I keep a hand-written planner because I’m one of THOSE people…I still enjoy paper books and writing letters. Anyways, in my planner I have a running list of food places I want to visit and places I’ve already visited with a few notes next to each, like: “truffle fries – yum!” and “affordable!” and “cute dog photos!”
Alice’s Tea Cup – no tea for me, obvs — but the scones were absolutely DELICIOUS.
Alloro – 307 E. 77th St. – eggplant parm
[Update: Alloro has since closed its doors! Chef Salvatore has returned to his first restaurant, Cacio e Pepe, which I’ll have to try next!]
Andy’s Deli – 73rd and Amsterdam – one of the best deli’s I’ve come across
Arlington Club – UES – great service, juicy burgers, pretty interior
B. Cafe – 240 E. 75th St. – mussels!
Bocca di Bacco – 54th and 9th Ave. – Italian, great staff/food
Blue Smoke – Southern – Pulled pork!!
Blue Water Grille – 31 Union Sq. – Seafood Cobb Salad!
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain – 513 Henry St. – “amazing-sauce”
Burke & Wills – UWS – Australian Cuisine, Kangaroo Burgers!
Butter – Midtown – Iron Chef Guarnaschelli’s restaurant. $17 cocktails…not cheap, but def an excellent “treat yoself” spot!
Cafe Lalo – 201 W 83rd St – ‘You’ve Got Mail’ filmed a scene here…really great desserts!
Clinton St. Baking Co. – overrated pancakes, not worth the two hour wait…
Cocoa Bar – Lower East Side, right across from the Clinton St. Baking Co. – wonderfully nice staff, unique/delicious hot chocolate blends – options to spike them as well!
Doughnut Plant – 220 W 23rd St. – pistachio – light, fluffy, good BUT the Brooklyn blackout oh my dear lord delicious
Earth Cafe – Broadway and 98th St. – just an adorably adorable cafe
Fred’s – 476 Amsterdam – Mushroom ravioli and DOG PHOTOS!
Hotel Chantelle – 92 Ludlow St. – fish tacos, truffle tots, pricey but yum-tastic
Il Carolla Trattoria – 176 Prince St. – chicken liver! yummy pasta! affordable!
Jack Doyle’s Irish Bar – 35th St. – chicken pot pie with REAL chicken!
Jacob’s Pickles – Upper West Side – chicken and pancakes AND free coffee refills!
L.A. Burdick – 20th and 5th Ave – best hot chocolate!
La Maison Du Macaron – 23rd and 7th Ave – hands down best macarons in NYC.
Levain Bakery – 74th and Amsterdam – hellllllloooooooo large cookie deliciousness
McGee’s Pub – 240 W 55th St. – The ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Bar
Mel’s Burger Bar – 111 st. and Broadway Ave – good burgers, better shakes
Muffins Cafe – 222 Columbus Ave. – UWS – they have a wonderful lemon-raspberry pound cake I’m obsessed with. two of my favorite flavors. yum yum yum
Otto’s Tacos – fresh, cheap, delicious tacos – can be found in both the East and West villages.
Peacefood Cafe – 83rd and Amsterdam – All Vegan..and good!
Queen’s Comfort – Astoria – atomic mac and cheese balls are a MUST.
Robert Restaurant at Columbus Circle – so fancy. wonderful views. had one drink and was poor.
Root & Bone – Southern, East Village. Cute decor, good eats.
Rosa Mexicano – Union Square – delicious guac/fresh chips – plentiful portions!
Sarabeth’s West – 423 Amsterdam Ave. – lemon ricotta pancakes, four flowers juice, farmer’s omelette, crab cake eggs Benedict — yum
Silver Moon Bakery – 105 st and Broadway – lovely little bakery, everything is FRESH fresh fresh fresh – delicious varieties of quiche and chocolate chip brioche oh my golly gosh yum
Southern Hospitality – 645 9th Ave. – great southern brunch
The Cinnamon Snail – Vegan Food Truck – delicious donuts
The City Bakery – 3 W18th St. – known for wonderful hot chocolate
The Smith – 63rd and Broadway – cavatelli! grilled shrimp/grits! so so good
The Sparrow Tavern – Astoria – featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives – so good.
Tom’s Restaurant – 112 St. and Broadway – THE SEINFELD DINER!!! – Ridiculously large milkshakes = heavenly/enough for five meals
Two Little Red Hens Bakery – 2nd Ave b/w 85 and 86 St. – SO GOOD. cupcakes!!
UVA – 1486 2nd Ave. – Good mushroom ravioli
Zio Ristorante – 17 W 19th St. – filet mignon in blueberry sauce – yum!
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