Heading to New York and want to eat, drink and play like a local, who is your best resource? An Australian living in New York City.
We managed to connect with some Australians that work in the travel industry that have been living locally for some time, and they shared with us their favourtie places to drink, eat and be entertained.
Local Bars
Employees Only one of the top mixology destinations in New York City.
Wilfie and Nell’s a little gastro pub frequented by locals from the Village.
The Back Room – this is one of only two speakeasies that operated back in the Prohibition days that still operates today. Here you drink cocktails from teacups and enjoy jazz in this cute hidden bar.
The Press Lounge – a great roof top bar. On the top of Ink 48 hotel this bar has spectacular views of the Times Square skyline plus provides the perfect backdrop for a great photograph.
Houston Hall a big beer hall styled like a 1920’s cafeteria with exposed beams, and gigantic old windows in the West Village.
O’HANLONS a great Irish bar in the East Village.
Employees Only one of the top mixology destinations in New York City, with the added bonus a Fortune Teller is on hand most nights.
The Frying Pan this is New York’s ultimate dive bar on a historic vessel that is stationed at Pier 66 on the Hudson River. This bar only operates in the spring and summer. So if you are in town during this time this is a great place for a beer and to watch the sunset.
Daddy’O a neighbourhood bar with a premium bar that serves craft beer, rare spirits and offers specialty cocktails.
Terroir Tribecca – this is a very vibrant wine bar with a comprehensive wine list that recently won World’s Best Wine Bar 2015.
King Cole Bar – some nights call for a celebratory drink and the perfect Manhattan cocktail. The King Cole Bar is in the St Regis Hotel and has been delighting patrons for decades that have included Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon and Salvador Dali.
Local Restaurants
Crepes Canaveral owner is from Brittany, France the home of crepes.
Buvette in the West Village is a charming French tapas style restaurant.
La Esquina a hidden underground basement brasserie style restaurant serving authentic market fresh Mexican food.
Crepes Canaveral owner is from Brittany, France the home of crepes. This great little hole in the wall is cheap and delicious.
Peter Luger’s Steakhouse is one of the oldest steakhouses in NYC located in Brooklyn. Other notable mentions for steak are Smith and Wollensky and Keens Steak House .
Sake Bar Decibel is New York’s original Japanese sake bar serving great food and a choice of almost 100 of Japan’s finest sake. This underground speak easy is a great night out.
Eleven Madison Park ideal for the foodie or ideal restaurant for that special celebration. This restaurant has won many accolades included being voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the world.
Cafe Dante – this café first opened its doors in the Greenwich Village in 1915. It recently reopened with some Australian talent leading the charge. Food is delicious but the cocktails are art pieces to be admired and enjoyed.
Estela NYC an intimate space with a mouth-watering selection of small plates and a comprehensive wine selection to complement the menu.
Le Zie a favorite affordable Italian in Chelsea popular with the locals, that serves a traditional Venetian menu.
Hill Country honours the capital of Texas barbeque and music. The meat is cooked fresh daily on the premise in the custom meat-smoking room.
Night Time Entertainment
Comedy Club – check out one of the many Comedy Clubs. One that is recommended is Comedy Cellar at 117 Macdougal Street. Once you have finished your night of Comedy and feel like some live music venture next door to Café Wha where legends like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Jim Hendrix played in the day.
Sleep No More – an original immersive theatre experience that adapts the story of Macbeth , set primarily in a dimly-lit, 1930s-era establishment called the “McKittrick Hotel” which is a transformed hotel-like performance space.
SMALLS – a tiny no frills space in the West Village that has live jazz bands and jam sessions at modest prices.
The Apollo Theater Amateur Night is a great affordable night out. This is the famous concert hall in Harlem and made famous thanks to its Amateur Nights held every Wednesday and the talent that has performed there. Anyone can come and sing and the audience judges the performances by applauding or booing. The famous slogan – “Be Good or Be Gone’ was born here.
Nu Blu in Alphabet City is a great venue for live music. A little grunge/underground style but provides a fun late night.
Joes Pub at the Public Theatre – consistently presents a variety of live music and performances nightly. It showcases talent from all over the world.
