NEW YORK CITY
Upper West Side
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Uptown Manhattan is not only the location of our wedding but is also where we have both lived for years. In that spirit, this page is focused there, particularly around the Upper West Side. But we encourage exploration and would be thrilled to give recommendations for all parts of town. If you are looking to get a wider view of New York, or are staying in a different neighborhood and looking for something nearby, don't hesitate to ask us about it!
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
Breakfast & A Cup of Joe
Zucker's Bagels & Smoked Fish: One of Manhattan's favorite bagel shops, selling all kinds of hand-rolled bagels kettle-boiled the New York Way.
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Bagel Talk: Freshly baked, hand rolled bagels on the Upper West Side.
Good Enough to Eat: Locally sourced ingredients feature in traditional American comfort foods & house-baked treats.
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Maman: café, bakery, and restaurant. Maman's menu highlights childhood favorites from the south of france and north america
Barney Greengrass: Jewish deli institution since 1908, known for smoked fish & not taking credit cards.
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Black Press Coffee: Fixture serving Brooklyn-roasted coffee, tea & small bites in a bright, minimalist space. We recommend the lavendar or honey latte!
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Blue Bottle: Cafe offering coffee drinks & pastries. The cold brew is sure to give you an extra pep in your step.
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Blank Street Coffee: Brooklyn based and quickly spread throughout the city because of its premium quality and irresistible taste.
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Muffin's Cafe: Pint-sized cafe with seating serving sandwiches, soups & salads, plus baked goods & espresso drinks. Local hot spot.
Lunch & Dinner
Cafe Luxembourg: If you want to treat yourself to a nice meal, stop by this iconic French brasserie with steak frites, brunch & immaculate vibes. One of our favorite restaurants in the city!
Mama's TOO!: The pizza here is a little unorthodox for New York, but it is also among the best. It's a pint-sized, counter-service pizzeria drawing crowds for slices with classic & gourmet toppings. A little ways uptown, but worth it.
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Jacob's Pickles: Southern bar & eatery focused on fried chicken biscuit sandwiches, housemade pickles & beers.
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Cafe Fiorello: Open late each night, the restaurant is also perfect for a cozy dinner, a light bite at the antipasto bar, or cocktails and dessert.
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Maison Pickle: Retro-chic eatery offering French dip sandwiches, steaks & other American bites & cocktails.
PJ Clarke's: Burgers & other American comfort food in down-to-earth digs with a lively, vintage atmosphere. Great spot to grab a casual drink, and next door to the Empire Hotel.
Sala Thai: Curries & street food in an urbane, wood-lined restaurant with a bohemian vibe. If you like Thai, you must go!
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Shalel: A recent discovered gem that is underground, where dark nooks & a waterfall lend an intimate vibe with great food and unique cocktails.
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Momofuku Noodle Bar: Casual walk-in style restaurant, serving noodles & ramen from the open kitchen. From the Chef David Chang.
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Salumeria Rosi: Small neighborhood Italian restaurant & salumi shop with Tuscan small plates, wine & cured meats.
Leyla: Cozy Turkish eatery serving wood-fired flat breads, seafood & meat plates, plus wine & cocktails located in a brownstone in the Upper West Side.
JG Melon: Open on the Upper East Side since 1972, known for its famously juicy hamburgers, cottage fries, and Bloody Marys. Great for a casual bite, just remember it is cash only!
After Dinner Drinks & Sweet Treats
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Blondies: Our favorite sports bar with big-screen TVs, great beers & a pub food menu highlighted by the best wings uptown.
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Prohibition: This Jazz Age cocktail bar is a neighborhood staple with live music every night.
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The Ribbon: American cooking, a raw bar & creative cocktails offered in polished surrounds with retro touches.
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Dive 75: Not-so-divey bar where board games, free candy & a fish tank come with the beer.
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Amsterdam Ale House: No-frills brewpub with a sizable craft beer lineup, a bar food menu & several TVs airing sports.
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Jake's Dilemma: Bar along the Amsterdam Avenue strip frequented by a young crowd for beer & foosball.
Levain Bakery: Fresh breads, cookies & other baked treats at this tiny downstairs shop. People cross state lines to get these cookies.
Magnolia Bakery: Cheerful bakeshop serving classic homemade cupcakes, pies & other treats at the counter. World-famous for their banana pudding.
THINGS TO DO & SIGHTS TO SEE
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Central Park (and the other ones, too): We may not have back yards of our own in Manhattan, but you won't find any uptowners complaining about that when we have these instead. Central Park, with its half dozen "neighborhoods," history at every turn, and an unending number of features to explore, is our favorite place on the whole island. Wollman Rink will be open at this time if a skate and view of central park south meets your fancy.
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American Museum of Natural History: From dinosaurs to outer space & everything in between, this huge museum showcases natural wonders. If you go, you will probably see Jack there.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: A grand setting for one of the world's greatest collections of art, from ancient to contemporary.
Broadway: If you get in early or extend your stay, we highly recommend catching a Broadway show if you are able, especially the musicals. But New York theater is not all about the Great White Way—world-class plays and musicals can also be seen Off-Broadway, where we have caught some of our favorite shows over the years.
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Recommended Broadway Shows: Wicked, Six: The Musical, The Lion King, Shucked, Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, Book of Mormon, Hades Town & Funny Girl.
Citibike: Download the Citibike app (or use the Lyft app) and take two wheels from one of the docks for joy ride through Central Park or along one of the rivers! We would probably advise staying clear of the main roads however, as they can be a bit overwhelming on a bike. Pro-tip: There is a day pass you can purchase on the app.
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Lincoln Center: For art-and-architecture aficionados, Lincoln Center is a can't-miss. It's three main performance venues and the fountain square they surround combine for one of the most attractive spaces in New York, and it is surrounded by plenty of urban action all day long and through the evening.
Rockefeller Center: Our big weekend will come just ahead of the crowds that will roll into Rock Center for the following week's tree lighting and stay around into 2024. Anchor a walk around Midtown with trip through John Rockefeller's famous mini-city where you can eat, drink, shop, and watch the ice skaters.
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Bryant Park Holiday Shops: If you are interested in holiday shopping, festive food and ice skating, we highly recommend visiting the Bryant Park Holiday shops.
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Radio City Rockettes: To get into the Christmas spirit, attend the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City.
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Recommended Tours: Mafia and Food Tour, Tenement Museum, Grand Central, Lower East Side Food Tour
