Santa Fe BK feels like a little New Mexico corner in Brooklyn - green chile everything, cozy backyard, and the kind of food that just makes you happy.
Glasserie
Chic-but-chill Mediterranean spot in an old glass factory
Newtown
Charming East Williamsburg spot serving fresh, seasonal Israeli dishes like hummus, falafel, and sabich in a cozy, industrial-chic space.
Karczma
Rustic Polish tavern in the heart of Greenpoint. Come hungry, leave in a pierogi coma.
Freemans
Tucked at the end of a hidden alley, this taxidermy-lined spot nails the cozy cabin vibes with cocktails and artichoke dip to match.
Juliette Restaurant
A cozy French bistro in Williamsburg with a rooftop terrace that feels like a secret escape - perfect for indulgent brunches and evening cocktails.
Roberta's
Roberta’s is a Bushwick classic - Neapolitan-style pies, a buzzy vibe, and a backyard that feels like a secret garden. Just two blocks from the L train’s Morgan stop, it’s a must-visit for pizza lovers.
Five Leaves
Greenpoint gem where the brunch is as creative as the crowd - slinging everything from avocado toast to killer cocktails in a cozy, rustic spot.
Bunna Cafe
Bunna is this super cozy Ethiopian spot in Bushwick with amazing veggie dishes, warm vibes, and coffee that’s basically a ritual.
Ops
Ops is a laid-back pizza spot in Bushwick with naturally leavened crust, perfect lighting, and just the right amount of Brooklyn cool. Great place to split a pie and linger over wine.
Old Stanley's Bar
Old Stanley’s was my go-to when I lived in NYC - killer jukebox, strong drinks, and a crowd that knows how to hang. No pretension, just good vibes and even better music.
Lilia
Lilia is a cozy gem with incredible handmade pasta, wood-fired veggie dishes, and a welcoming vibe that makes every meal feel special.
Aunt Ginny's
Aunt Ginny’s in Ridgewood is the kind of spot where you can get a cold drink, play some Big Buck Hunter or pool, and just enjoy the low-key, divey vibe.
Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet has that effortlessly elegant feel - seasonal dishes, beautiful plating, and a space that’s both polished and inviting.
Milo's Yard
Milo's Yard is where Ridgewood's night owls go to unwind - pinball machines, a backyard patio, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time without the pretense.
The Cobra Club
The Cobra Club is a Bushwick staple where you can shoot pool, belt out karaoke, and, yes, take on the Big Buck Hunter machine. It's a laid-back spot with a rock 'n' roll vibe, perfect for a night out with friends.
Diner
Retro railcar turned cozy Williamsburg staple. Come for the burger, stay because your server wrote the menu on the table.
The Keep
The Keep in Ridgewood is a cozy, vintage-inspired bar with quirky decor, classic cocktails, and a laid-back vibe.
The Three Diamond Door
The Three Diamond Door is a laid-back Bushwick bar with vintage charm - leather booths, a long wooden bar, and a crowd that knows how to enjoy a good drink. With a solid beer selection, prosecco on tap, and a cozy lounge area, it's the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the neighborhood vibe.
The Narrows
The Narrows is a sleek, speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Bushwick with a narrow, art deco-inspired interior and a cozy backyard.
The Anchored Inn
The Anchored Inn in Bushwick is a chill dive bar with a nautical theme and a crowd of regulars who know how to unwind.
Lucy's Vietnamese - Bushwick
Lucy's Vietnamese in Bushwick is a cozy spot with a cult following, known for its 14-hour smoked brisket pho and flavorful vegan options. The space is small, but the flavors are big - perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner.
Maison Premiere
Maison Premiere is this dreamy oyster bar in Williamsburg with a New Orleans vibe - shuckin’ fresh oysters and serving up classic cocktails in a space that feels like a time machine. Perfect for a laid-back, fancy date night.
Bonus Room
Bonus Room in Ridgewood is a no-holds-barred party spot - pinball, loud tunes, and a crowd that’s here to have a good time.
OKONOMI Brooklyn
OKONOMI is a tiny, laid-back spot in Williamsburg serving up Japanese comfort food with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Pearl's Social & Billy Club
Pearl’s Social & Billy Club is Bushwick’s living room - warm lighting, vintage vibes, and a crowd that feels like family.
Left Hand Path
Left Hand Path is a cozy, wood-paneled gem in Bushwick with a laid-back vibe and a crowd that knows how to enjoy a good drink. With a solid beer selection, creative cocktails, and a backyard patio, it's the perfect spot to unwind and savor the moment.
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Family-run since '78, this Chinatown staple scoops up Asian-inspired flavors like black sesame, red bean, and durian - plus classic faves like lychee and taro.
Balthazar
Balthazar is that iconic French spot in SoHo where you’ll feel fancy just walking in. The bread is unreal, and we’re talking croissants that could make you fall in love all over again.
St. Anselm
St. Anselm has this cozy, low-key vibe that’s perfect for a date night. Even with the focus on steak, they’ve got amazing veggie sides and a great cocktail list that make it a solid choice for a laid-back dinner.
Julia's
Julia’s is a cozy neighborhood spot with a warm vibe, serving up classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy some great wine, and savor a homemade pasta that hits the spot every time.
L'imprimerie
L'imprimerie in Bushwick is a French bakery and café that bakes small-batch breads and pastries daily. Their chocolate almond croissant is a standout, with a crisp, buttery exterior and a rich, almond-chocolate filling.
Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos
Hole-in-the-wall tortilla heaven where the smell alone will ruin store-bought for you forever
Vacations BK
Vacations BK is a tropical escape in Bushwick - rooftop vibes, palm trees, and cocktails that make you feel like you're on vacation. With a spacious patio, skyline views, and a crowd that's all about good times, it's the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the summer energy.
Pine Box Rock Shop
Pine Box Rock Shop in Bushwick is a vegan-friendly bar with craft beers, creative cocktails, and a killer Big Buck Hunter machine.
Variety Coffee Roasters
Variety Coffee Roasters in Bushwick is a sleek, sunlit café where freelancers, creatives, and locals gather over expertly brewed coffee. The vibe is warm and welcoming.
Cafe Mogador
Casual Moroccan-inspired spot with dreamy couscous, killer brunch, and a vibe that makes you feel like you’re on vacation.
Heavy Woods
Heavy Woods is where the off-duty creatives and neighborhood regulars hang. It’s unpretentious, dimly lit, and easy to lose track of time over a good mezcal.
Evil Twin Brewing NYC
Evil Twin Brewing is the spot for craft beer lovers - tucked away in Ridgewood, it’s all about experimental brews and a laid-back vibe.
TV Eye
TV Eye is a genre-bending funhouse on the Bushwick/Ridgewood border - part bar, part venue, part art space. With four distinct rooms, a killer sound system, and a courtyard that turns into a dance floor, it’s where you go to catch a band, sip a cocktail, and lose track of time.
Honore Club
Honore Club is a cozy dive in Bushwick with a Midwestern soul - think strong pours, a disco ball, and a crowd that knows how to have a good time without the fuss.
Achilles Heel
Waterfront tavern with moody vibes, killer cocktails, and a small-but-mighty menu that punches way above its weight.
Kings Co Imperial
Hip Chinese spot with serious wok skills. Think dumplings and dangerously good cocktails.
Nowadays
Nowadays in Ridgewood is a sprawling 16,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor venue that feels like a backyard party on steroids. By day, it's a relaxed beer garden with hammocks, ice cream, and BBQ; by night, it transforms into a high-energy dance club with top-tier DJs and a crowd that knows how to have fun.
Ridgewood Reservoir
The Ridgewood Reservoir is a hidden gem nestled between Brooklyn and Queens, offering a peaceful escape with its 2.1-mile loop trail, diverse birdwatching opportunities, and rich history.
Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art in the Meatpacking District showcases modern and contemporary American art in a sleek, Renzo Piano-designed building. With stunning views, dynamic exhibits, and a focus on innovative artists, it’s a must-visit for art lovers.
Milk & Pull
Milk & Pull in Ridgewood is a cozy, queer-friendly café with a welcoming vibe. Patrons rave about the friendly staff and the inviting atmosphere.
The High Line
The High Line is a 1.45-mile elevated park in Manhattan, built on a former freight rail line. It offers a unique blend of gardens, art installations, and stunning city views, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
RIPPERS
Rippers is a beachside burger shack at Rockaway Beach, serving grass-fed burgers, housemade vegan options, and ice-cold beer. With picnic tables, DJs on weekends, and a laid-back vibe, it's the perfect spot to grab a bite after catching some waves.
MoMA PS1
MoMA PS1 in Long Island City is NYC's experimental art playground - think immersive installations, boundary-pushing exhibits, and a crowd that's all about new ideas. It's the perfect spot to get lost in creativity, especially if you're into art that challenges the norm.
Nitehawk Cinema
Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg is a dine-in movie theater where you can watch indie hits and cult classics while enjoying a full menu and cocktails delivered right to your seat.
124 Old Rabbit Club
Old Rabbit Club in Greenwich Village is a hidden speakeasy with rare brews and creative cocktails in a cozy, underground setting.
Dream House
Dream House is a hidden, immersive sound and light installation in Tribeca, created by minimalist composer La Monte Young and visual artist Marian Zazeela. Housed in their private loft since 1993, the space offers a meditative experience with continuous sine wave tones and magenta lighting, inviting visitors to relax, reflect, and lose track of time. It's a rare, offbeat gem in NYC's art scene.
Neue Galerie
The Neue Galerie is a jewel-box museum on the Upper East Side, showcasing early 20th-century German and Austrian art in a beautifully restored mansion. It's home to Klimt’s iconic Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I and offers a taste of Vienna at Café Sabarsky.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre oasis in the heart of Brooklyn, offering a serene escape with its diverse plant collections and beautifully curated landscapes. Highlights include the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the vibrant Cherry Esplanade, and the tranquil Lily Pool Terrace.
Enoteca Maria / Nonnas of the World
Enoteca Maria in Staten Island is a cozy spot where grandmas from around the globe take turns cooking their traditional dishes. One night you might enjoy Sri Lankan curry; another, Polish pierogi - each meal is a heartfelt taste of home.
Cloisters
The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park offers a serene escape into medieval Europe, showcasing Romanesque and Gothic art and architecture. Highlights include the famed Unicorn Tapestries and tranquil gardens overlooking the Hudson River.
The New York Earth Room
The New York Earth Room is a minimalist installation by Walter De Maria, featuring 280,000 pounds of soil spread across a SoHo loft. This quiet, contemplative space offers a unique contrast to the city's hustle, inviting visitors to reflect amidst its earthy expanse.
Economy Candy
Economy Candy on the Lower East Side is a delightful throwback to childhood, offering a vast selection of sweets from nostalgic classics to international treats. Established in 1937, this family-run shop has become a cherished NYC institution, renowned for its extensive variety and old-school charm.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Van Leeuwen in Greenpoint is where you go when you want ice cream that tastes like it went to art school—classic flavors, vegan options, and always a seasonal surprise. Perfect for a little post-dinner wander or a sunny stoop moment.
OddFellows Ice Cream Co. Domino Park
OddFellows in Williamsburg leans into the weird in the best way—think inventive flavors like miso cherry or burnt marshmallow that somehow totally work. It's playful, a little chaotic, and never boring.
Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a totally free, totally iconic way to glide past the Statue of Liberty and feel the wind in your hair. It’s basically a budget boat tour, but with a bunch of tired commuters and a killer view.
The Strand Bookstore
The Strand is a book-lover’s paradise-slash-maze with 18 miles of books and the kind of creaky floor charm that makes you want to spend hours just poking around. Great for last-minute gifts, spontaneous finds, or pretending you're in a literary rom-com.
New York City Ballet
The New York City Ballet is pure magic—ultra-precise dancers, wild costumes, and a mix of classic and modern that keeps it feeling fresh. Go if you want to be completely swept up in beauty for a couple hours.
