individuals: She unapologetically dons dramatic lashes — and we're here for it.
False lashes can be intimidating for even the most seasoned beauty aficionado. But with some practice (and patience, too) it doesn't have to be. Get yourself a pair of lashes (like these!) and carefully trace some glue along the band. Make sure to let the glue dry for 10-15 seconds before applying them to your lids — this will allow the glue to get tacky.
5. Sleek, Shiny, & Center-Parted Hair
Have you noticed that Gomez's hair is always insanely shiny? Seriously, whether she's wearing it wavy or straight the star's locks are so glossy you can practically spot your reflection.
To give your hair an extra boost of shine, reach for Oribe's Après Beach Wave & Shine Spray. It adds a smooth, glossy finish and a bit of texture — no picking between the two or cocktailing!
Wearing your hair down? Spray a bit directly into lengths and shake hair loose. If wearing hair back, simply spray directly into hands and smooth over strands.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
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Well, the day has come. The speculation is over. And we finally know which designer dressed Melania Trump for her first day as First Lady. Iconic American designer Ralph Lauren created a (very Jackie O.) baby blue dress for FLOTUS that she matched with pumps and dish-washing gloves of the same shade. This stunt comes after several designers spoke out against dressing Trump toward the end of the campaign trail, including Tom Ford, Sophie Theallet, and more. But, all feelings aside — fashion first — we think Trump looks great.
It's not exactly a surprise the designer dressed Trump, seeing as Ralph Lauren is an iconic American label and has dressed just about every First Lady before her. But, the backlash part of the whole collaboration is new, and boy, has it already begun. One look through Twitter this morning brings about a cold wave of shade and the possible christening of a new hashtag #FashionAgainstFacism. Where most feel the pairing is unfitting due to president-elect Trump's rhetoric throughout the campaign, others may judge the move based on taste alone.
At this moment, the only word we have from Ralph Lauren comes via a Tweet by New York Times fashion critic Vanessa Friedman. "It was important to us to uphold the tradition of creating iconic American style for this moment," camp Lauren said. A moment it is.
We've reached out to the brand for additional comment, and will update this story as soon as we hear back.
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This Is The Manifesto For The Women's March On Washington
We march with women past, present, and future.
We march because we can, we have, and we will.
Join R29 as we head to D.C. and women's marches around the globe to lend our voices to hope, to change, and to our rights.
We march to make herstory. Will you be by our side?
We are covering everything related to the Women's March On Washington. Check out our stories here. Refinery29 also teamed up with artists and in-house creators to produce a series of march-inspired posters. You can download them here.
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As the Obama administration came to a close, the public began paying more attention to each and every one of the First Lady's outfits, searching for meaning in each garment. (Hey, us included.) There was the red Narciso Rodriguez dress Michelle Obama wore to give her final address, mirroring the style she wore on election night in 2008 by the same designer. Then, there was a navy lace ensemble by Jason Wu for her husband's farewell address, a final nod to a label she's supported (and help grow) throughout her two terms in office. Now, as we gear up to say goodbye to her incredible style legacy, the 44th FLOTUS is giving us one last look to pour over, dissect, and remember her by.
As is tradition, the Obamas greeted president-elect Donald Trump and incoming FLOTUS this morning at the White House. While Melania Trump opted for pale blue Ralph Lauren, which many noted is reminiscent of Jackie O., Obama opted for a short-sleeved, mid-length burgundy dress. It's fashioned out of a tweed-line material, outlined by black-leather piping along the neckline and sleeves. The designer was not immediately apparent.
Over the years, Obama has worn — and championed — a wide breadth of designers, both established, homegrown, and emerging. In turn, the industry has embraced and celebrated her style. Not many political figures would move creatives to write hand-written thank you notes for her at the end of her time in office.
This look — her final outfit as a resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue — is simple, but poignant: It's elegant without being flashy, and it's memorable without much embellishment. In short, the 44th FLOTUS delivered yet another on-point ensemble, one last time.
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Along with a bevy of other celebs — including Katy Perry, Scarlett Johansson, and Amy Schumer, to name a few — Evan Rachel Wood is heading to D.C. this weekend for the Women's March on Washington. The Westworld star tweeted that she'd be in attendance earlier this month, but Refinery29 caught up with her about what made her decide that she had to get boots on the ground.
"I’m a woman. I’m a part of the LGBT community. I’m a sexual assault survivor," she said during a phone call this week. "I’m a mother, raised by a single mother." Which is to say: Her reasons for showing up are close to her heart.
"But also a woman’s march is about standing in solidarity for everyone’s rights, for equal rights. It even goes beyond marching for women; it’s marching for people," she went on. "I believe when a weaker group is suffering, we’re all suffering, and we all need to come together — men, women, people of color, people of different religions."
Wood also confessed that she has regrets about not stepping out in solidarity prior to November 8, 2016 — one of the things she plans to change, starting now. We spoke to her about what she wishes she would have done, her views on Ivanka Trump, and why now is not the time for celebrities to stay silent about politics — no matter what the president thinks.
How did the election shape the way you felt about your own political involvement?
"While none of these issues are new, they’re so blatant, and becoming normalized in a way that is terrifying. After the election, I made many promises to myself. I promised myself I would be less complacent. I promised myself I would make whatever small gestures I could to reach out to people and women — that’s why I decided to wear a suit to every awards show.
"These are not world changing feats. But I do love Martin Luther King's quote, 'If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.' I believe in that. I want to be there, and I want to stand with everybody, and I wanted to show my support here on the ground. If we all make small gestures, collectively, that becomes a giant movement. That’s one thing that the march represents."
Sometimes it seems like the world can be divided into before November 8, 2016 and after November 8, 2016. Do you feel that too?
"Something I did notice after the election is a lot of people come up to me saying, 'I’m just shocked, I didn’t know it was this bad.' I, unfortunately, was less shocked than most people, maybe because I’m a woman, or because I’m part of these marginalized groups. I do think if any positive is coming out of this, it’s that people are waking up to how bad it is, and always was. More people are getting called to action and realizing that you can’t just assume that something is going to happen, or that other people are taking care of it. We’re in a time now when we need all the manpower — man and woman power — we can get."
Are there things you wish you would have done before election day, on an advocacy front?
"Absolutely. I’ll be the first person to admit, looking back: I was one of those people who thought, 'Well, enough people are doing it, standing up for that cause,' that I probably didn’t get as involved as I should have, that I didn’t speak up in situations where I should have. I probably didn’t pay enough attention to local elections and certain things that matter. I will totally take responsibility for that and that’s one thing I want to change in this new dawn."
That’s the point of standing in solidarity: You’re willing to put yourself out there, and possibly put yourself in harm’s way, for what is right.
Ivanka Trump is a woman, a mother, and someone who has advocated for more women-friendly work environments and agendas. There are people who think she is our hope in D.C. What do you think?
"I would like to be hopeful. That’s hard when you’re associated with certain beliefs and rhetoric, and things that are genuinely terrifying for most women. We’ll have wait to see. You always have to have hope. I think it’s okay to be cautiously optimistic. But it is a bit alarming, of course."
You live in Tennessee these days, so you're decidedly out of the blue bubble of California. Has that opened up your eyes to anything new?
"I was raised in North Carolina. I remember, growing up there, it being a more progressive state — we almost prided ourselves on being a more progressive Southern state. I have noticed a shift, moving back to the South now. I love the South: It’s a part of me, there are things I think about growing up there that are incredible. It gave me an amazing foundation, definitely not knocking it. But I do feel like there’s work to be done in certain areas. I have noticed people automatically assume that I believe certain things, and they feel very comfortable talking to me about them.
"In the past I operated on: Don’t make an argument, don’t make a scene, it’s all about being polite, let’s just avoid this conversation because it’s uncomfortable. But I’ve gotten to a place where — though I’m not going to get into someone’s face or fight — if something’s brought up, I will say how I feel, and I’ll try to listen, to understand, to start a dialog. I just don’t want to avoid those conversations anymore."
Can you tell me about a specific example?
"One thing that was really upsetting to me: Someone came up to me and showed me a picture of Melania and Ivanka Trump. They were looking very dolled up — I guess what most people would consider beautiful, even though beauty is subjective. That photo was next to a picture of Hillary Clinton and Chelsea, some sort of candid photo of them with no makeup, looking like what I guess what most people would consider unattractive. And the photo said, 'Dodged a bullet.'
"This man who came up to me, he was laughing and he says, 'Look at this... Right?' I knew what he meant. But I wanted to hear him explain it to me, so that he could hear it come out of his mouth. So I just said, 'I don’t understand.' And he said, 'Well look at them.' It’s like a dagger in the heart, and I said again, 'I just don’t understand. You’re going to have to explain this to me.' He said, 'Well, which ones would you rather have — the hot ones, or the ugly ones?'
"I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing, or why that man thought I would think it was funny. That is inexcusable to me, because it’s not about policy, it was just, 'I would rather have my first lady be attractive and someone I want to sleep with, that is all that matters to me.' It showed me exactly why there’s work to be done — why we’re still being viewed as eye candy, or our only role is to look pretty and put on a dress, why what’s in our heads and what’s in our minds and our hearts are not valued the way they should be.
"I looked at him and I said, 'I think I would rather be valued for what’s in my mind than the way that I look.' It got very uncomfortable for a second. Then he just kind of laughed it off and said, 'Well, I’m sure that’s true too,' and walked away. So when people say these things aren’t a problem, they are: This is still the mentality that a lot of people are operating on."
That uncomfortable beat, when you know it's coming, is so hard.
"It is very hard, and it’s hard to contain the rage that you feel, and to have that not get in the way of your message being heard. To just sit there and take a breath and just say, very simply and directly, why you don’t agree with something instead of just calling him a name or getting angry — it’s just like teenagers. The more you get in their face and tell them not to do something and make them feel stupid or bad — they’re just going to push back more.
"Sometimes it is kind of a lost cause, but if you can find a way to control that rage, reach out, and be heard instead of just barking at them and making them feel stupid and trying to just prove that you’re right — that's what I'm trying to do."
That reminds me of what Meryl Streep said about bullies at the Golden Globes: to use your platform to call out what is intolerable.
"It’s about human decency and respect, and setting the bar. We’ve lowered the bar so much and normalized so many things. It’s scary, giving a certain kind of behavior that can lead to violence, and can lead to a certain kind of determination that can lead to very dangerous situations for half of America. That’s when you have to speak up."
What do you think is the role of celebrities in speaking up, especially after Donald Trump called out Meryl Streep for her awards show speech on bullying?
"Now we’re writing off celebrities speaking up as Hollywood elitism. But we’re also citizens. We’re also people. We have our own stories. I was raised by a single mom in a small apartment. We shared a bed. I’ve been working since I was 5 years old to get to where I am, and I still had my own experience. I haven’t been super sheltered or in a little bubble.
"I believe in the responsibility you have if you do have a platform to speak about what you think matters. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night, if I was going out and pretending everything is okay when it’s not. So that to me seems selfish in a way: I think it’s a silly argument to make, and an easy way to write off people using their opportunity and platform to speak about what they think matters."
I do think if any positive is coming out of this, it’s that people are waking up to how bad it is, and always was.
You have a little boy. What are you trying to instill in him in, through the lens of this world right now?
"Honestly, the thing that worries me the most for my son, and what breaks my heart is, for me — just because this is a really personal thing, especially when it comes to sexual assault, and the way that we sometimes excuse certain behavior — lowering men and saying that they’re these mindless animals who can’t help themselves. That, to me, is just as damaging. I want him to grow up with a sense of value and respect for other people and to know that he is more than that.
"I want him to grow up knowing decency is not a sign of weakness, especially if you’re a man. I’ve seen a lot of boys and a lot of men made to feel like they aren’t real men, or that they aren’t strong because they believe in treating other people with humanity and respect. So that’s my biggest fear and hope for my son."
Do you have any anxieties, heading to the Women's March on Washington?
"You always take a chance when you’re going out to things like this, because you never know, especially in times like this. But people are going to have to start digging deep and putting themselves on the line, because if you don’t it’s only going to get worse. And who knows, one day, maybe they’re coming for you; and you think, 'I should have gotten out there, I should have put myself on the line.'
"That’s the point of standing in solidarity: that you’re willing to put yourself out there, and possibly put yourself in harm’s way, for what is right. It’s going to take a lot of strength, and a lot of bravery. The more people who do that, the more surrounded and protected and supported we are. It’s always a gamble. But if you really do believe in the causes and why you’re standing up, and willing to accept there are consequences and ramifications, then that’s what you’d have to do. I’d rather be attacked or demonized for something that I believe is right than to just pretend everything is okay.
"I don’t want to be successful in a society that doesn’t hold onto values of human decency and respect. There’s just certain things I can’t — and won’t — bend on."
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"Lucia, Before and After" Trailer (60 Seconds)
Looking for more stories about the continuing fight for reproductive rights? Watch the trailer for Shatterbox Anthology’s “Lucia, Before and After” above. This short film from director Anu Valia takes an unflinching look at the barriers to choice still faced by women across the United States.
The actress exploded onto the pop culture landscape in the summer of 2015 when she appeared on Orange Is the New Black. Then, it seemed, Rose slunk from the spotlight, leaving us to wonder when we'd get to enjoy her presence once more. The 30-year-old actress has been busy, actually. In 2017, she has a grand total of four movies coming out, including XXX: The Return of Xander Cage. Suffice to say, we're going to have a Rose-filled year, and for that we are thankful to the pop culture gods.
Our reasons for being grateful are twofold; Rose isn't just an engaging on-screen presence. She's also an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights and one of the world's most prominent androgynous icons. In a new interview with The EDIT, the Australian native said that she wants to be a role model, too.
"I want to be the person I wished was around when I was growing up," she said.
Since her big breakout, Rose has been schooling us on gender fluidity. Even before Orange Is the New Black, she starred in a music video called "Break Free" that explores the division between genders.
"I think if I had a choice to be remembered for just one thing it would be 'Break Free.' I wrote it, I produced it, I starred in it — it's my life story," Rose told Refinery29 last summer.
Rose is continuing to educate us now. The actress gave a brief explainer to The EDIT about the proper language for the queer community. The term LGBTQ is constantly changing to be more inclusive — it's fluid, just like gender.
"Actually, it’s LGBTQI 2 Spirits +," she said. "The I is for intersex and the 2 Spirits is for native people who believe that androgynous people have two spirits, male and female."
Even Rose admits that the proper terms can get difficult.
"It can be confusing." Confusing, but not impossible. She added: "Just learn it — it’s not that hard.”
Preach. Here's to even more Ruby Rose in 2017.
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We may never get a glimpse into the rest of Rachel and Ross's life together, but we could be seeing Jennifer Aniston in another TV role.
The actress told Variety that though she's been focused on film over the past few years, television acting fits more with her professional goals right now.
"That’s where the work is. That’s where the quality is," she said. "At this point in my career, I want to be part of wonderful stories, exciting characters, and also just having a good time."
On top of that, doing another show would help her have the lifestyle she wants.
"When you’re in your 20s, going away from home was an adventure — meeting new people, seeing other parts of the country or world was so exciting," she explained. "Now, it’s really about wanting to stay closer to home and just enjoying your time. It goes really fast. The experience needs to be a good experience. I have no time for the yelling, angry directors, or bad behavior anymore."
We also may be seeing more of her behind the camera. She's produced several films — most recently Cake, Life of Crime, and Call Me Crazy: A Five Film — and wants to continue doing that. "There’s something very exciting about being part of a project from the seed of it, and putting it together. And you just feel so proud of it on another level," she said.
In our wildest dreams, maybe she'll consider producing, and starring in her own new show.
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