Our Guide to NYC
Blend
OURS "This Spanish-fusion restaurant was the site of our first date. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but ordering a frozen sangrita is a MUST. Drinker beware–these cocktails pack a punch. Our suggestion for first-timers? Limit yourself to two. Just trust us on this one."
Storm King Art Center
HERS "I was inspired to visit Storm King Arts Center after seeing a particularly breathtaking episode of Netflix’s 'Master of None.' One visit was all it took to turn Storm King into one of my favorite places on Earth. Located 50 miles north of NYC, the outdoor museum features larger-than-life sculptures and stunning scenery. Plan to spend a full day there and please wear comfy shoes; assume that you will walk 8+ miles. Visit their website for more information, including how to get there without a car."
Bronx Zoo
HIS "I’ve always been an animal person, and schools in the Bronx loved to take trips there as well. It may as well be a place that I visit every year. Looking at all of the exhibits becomes a day of getting lost, doubling back, and keeping peacocks away from your food. If you’re not sold yet, every Wednesday is FREE!"
Lucille's Coffee and Cocktails
OURS "Lucille’s is our perfectly cozy neighborhood hangout, ever-so-conveniently located right down the street from our apartment. Coffeeshop by day and restaurant/bar by night, it’s the perfect spot to get some work done OR unwind at the end of the day with a seasonal cocktail. If you want to feel extra classy, swing by on Thursday evening for their weekly live jazz."
Clay
OURS "This quaint little Italian restaurant in Harlem quickly became one of our mainstays after we stumbled upon it a few years ago. While we haven’t quite worked our way through the menu just yet, we have discovered a few favorites: you can’t go wrong with the squid ink calamarata, any of the seasonal gnocchi, or the short rib bucatini."
Massawa
HERS "This restaurant made me fall head over heels in love with Ethiopian food (Idolth is a convert!). Silsi derho is my go-to order, one that I rarely deviate from. Fun fact: Once upon a time, I was in the top 5% of their customers on Uber Eats, a distinction that I have mixed feelings about to this day."
Madison Square Garden
HIS "Home of the Knicks? There is nothing like a Knicks game at The Garden. Pshhh and let the Knicks win… It’s all of NY under one roof."
RGNY Winery
OURS "A visit to this Long Island winery is worth the drive to the North Fork. We celebrated our two-year anniversary by making–yes, MAKING–our own wine blends. Even if you don’t take advantage of creating your own bottle (seriously, though–you should), the sprawling grounds are a perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon."
Harlem Cycle
HERS "Anyone who knows me knows that I hate working out. That is, until I discovered Harlem Cycle. The Black-owned, woman-owned spin studio celebrates all body shapes, sizes, and colors, and truly creates an inclusive workout environment for all. Book a class at one of their two Harlem locations (my favorite instructors are Teela and Tina) and tell them that Taylor says hi."
City Island
HIS "If you’re a fan of seafood, City Island is the place for you. There’s every type of seafood restaurant that you could want on this little Bronx Island, each good at their own things."
Dons Bogam
OURS "A splurge isn’t a splurge when it’s one of the best meals of your entire life, right? Following an afternoon of Yelp-ing, we settled on this Korean barbecue place one night when we felt like being bougie, and holy moly. We’ve made an annual pilgrimage to this restaurant every year since. For all you meat lovers, the Prime Marinated Beef Platter for Two is a must-order. You can thank us later ;)"
Rockaway Beach
HERS "That’s right–NYC has it all, including beaches. Pack your swimsuit, jump on the A train to Queens, and head to Rockaway Beach for the day. While you’re there, be sure to stop at Rockaway Beach Surf Club for the best fish tacos that you’ve ever had in your entire life."
American Museum of Natural History
HIS "I’ve been to this place so many times, but I have never walked through the entire museum in one day. That my memory serves, anyway."
The Honey Well
OURS "This cocktail bar has the intimate vibes of a speakeasy mixed with an array of whimsical cocktails. The best seat in the house is at their faux-sunken bar, where you can watch the mixologists whip up some seriously impressive drinks with names like 'Dat Joint Thicc' (seriously). Think smoky infusions and innovative ingredients. Prepare to be mesmerized."
Governors Island
HERS "Hop on a ferry and visit this car-free oasis smack dab in the middle of the harbor. The only vehicles allowed on the island are food trucks, making it the perfect place for a picnic and family-friendly afternoon of exploration. Rent a bike, read in a hammock, ride a zipline, even spend the night glamping–the options are endless! Added bonus: There are killer views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty."
Roc N Ramen
HIS "A Ramen restaurant with a Caribbean twist. It sounded different, so I had to try it! Eight years later and it’s just as great as the first time I had it!"
Barcade
OURS "A bar and an arcade all in one. What’s not to love?"