By The Editors By The Editors | December 1, 2021 | Lifestyle
From vegan restaurants to hair salons and everything in between, here are our best recommendations of 2021 in NYC.
Carbone
181 Thompson St. / Website
“If Frank Sinatra were alive today, he’d go dine here.” This timeless Italian restaurant is a venerated institution known to most New Yorkers (even if they can't secure a reso). "Their spicy rigatoni vodka is one of the best in America,” claims Beckerman. Also noteworthy is the outstanding veal parmigiana and the fresh and aromatic mozzarella. For our full list of the best Italian eateries of the year, click here.
A Day At the Met
1000 Fifth Ave., 82nd St. / Website
Get ahead of the game and book your tickets online for one of New York's most renowned cultural centers. Boasting historical and contemporary statues, and a wide variety of paintings and artifacts, this establishment never ceases to amaze. The Metropolitan Museum of Art welcomes you in person seven days a week, Saturdays through Mondays from 10am to 5pm, and Thursdays through Fridays from 12pm to 7pm. Head over to our full list of things to do on a rainy or cold day here.
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
27 Barclay St. / Website
Located in the heart of Tribeca, the hotel’s sun-filled suites invite guests to experience tranquility high above Manhattan. Make a weekend of it, and head over to this high-end hotspot for a quick staycation, or venture to one of our other favorite hotels in the city for a weekend escape.
Levain
Multiple Locations / Website
With seven locations spanning all of Manhattan and Brooklyn, Levain is a NYC staple. They have pretty much any sweet you could possibly crave, from their classic chocolate chip cookie, to their sour cream coffee cake, to their cinnamon butter brioche and walnut sticky bun. Can’t make it to the bakery? They also sell frozen cookies in select grocery store freezers. Take a peek at the rest of the city's top bakeries here.
The Smith
Multiple Locations / Website
You can’t officially call yourself a New Yorker until you’ve eaten at the Smith. Their brunch is served on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and offers every dish you could possibly want—salads, steak & eggs, raw bar specialties, sandwiches and to-die-for sides. Don’t forget about their delicious brunch cocktails such as the Gatsby, Bellini and Bloody Mary. Whether you want something healthy or splurge-worthy, this is the place for you. Click here for a full list of the best brunches in NYC.
O Café
482 Sixth Ave. / Website
This Brazilian coffee shop, located in the West Village, is known for its mesh of scandinavian design and latin warmth. Serving Brazilian staples like Pão de Quiejo (GF) and regional favorites like arepas, good coffee is always accompanied by yummy snacks. From lattes to pour-overs, O Café serves Brazilian organic coffee that'll make you smile. Now open for delivery and take-out, O Café has also expanded to selling packaged coffee, sauces and snacks. Some of their brunch options, like the sandwich platter and Roasted Yams and eggs seeded spread, are also available in family sizes. Head here to see the rest of the city's caffeinated hotspots.
Rainbow Room
30 Rockefeller Plaza / Website
The original home to New York glamour and entertainment, Rainbow Room is where the skyline and drinks come together. Located on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center, the rooftop bar opened just after the Prohibition era in 1934. Since then, its been serving classic cocktails to some of Manhattan’s most elite, and reservations continue to be as coveted as its rare scotches and whiskeys. Want to see the rest of the city's top rooftop spots? Head to our full story here.
Van Leeuwen
Multiple Locations / Website
Van Leeuwen started in NYC in 2008 with a mission to make ice cream that makes you feel good. They focus on natural ingredients in both their dairy and vegan flavors. While it can be shipped to your doorstep nationwide and bought in local grocery stores, you’ll likely find a location down the street from your NYC home. With flavors like Honeycomb, Brooklyn Brown Sugar Chunk and Mocha Cookie Crumble, it's a source of local pride. Explore the rest of NYC's top sweet spots here.
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
An Independence Day classic, Macy's has been putting on a spectacular firework show for 45 years now. This year, the brand is payed homage to America's everyday heroes from communities all across the country with a bright and joyful light show. Claiming the title for the largest in the nation, the quintessential firework celebration featuring top vocalists and bands is a can't-miss each year. Here's the rest of the best 4th events in the city.
The Governors Ball
It is no wonder that The Governors Ball (aka Gov Ball) is one of the most popular music festivals in the nation. This year was the festival’s 10th anniversary, and featured headliners Billie Eilish, A$AP Rocky, J Balvin and Post Malone. Other artists included Megan Thee Stallion, King Princess and Leon Bridges, plus 70 more performers. The festival also offered its renowned food and beverage program, as well as art installations at its new location in Queens. Click here to see the rest of the best fests in NYC.
Winged Foot Golf Club
Fenimore Rd., Mamaroneck
Designed by renowned architect, A. W. Tillinghast, the Winged Foot Golf Club is home to two 18-hole golf courses: East and West. At 7,477 yards, the course you play depends on your experience level, and how much of a challenge you’re willing to take—just ask Tiger Woods. Its grassy hills, steep slopes, unique contours and vintage feel are all a part of the course’s original and incredible design. The 2020 U.S. Open was held at Winged Foot, so if you know a member of the club, then you’re in luck. Tee up at other top golf courses listed in our full story here.
Ear Inn
326 Spring St. / Website
Cool and understated, Ear Inn on the corner of Spring and Washington is a perfect spot to grab drinks with the man of your dreams. The vibes at this bar and grill are super casual and grunge, which will show your date you’re the ‘chill girl who drinks beer’ type. This popular joint is right by the water, so take a stroll with your date and hopefully he’ll lean in for that first kiss! From Soho to East Village, check out our full story for the city's best spots for a date.
ABCV
38 E. 19th St. / Website
Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten elevates plant based cuisine at this Gramercy neighborhood eatery. Located just above Union Square, ABCV prides itself on utilizing the finest seasonal ingredients from family farms as well as non-GMO artisanal and organic goods whenever possible. Menu items include green chickpea hummus with fresh pita and crudite, ancient grain pilaf and mushroom walnut bolognese. Enjoy these high vibrational foods in ABCV’s modern bohemian atmosphere of communal tables, all-white furniture and pops of millennial pink. The fare is fresh and simple but oh, so good. There's more where that came from—head to our full list of the city's best vegan eateries here.
Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa
Loews Regency Hotel, 540 Park Ave. (at 61st Street) / Website
Julien Farel, along with his wife, Suelyn (who serves as CEO of the Julien Farel Group), has built a brand that includes a line of haircare products like the cult classics in the Restore line and his Delay the Gray scalp serum. Suelyn has been a driving force in pushing the brand toward a more holistic approach. “Beauty is from the inside out,” she says, noting their spa now offers everything from medispa services like skin tightening to Natura Bissé facials. Farel is also known for his annual U.S. Open pop-up. “Players actually wait between Wimbledon and the U.S. Open for a haircut to have their locks cut by our team,” she says. Click here for the full list of the best hair salons in the city.
A NYC Bike Tour
One of the best ways to explore New York City is on a bike. Take a ride through the city, explore Central Park or enjoy the water and skyline views from the Hudson RIver Park Greenway. No matter where you go, the scenery won't disappoint. For more fall inspo, head to our full story here.
Greenwich Village Ghost Tour
New Yorkers can take nightly tours to see the Village’s most infamous ghosts. On a short, hour-long tour, you may experience possible sightings of the ghosts of Aaron Burr, Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain at the House of Death, among others. Be sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time here, meet under the Washington Square Park arch at your designated time and prepare yourself for a spooky evening. Head to our full list of spooky activites for more.
Omakase Tasting Menu at Shuko
47 E. 12th St. / Website
Sit on the counter and enjoy a memorable dining experience in a private setting here. Each cut of fish or crustaceans is handpicked with care, expertly prepared for a unique Japanese meal by award-winning chefs Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau. Enjoy! For more holiday shopping ideas, check out our full list of locally inspired gifts here.
Rockefeller Center
45 Rockefeller Plaza / Website
Coming here to gaze at the Christmas tree is an annual New York tradition. The first tree was installed back in 1931, and it seems to be even more grand each passing year. Essential for locals and tourists alike, Rockefeller is perfect for a poster-worthy photograph to share season's greeting. Don't forget the skating rink, which makes for an iconic date. Expericne the season to the fullest with the other top light displays around the city listed here.
New Years Eve at The Empire Rooftop
The Empire Rooftop, 44 W. 63rd St. / Website
Ring in the New Year from The Empire Rooftop with delectable hors d'oeuvres, desserts, an open bar and a champagne toast. Enjoy live music from 9 p.m. to midnight featuring Steve Maglio and The Stan Rubin Orchestra and a DJ from midnight on. There's still time to make your plans, so head to our full list of NYE events here.
Photography by: Photo by Emiliano Bar/Unsplash
