Chelsey & Josh
Things To Do
Lil' Frankie's
Our favorite Italian spot in a city with no shortage of Italian food. This no muss, no fuss spot has that old neighborhood feel you can only get in NYC. The entire menu is great, but their signature dish, the Spaghetti Limone, is one of our absolute favorites.
American Whiskey
The home of the NYC Dawgs and our first date. The sacred grounds of American Whiskey have meant a lot to us over the years. From drinks before MSG events to countless Saturdays of mostly good Georgia Football and everywhere in between, this bar has always treated us like family and we owe the fantastic staff and owners an immense debt (and likely a forgotten tab or two) for the hospitality they have shown us and our family and friends over the years. Stop in for a drink and say hello to some of our favorite people in this city, but please, no song requests.
Ippudo NY
Our favorite ramen spot in the city, and likely on this planet. Many of our milestones and celebrations have taken place inside these hallowed walls, and it may or may not have been the impetus for our trip to Japan. Chel's favorite dish is the Akumara Modern while Josh prefers the Karaka Spicy, but we both agree the Goma Q cucumber appetizer is worth the visit alone. No reservations, but enjoy a Sapporo or some sake at the bar while you wait for a table!
Dear Irving
We visited this bar on our first date! This extravagant New York landmark serves superior cocktails by the best bartenders not employed by American Whiskey that Manhattan has to offer.
Katz's Delicatessen
If authentic NYC deli is what you're after, Katz's is 100% worth the wait and the price tag to this day. Give it a try, you'll have what she's having (and if she = Chelsey, it's definitely a turkey pastrami sandwich with fries and extra sour pickles).
Sid Gold's Request Room
Like a proper haircut, this joint is business in the front, party in the back. Enjoy a better-than-expected cocktail menu in the front room first, but quickly make your way to the back room for fantastic live piano karaoke. The songbook varies by who's on the keys, but they always have the classics, and a strong Bruce influence.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Downtown Brooklyn
From Austin, Texas to Brooklyn, New York, this is our favorite spot to take in a flick in NYC and we have seen A LOT of them here. The in-theater menu of snacks and drinks is amazing, but you can also enjoy a drink in their House of Wax bar or visit the DeKalb Market Hall (home of Gus's Sour Pickles!) in the basement for NYC's best food hall before or after your show.
Nathan's Famous - Coney Island
The original and best hot dog in NYC. Each summer we make our way out to Coney Island and start our day with a Josh dog* and a Chel dog** (and don't forget an impossibly large Coney Island lager). Afterwards, you can head to one of the just-weird-and-safe-enough-to-still-be-fantastic Coney Island attractions like the Wonder Wheel, Steeplechase, or Cyclone, take in a minor league game with the Brooklyn Cyclones, or visit the Coney Island Brewing Company. If you dare, end your day with a trip to Margarita Island, but that is a location only for the realest among us. You have been warned***. *Josh Dog = Cheese and Bacon **Chel Dog = Spicy Brown Mustard ***Josh and Chel are not responsible for your choices and/or safety when visiting Margarita Island.
Bo Peep Cocktail & Highball Store
Our favorite prohibition-style cocktail joint with one of the hottest pianos in all of Manhattan. With a fantastic small bites menu and elite cocktail selections, we have enjoyed numerous special nights and celebrations at this local spot. Come to relax and sing along as the piano players and staff alike transport you back to a the bygones of old New York*. *Drink prices will not be transported with you.
Philippe Chow
This upscale Chinese restaurant has been one of Chelsey (and the entire Etkin family)'s favorites for years, which is really saying something considering her deep love for Chinese food (shout out to Asian Delite). Snag a reservation or eat in the lounge, and order a bunch of things to share. Our favorites include the chicken satay, Mr. Cheng's noodles, lettuce wraps, Beijing Chicken, and House Mignon.
Marie's Crisis Cafe
Chelsey's favorite piano bar in the city, and the home of many of our favorite late nights. This iconic West Village piano bar is known for its nightly showtune showcase in an intimate setting that could only thrive in New York. A must-do for Broadway fans!
Pommes Frites
Formerly off of St. Marks Place but now relocated in the heart of Greenwich Village, this Belgian fry spot is one of our favorite snacks in the city known for their unbeatable list of dipping sauces and aiolis.
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
Many an Astoria day was spent inside the confines of New York's oldest and best beer hall. Head to the massive backyard for sunshine, steins of German pils and lagers, and a menu of authentic German fare.
North River Lobster Company
Looking to view the NYC skyline by boat but don't want to commit to a touristy boat tour and also craving lobster and cocktails? Well then the North River Lobster Company is the spot for you! A favorite of Chelsey's, this boat is docked on the West side but takes quick jaunts around the Hudson so you can get those Insta-worthy views, all the while enjoying delicious seafood and cocktails.
Uncle Barry's
30 beers in 30 days, are you up to the challenge? Every August, Josh's favorite Brooklyn bar is home to the 30 beer challenge. Stop in and look for pictures of Josh on the wall as a 4x (soon to be 5x, what wedding diet?) champion.
Ess-a-Bagel
There are lots of good bagels in NYC (we know from experience), but we are decidedly Ess-a-Bagel people. They are fluffy and fresh and everything you want in a New York bagel. Don't let the line intimidate you, it moves pretty quickly!
Trailer Park Lounge
A surprisingly creative bar with a surprisingly awesome cocktail and grub menu. No frills, plenty of spills.
Sheep Meadow
Our favorite spot in Central Park! Bring a blanket and some food and drinks, find a sunny spot with great people watching, and settle in for the perfect summer day in NYC.
Stone Street
This cobblestone pedestrian-only street in downtown Manhattan is home to many a bar with tons of outdoor tables and is a great place to spend an afternoon. It's one of the oldest streets in NYC so don't throw away your shot to grab a drink where the Founding Fathers drank before you.
Sushi By Bou
This tiny sushi spot has a few locations throughout the city, each with an incredibly affordable omakase menu (without the pretentious vibe) and some fun signature bonus rolls, like the Big Mac. A perfect spot for a quick but filling and delicious bite - they only give you 30 minutes to finish your meal (Josh "I Hate Long Dinners" Johns-approved)!
Arthur Avenue
If you're looking for a truly authentic Italian experience, Arthur Avenue is the place! It's full of restaurants, bakeries, and Italian delis and it's an experience that can't be beat! Combine your visit with a trip to the Bronx Zoo or Botanical Gardens to make the most out of your journey up north.
Royal 35 Steakhouse
A very underrated steakhouse in NYC. We love coming here for special occasions and anniversaries, and Josh even thinks the steak here rivals Luger's!
Artists & Fleas
One of Chelsey's favorite places to pick up gifts and trinkets in the city. They have a few locations, and each has different rotating vendors so there is always something new to check out! They may not compare to the Boca Raton flea markets, but they do the trick!
Grand Banks
Another great spot to check out by the water, this boat specializes in delicious oysters!