Anthony & StephenAnthony & Stephen
Things To DoThings To Do
The High LineThe High Line
A Free Favorite in Spring/Summer! Enter near Hudson Yards/34th St and walk the elevated park built on a retired train line for unique city views, then head down into Chelsea Market right near the exit for a great variety of local shops and food vendors.
Staten Island FerryStaten Island Ferry
This is the best "free scenic tour" of the city. The ride takes about 25 minutes and passes directly by the Statue of Liberty with great views of Lower Manhattan. You can turn around to take it back to Manhattan to make this a quick round trip.
Rudy's Bar & GrillRudy's Bar & Grill
Stephen's Favorite spot in the Hells Kitchen neighborhood. It's a dive bar with cheap prices, lively atmosphere, and a free hot dog with every drink purchase!
Joe's Home of Soup DumplingsJoe's Home of Soup Dumplings
Stephen and Anthony's favorite Chinese/soup dumpling spot to share with friends and family. Good pricing on large portions, and speedy service! Walk in only - no reservations.
BroadwayBroadway
There are so many amazing shows to choose from if you are planning to stay in the city! Here's some pointers to help in your search: TKTS booth - The most famous, it's not always the best deal. They offer 50% off of the highest ticket for shows with seats left, but only for day-of showings. It's a good option if you're not picky and okay with making a snap decision. Lines can be an hour or longer and then you have to choose quickly once you're at the window! TodayTix App: User friendly to book discounted tickets in advance, with lots of features/filters to narrow it down. Many shows have lotteries that you can enter the week before and try your chances (max 2 tix per entry!). Not every show offers discounts, but this is a good way to see what's affordable - hefty fees added! BroadwayBox.com - website for similar discounts. Best way is to find the show/seats that you like and then go direct to the box office with the broadwaybox code - this avoids the fees! :)
Broadway (Continued)Broadway (Continued)
For information about all of the shows that are running on Broadway and Off-broadway, Playbill.com is a great resource: https://playbill.com/article/whats-currently-playing-on-broadway Most shows perform 8 times per week - typically once a night, with an added Matinee show on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday and one "dark day" - but every show is different. It's not like the movies where you can choose from 6 different timings of "Chicago"! Shows start (nearly) promptly on time, many offering only a small window to arrive late where you'll be escorted in at an opportune time - very embarrassing - so best to leave extra time :) Most of the official broadway theaters are in midtown between 40th-52nd street and 9th-6th Avenue - pretty much all surrounding Time Square Be wary of street ticket sales! You can find cheap/free comedy tickets on pretty much every corner that are legit, but there will be a minimum spend. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or advice as well!
Little IslandLittle Island
This "floating" park features unique architectural with winding paths, overlooks, and great views of the Hudson River. Walking Distance from Chelsea Markets mentioned above!
Bethesda TerraceBethesda Terrace
Walk down the scenic "Mall" (the walkway lined with elm trees) to the Bethesda Fountain for some of the park’s most beautiful architecture. Around the lake is Hernshead lookout - one of our favorite COVID hangouts with iconic skyline views above the parks greenery.
Top of The RockTop of The Rock
For many, this offers the best view in the city because you can see the Empire State Building and Central Park clearly from the observation deck. (Cost is $45+)
Brooklyn BridgeBrooklyn Bridge
Iconic views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the distance, and easy to access from the Brooklyn or Manhattan sides to walk across.
Dollar Slice PizzaDollar Slice Pizza
Sadly, COVID was the end of the true "Dollar Slice" but most places slapped a .50 at the end and you can still find plenty of legit spots for a $1.50 slice! Opinions vary on where to go, but Stephen has yet to find one he didn't like. If you're looking for a quick bite, you won't have to look far for a takeaway pizza shop and the New Yorker way to eat is folded in half (long ways) and on the go!
Gantry Plaza State Park (LIC)Gantry Plaza State Park (LIC)
A short distance from Vista LIC hotel, this 12-acre manicured waterfront park features massive, historic, restored industrial gantry cranes and the iconic, giant red 1936 Pepsi-Cola Sign, complete with oversized wooden lounge chairs right along the river. Great for scenic views of Midtown Manhattan and sunset views. This is also where you can catch the ferry ($4) to Manhattan (or Greenpoint!)
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop (Greenpoint)Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop (Greenpoint)
A legendary, no-frills Polish bakery that has been serving Greenpoint since the 1950s. The staff still wears retro uniforms and it's an iconic NYC institution. The donuts are world-class, fresh, and affordable - most being around $2–$3 (Note: Cash only)
Karczma (Greenpoint)Karczma (Greenpoint)
Greenpoint is historically NYC’s Polish epicenter and Karczma leans all the way into it with farmhouse decor, waiters in traditional attire, and a lively atmosphere. It features affordable portions of authentic pierogies, kielbasa, and borscht and is a memorable, old-world NYC neighborhood experience.
Rollin Bagels Food Truck (LIC)Rollin Bagels Food Truck (LIC)
A beloved, local-favorite food cart usually parked right near the Court Square subway entrance. It’s a total "if you know, you know" neighborhood gem. Don't let the food cart setup fool you—locals fiercely debate that Rollin' Bagel makes a superior, old-school New York bagel with a better chew and shinier crust than the famous brick-and-mortar shops nearby. It's the ultimate, authentic, fast-moving morning ritual for a bacon, egg, and cheese or a classic shmear on an everything bagel for a hyper-local breakfast on the go. Note: Typically closes by 12:30pm!
Sunshine Laundromat (Greenpoint)Sunshine Laundromat (Greenpoint)
From the street, it looks like a standard neighborhood laundromat. But if you walk all the way to the back and push through a "secret" fake washing machine door, it opens up into a massive hidden bar with one of the best collections of vintage pinball machines and arcade games in New York City. It's fun to grab a cheap local beer and play pinball in a unique hidden speakeasy.
MoMA PS1 (LIC)MoMA PS1 (LIC)
One of the largest and oldest contemporary art institutions in the country, housed inside a striking, converted Romanesque Revival public school building. Tickets are affordable ($10 suggested admission for adults). It features cutting-edge, experimental art installations that take over old classrooms.
Fifth Hammer Brewing Company (LIC)Fifth Hammer Brewing Company (LIC)
A massive, high-ceilinged industrial taproom with a massive selection of rotating, locally brewed craft beers. It’s casual, vibrant, local feeling, and usually features live music, trivia, or food trucks parked out front.