City Guide New York, July 25, 2024

GR E AT SE ATS AVA IL A BLE THIS W EEK

THE ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY EXPERIENCE A BREATHTAKING OBSERVATORY EXPERIENCE

One World Observatory opens you up to an uplifting and illuminating experience above all else – it’s not simply about the sightlines. Take in unparalleled views, the taste of elevated dining, the rush of discovery, and more. The 60 – 75-minute experience fits perfectly into your downtown itinerary.

One World Observatory opens you up to a sensory experience above all else – it’s not simply about the sightlines. It’s the feel of Lower Manhattan, the taste of fine dining, the rush of discovery, and more.

T he Tallest Observatory i n N e w York City

If you’re interested in experiencing what it’s like to be at the top of New York, look no further. The observatory’s sprawling 360-degree views stretch 45 miles in all directions. Imagine reflecting on the grandeur of NYC’s famous mix of architectural styles that make this skyline the most recognizable in the world from the tallest point in the city.

Beyond the view, visitors to the observatory are encouraged to learn something new about New York from the place where it all began. A team of tour guides will enlighten you on NYC’s rich history, which originates in Lower Manhattan. Sit in on daily interactive presentations or engage one of the guides with your questions to make the most of the visit.

Dine Among the Clouds

Have you ever dined from 101 stories in the sky? Now’s your chance. The restaurant and bar offer unprecedented skyhigh views paired with a menu that offers an equally farr eaching perspective on New York’s culinary culture. The front of house team provides personable service, making sure each guest feels at home.

See more on the observatory and its amenities on page 16 & 54

The observatory is open daily and is located at the top of One World Trade Center. Visitors can enter at 117 West St.

Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged. Check with the concierge desk for offers.

WELCOME

From the PUBLISHER OF CITY GUIDE

Welcome to New York, the city that never sleeps.

You have arrived at the United States’ epicenter of culture, attractions, theater, dining, and more. When you wander through the neighborhoods, you’ll find historical sites, architecture, parks, specialty shops, epicurean delights, and many other memory makers. City Guide’s mission is “Guiding Discoveries” and in these pages you’ll discover iconic NYC destinations, Broadway shows, restaurant and nightlife options, and activities that will delight, educate, and entertain you. Whatever your pleasure, a jam-packed few days or a leisurely visit, City Guide will make navigating your stay easier—after all, we’ve been helping visitors make the most of the Big Apple for over 40 years. If you’re looking for more information visit cityguideny.com for an up to date calendar of events and thousands of other “fun to sees.”

NYC is known for its constant evolution and we’ll also show you new shopping destinations, the latest on our five observatories, immersive experiences, exhibitions at some of the world’s finest museums, and many great pop-up venues. Have a great time and welcome to our city.

Yours sincerely,

David L. Miller

Dear Friends:

From the MAYOR OF NEW YORK

I am delighted to join City Guide in welcoming you to the greatest city in the world!

New York is brimming with unmatched energy and diverse residents, and our myriad attractions inspire tens of millions of people to travel here every year. This ever-evolving city is a singular destination, and whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, I encourage you to explore our different neighborhoods and experience our acclaimed museums, beautiful parks, fashionable shops, iconic architecture, innovative culinary and nightlife offerings, major sporting events, and rich performing arts and cultural programming across all five boroughs.

As you’ll find in this comprehensive guide, there is always something exciting to discover in the Big Apple. I hope that you enjoy your stay, and that you visit us again soon.

Sincerely,

Eric Adams

SIGHTSEEING

See It All From Unique New York Perspectives

New York a vertical city and there’s never been a better time to experience it, with five world-class observatories opening up the city’s skies. See the Empire State Building for yourself and you’ll know immediately why the skyscraper is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The 86th floor is home to the Observation Deck, open to the air with views that go on for miles. The Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor observation deck, Edge, stands atop the city’s newest neighborhood, Hudson Yards. Step out onto the triangular deck and you’ll be 100 floors above the ground. Across town near

Grand Central, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt takes the concept of an “observation deck” to new heights through three floors of multi-sensory interactions. At night, SUMMIT is transformed into a beacon of light and energy visible to all of New York City and beyond. For immersion in the Art Deco glory of Manhattan, Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock is a prime destination. For a downtown take on altitude, look to One World Observatory. It’s the tallest building in the hemisphere, and with over 40,000 metric tons of steel and a unique concrete core, it’s the strongest building in the world. A minute’s ride will take you to the main observatory level, with 360° sights of the city and beyond.

For an even higher POV, the nearby Downtown Manhattan Heliport along the East River is home to HeliNY New York City. These helicopter tours are the most exciting way to view all of the city’s major landmarks, from a Continued on p. 16

TOURS & ATTRACTIONS MAP

Continued from p. 12

perspective few ever experience.

You can find great views aboard the legendary aircraft carrier that’s now the Intrepid Museum, in addition to immersions in both innovation and bravery. The Fighting “I” served tours of duty in World War II and Vietnam and today shows off 28 historic aircraft from the flight deck. New exhibit Apollo: When We Went to the Moon delves into the dramatic history of human space flight.

If you want to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island first-hand, Statue City Cruises is the only way to get there (with amazing perspectives on water, shipping, and skylines along the way). When you arrive on Liberty Island, you’ll find the Statue of Liberty Museum. Breathtaking views are joined by a $100 million destination that includes an up close look at the statue’s original torch. Opened in 1892, Ellis Island was the gateway for 12 million newly minted Americans. Some 40% of the U.S. population traces their ancestry here. Visitors today can explore the main building and The National Immigration Museum.

City Cruises offers great ways to dine along the skyline. For a refined experience, book a Premier Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the all-glass, European-inspired Bateaux New York and enjoy chef-prepared, plated dining, live entertainment, signature cocktails, and the city’s most impressive views. Or enjoy an upbeat buffet experience with DJ music and

views from the open air roof deck on the Spirit of New York

Catch a ride with Seastreak and you’ll cruise in comfort with climate-controlled cabins, an open-air top deck, panoramic windows, and a full-service cash bar. In addition to local excursions, don’t miss whale watching cruises— charismatic humpback whales are encountered on 90% of Seastreak’s whale watching tours!

If you’re seeking a getaway (Jersey Shore, anyone?) or need transportation to or from Newark Liberty International Airport, NJ TRANSIT is the way to go, with hassle-free ways to get where you’re going in New Jersey.

You can explore the city’s best attractions, tours, and experiences for one money-saving price with Go City. There are two options, the All-Inclusive Pass (for seeing as much as possible) and the Explorer Pass (if you’ve only got a few attractions on your radar). Among the possibilities: Brooklyn Bridge bike rentals, Yankees tickets, jazz in Harlem, boat rides, and walking tours. There are over 100 options all told, with savings up to 50%—see more, spend less.

When you want to pose “in a moment in time” with the world’s most iconic musicians, leaders, athletes, and A-list stars, Madame Tussauds in Times Square is your destination. In addition to being “the world’s greatest wax museum,” you can immerse yourself in adventures like the MARVEL Super Heroes 4D Film

Continued on p. 21

Left to right: One World Observatory, atop the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building; get insider angles on a tour of the Brooklyn Bridge with a money-saving Go City pass.

Chief Executive Officer: David L. Miller

SALES & MARKETING

Executive Director: Vincent Timpone

Managing Director | Partnerships: Linda Pierce

Managing Director | Marketing: Sheri Lapidus

PUBLISHING

Director | Content Management: Ethan Wolff

Director | Creative Development: Wendy Tittel

Theatre Editor: Griffin Miller

Contributors: Evan Levy, Linda Sheridan

OPERATIONS

Director | Operations Management: Ray Winn

Director | Order Management: Heather Gambaro

FINANCE

Chief

Officer: David

SIGHTSEEING

FD Financial District

T Tribeca

NH NoHo

LES Lower East Side

SH SoHo

AMERICAN DREAM NJ

LI Little Italy

GV Greenwich Village

EV East Village

CH Chelsea

MD Meatpacking District

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 833-263-7326; americandream.com

Shops. Dining. World-class entertainment. The range of activities here is jaw-dropping, from Saks to sharks to Legoland. Just a blink from NYC on the New Jersey side you’ll find the largest indoor theme park in North America plus skiing, skating, mini golf, a water park, pizza, barbecue, luxury retailers, and even an aquarium. Less than five miles from Times Square!

CITY CRUISES CH

Chelsea Piers, Pier 61 (W. 23rd St. & 12th Ave.), 866-817-3463; citycruises.com/newyork

Offers brunch, lunch, and dining cruises throughout the year, along with narrated sightseeing tours and cocktail cruises. Choose from buffets or elegant plated experiences on the glass-enclosed deck of the European-inspired Bateaux. The NYC Downtown Sightseeing Cruise is back on the water as is the Alive After Five cocktail cruise. City Cruises sails year-round from both NY and NJ from four convenient locations.

GP Gramercy Park

MW Midtown West

ME Midtown East

TD Theater District

TS Times Square

EDGE MW

UES Upper East Side

UWS Upper West Side

H Harlem

NJ New Jersey

Level 4 inside The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, 332-204-8500; edgenyc.com

The Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor observation deck, Edge, towers the city’s newest neighborhood, Hudson Yards. Edge is an incredible triangular deck where you stand 100 floors above the ground and see miles and miles in every direction. Edge will also thrill you with its glass floor, providing views of the High Line far below your feet. The experience begins with an all-new immersive experience, followed by an exciting 60-second elevator ride. True thrill seekers can opt for City Climb, the highest open-air building ascent in the world.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING OBSERVATORY MW

20 W. 34th St. (5th-6th Aves.), 212-736-3100; esbnyc.com

One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, arguably the most famous skyscraper in the world. Ride to the 86th floor for unforgettable views of Manhattan and beyond. Equally amazing for a daytime photo that captures the city in all its glory or a nighttime shot filled with glittering buildings. Exhibition spaces on floors 2 and 80 provide fascinating context.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

Continued from p. 16 & Experience and the multi-sensory Coney Island Carnival Carnage 7D Game.

Just a blink from NYC on the New Jersey side you’ll find American Dream, which boasts skating, skiing, mini golf, pizza, barbecue, luxury retailers, and even an aquarium. Bring a swimsuit for DreamWorks Water Park, the

largest indoor waterpark on the continent. Theme park Nickelodeon Universe is nothing short of awesome. The world’s steepest roller coaster, longest spinning coaster, and tallest indoor spinning drop tower are all waiting to thrill you. There are more than 3 million square feet in all here, with something for everyone.

Left to right: charismatic humpback whales are encountered on 90% of Seastreak’s whale watching tours; HeliNY New York City gets up close and personal with the city’s icons.

SIGHTSEEING (CONT’D)

GO CITY

gocity.com

Explore the best attractions, tours, and experiences in NYC for one money-saving price. Go City offers two options, the All-Inclusive Pass (for seeing as much as possible) and the Explorer Pass (if you’ve only got a few attractions on your radar). Both provide easy access, from Broadway lights to observatory heights.

HELINY NEW YORK CITY FD

Downtown Manhattan Heliport, 6 East River Piers (FDR Dr.), 212-355-0801; heliny.com

The most exciting way to view all of the city’s major landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park. Explore NYC from a perspective few ever experience, with three tour options ranging from 12 to 30 minutes and taking in up to 25 landmarks.

INTREPID MUSEUM MW

Pier 86, W. 46th St. & 12th Ave., 212-245-0072; intrepidmuseum.org

Founded in 1982, this landmark aircraft carrier takes visitors on an interactive journey through history to learn about American innovation and bravery. Explore the Space Shuttle Pavilion, home to Enterprise, the world’s first space shuttle, 28 authentically restored aircraft, and the nuclear submarine Growler

MADAME TUSSAUDS NEW YORK TS

234 W. 42nd St. (7th-8th Aves.); madametussauds.com

Time to celebrate #BIGTIME. Get your selfie sticks ready: Madame Tussauds is the only place with no ropes or barriers holding you back from your favorite stars. Pose “in a moment in time” with iconic musicians, leaders, sports legends, and A-list stars.

NEW YORK TRANSIT MUSEUM BK

99 Schermerhorn St. (Boerum Pl.-Court St.), 718-694-1600; nytransitmuseum.org

Gallery Annex & Store, Grand Central Terminal, Shuttle Passage, Main Concourse, 212-878-1016; mta.info

Housed in a historic 1936 IND subway station in Brooklyn Heights, and easily accessible by subway, this is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history, and one of the premier institutions of its kind in the world. The Museum explores the development of the greater New York metropolitan region through the presentation of exhibitions, tours, educational programs and workshops dealing with the cultural, social and technological history of public transportation. Go to nytransitmuseum. org for details of current exhibits and programs, or to shop the Museum’s online store.

For more sightseeing info, including the city’s top boats and great seasonal activities, check out cityguideny.com/sightseeing.

NJ TRANSIT NJ

973-275-5555; njtransit.com

Traveling to or from Newark Liberty International Airport or MetLife Stadium, Prudential Center, or the Jersey Shore? NJ TRANSIT is the convenient, hasslefree way to get where you’re going in New Jersey.

ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY FD

285 Fulton St., 844-696-1776; oneworldobservatory.com

There’s only one tallest. Only one strongest. And only one destination selected as the Best New Attraction in the World. These superlatives belong to One World Trade Center, and its pinnacle, the One World Observatory, rising over 100 stories in the sky. House restaurant ONE Dine combines seasonal menus with stunning views.

SEASTREAK ME

E. 35th St. and Pier 11, Manhattan/Seastreak Ferry Terminal at Highlands, 326 Shore Dr., Highlands, NJ, 800-BOAT RIDE (800-262-8743); seastreak.com

The most comfortable way to explore the area: climate controlled cabins and an open-air top deck, 360° panoramic windows, and a full-service cash bar. NYC Whale Watching Cruises are back!

STATUE CITY CRUISES FD

877-LADY TIX (877-523-9849); cityexperiences.com

Offering ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island—the only way to get there. Daily rides depart approximately every 30 minutes from Battery Park at the foot of Manhattan. The Statue of Liberty Museum features an immersive film and up close looks at the statue’s original copper torch.

SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT ME

45 E. 42nd St. (5th-Park Aves.); summitov.com

Blending elements of art, technology, architecture, and thrill, SUMMIT takes the concept of an “observation deck” to new heights through three floors of multi-sensory interactions. The installation AIR designed by Kenzo Digital creates the illusion of boundless space. At night, the scene dramatically shifts through a one-of-a-kind light and sound story, turning into a beacon of energy for NYC and beyond.

IMMERSEYOURSELF

The city is overflowing with new interactive experiences, bringing art and culture to three-dimensional life.

SoHo/Tribeca’s interactive art experience INTER_ presents two floors of otherworldly environments. Be among the first to explore the newest installation here: The INTERnet. In collaboration with The Treenet Collective, 80,000 feet of hand-woven rope reflects masterful weaving, with sacred geometric patterns integrated into the web. “The INTERnet gives our visitors a space to unleash their inner child and also provides a space to quietly reflect and connect with others in a new, unprecedented way,” says Stanton Jones, Creative Director at INTER_. Guests are invited to climb among the ropes and experience the artwork from within.

For an adventure with shades themselves, SoHo art space Color Factory delivers a

colorful adventure. The Museum of Illusions NYC is great photographic fun, where you can laugh, scream, run, and take selfies. Head to the historic boiler room of Chelsea Market to experience the immersive space ARTECHOUSE, NYC’s original home for digital art. Currently it’s home to Ase: Afro Frequencies, with Afro-Surrealist visuals accompanied by rhythmic drums. He may be anonymous, but he’s one of the world’s most famous artists. The world’s largest collection of Banksy-inspired murals and artwork is now open in SoHo. An immersive experience, the Banksy Museum also features some of the artist’s studio work, animated visual elements, and videos. Top of the Rock has a new thrill, and a new way to memorialize

Jump, climb, relax, and get lost in the vortex of The INTERnet, woven into INTER_. Image credit: INTER_.

Top to bottom: immerse yourself in the Wizarding World at the interactive experience Harry Potter: The Exhibition; getting up close and personal with you favorite celebrites at Madame Tussauds New York; alter your perspective on a visit to newcomer IMAGINARI, where you’ll encounter wonders like a 12-foot-tall blossoming cherry tree enveloped by monarch butterflies.

a visit here. Re-create an iconic 1932 photo of workers building Rockefeller Center as you’re strapped onto a modern version of The Beam and lifted 12 feet above the observation deck. (The Beam rotates for even better views.)

Calling all Potterheads! Holding down a sprawling space near Herald Square is Harry Potter: The Exhibition. Journey through the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts of the Wizarding World. Brew potions in the Potions Classroom, pot a mandrake in the Herbology Greenhouse (it smells amazing), and use your digital wand to defeat a boggart

IMMERSIVES

See p. 18 for full neighborhood legend.

HARRY POTTER: THE EXHIBITION MW

50 W. 34th St. (5th-6th Aves.); new-york.harrypotterexhibition.com

Journey through the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts of the Wizarding World at this sprawling interactive experiencenear Herald Square. Brew potions, predict the future in Divination, and pot a mandrake in the Herbology Greenhouse (it smells amazing!).

IMAGINARI T

200 Hudson St. (Vestry-Canal Sts.); imaginarico.com Museum experiences meet experiential explorations at newcomer IMAGINARI. World-renowned artists can be found in gallery spaces, while inaugural exhibition “The Insect World” immerses visitors in a mesmerizing realm that includes 6-foot clouds surrounded by giant morpho butterflies.

INTER_ SH T

415 Broadway (Canal St.), 646-808-9911; interiam.co

SoHo/Tribeca’s new interactive art experience takes visitors on a magical adventure. Explore two floors of otherworldly environments and reactive art, which will encourage you to escape NYC and unleash your inner child. Journey through the INTERverse and connect with the beauty, laughter, and power within you.

MADAME TUSSAUDS NEW YORK TS

234 W. 42nd St. (7th-8th Aves.); madametussauds.com

Get your selfie sticks ready: Madame Tussauds is the only place with no ropes holding you back from your favorite stars. Pose “in a moment in time” with iconic musicians, leaders, sports legends, and A-list stars, and immerse yourself in adventures like the MARVEL Super Heroes 4D Film & Experience

in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Afterwards, check out the shop for Butterbeer, wands, and other Potter merchandise.

NYC’s newest attraction is Tribeca’s IMAGINARI. This immersive exhibition space redefines the traditional museum experience by blending art, science, and entertainment. You’ll enter an oasis that shows off the insect world in a new light. Awe-inspiring installations include towering 6-foot insects, a sprawling milkweed garden, and a magnificent cherry tree enveloped by blossoms and

monarch butterflies. Even the sound adds to the immersion, with a bespoke soundtrack composed of Hz frequencies.

Madame Tussauds New York is the only place with no ropes or barriers holding you back from living your best life with your favorite stars.

NYC is famous for its gala culture and you can immerse yourself at the Glow Gala installation, where figures like RuPaul, Lady Gaga, Billy Porter, and Katy Perry wear illuminated, show-stopping looks inspired by New York’s legendary Met Gala.

culture

NYC museums have something for everyone, covering art, history, and even the city itself.

The quaint neighborhood of Gramercy hosts Fotografiska New York, a museum experience for the modern world. There’s a vibrant atmosphere here unlike any other NYC museum, with music and drinks from coffee to cocktails allowed anywhere in the building. Current exhibitions include Why These?, exploring the confrontational shots of street photographer Bruce Gilden. Informed by his tumultuous Brooklyn upbringing, Gilden’s work conveys the immediacy of urban energy. The

show features 45 images selected by Gilden himself, including highlights from notable projects in Coney Island, Haiti, and Tokyo.

On the Lower East Side, visual culture is the focus at the International Center of Photography. Current exhibition Selections from ICP at 50: From the Collection traces the medium’s development and impact on society.

The nearby Tenement Museum tells the story of the working-class residents and their contributions to NYC’s explosive growth during

Top L to R, on view at Fotografiska: Lefty Louie, New York City, USA. 1986; Bonnie, Columbus, Ohio, USA. 2014 Images © Bruce Gilden

the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Guided tours provide a glimpse of how lives were lived across multiple immigrant cultures.

At the southern tip of Lower Manhattan, The Museum of Jewish Heritage–A Living Memorial to the Holocaust honors those who died in the Shoah by celebrating their lives, cherishing the traditions that they embraced, and affirming the vibrant worldwide Jewish community that is their legacy today.

On the Upper West Side, the American Museum of Natural History carries on its mission of discovering and interpreting the natural world. In the revamped Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals you can explore meteorites, moon rocks, and crystals. New temporary show Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry celebrates the influence of a Bronx-born culture through some of its most iconic (and priceless) jewelry.

Nearby, the city’s oldest museum is the New-York Historical Society. Current exhibition Lost New York explores departed landmarks, vistas, pastimes, environments, monuments,

communities, and modes of transportation that once defined the city.

Once the personal library of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, The Morgan Library & Museum offers a showcase for both the exquisite building (an Italian Renaissance-style palazzo) and its holdings of some of the world’s rarest works. Temporary exhibition Walton Ford: Birds and Beasts of the Studio celebrates the artist’s recent gift of 63 studies and sketches, shown publicly for the first time.

Brooklyn has become a tourist destination to rival Manhattan, complete with its own world-class institution: the Brooklyn Museum. Just 20 minutes from Manhattan you’ll find a priceless collection that will surprise you with its range, from ancient Egypt to European masterpieces to a feast of decorative art. Current exhibition Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm features more than 250 of the star Beatle’s own photos, recently rediscovered in his archives, many buzzing with the electricity of 1960s New York City.

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THIS WEEKIN THE CITY

ONGOING

Fotografiska New York is a museum experience for the modern world, with a vibrant atmosphere unlike any other NYC institution. New on display is Why These?, an exhibition highlighting the confrontational shots of street photographer Bruce Gilden. Informed by his tumultuous Brooklyn upbringing, Gilden’s work conveys the immediacy of urban energy. The show features 45 images selected by Gilden himself, including notable projects in Coney Island, Haiti, New York, and Tokyo. Also on view is Vivian Maier: Unseen Work, celebrating an obscure New Yorker who photographed the city’s streets while working as a nanny. The uncovering of Maier’s work in a storage locker revealed a rich legacy,

on display here through 200 color and black and white images and Super 8 films and soundtracks, produced between the early ‘50s and the mid-’80s.

281 Park Ave. S. (btw. 21st & 22nd Sts.), 212-433-3686, fotografiska.com/nyc

7.21

Every Sunday on the Upper West Side you can check out Grand Bazaar NYC, the city’s largest curated market—and

most distinctive. This week you’ll also find the Artisanal Ice Cream Brunch & Shop Bazaar. Treat yourself to the unique offerings of local artisanal ice cream makers. You’ll also find more than 130 local artists, designers, craft-makers, vintage and specialty dealers, and additional artisanal food vendors. 10am-5pm, both indoors and out.

Columbus Ave. & 77th St., 212-239-3025, grandbazaarnyc.org

Chicago, IL, May 16, 1957 © Estate of Vivian Maier, Courtesy of Maloof Collection and Howard Greenberg Gallery, NY.

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THIS WEEK IN THE CITY

7.19-7.20

Explore the best attractions, tours, and experiences in NYC for one money-saving price. Go City offers two options, the All-Inclusive Pass for seeing as much as possible, and the Explorer Pass if you’ve only got a few attractions on your radar. Either way you’ll find easy access with paperless ticketing and no additional charges. Among the possibilities: museums, observatories, boat rides, bike rentals, walking tours, jazz in Harlem, and so much more.

gocity.com

Vintage pin-up-inspired performers The Satin Dollz are hosting enchanted evenings at the  USA Brooklyn Delicatessen in Times Square. Drawing on the timeless classics of the ‘40s and ‘50s, the Satin Dollz give a high-energy performance as they weave their way through the aisles while you dig into first-rate comfort food. The Satin Dollz began in 2005, delivering performances that call back to the WWII USO Camp Shows. Vocal harmonies, tap dancing, beauty, and charisma all come together, wrapped up in a retro bow. (After the show, you can meet The Dollz and capture photo moments.) Show nights are weekly, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, no cover charge. 211 W. 43rd St. (btw. Eighth & Ninth Aves.), 212-840-5800, brooklyndelicatessen.com

Joshua Kessler

DOWNTOWN EXPLORING

Lower Manhattan is New York’s Financial District, but it’s also a contemporary destination packed with top shopping, dining, and culture. The streets are easy to navigate and the distances are short, making this a great place to spend a day.

Attractions» Ultimate perspectives on downtown await at One World Observatory. A trip on the world’s fastest elevators leads to jaw-dropping views of New York Harbor, city skylines, and beyond. The southern tip of the neighborhood is home to Statue City Cruises From here you can reach the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, two historical musts for any visit to NYC, offering more stunning views along the way. Kids delight at the SeaGlass Carousel, which has the magic feel of riding inside a nautilus shell.

Museums»The Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is nestled into Battery Park, celebrating the lives and traditions of both those who survived and those who perished in the Shoah. The nearby National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is a branch of the Smithsonian that looks back to the first inhabitants of Manhattan, along with Native American cultures throughout the Americas. To understand the more recent history of the area (and the United States), the National September 11 Memorial & Museum houses both historical and memorial exhibitions.

Top: the iconic Charging Bull, near historic Bowling Green. Below: native masks on display at the National Museum of the American Indian.

Flickr.com

Shopping» One of the neighborhood’s most famous draws has recently reopened the doors to its Cortlandt Steet flagship. Century 21 stocks a world of designer fashion at discount prices. Four floors offer everything from shoes to fragrances, gifts, handbags, luggage, and men’s, women’s, and kids’ apparel. (If you want to mingle with the local office crowd, stop by at lunchtime for a classic New York scene.)

Beneath soaring white wings along Broadway near One World Trade Center are the Shops at the Oculus. Dozens of top retailers are here, from Banana Republic to H&M to Kate Spade New York and beyond. The Stores at Westfield World Trade Center take in these destinations and more, including favorite Italian marketplace/restaurant Eataly. Further towards the Hudson River, Brookfield Place offers stylish shopping, plus restaurants, a food hall, and cultural events under the palm trees of the Winter Garden.

The Seaport» On the east side of the area, The Seaport brings together centuries of history with modern style on its cobblestone streets. Grab a bite and a drink at Watermark bar, which has a sprawling outdoor expanse with epic East River and Brooklyn Bridge views, or catch a show at The Rooftop at Pier 17, which serves up a diverse array of artists from a rollicking open-air space. The Tin Building has a taste of everything, with markets, bars, and a dozen restaurants, all under the singular vision of legendary chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Navigate the neighborhood with the foldout Lower Manhattan Map at the back of City Guide.

Image: John Gillespie,

Mastering the Magic of

HARRY POTTER ON BROADWAY

By Griffin Miller

An hour before performances for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (HPCC) begin, the Lyric Theatre opens its doors to theatregoers: witches, wizards, muggles, squibs, house elves…basically anyone with a ticket and the desire to deep dive into a thrill-a-minute Potterverse sequel, live on stage.

And should you be among the savviest of the savvy who take full advantage of early entry, you’ll not only find yourself privy to wizard-centric treats like Butterbeer and Chocolate Frogs, but also endowed with the techno prowess (think of your phone as your wand) to dabble in site-specific QR conjuring that brings portraits to life, produces Patronuses, and animates the lobby’s Enchanted Ceiling. All in all, a five-star orientation.

Of course, should you be a “Harry Potter” neophyte—or feel a refresher course is in order—both the website and the show’s program summarize J.K. Rowling’s seven original books (and wizarding world lingo) quite nicely.

Mirroring the final novel’s epilogue, the show kicks off on Platform 9¾, 19

L to R: Aaron Bartz as Draco Malfoy and Steve Haggard as Harry Potter.

Photo by Matthew Murphy.

years after the defeat of Lord Voldemort. Now a father of three, Harry finds himself encouraging his youngest son, Albus (Joel Meyers), who’s anxious about which of Hogwarts’ four houses the Sorting Hat will place him in. Like Harry in The Sorcerer’s Stone, the fledgling wizard fears winding up in Slytherin, “the house of the snake...and Dark Magic,” instead of Gryffindor, “Where dwell the brave at heart.”

“Albus Severus, you were named after two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew,” Harry tells him, adding that the Hat “will take your feelings into account”— just as it did when he was an 11-year-old newbie.

Reassured, Albus boards the Hogwarts Express, where he meets and bonds with Draco Malfoy’s nerdy son Scorpius (Erik C. Peterson)—a friendship that will inevitably morph into a series of thrilling, next-generation misadventures. As for Harry, let’s just say he didn’t see any of this coming.

Playing grown-up Harry is actor Steve Haggard, who manages to bring the perfect blend of empathy and angst to the role of husband, father, and Ministry of Magic exec. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Haggard’s family moved to Columbus, Ohio when he was five. It was there, while performing the lead in a high school production, that he locked into the idea of acting as a career, eventually moving to Chicago to hone his craft at DePaul University. And while his post-college days have been filled with a number of roles, he’s found his time playing Harry Potter to be especially meaningful.

“It’s incredible and such a privilege to play Harry. I’ve loved him and related to him

so much in the book series, and being able to continue his story is truly a gift,” says Haggard, who’s read and re-read the novels many times.

Theatrically speaking, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—2018’s Tony-winning Best Play—is a visual marvel, with gorgeous choreography sidling up to mind-blowing special effects that span everything from time-turner hocus-pocus and wand pyrotechnics to nightmarish Dementors and Haggard’s favorite: the Polyjuice illusion.

Adding to the production’s supernatural wherewithal are main characters Hermione (Cara Ricketts), Ron (Daniel Fredrick), Ginny (Angela Reed), Draco (Aaron Bartz), and Delphi (Jane Bruce), along with some iconic cameos—including, but not limited to, the Trolley Witch; Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape; Dolores Umbridge; and a scene-stealing Moaning Myrtle apparition.

“The cast and crew feel a bit like a family unit. We work so closely together and depend on each other,” says Haggard. “There’s no way to do any part of this show by yourself. You may not always see them but there’s an army of folk backstage keeping everything running smoothly and having a lot of fun.”

He goes on to note that there was a substantial learning curve to navigate in order to pull off believable onstage magic.

“It was a bit like trying to walk and chew gum at first,” he recalls. “But we have an amazing team of actual magicians who taught us the illusions and help us refine them routinely.

The magic is such an integral part of the story and it needs to be perfect because it is real in this world—and it’s so much fun to watch the audience not believe what they just saw!”

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is playing at Broadway’s Lyric Theatre, 214 W. 43rd St. For reservations and show info call 212-305-4100 or visit broadway.harrypottertheplay.com.

S HOP

One of the city’s great pleasures is exploring its stores—and by extension, its neighborhoods. Here are our picks for must-shop spots all around NYC (with our absolute favorites in bold).

By Evan Levy

In Lower Manhattan don’t miss the soaring, cathedral-like space that defines the Oculus The world-class collection of shops here is definitely about time—or it will be, when you peruse the selection of timepieces at Breitling, Tissot, and Longines. You’ll also find the perfect writing implement at Mont Blanc along with major players like Apple and Banana Republic.

Across the street is a true New York shopping legend, Century 21 NYC. The doors to their Cortlandt Street flagship have recently reopened, revealing a world of designer fashion at discount prices. Four floors offer everything from shoes to fragrances, gifts, handbags, luggage, and men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel.

A little ways north is the perennially chic45 (“South of Houston”), a low-rise neighborhood which retains its cult status with a focus on the cutting edge. French fashion house Chloé is here, as are local label Rag & Bone and a Prada flagship.

To the east of SoHo is Nolita (“North of Little Italy”), a small-scale neighborhood with boutiques like Love Adorned, with jewelry and home goods, and Supreme, known for its collaborations with musicians and designers.

East of there you’ll find the Lower East Side, once the city’s home for bargain shopping

and today full of stylish boutiques. Pay a visit to Daredevil Tattoo, where you’ll find not only custom tattooing from artists skilled in a range of styles, but also a Museum of Tattoo History, with tattoo flash, machines, and ephemera gathered over three decades.

Moving up Manhattan, on the west side along the Hudson you’ll reach the High Line, Chelsea, and the upmarket shopping of the Meatpacking District. Women’s fashion can be found at Alice + Olivia, perfume at Bond No 9, and boutique picks at Marni Meatpacking Market. You can find the Diane von Furstenberg flagship here as well.

Continue north and you’ll pass Herald Square, home of the Macy’s flagship, and then Times Square. Nearby Cockpit USA has been reproducing genuine, contemporary versions of iconic American-made aviator clothing for nearly half a century. Sports fans won’t want to miss Pelé Soccer, The World’s Greatest Soccer Store. You can shop—and personalize— official jerseys and fan gear from 100+ teams and players around the world. M&M’s New York is a great stop for a snack or a souvenir. A two-story color wall is packed with thousands upon thousands of colorful milk, peanut, and specialty M&M candies. There’s also an on-site printer that will let you create customized candy on the spot.

Above L to R: American Dream, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, the Meatpacking District, Century 21 NYC.

IN THE CITY

Across town on the east side are two of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Fifth Avenue is arguably New York’s most famous street, with a who’s who of designer fashion. From Bulgari to Cartier, Tiffany to Gucci, the storied street never goes out of fashion—much like its stores. Madison Avenue’s names include Fendi, Giorgio Armani, and Berluti. Another Midtown East titan is Bloomingdale’s 59th Street, the luxury department store legend, which is nearby on Lexington Avenue.

Just a blink from NYC on the New Jersey

side you’ll find American Dream, with the largest indoor theme park in North America plus skiing, skating, mini golf, luxury retailers, and even an aquarium. A staple at the complex is The Avenue at American Dream, a luxury shopping and dining experience with a curated collection of world-renowned fashion brands. New round-trip bus service is now available directly from Manhattan, with quick, convenient service leaving daily from 43rd Street and Eighth Avenue.

No matter what you’re searching for, you can track it down in NYC!

SHOPIN THE CITY

Eclectic and essential finds make the Big Apple a most fascinating scavenger hunt. Tempting boutiques, world-famous department stores, and the legendary shopping districts of Brookfield Place, Hudson Yards, 57th Street, Madison Avenue, NoHo, and SoHo are all filled with precious me rchandise for heads and hearts. Plus, cool flip-flops. –Wendy Tittel

BROADWAY MAGIC : : Bring home more than memories of NYC’s Theater District with this timeless image captured by popular New York artist Charles Fazzino. We Found Love on Broadway is an extravagant 3D multimedia limited edition piece that captures the neighborhood’s very soul. Fazzino’s process is unique and his collection is important in the context of pop culture history. Discover his vast, wonderfilled artistic world—among other great works—at H&S Art Gallery in Times Square. This treasure trove showcases

HATS ARE NOT JUST FOR BEACHES : : Get ready for an adventure in J.J. Hat Center’s Classic Traveler Panama Hat ($315)—a solidcolored safari-style hat from Borsalino. Its straw construction makes it light and comfy to wear, even in higher temps. The elegantly expressed creation is smartly accented by a contrasting leather band, with brand quality thanks to being crafted in Italy. You can explore the city’s widest collection of handmade hats for men in this gem of a store. 310 Fifth Ave., 212-239-4368, jjhatcenter.com

A GOOD NEW YORK STORY : : Everybody loves one. Olga Dies Dreaming ($18.99) by Xochitl Gonzalez is a perfect example. It’s 2017, and Olga and her brother, Pedro “Prieto” Acevedo, are boldfaced names in their hometown of New York. But despite their alluring public lives, behind closed doors things are far less rosy. Set against the backdrop of New York City in the months surrounding the most devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico’s history, this story examines political corruption, familial strife, and the very notion of the American dream—all while asking what it really means to weather a storm. Discover more intriguing New York stories as you visit New York institution the Tenement Museum in Lower Manhattan. And grab this fascinating read for the trip home. 103 Orchard St., 212-982-8420, tenement.com

TIME TO CHILLAX : : Some things you just never outgrow, like eating ice cream sundaes on a hot summer day. Explore the “adults only” version of the treat in all manners of exotic flavors at Tipsy Scoops. Take a live class where you learn to make two sundaes, taste limited-edition seasonal flavors, get the inside scoop on the company, and snap lots of Insta-worthy pics! The ticket price is $55 for all the fun. Purchase online and email catering@tipsysocop.com to select a date to attend. Want instant gratification? Takeaway pints of liquor-enthused goodness such as Cake Batter Vodka Martini are $15 per. 217 E. 26th St., 917-388-2862, tipsyscoop.com

I FLIP—YOU FLOP : : Sandals of all types are a summertime must for your tootsies, and with rising temps the very best excuse to wear sand shoes in the city. If you’re looking to track down such coolness, with a double helping of arch support, walk this way to FitFlops in SoHo. High technology melds with style in their IQUSHION D-LUXE Padded Metallic-Leather Flip-Flop in silver ($120). Aptly described as squishy from top to bottom and ergonomically shaped for walking-all-day comfort. Feather light and super comfy for strutting the streets in summer heat. And if silver is a touch too flashy for you, try classic black or sandy beige. 107 Mercer St., 917-765-8226, fitflops.com

PAPER THE WALLS : : Housed within the 240 odd pages of this hardcover book ($50) are wonderous works of art that pay homage to 100 years of NYC travel advertising. (If you haven’t seen the Poster House show, Wonder City of the World: New York City Travel Posters, it’s high time you did.) Discover original perspectives on the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Harlem, and Coney Island, all lavishly recreated, and learn what made NYC the capital of style and entertainment. 119 W. 23rd St., 917-722-2439, posterhouse.org

SPECIALTY SHOPPING

AMERICAN DREAM

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 833-263-7326; americandream.com

Shops. Dining. World-class entertainment. It’s all here, from Saks to sharks to Legoland. American Dream is just a blink from NYC on the New Jersey side. The largest indoor theme park in North America plus skiing, skating, mini golf, a water park, pizza, barbecue, luxury retailers, and even an aquarium—all less than five miles from Times Square!

CENTURY 21 NYC

22 Cortlandt St. (Church St.), 212-227-1202, c21stores.com

The return of a legend! NYC’s favorite discounter Century 21 has reopened the doors to its flagship. Head downtown for a curated selection of style amid a new and improved shopping experience. Shoes, dresses, coats, looks for men, and much more from top brands at the lowest prices.

COCKPIT USA

15 W. 39th St., 12th Floor (btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves.), 212-575-1616, cockpitusa.com

For over 45 years, Cockpit USA has been reproducing genuine, contemporary versions of iconic American-made aviator clothing, both in civilian and military design. You’ve seen their jackets across pop culture from Steve McQueen to Tom Hardy to U.S. Presidents. Visit their midtown showroom and find quality and craftsmanship unlike any other. Appointments encouraged but not required to ensure they have your jacket size when you arrive.

GRAND BAZAAR NYC

Columbus Ave. & 77th St., 212-239-3025, grandbazaarnyc.org

Sundays on the Upper West Side you can check out Grand Bazaar NYC, the city’s largest curated market—and most distinctive! Browse 130+ curated dealers with everything from fashion to home goods to vintage finds, arrayed both indoors and out. Come hungry: there are great artisanal food bites as well. 10am-5pm.

M&M’S NEW YORK

1600 Broadway (7th Ave. & 48th St.), 212-295-3850, mms.com/en-ie/explore/mms-stores/new-york

Positioned in the heart of Broadway, M&M’S Times Square is officially the hottest performance in town! Nothing brings more flavor to Manhattan than our two-story color wall packed with THOUSANDS of your favorite Milk, Peanut, and Specialty M&M’S Candies.

PELÉ SOCCER

1560 Broadway (btw. 46th & 47th Sts.), 646-666-0025, pelesoccer.com

Times Square’s Pelé Soccer is The World’s Greatest Soccer Store, from soccer legend Pelé. You can shop—and personalize—official jerseys and fan gear from 100+ teams and players around the world. There’s also limited-edition footwear from top brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma, and seats on stadium bleachers for watching live soccer games on a huge TV screen.

HELPFUL

SERVICES

Trusted recommendations for goods and services

DAREDEVIL TATTOO SHOP & MUSEUM

141 Division St. (Canal St.), 212-533-8303, daredeviltattoo.com

Daredevil Tattoo specializes in custom tattooing with artists versatile in all styles, whether it’s your first tattoo or a full sleeve. Daredevil features a Museum of Tattoo History as part of the shop. The location is on the Lower East Side, at the edge of Chinatown. Walk-ins are welcome and online booking is available. Open every day noon to 8pm.

H&S ART GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMING

112 W. 44th St. (btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves.), 212-768-3160, hsart.com

Open daily in Times Square, H&S Art Gallery & Custom Framing features original 3-D artworks by Charles Fazzino, Rizzi, and Suchy; serigraphs by Keeley, Tarkay, Pejman, Yamagata, Freyman, Kubik, Delacroix, and many others. They also offer signed sports memorabilia, posters, and same-day professional custom framing. They ship worldwide.

SCHUMER’S WINES & LIQUORS

59 E. 54th St. (btw. Park & Madison Aves.), 212-355-0940, schumerswines.com

For more than 40 years, Schumer’s Wines & Liquors has been known for its excellent selection of the great vineyards of California, France, Australia, Argentina, and Italy (lots of half bottles, too). Also vintage ports, single malts, cognac, American whiskeys and bourbons —including their own Barrel Picks. Large supply of cold wine and champagne always ready. Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-8pm; Sat.,11am-8pm. Deliveries til 7pm.

For more on shopping, including the best discounts in the city, check out cityguideny.com/shopping on your desktop, tablet, or phone.

ON BROADWAY

Broadway Your Way: A Visitor’s Guide

By Griffin Miller

Ruben Cabral, Trey Curtis, Kyle Scatliffe and Ebrin Stanley in Hamilton on Broadway.

Photo: Joan Marcus, 2024.

Pop Quiz. What exactly is “Broadway”?

A) A Big Apple avenue?; B) The world’s most famous theatre district?; C) A celebrity magnet?; D) The ultimate New York state of mind?; E) The number one “must” for any Big Apple visitor?; F) All of the above.

F it is—and so much more! Because Broadway is also an invitation to lose yourself in the past, present, future, and/or fantasy worlds; to laugh; to weep; to get swept up by music, both new and familiar; to see your favorite actors perform in person before your eyes; and to fall in love with live theatre. Welcome!

WORTH THE WAIT

Nine years of “must-see” buzz—impressive; but experiencing Lin-Manuel Miranda’s visionary Hamilton live on Broadway? Life-altering. A breakthrough fusion of American history, hip-hop, and unconventional casting, the musical soars as soon as lights come up on the company giving voice to “The ten-dollar founding father without a father” who “Got a lot farther by working a lot harder/by being a lot smarter/by being a self-starter.”

And even though Hamilton is clearly a worldwide sensation, there’s something about seeing it at the Richard Rodgers Theatre that’s, well, perfect. It’s intimate enough to give theatregoers a sense of being an eavesdropper on the founding fathers as they dealt with divergent ideas and ideals in forming a new nation. It’s also big enough to embrace Alexander Hamilton’s lofty aspirations as he climbed the political ladder, juggled a tenuous decades-long slip-and-slide relationship with Alexander Burr, and finessed his way through a romantic life that can only be described as complex.

In the title role, Trey Curtis is a study in passion and

conflict—impossible were he not orbited by a stellar cast that includes Jared Dixon (Aaron Burr), Stephanie Jae Park (Eliza Hamilton), Tamar Greene (George Washington), Jennie HarneyFleming (Angelica Schuyler), and Jarrod Spector (King George).

HIT MAKER

No matter NYC’s mid-summer forecast —sultry, sizzling, or stifling MJ the Musical pulsates with King of Pop cool, making it the perfect antidote to even the most blistering heatwave. Not all that surprising once you realize this musical bio falls under a collaborative umbrella crafted by entertainment royalty: two-time Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright Lynn Nottage, who penned MJ’s script, and director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, whose electrifying dance moves netted him a Best Choreography Tony Award in 2022. Add to this Michael Jackson’s singular songbook, a fabulous portfolio of hits spun from his early years in the Jackson Five through the days leading up to his 1992 Dangerous world tour.

Continued on p. 44

Right: Mary Kate Morrissey, defying gravity in Wicked. P.hoto by Evan Zimmerman/MurphyMade.

THEATER MAP

What’s playing where on Broadway

TKTS: 25-50% Off Tickets (the day of the show)

40 & Juliet (Stephen Sondheim Theatre)

39 Aladdin (New Amsterdam)

7 Back to the Future: The Musical (Winter Garden Theatre)

10 The Book of Mormon (Eugene O’Neill)

4 Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (August Wilson Theatre)

11 Chicago (Ambassador)

9 Empire (New World Stages, Off-Broadway)

3 The Great Gatsby (Broadway Theatre)

12 Hadestown (Walter Kerr)

19 Hamilton (Richard Rodgers)

37 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Lyric)

32 Hell’s Kitchen (Shubert Theatre)

38 Home (Todd Haimes Theatre)

36 Illinoise (St. James Theatre)

35 Job (Helen Hayes Theatre)

28 The Lion King (Minskoff)

5 MJ the Musical (Neil Simon Theatre)

23 Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Al Hirschfeld)

26 The Notebook (Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre)

29 Oh, Mary! (Lyceum Theatre)

31 Once Upon a Matress (Hudson Theatre)

25 The Outsiders (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre)

16 SIX (Lena Horne Theatre)

24 Stereophonic (Golden Theatre)

21 Suffs (Music Box Theatre)

22 Water for Elephants (Imperial Theatre)

41 The Who’s Tommy (Nederlander Theatre)

6 Wicked (Gershwin Theatre)

20 The Wiz (Marquis Theatre)

Continued from p. 41

In total, the score boasts 25 songs, with dance numbers that stagger in their ability to capture the pop star’s stage charisma. From moonwalk to robot; glove to fedora—the collective elements come together to create one astounding tour de force performance from Elijah Rhea Johnson as “MJ.” And when the show flashbacks to the performer’s early career there’s a middle version, “Michael,” played by Tavon Olds-Sample, an able transition from “Little Michael,” Austin Rankin and Eric Williams, newcomers to the cast who alternate in the role.

TOP OF THE TONY AWARDS, 2024

If you happened to miss Tony night’s powerhouse performance by the cast of The Outsiders—just prior to the show’s scooping up the Best Musical win!—you can check it out on YouTube, but realize that is only a fraction of what unfolds on the stage of Broadway’s Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.

Seeing this gritty, genuine, beautifully acted production live is extraordinary. The book by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine perfectly captures the characters and emotional impact of S.E. Hinton’s seminal novel, written when she was 16 and unaware it would become a coming-of-age bible for millions of readers after its publication in 1967. “I didn’t just write The Outsiders,” says Hinton in a readers’ note

for the latest edition, “I lived it.”

Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the story follows 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis (Brody Grant), living in a microcosm of vicious haves (socs, short for socials) and their have-nots prey (greasers)—outsiders, Ponyboy’s crew.

In the musical’s high-voltage action, turmoil, and drama come full circle for greasers Johnny Cade (Sky Lakota-Lynch), Dallas Winston (Joshua Boone), Darrel and Sodapop Curtis (Brent Comer and Jason Schmidt), Two-Bit (Daryl Tofa), and alpha soc Bob (Kevin William Paul). And in the audience, like Hinton, we too get to “live it.”

PHAMILY PHENOMS

Beloved hits with proven appeal to both kids and adults make Broadway a family-friendly utopia during the summer months, a.k.a. primetime for sharing an excursion to Oz, or the Pride Lands, or Agrabah, or Hogwarts. Bottom line: win-win!

A musical that drives home Broadway’s most sacred tenet—you can never be too “Pop-u-lar”—is Wicked, the pre-“Wonderful Wizard of Oz” revisionist saga that introduces theatregoers to a couple of young witches whose mismatched priorities set them up, at least on the surface, as fairy tale adversaries. Elphaba (Mary Kate Morrissey) is a social outcast due to her emerald-green skin and studious nature while Glinda (Alexandra Socha)

Above: Emma Pittman (Cherry Valance) and Brody Grant (Ponyboy Curtis), The Outsiders. Photo: Matthew Murphy.

NEIL SIMON THEATRE • 250 WEST 52ND STREET

CAST ALBUM AVAILABLE ON SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

is a privileged, perky, Ozian influencer. Yet what makes this show one of the hottest tickets in town after 20 years of “Defying Gravity” is the chemistry between the two characters once they’re roommates at the prestigious magic school Shiz University. Audience consensus: “It’s wicked good!”

Meanwhile, fans of all things Disney (and who isn’t?) will have a hard time choosing between the House of Mouse’s two Broadway mega-musicals: The Lion King and Aladdin. (I suggest trying for both.)

The Lion King. The opening of this Tony-winning masterpiece will transport you with waves of jaw-dropping puppets and anthropomorphized actors filling the aisles and stage with towering beasts, swirling birds, and graceful fauna. Soon you find they’re arriving to celebrate the arrival of newborn Simba, the lion cub destined to one day become king of the Pride Lands. This is his story—his evolution, marked by universal themes of love, friendship, and adventure—not to mention a nefarious uncle who connives to destroy it all. Wonderfully drawn characters; comedic highs; dramatic

clashes; mistakes and maturity; amour. Mesmerizing.

Aladdin. In the colorfully exotic—albeit mythical—city of Agrabah, penniless dude Aladdin (Adi Roy) meets gorgeous Princess Jasmine (Sonya Balsara) and heavy-duty sparks fly. An impossible love-match? You’d think... until a bigger-than-life Genie (Michael James Scott) bursts out of a magic lamp with three wishes and the biggest, baddest, glitz-o-rama production number ever, “Friend Like Me”! Still, to reach happily ever after, Aladdin must somehow manage to thwart the Sultan’s evil, power-hungry royal vizier, Jafar (Dennis Stowe). Along the journey, the audience gets caught up in the romance of a flying carpet ride that soars through the theatre during the lovely ballad “A Whole New World.”

And while we’re on the subject of magical transportation, I should point out that during Harry Potter and the Cursed Child you’ll find a trainload of students chugging their way to school aboard the Hogwarts Express, as well as some seriously stupefying Time-Turner tripping to the past and future by BFFs Albus Potter (Joel Meyers) and Scorpius Malfoy (Erik Christopher Peterson).

A stunning follow-up to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books and films, this Tony-winning play has been casting its spell since 2018 with the sort of special effects that defy the imagination—leaving theatregoers, as the Brits would say, “gobsmacked.”

RAPTUROUS IRREVERENCE

If you’re up for a show that’s spent the last 13 years chalking up points as a Groundbreaking Broadway Musical and Tony-Winning Cult Classic, then you’re ready for The Book of Mormon—a filter-free comedic romp from Utah to Uganda led by two mismatched Mormon missionaries: Elder Price (Kevin Clay), and Elder Cunningham (Cody Jamison Strand). Once they arrive at their post—a ramshackle African village—the situation is clear: their innocent days of perky stateside proselytizing have devolved into

Cody Jamison Strand, The Book of Mormon. Photo: Julieta Cervantes

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Photo: Miller Mobley

the thankless job of converting a godforsaken community of disenfranchised locals to Mormonism. From the dauntless trio of Trey Parker and Matt Stone (a.k.a. the guys who forged South Park) and Avenue Q creator Robert Lopez, it’s no surprise the musical pulls the pin out of the prude-grenade with unrelenting—make that religious—fervor.

BEST DRESSED

Flapper fringe and bejeweled headbands... flamboyant tuxedo jackets...women’s trousers (très daring)...spectator brogues (très dapper)... every fashionista detail from the 1920s is painted with a technicolor palette to enhance the Art Deco ambience that’s taken over the Broadway Theatre. I give you The Great Gatsby’s haberdashery of style that scooped up the 2024 Tony Award for “Best Costume Design in a Musical” thanks to visionary designer Linda Cho. Every performance is a sparkling tribute to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s groundbreaking novel,

OFF-BROADWAY: TALL TALE

from the cast—led by Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada—to Paul Tate dePoo III’s epic scenic and projection designs, to the score by Jason Howland (music) and Nathan Tysen (lyrics). All in all, The Cat’s Meow! (cats not included).

ENGLISH OPTIONAL

They’re bold, they’re bald, they’re blue, and they splatter reality with hilarity at ever paintdrum-pounding-wide-eyed-interplanetary turn. They’re Blue Man Group, and while their alien antics are legend across the globe, their journey began here three decades ago at downtown’s Astor Place Theatre (with no end in sight). A recent artful upgrade lets the threesome perform live while projecting its inventory of deadpan shenanigans onto eight high-tech screens. So go ahead, think multimedia…think immersive…think yowza…think cobalt dudes running hilariously amok!

The latest show to debut at New World Stages is Empire, a dynamic musical tracing the edifice that literally elevated Manhattan’s skyline to legendary status: the Empire State Building. With book, music, and lyrics by Caroline Sherman and Robert Hull and direction by Tony winner Cady Huffman (The Producers), the story is a multi-generational diorama beginning in the Roaring ‘20s and moving from the Great Depression into 1976’s Bicentennial celebration. Driving the passion behind the seemingly impossible project are the people—from industrialist visionaries to intrepid immigrants—who brought the celebrated skyscraper to life.

Art Deco splendor fills the stage in The Great Gatsby.

Photo ©Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.

KEY

THEATER

COMEDY DRAMA MUSICAL EVENT

broadway & JULIET

Stephen Sondheim Theatre, 124 W. 43rd St., 833-274-8497; andjulietbroadway.com

(2 hrs., 30 mins.) This lively musical comedy asks what would happen next if Juliet ditched Shakespeare’s tragic ending for a fresh start and a second chance at life and love—her way.

ALADDIN

New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 W. 42nd St., 866-870-2717; aladdinthemusical.com

(2 hrs., 30 mins.) The beloved story is brought to thrilling theatrical life in this bold musical. With just one rub of a magic lamp, Aladdin’s journey sweeps you into an exotic world full of adventure, comedy and romance. It’s an unforgettable Disney theatrical experience that includes all the cherished songs from the Oscar-winning score plus more written especially for Broadway.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL

Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway, 212-239-6200; backtothefuturemusical.com

(2 hrs., 40 mins.) When Marty McFly’s time machine travel changes family history, he must fix the present, escape the past, and send himself back to the future. Based on the classic Michael J. Fox film.

THE BOOK OF MORMON

Eugene O’Neill Theatre, 230 W. 49th St., 877-250-2929; bookofmormonbroadway.com

2011 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 30 mins.) One of Broadway’s most successful, Tony-winning (nine in 2011!) musicals, from the hilariously irreverent minds behind South Park. Two wide-eyed Mormon missionaries are assigned to a remote village in Uganda. The results are divinely profane in all the right places!

CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB

August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd St., 888-985-9421; kitkat.club

(2 hrs., 45 mins.) In-the-round revival of Kander & Ebb’s classic set in Berlin at the start of WWII.

CHICAGO

Ambassador Theatre, 219 W. 49th St., 212-239-6200; chicagothemusical.com (2 hrs., 30 mins.) Winner of 6 Tonys for a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz.

THE GREAT GATSBY

Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway, 212-239-6200; broadwaygatsby.com

(2 hrs., 30 mins.) F. Scott Fitzgerald’s epic tale is a lush musical that follows mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby in his pursuit of the lost love of his youth, Daisy Buchanan. With characters driven by complex inner lives, the show comes to life through an electrifying jazz and pop-infused score for a grand production befitting the 21st century.

HADESTOWN

Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 W. 48th St., 800-745-3000; hadestown.com

2019 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 30 mins.) Follows the overlapping mythical love stories of Orpheus & Eurydice and Hades & Persephone. The action unfolds in both a stylized New Orleans setting and Hades’ stomping ground, The Underworld. As for the score, think New Orleans jazz melded with American folk music.

HAMILTON

Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St., 877-250-2929; hamiltonbroadway.com

2016 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 55 mins.). Visionary writer/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda’s white-hot historical musical that redefined Broadway! Told through a score of musical theatre, hip-hop, jazz, and R&B, this Pulitzer Prize-winning production relating the story behind orphan/war hero/Treasury head/ founding father Alexander Hamilton has also scooped up Tony, Olivier, and Grammy Awards.

Elijah Rhea Johnson electrifies MJ the Musical. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

Lyric Theatre, 214 W. 43rd St., 212-305-4100; broadway.harrypottertheplay.com

2018 Tony, Best Play (3 hrs., 30 mins.) This visually spectacular show begins where the films end, with the friendship between Harry’s son Albus and Draco’s son, Scorpius—BFFs whose magical misadventures involve Time-Turner shenanigans and a mysterious friend. Familiar characters plus a new generation of Hogwarts students make this a must-see for fans (the program has a full summary and wizarding world crash course for HP neophytes).

HELL’S KITCHEN

Shubert Theatre, 225 W. 44th St., 212-239-6200; hellskitchen.com (2 hrs., 30 mins.) Grammy winner Alicia Keys’ autobiographical musical about 17-year-old Ali facing hard truths about race, defiance, and growing up.

HOME

Todd Haimes Theatre, 227 W. 42nd St., 212-239-6100; roundabouttheatre.org (90 mins., no intermission) In this coming-of-age story, Cephus Miles has the world in his hands until his sweetheart marries another man. Limited engagement thru 7/21.

ILLINOISE

St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., 888-506-4101; illinoiseonstage.com (90 mins., no intermission) Sufjan Stevens’ concept album, brought to the stage with new arrangements, takes us from campfire stories to the edges of the cosmos. Limited engagement thru 8/10.

JOB

Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 W. 44th St., 212-239-6200; jobtheplay.com

(80 mins., no intermission) When Jane is placed on leave from her Big Tech job, the therapist who can authorize her return suspects her work might be doing more harm than good. In previews for a 7/30 opening; limited engagement thru 9/29.

THE LION KING

Minskoff Theatre, 200 W. 45th St., 866-870-2717; disneyonbroadway.com

1998 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 30 mins.) A glorious stage adaptation of Disney’s animated hit, The Lion King is a treasure trove of stunning visual magic created by Tony-winner Julie Taymor. Set in the flourishing African Pride Land, the story follows the lion prince, Simba, and his journey from precocious cub to king of the jungle.

MJ THE MUSICAL

Neil Simon Theatre, 250 W. 52nd St., 212-239-6200; mjthemusical.com (2 hrs., 35 mins.) This electrifying musical bio looks into Michael Jackson’s creative process leading up to his 1992 Dangerous world tour. With over 25 of The King of Pop’s hits, as well as his signature moves and sound, the show comes with a staggeringly impressive pedigree: book by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and direction and choreography by Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon.

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; moulinrougemusical.com

2020 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 35 mins.) A gleefully flamboyant take on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 movie where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows, featuring a love triangle, Toulouse-Lautrec, and over 70 songs.

THE NOTEBOOK

Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; notebookmusical.com

mins.) Based on Nicolas Sparks’ bestseller: a musical romance about Allie & Noah, from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite forces that threaten to pull them apart.

OH, MARY!

Lyceum Theatre, 145 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; ohmaryplay.com

(80 mins., no intermission) Writer/actor Cole Escola plays Mary Todd Lincoln, examining her forgotten life and dreams through the lens of an idiot. Limited engagement thru 9/15.

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

Hudson Theatre, 141 W. 44th St., 855-801-5876; onceuponamattress.com

(2 hrs., 15 mins.) This musical update of “The Princess and the Pea” finds a free spirit princess (Sutton Foster) in a repressed kingdom that looks to her to transform it. Limited engagement thru 11/30.

THE OUTSIDERS

Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; outsidersmusical.com

2024 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 30 mins.) In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, the hardened hearts and aching souls of Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, and their chosen family of ‘outsiders’ are in a fight for survival and a quest for purpose in a world that may never accept them. This gripping new musical, based on the 1983 film, reinvigorates the timeless tale of ‘haves and have nots’, of protecting what’s yours, and fighting for what could be.

To get up-to-date information on new shows and first looks at hotly anticipated productions, “like” City Guide on Facebook at facebook.com/CityGuideNY and follow us on Instagram @cityguideny

SIX

Lena Horne Theatre, 256 W. 47th St., 877-250-2929; sixonbroadway.com

(80 mins., no intermission) Henry VIII’s six wives take the mic to remix historical heartbreak into girl power.

THEATER

(CONT’D)

STEREOPHONIC

Golden Theatre, 252 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; stereophonicplay.com

2024 Tony, Best Play (3 hrs., 5 mins.) This play with music tracks a 1976 rock band on the brink of superstardom. With songs by Grammy winner Will Butler. Limited engagement thru 1/5/25.

SUFFS

Music Box Theatre, 239 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; suffsmusical.com

(2 hrs., 30 mins.) Set in 1913, Shaina Taub’s new musical explores the victories and failures of the women’s movement and its pursuit of voting rights.

THE WHO’S TOMMY

Nederlander Theatre, 208 W. 41st St., 844-753-7397; tommythemusical.com

(2 hrs., 15 mins.) Tommy, a traumatized child, turns into a celebrity savior as a “pinball wizard.” Based on The Who’s 1969 rock opera. Thru 7/21.

WICKED

Gershwin Theatre, 222 W. 51st St., 877-250-2929; wickedthemusical.com

(2 hrs., 45 mins.) One of Broadway’s biggest success stories, this fantasy musical, based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, follows the friendship between two young girls—one smart, misunderstood, and green-hued; the other beautiful, ambitious, and popular. Oz’s fairy tale roots get replanted in an eyepopping production that turns the original story spectacularly upside down.

THE WIZ

Marquis Theatre, 1535 Broadway, 844-753-7397; wizmusical.com

(2 hrs., 30 mins.) This first Broadway revival invites you to ease on down the yellow brick road with Dorothy and company. Limited engagement thru 8/18.

off-broadway

BLUE MAN GROUP

Astor Place Theatre, 434 Lafayette St., 800-258-3626; blueman.com

(105 mins., no intermission) Blue Man Group will rock your world, blow your mind, and unleash your spirit. Leave your expectations at the door and let three bald and blue men take you on a spectacular journey bursting with music, laughter, and surprises. 35 million people of all ages, languages, and cultures know what Blue Man Group is really about. Now it’s your turn.

EMPIRE

New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St., 212-239-6200; empirethemusical.com

(2 hr., 30 mins.) This elevated new musical celebrates the world’s most iconic building: the Empire State Building. Told through the lens of three generations of dreamers and doers, and spanning New York City in the Roaring ‘20s, the Great Depression, and the 1976 Bicentennial, the show shines with dramatic tales, spectacular choreography, foot-tapping music, and unforgettable characters. Limited engagement thru 9/22.

off-off broadway

THE ORIGINAL NYC TALENT SHOW

The Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston St., 212-673-6270; nyctalentshow.com

A Monday night platform where hosts Victor Varnado and Pam Wess invite performers from various backgrounds and talents to take the stage for an evening of the gritty charm, humor, and energy emblematic of NYC. Serving up the unexpected and audacious, the show has been a playground for Jim Gaffigan, Kristen Schaal, Colin Quinn, Janeane Garafolo, and many more.

For help with making city plans, check out City Guide’s Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/everythingtodonyc and follow us on Instagram @cityguideny

Joel Meyers as Albus Potter and Steve Haggard as Harry Potter. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

CUISINE CORNER

NYC is a world-class destination for foodies. It’s also home to local legends that have earned those Instagram snaps across decades of service. You’ve got questions about dining out? We’ve got answers.

h Where can I get treated like a celeb (and maybe spot one) over a tall, cool sundae?

Celebrity hotspot Sugar Factory American Brasserie brings glitz to the heart of Times Square. Brunches, Monster Burgers, Instagram-ready sundaes, killer cocktails, sparkly Couture Pops lollipops, and signature, celebrity-endorsed smoking candy goblets (crafted with or without alcohol) headline the specialties. Don’t miss the floor-to-ceiling candy wall in the groundfloor retail store!

gWhere can I dine among the clouds?

The simply stunning views from One World Observatory in Lower Manhattan are complemented by the seasonally inspired options at ONE Dine. The 101st floor menu plays off New Yorker favorites like Korean ssam wraps, hamachi crudo, pasta, steak frites, and smash burgers with caramalized onions and Gruyère cheese. You can raise a toast with small production wines, local draft beers, and craft cocktails.

h A high energy spot with great specials in Times Square?

Pink Taco serves imaginative Mexican-inspired fare amid rock ‘n’ roll vibes. They’re celebrating 25 Years of Summer right now with ceviches, empanadas, new mocktails, and a late night happy hour every Sunday-Thursday, 9pm-2am.

iWhere can I find a refined experience and a real getaway?

Nerai brings a taste of Greece to Midtown East. Diners here experience the fresh flavors of the Aegean with a range of refined seafood dishes, hummus, housemade feta, and grilled pita bread. (Nerai’s wine program holds the prestigious Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence.) Don’t miss enchanted courtyard dining.

fWhere can I get a meal from a celebrity chef?

Across two stories of a stately Upper East Side townhouse, David Burke Tavern showcases the modern American cuisine of David Burke (Top Chef Masters). Look for a creative approach to classic fare, often with showstopping presentations. Signatures include crab cake pretzel rafts, lobster dumplings, braised bison short rib cavatelli, and “Clothesline Bacon.”

i Where can I get a memorable meal with spectacular views?

The best way to dine along the skyline is aboard City Cruises. For a refined experience, book a Premier Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the all-glass, European-inspired Bateaux New York and enjoy plated dining, live entertainment, signature cocktails, and the city’s most impressive views.

gFor a quick stop in the East Village or Times Square?

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is one of the world’s fastest growing restaurant chains. They’re known for chicken finger meals, which come with creamy, tangy, peppery “Cane’s Sauce”—picked the #1 most craveable sauce in the restaurant industry. Cane’s uses only the highest-quality ingredients with a cook-to-order system, so it’s always fresh. NYC locations include Astor Place and Times Square.

fWhere can I try something different in Times Square?

Utsav, a woman-owned, bi-level restaurant in the Theater District, has been known for its dynamic cooking for more than two decades. You can try three different cuisines here, across Indian, Bengali, and Indo Chinese menus. Expect fresh tastes and diverse flavors, ranging from a signature Bengali prawn curry to a rich Moghlai chicken curry in a cashew-based sauce to an Indo Chinese lamb with chili soya sauce.

h An upbeat brasserie scene?

Polished nickel and leather, warm tones, and original Red Grooms artwork add to the lively atmosphere at midtown favorite Redeye Grill. The gourmet menu here features steaks, chops, fresh seafood, and sushi. The location is fantastic, close to Central Park and Carnegie Hall. As the weather warms, take advantage of the elevated outdoor patio with prime views of the neighborhood. Save room for the house specialty—banana cream pie!

DINING

Midtown West

Midtown East

Theater District

Times Square

Upper East Side

Upper West Side

New Jersey

$ Inexpensive/Mostly $20 & under

$$ Mostly $20-$40

$$$ Mostly $50 +

UPPER WEST SIDE

CAFE FIORELLO UWS $$

1900 Broadway (63rd-64th Sts.), 212-595-5330, cafefiorello.com | ITALIAN

New Yorkers’ go-to for visits to Lincoln Center. Upper West Side legend features a lively outdoor cafe and a timeless interior finished in warm wood, brass, and mirrors. Updated Italian classics from the kitchen begin with a 50-item hot and cold antipasto bar. Excels in seafood, steak, veal, and pasta.

THEATER DISTRICT/MIDTOWN WEST

BOND 45 TS $$

221 W. 46th St. (Broadway-8th Ave.), 212-869-4545, bond45ny.com | ITALIAN

One of the great restaurants from The Fireman Hospitality Group, known for its antipasto bar with a rotating selection of market-fresh veggies. Expansive menu includes specialty veal chops, seafood, housemade pasta, and thin-crust pizza. Expansive rustic-chic space inside the stylish Deco confines of the Hotel Edison. Open Sun.-Thurs. 7am-10pm, Fri-Sat. 7am-11pm.

BROOKLYN DINER MW

$$

212 W. 57th St. (Broadway-7th Ave.), 212-977-1957: 155 W. 43rd St. (Broadway-6th Ave.), 212-265-5400, brooklyndiner.com | AMERICAN

A classic New York experience inspired by “the old neighborhood in Brooklyn.” Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with diner favorites like Reubens, burgers, chicken soup, and pot pies. Lighter fare like tacos, teriyaki salmon, and entree salads as well. Sparkling new Times Square location open SunThurs. 8am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 8am-11pm.

DEL

FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE

STEAKHOUSE TD $$$

1221 Ave. of the Americas (48th-49th Sts.), 212-575-5129, delfriscos.com | STEAKHOUSE

Energetic and luxurious three-story steakhouse in the heart of midtown, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of Sixth Avenue and Rockefeller Center. Treats guests to an exceptional experience through chef-driven cuisine, world-class wines, and unparalleled hospitality.

HARD ROCK CAFE TS $$

1501 Broadway (43rd-44th Sts.), 212-343-3355, hardrockcafe.com/location/new-york | AMERICAN Rock your senses with tantalizing food and drinks and an awe-inspiring rock memorabilia collection. Priceless pieces from Elvis to The Beatles to contemporary stars. Don’t miss weekend brunch 11am-3pm, with bottomless mimosas and faves like chicken ‘n’ waffles and build-your-own scrambles.

HAVANA CENTRAL TS $$

151 W. 46th St. (6th-7th Aves.), 212-398-7440, havanacentral.com | CUBAN

Home of Real Cuban Cooking in the heart of Times Square. Come for the food—but stay for the party! Find “the best mojitos north of Havana” plus Happy Hour at the bar, Monday-Friday 3-7pm. Classic Cuban favorites like empanadas, slow-roasted pork, and ropa vieja

LA MASSERIA TD $$-$$$

235 W. 48th St. (Broadway-8th Ave.), 212-582-2111, lamasserianyc.com | ITALIAN

“A farmhouse in the middle of Manhattan,” offering classic dishes from the Puglia region of Italy, utilizing the freshest natural ingredients for simple, authentic pastas, risottos, and meat and fish dishes. Warm, inviting decor blends rural Italian style, nostalgia, and charm, complementing their exceptional cuisine and wine list. Among the most popular restaurants in the Theater District. Seven days lunch/dinner.

MASSERIA DEI VINI TD $$$

887 9th Ave. (57th-58th Sts.), 212-315-2888, masseriadeivini.com | ITALIAN

A first-rate Italian menu blends traditional and modern. Beautiful dishes from Puglia, many of which incorporate seafood and fresh homemade pastas. Gourmet pizza Neapolitan style from a Ferrara woodburning pizza oven. Extensive wine by the glass and a large selection of bottles, mainly from Italy, but without ignoring the rest of the world.

Keep up with the latest NYC restaurant openings and news, visit: cityguideny.com

DINING

PINK TACO TS $$

7 Times Sq. (7th Ave. & W. 41st.), 212-315-8226, pinktaco.com/locations/new-york-city | MEXICAN Rock ‘n’ roll vibe-dining right in the heart of Times Square. Mexican-inspired fare is daringly imaginative, specializing in tacos with attitude, perfectly shaken margaritas, and signature cocktails. Breakfast and dinner daily, Hangover Brunch on Sat. and Sun., weeknight Happy Hour 3-6pm, and $4 taco specials all day long for Taco Tuesdays.

RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS TS $

1501 Broadway (43rd-44th Sts.) 20 Astor Pl. (Lafayette St.) raisingcanes.com | AMERICAN

One of the fastest growing restaurant chains, with over 750 locations and more on the way, known for its ONE LOVE® Craveable Chicken Finger Meals, which include their iconic “Cane’s Sauce”—named the #1 most craveable sauce in the restaurant industry. Cane’s uses only the highest-quality ingredients with a cook-to-order system that ensures a great-tasting chicken finger meal served hot and fresh every time.

REDEYE

GRILL MW $$

890 7th Ave. (56th St.), 212-541-9000, redeyegrill.com | AMERICAN

Upscale dining featuring an elevated outdoor patio with prime views of Carnegie Hall and midtown. Classic American brasserie scene, with polished nickel and leather, warm tones, and original Red Grooms artwork. Gourmet menu features steaks, chops, fresh seafood, and sushi, with house specialties like the spicy tuna burger. Save room for banana cream pie!

STRIP HOUSE STEAKHOUSE & COCKTAIL

LOUNGE TS $$$

15 W. 44th St. (5th-6th Aves.), 212-336-5454, striphouse.com | STEAKHOUSE

Named one of New York’s best steak restaurants by Zagat and awarded four stars by Forbes, the namesake cut isn’t the only thing to marvel upon…our walls are adorned with original Studio Manassé prints of 1930s burlesque stars. Our signature menu features sizzling prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts enjoyed in a bi-level space for lunch, dinner, and private dining.

SUGAR FACTORY TIMES SQUARE TS $$

694 8th Ave. (44th St.), 347-721-9066, sugarfactory.com/time-square-ny | AMERICAN Celebrity hotspot adds more glamour to Times Square. First floor cafe with milkshake bar, coffees, and pastries, flowing into the retail store. Take in the floor-toceiling candy wall before heading upstairs to the roomy restaurant and bar. Brunch, Monster Burgers, sundaes, cocktails, sparkly Couture Pops lollipops, and signature, celebrity-endorsed smoking candy goblets (with or without alcohol) headline the specialties.

TRATTORIA DELL’ARTE MW $$

900 7th Ave. (56th-57th Sts.), 212-245-9800, trattoriadellarte.com | ITALIAN

The largest antipasto bar in the city, accompanied by signature Italian dishes including veal chop Parmigiana, chicken pepperoni Parmigiana, and the classic 101 Layer Lasagna. Interior features include funky oversize sculptures, in a space inspired by an artist’s studio in Tuscany. All in the heart of midtown!

USA BROOKLYN DELICATESSEN MW $

211 W. 43rd St. (7th-8th Aves.), 212-840-5800; 200 W. 57th St. (7th Ave., btw. 56th-57th Sts.), 212-757-5757, brooklyndelicatessen.com

AMERICAN COMFORT FOOD

Turns back the culinary clock to a slower time, when our tastes were simple, with the kind of real food you crave. Hot sandwiches and comfort food with a laidback ambiance. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. EGGFACE sandwiches featured at breakfast; for lunch and dinner enjoy offerings ranging from hot pastrami, corned beef, and turkey to chicken soup and salads.

UTSAV INDIAN CUISINE TS $$

1185 6th Ave. (46th St., btw. 6th-7th Aves.), 212-575-2525, utsavny.com | INDIAN

Woman owned & run, serving dynamic cuisine to NYC for 24 years. Located in an open air plaza; bar on the first floor and a newly renovated spacious dining room on the second floor. Recently introduced Indo Chinese and Bengali menus join Indian menu to bring new flavors to the area for the first time. Come visit this hidden gem where you can savor different flavors from various parts of India. Lunch special $24.95. Happy Hour 5-8pm daily. Lunch noon-3pm, dinner 5-10:30pm daily.

EAST VILLAGE

STRIP HOUSE STEAKHOUSE & COCKTAIL LOUNGE

EV $$$

13 E. 12th St. (University Pl.-5th Ave.), 212-328-0000, striphouse.com | STEAKHOUSE

Iconic NYC restaurant providing innovative food in a burlesque atmosphere, for a high-end steakhouse experience. Named one of New York’s best steak restaurants by Zagat and awarded four stars by Forbes, the signature menu features sizzling prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, decadent desserts, and an extensive wine list. Limited seating is also available in the attached Speakeasy for those who prefer a more intimate dinner and cocktail experience.

To find the most innovative dining spots in NYC visit us online: cityguideny.com

DINING

UPPER EAST SIDE

DAVID BURKE TAVERN UES $$$

135 E. 62 St. (Park-Lexington Aves), davidburketavern.com | AMERICAN

Modern American restaurant by award-winning celebrity chef David Burke. Occupying the first two stories of a stately townhouse on the Upper East Side, the restaurant showcases Burke’s creative and contemporary approach to classic fare—often with show-stopping presentations. Lunch and dinner seven days from noon. Brunch Sat.-Sun. Happy Hour daily 3:30-6:30pm

MIDTOWN EAST

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE ME $$$

551 5th Ave. (entrance on 45th St.), 212-972-3315, mortons.com | STEAKHOUSE

Famous for USDA prime-aged beef, fresh seafood, fine wine, and elegant desserts: the ideal place for a memorable dinner. A true blend of classic and contemporary. From our innovative cocktail culture that fuels a bustling bar scene, to the elegant, sophisticated dining rooms, Morton’s can accommodate large parties or an intimate dinner. Look for raw bar specials and butcher-cut features like the tomahawk ribeye, dry-aged bone-in K.C. strip, and wagyu filet.

NERAI ME $$$

55 E. 54th St. (Park-Madison Aves), 212-759-5554, NeraiNYC.com | GREEK/SEAFOOD

Refined and sophisticated Greek cuisine in the heart of midtown. Our impressive culinary team turns out a variety of delectable Greek and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Be transported from the streets of NYC to the shores of Greece. As a Wine Spectator Award recipient, we invite you to experience our impeccable attention to service and genuine hospitality.

PARK AVE KITCHEN

BY DAVID BURKE ME $$$

514 Lexington Ave. (48th St.), 646-847-4166; parkavekitchenbydb.com | AMERICAN

Bringing together delicious, authentic American fare with top-notch service in a fun atmosphere. David Burke is one of the best known and most respected chefs in Modern American cuisine with his signature whimsical, boundlessly creative approach. Formal dine-in Brasserie on one side of restaurant and a tostay area with a take-out option concept on the other. Daily lunch/dinner. Bar open daily 11am- midnight.

CHELSEA

CITY CRUISES CH $$-$$$

Chelsea Piers, Pier 61 (W. 23rd St. & 12th Ave.), 866-817-3463; citycruises.com/newyork

Offers brunch, lunch, and dining cruises throughout the year. Choose from buffets or elegant plated experiences on the glass-enclosed deck of the Europeaninspired Bateaux. Four convenient NY/NJ departures.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE FD $$$

World Trade Center, 136 Washington St. (Cedar-Albany Sts.), 212-608-0171, mortons.com | STEAK/SEAFOOD

Famous for USDA prime-aged beef, fresh seafood, fine wine and elegant desserts: the ideal place for a memorable dinner. Wide-open, modern dining room can accommodate large parties or an intimate dinner for two. Private boardrooms or grab a cocktail in Bar 12-21. Just steps from the 9/11 Memorial.

NEW JERSEY

AMERICAN DREAM NJ

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ, 833-263-7326, americandream.com, | GLOBAL

Shops. World-class entertainment. Restaurants. The range of activities here is as jaw-dropping as the dining options, which run from bars and food halls to Little Sheep Hot Pot, Marcus Live! Bar & Grille by Marcus Samuelsson, Michelin-star chef Gastón Acurio’s Jarana, and YouTube sensation MrBeast’s only restaurant, MrBeast Burger.

AFTERHOURS GOTHAM

Welcometotheworldcapitalofnightlife:thecity thatneversleeps.Intimatejazzspotsshareblocks withDJ-drivennightclubsallaroundthecity. Neighborhoody pints can be found across midtown (MercuryBar in Hell’s Kitchen is a great pick for family-run hospitality, tasty bar bites, and tons ofTVs for catching all the games). For a more raucous scene, check out the EastVillage and Lower EastSide.AcrosstheriverinBrooklyn,Williamsburghasdevelopedanightlife realm to rival Manhattan’s.

Above: bespoke cocktailing is part of the modern New York scene.

The

best in jazz can be heard nightly at Dizzy’s Club.

The Original NYC Talent Show shows off the eccentric talent native to NYC.

Near Times Square, you can rock your senses with tantalizing food and drinks at Hard Rock Cafe. Feel the history as you’re surrounded by collectibles from Jimi Hendrix, Billy Joel, John Lennon, The Ramones, Blondie, and Bruce Springsteen—global stars with New York connections. Nearby Havana Central serves home-cooked Cuban food in a lively setting. Fuel up with their festive Happy Hour, which includes half-price empanadas and classic mojitos and margaritas.

For world-class musical experiences, head to Jazz at Lincoln Center’s intimate Dizzy’s Club. There are shows nightly, in a space expressly designed for superior live jazz experiences—you’ll hear the difference at every show. Night owls can catch Late Night

Sessions every Thursday through Saturday starting at 11pm.

For an eclectic mix of talent, city legend

The Original NYC Talent Show has relaunched at The Parkside Lounge on the Lower East Side. Talents as diverse as Hannibal Buress, Janeane Garafolo, and Jim Gaffigan have appeared—audience members are invited to sign up and perform. Weekly on Mondays!

Gotham Comedy Club brings in the hottest comics nightly. Legends like Jerry Seinfeld and David Chappelle have dropped in on this upscale, intimate setting in Chelsea. There are touring pros and ensemble nights like The Gotham All-Stars. We all deserve a laugh these days—Gotham Comedy Club is the best place in the city to find them.

NIGHTLIFE

GOTHAM COMEDY CLUB CH

208 W. 23rd St. (7th-8th Aves.), 212-367-9000, gothamcomedyclub.com

Midtown

Upper East Side

Upper West Side

DIZZY’S CLUB AT JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER MW

10 Columbus Cir. (59th-60th Sts.), 212-258-9800, jazz.org

In the heart of Columbus Circle, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s most intimate venue Dizzy’s Club invites you to experience world-class music in a casual setting with breathtaking views of Central Park and a curated menu featuring craft and spirit-free cocktails. Nightly sets begin at 7 and 9pm; Sun. sets 5 and 7:30pm; and Late Night Sessions 11pm Thurs.-Sat.

Whether it’s date night, an evening with the boys, a girls night out, or even a good place to take your mother-in-law, Gotham has a show for you. Great laughs from top-tier professionals are joined by delicious pub food, a huge liquor selection--including 30 kinds of vodka--and an actual wine list. Legends like Jerry Seinfeld are known to drop in on this upscale yet intimate setting. Covers vary depending on show with a 2-beverage minimum.

THE ORIGINAL NYC TALENT SHOW LES

The Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston St. (Attorney St.), 212-673-6270, nyctalentshow.com

Rare stage experience showing off the eccentric, unparalleled talent native to NYC. Recently relaunched downtown, you can catch it every Monday at 7:30pm. Talents as diverse as Hannibal Buress, Janeane Garafolo, Colin Quinn, and Jim Gaffigan have appeared and audience members are invited to sign up and perform. As Victor Varnado (who co-hosts with Pam Wess) puts it, “Every act that steps onto our stage embodies the audacious, raw, and enthralling spirit of New York.”

MANHATTAN BUS MAP

For a more detailed downtown map, see the Lower Manhattan map.

WESTSIDEHIGHWAY

EAVNICHOLASST

MANHATTAN SUBWAY MAP

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMAN