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NYC Recs (from a former resident)

Night with Stars emoji 38 items
Some of my favorite places in BK and Manhattan. I lived here from 2015-2020 so some recs might be dated, but definitely went to a ton of places and here are the stand outs!
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Restaurants

 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Amazing seafood in the West Village. Such a cute interior! Awesome wine too
The Clam
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Highly recommend sitting on the roof, great ambiance! You would have no idea you're right next to the BQE. Get the branzino!
Llama Inn
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Amazing pasta and wine in the coziest environment, can't miss it!
Have & Meyer
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
I used to live right down the street so this was a go to. Cute interior and really good dumplings and udon. Pretty reasonable, too
Samurai Mama
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Worth the hype, their pasta is so good! Also def get the ricotta toast. Book in advance!! Also it's pretty fun to sit at the bar
Misi
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
A bit pricey but such good Italian food
Emilio's Ballato
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
A favorite of mine in Fort Greene. Super cute and all the dishes are awesome, definitely get a few to split
Colonia Verde
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
You can make a whole day out of going here! Grab a city bike and once you're there you can get drinks and play games in the backyard or sit on one of the decks for seafood. Sometimes there is a wait but you can wait in the backyard so it barely feels...
Brooklyn Crab
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
decent pasta, really cute backyard. reasonably priced too!
Dino

Things to Do

 
Maria Bowe profile picture
ice skating, golf, bowling etc etc!
Chelsea Piers New York
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
This is a really cool to place to get a manicure. Definitely pricey but the space is cool and there are lots of fun designs
Chillhouse — a destination for modern self-care

Museums and Galleries

 
Maria Bowe profile picture
awesome rooftop and it's on the lower east side if you want to see art in that part of town! lots of fun and often funky exhibitions here
New Museum
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
there are a few locations- always something amazing on view in each
Gagosian
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
one of the only reasons I would go to midtown on a weekend!
MOMA
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Pro tip: go at night for the best views (open late Fridays and Saturdays) and get a cocktail at the bar on the top floor!
Whitney Museum of American Art
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
You can make reservations in the summer to see the Turrell at sunset which is supposed to be amazing. Tickets always sell out so fast!
MoMA PS1
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Maria Bowe profile picture
a classic- can't not recommend! you could come back here a million times and still not see everything
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
 
Brooklyn Museum

Bars

 
Maria Bowe profile picture
I used to live behind this place and was there all the time!! Love the backyard and there are lots of fun, funky beers. Good for day time or early evening
Spuyten Duyvil
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Really great sours in a fun space!
Grimm Artisanal Ales
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Dive bar on LES- good happy hour and decently large (dark) space. Get the frose!
Botanica Bar
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
This is such a cool historic bar in southern Brooklyn. They have pool and it's a pretty relaxed vibe
Brooklyn Inn
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Used to live across the street in Williamsburg- they have great cocktails and a cute interior. Expect a wait because it is small unless you go at a random time
Fresh Kills Bar
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Such a fun bar- get the pina colada! They have a little outdoor area too
The Commodore
 
FourFiveSix
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Maria Bowe profile picture
Really cute wine bar in Caroll Gardens that's perfect for sitting outside. Lots of fun orange wines which I love
Black Mountain Wine House
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Fun dive bar with one of the best backyards I've been to in BK! There is a fountain and tons of plants
Sea Witch

Concert Venues

 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Used to live behind this place! Intimate concert venue where lots of cool, smaller artists play. They also have djs/dance parties, pretty much always something going on
Knitting Factory Brooklyn
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Have seen so many amazing shows here, such a great space and there are some cool places around to grab dinner/drinks before or after a show
Brooklyn Steel
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Another fun Williamsburg venue! Fun to come here for drinks, too
Baby's All Right
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Both a bowling alley and a concert venue! Super fun for both, pretty big space. And food and drink is pretty good too!
Brooklyn Bowl

Hotels

 
Boutique Hotel In NYC | The James Hotels | New York
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
My favorite hotel in NYC. The views are so amazing from here! Rooms are chic and the rooftop bar is super cool. Great area of Williamsburg, too. Sometimes they have pretty good deals if you book last minute
The William Vale
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Rooms are pretty small but the views are great and so is the location
NOMO SOHO
 
Maria Bowe profile picture
Rooms are super trendy and minimal
PUBLIC Hotel