Whiskey Ward bar in NYC's Lower East Side
Whether you like it on the rocks, with a little soda, cold, or warm, there is nothing better than a good glass of whiskey (or whisky, as Scots seem to prefer). New York City is home to a plethora of wonderful booze locales that serve up a mean glass of single malt scotches or fine whiskeys. These NYC bars feature an extensive selection of the adult beverage that is perfect to sip on a cold winter night.
The Whiskey Ward: Located just three blocks from the Williamsburg Bridge, this Lower East Side saloon is decorated with many whiskey jugs and barrels that really do a good job to set the drinking mood. The amazingly extensive list of whiskeys include bourbons, rye, Irish whiskey, single malts, un-chill filtered scotch, and many more. The scene is a mixture of serious sippers and amateur drinkers and the prices are reasonable. 121 Essex Street. Stay nearby at the Hotel on Rivington or the Thompson L.E.S.
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Hot dog topped with spicy onions & sauerkraut from Gray's Papaya
When visitors think of fast food in New York City, they often think of two things: pizza and hot dogs. And man do we have an awesome selection of both. As a New Yorker, I am not leery about grabbing a “dirty dog” from the corner vendor, or a messy slice from the local pizza joint down the block. But if you’re just visiting – especially with kids – it might be best to check out some of “must-try’s” that have earned an especially good reputation. Here are some of the best hot dog spots the city has to offer (in ascending order from cheapest to priciest):
Gray’s Papaya – This is a local favorite and can be found almost anywhere in the city (my favorite happens to be located in the cool area of 6th Avenue and 8th Street). These dogs are not only delicious, but also served with a friendly smile and very inexpensive. Two of these babies and a drink will only set you back $2.00 a person. On the streets of Manhattan, that’s pretty hard to beat!
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Classic poutine: French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds
[Photo: Flickr/JoelZimmer]
It remains unclear whether it’s the hearty ingredients, the kitsch factor, the maple syrup or something else, but New York’s latest ethnic food boomlet comes from our nearest neighbors. Here are three new spots to sample Manhattan’s new take on Canadian cuisine.
T Poutine: Forget hot dogs and pizza. The Lower East Side party set has a new late-night, soak-up-the-alcohol snack. Poutine is a French Canadian specialty that consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, served here with gut-busting extras like ground beef and bacon. Someone call the cardiologist. This BYOB joint is open ’til 5am on weekends, and a quick walk from the Thompson LES on Allen Street. 168 Ludlow St.
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New Yorkers enjoying brunch at Virage Mediterranean Bar & Grill in the East Village
Every New Yorker has their very favorite weekend brunch spot that they swear by and attend religiously. Here are three classic brunch experiences, convenient if you’re staying in Soho or the East Village.
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Cheddar scones, clotted cream and jam cookies at the Podunk Tearoom
[Flickr/World to Table]
The mention of cafes in New York’s East Village likely brings to mind images of very serious thinkers downing very serious cups of java, but downtown’s coffee shops have lately been supplemented by a newer breed of over-caffeinated hotspots. The East Village, home to hip hotels like The Cooper Square and Thompson LES, is ground zero for New York’s trendy tea movement, and these are three of the most popular stops.
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Brasserie 8 1/2
[Flickr / jwilly]
Ah, New Year’s Eve dinner at a fancy Manhattan restaurant. Always sounds like such a perfect, romantic idea. That is, until you start calling around and discover that every eatery this side of Applebee’s is offering a “special” NYE menu at a not-so-special price of something like $250 a plate.
Free Champagne toast or not, we don’t think eating out on New Year’s should be more expensive than an entire vacation, so we’ve found four classy New York restaurants that are offering New Year’s dinner at relatively reasonable prices. Read More »
The Cooper Square Hotel
The East Village has long been known as the epicenter of New York’s bohemian cool, and the esoteric restaurants in the neighborhood match the funky vibe. For those staying on the east side of downtown Manhattan, be it the Cooper Square Hotel, The Bowery Hotel or Thompson LES, we’ve selected three of our favorites for a reliable bite with an exotic twist. Read More »
Doughnut Plant
[Flickr/Brookelyn23]
With swanky new digs like the Bowery Hotel and Thompson LES rising next to rundown tenement buildings, the Lower East Side is NYC’s ultimate dichotomy—it’s the new Manhattan plopped down right on top of the old Manhattan. For foodies, this means a wondrously schizophrenic smorgasbord. Here are three of the best classic LES food stops still standing, along with three newcomers that are worth the hype.
Old LES: Katz’s Famous Delicatessen. Sure, New York’s oldest deli has become a bit of a tourist trap ever since Meg Ryan had “what she’s having” here, but the circa-1888 salami shop deserves credit for keeping their sandwich prices relatively reasonable, unlike some other brand-name NY delis. 205 East Houston St.
New LES: Doughnut Plant. The Dunkin’ standbys get the avant garde treament at this Houston Street newcomer, with original flavors like crème brulee, Valrhona chocolate, and dulce de leche. They even invented the square-shaped jelly doughnut, a design that allows for less spillage of the (obviously homemade) jelly filling. 379 Grand St. Read More »
