NYC FOOD FESTS
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 in Ne 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
CRUISE TO MILTON, NY
Travel to Milton, NY! Make the most of the autumn season by visiting a vineyard, going apple picking, or taking in the sights while trying the Walkway Over the Hudson!
VISIT COLD SPRING, NY
Shop, dine, and explore in one of the Hudson Valley’s most charming villages.
CRUISE TO AN ARMY FOOTBALL GAME
Tailgate by sea to Michie Stadium where you can watch the game!
FALL FOLIAGE BRUNCH CRUISES
BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Take a cruise to this beautiful park for a day of exploring, biking, and dining. Then check out the famous inn, zoo, and carousel!
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 Friedman
Broadway, 12th Floor New York, NY 10036 212-315-0800 www.cityguideny.com @ cityguideny facebook.com/cityguideny
Chief Executive Officer: David L. Miller
Enjoy the stunning autumn leaves lining the Hudson River while feasting on a delicious catered brunch! For more info: seastreak.com or call (800) BOAT RIDE
PROMENADE promenademag.com
IN TIMES SQUARE TASTE THE WORLD
Visit while the Broadway rush is on and you’ll know instantly why Times Square is nicknamed “The Crossroads of the World.” On any given day hundreds of thousands of people pass through, drawn to the action from every corner of the globe. Beyond theatre, you’ll find shopping, attractions, and some of the city’s best food and drink.
GLOBAL CUISINE» Times Square’s dining scene has flavors from Argentina, Singapore, Cuba, Italy, the Caribbean, and beyond. The Theater District is here, home to Broadway stages and a mix of classic establishments and vibrant newcomers. If you don’t have Broadway tickets, take advantage of this month’s “happiest hour” promotion in the neighborhood, with deals that kick in after 8pm. All in all, there are over 200 spots representing more than 30 cuisines from around the world, with highlights that include:
SINGAPOREAN | Urban Hawker
This indoor food hall is the first of its kind in the U.S. to feature stalls from the UNESCO hawker centers of Singapore. Seventeen vendors serve up street food classics from all over Southeast Asia.
WEST AFRICAN | Lagos
This Nigerian restaurant and lounge is known for traditional West African cuisine, drinks, and music, all steeped in luxury.
MEXICAN | Los Tacos No. 1
This standing-room-only taqueria boasts arguably Manhattan’s best tacos (trust us). Their simple and flavorful dishes make for a perfect quick and casual pre-theater meal.
EASTERN EUROPEAN | Russian Samovar Hearty Eastern European fare served up alongside house-infused vodka. This old-school yet swanky restaurant also features piano bar entertainment upstairs.
This woman- and Black-owned business serves a menu inspired by island cuisines. Family recipes go back generations, expertly paired with inventive tropical cocktails.
JAPANESE | Sushi Lab
On the roof of the Sanctuary Hotel, this omakase experience is taken to new heights in a beautiful garden terrace setting.
ITALIAN | Carmine’s
Find wow-factor portions at this classic family-style Southern Italian institution—a perfect group-dining destination.
CUBAN | Margon
One of NYC’s best-kept secrets since 1970, this woman-owned eatery serves authentic Cuban and Dominican dishes—try the famous Cubano sandwich with rice and beans right at the lunch counter.
CUBAN | Havana Central
Larger and definitely more well-known is Havana Central, a family-style establishment serving shareable portions of classic Cuban dishes in a vibrant tropical atmosphere.
FRENCH | Le Bernardin
La Liste’s #1 restaurant for seven years running, this upscale bistro is one of Manhattan’s fine dining icons. Seafood takes center stage in their modern French classics.
Top: authentic tastes at Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine. For “happiest hour” details and more see tsq.org/taste
CARIBBEAN | Jasmine’s Caribbean Cuisine
SIGHTSEEING
See It All From Unique New York Perspectives
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, walking tours, and observation decks. There are over 100 options all told, with savings up to half off. The most popular picks are the 3 or 4-day All-Inclusive Pass and the 3 or 4-choice Explorer Pass.
Continued on p. 15
Above: see the city and save with Go City, which offers hassle-free passes for New York highlights, from the Empire State Building at the top to One World Observatory and Edge, left and right below.
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS MAP
Continued from p. 12
New York is 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.
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. For immersion in the Art Deco
Bucket list thrills on a HeliNY New York City ride.
Have a blast at North America’s largest indoor waterpark, DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream.
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 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.
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.
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 & 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,
Continued on p. 19
ON THE WATER
New York City grew so fast thanks to its access to shipping and its waterways remain vibrant parts of city life. The views back to skylines and landmarks are even more impressive. 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, Europeaninspired 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. As New York waterways get healthy, bottlenose dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and even whales are paying visits to the city. You can check out all of the maritime action on Seastreak, which encounters charismatic humpback whales on 90% of its nature trips. Whale Watching tours leave directly from Manhattan for a quick ride to the whale watching grounds (the season runs through September 21st). This is a comfortable cruise with climate controlled cabins, an open-air top deck and 360° panoramic windows—the city views are every bit as spectacular as the wildlife. As leaves start to turn look for great excursions north of the city. 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). Boats depart from Castle Clinton at the southern tip of Manhattan, an original defense of the city completed in 1811. 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 can explore the French Renaissance style main building and The National Immigration Museum.
Left to right: Seastreak offers whale watching tours from Manhattan; plated meals and stunning views aboard City Cruises’ Bateaux New York. Below: unforgettable skylines and views of the Brooklyn Bridge from City Cruises’ Spirit of New York.
SIGHTSEEING
FD Financial District
Tribeca
NoHo LES Lower East Side
SoHo
AMERICAN DREAM NJ
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!
CENTRAL PARK BOATHOUSE $$$ UES
The Lake, Central Park (E. 72nd St. & Park Dr N.), 718-973-9339; centralparkboathouse.com
One of the city’s most famous photo ops is a rowboat excursion on The Lake, with Central Park and skyscrapers in the background. This is the spot to rent your boat, at the refreshed and reimagined Central Park Boathouse. There’s an elegant destination restaurant here, serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, plus a casual café for bugers, lobster rolls, and views to remember.
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.
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.
A spectacular sight on the Hudson: the Intrepid Museum.
Pose with the world’s most iconic musicians, leaders, athletes, and A-list stars at Madame Tussauds New York in Times Square.
Continued from p. 16
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. It’s all just 5 miles from Times Square!
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.
immerse yourself
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
L to R: Intriguing spaces await at Mercer Labs; jump, climb, relax, and get lost in the vortex of The INTERnet, woven into INTER_. Image credit: INTER_.
Top to bottom: the world’s largest collection of Banksy-inspired murals and artwork at the Banksy Museum. Banksy Museum NYC., photo courtesy of Banksy Museum.; Photo ops and frozen treats at the Museum of Ice Cream; SoHo’s Color Factory throws some shades; get up close and personal with you favorite celebrites at Madame Tussauds New York.
IMMERSIVES
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
Theater District
Times Square
Upper East Side
Upper West Side
New Jersey
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.
Other SoHo spots include Color Factory’s adventures with shades across multiple art-inspired rooms. The Museum of Ice Cream offers a hall of ice cream scoops and a three-story slide that ends in a pool of sprinkles. The world’s largest collection of Banksy-inspired murals and artwork is now open, showing off the work of one of the world’s most famous artists (even if he is anonymous). An immersive experience, the Banksy Museum also features the artist’s studio work, animated visual elements, and videos.
The Museum of Illusions NYC in the West Village is great photographic fun, where you can laugh, scream, run, and take selfies.
New to Lower Manhattan, Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology immerses visitors
in cutting-edge projections, sound design, and mirrored spaces that go on forever. Experimental artist Roy Nachum is behind the creative vision here, which fills multiple floors of a historic bank building.
The American Museum of Natural History shows even old-line institutions getting on board: Invisible Worlds explores networks of life at all scales. Visitors become part of the story as their movements shift the projections. Top of the Rock has a new thrill: you can 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.
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.
NYC museums have something for everyone, from art to history to the city itself.
Top: Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark at the Museum of Jewish Heritage tells the remarkable story of the rescue of the Danish Jews during the Holocaust, one of the most exceptional examples of mass resistance in modern history.
1 Collecting Inspiration: Edward C. Moore at Tiffany & Co. at the Met Museum shows off the vast collection of decorative arts of Tiffany designer Edward C. Moore (1827–1891).
2 Explore the culture influence of an original New York artform at the American Museum of Natural History’s blinged out Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry.
3 Craft Front & Center: Conversation Pieces brings pioneering 20th-century craft artists into dialogue with contemporary artists at the Museum of Arts and Design
4 The experience of walking El Barrio would be vastly different without the artworks of Manny Vega (b. Bronx, 1956); see his vibrant mosaics and murals at Byzantine Bembé: New York by Manny Vega at the Museum of the City of New York.
5 Realism and fantasy meet in prints by the artist, illustrator, and children’s book author Wanda Gág (1893–1946), on view in Wanda Gág’s World at the Whitney Museum of American Art
THIS WEEKIN THE CITY
ONGOING
HeliNY New York City is the most exciting way to experience NYC’s landmarks. Rides leave from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport along the East River, lifting up to take in everything from New York Harbor to the Statue of Liberty to the city’s iconic bridges. There are three tour options to choose from, starting with The New Yorker Tour (12-15 minutes, viewing 17 major landmarks) and topping off with The Deluxe Tour (25-30 minutes, 25 major landmarks), which flies south to the Verrazzano Bridge, getting up close to Brooklyn and Staten Island. The Ultimate Tour is the most popular pick (17-20 minutes, 25 major landmarks), flying from the Statue of Liberty to the top of Manhattan, taking in all of Central Park, Yankee Stadium, and the George Washington Bridge along the way. Enjoy New York from a perspective few ever experience!
6 East River Piers (FDR Dr.), 212-355-0801, heliny.com 9.12-9.19
Bond 45 is a Theater District favorite serving up Italian classics inside the stylish Deco confines of the Hotel Edison. You can live out your diva dreams here in the restaurant’s “Queen’s Corner.” In partnership with the musical SIX, there’s a royal booth celebrating the Queens of Broadway. Order the Queen’s Cup cocktail or bring friends along for the Queen’s Goblet: a blend of butterfly pea blossom gin, plum liqueur, and lavender and blueberry tea. (If you like to laugh, Bond 45 is now also the home of legendary comedy club Stand Up NY. Take advantage of a new “Dinner and Show” package, which features a three-course prix fixe highlighted by house signatures like shortrib meatballs, chicken Parmigiana, and chocolate blackout cake. After the meal, head downstairs for premium seating at a comedy show; shows take place Thursdays through Saturdays.) 221 W. 46th St. (btw. Broadway & Eighth Ave.), 212-869-4545, bond45ny.com
ONGOING
ONGOING
Shops. Dining. World-class entertainment. The range of activities at American Dream is jaw-dropping. 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, pizza, barbecue,
luxury retailers, and even an aquarium. There are more than 3 million square feet to explore, with something for everyone—no matter the weather. The largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere is here; Nickelodeon Universe takes inspira-
tion from the network’s favorite shows, from Dora the Explorer to PAW Patrol. The world’s steepest roller coaster, the world’s tallest and longest spinning coaster, and the world’s tallest indoor spinning drop tower are all waiting to thrill you. (There are also gentler choices like Butterbean’s Sweet Spin.) Bring a swimsuit for DreamWorks Water Park. More than 40 rides, slides, and attractions, including the world’s tallest indoor drop slide and one of the world’s tallest hydromagnetic water coasters, await at North America’s largest indoor waterpark. It’s all less than 5 miles from Times Square! 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ, 833-263-7326, americandream.com
9.12-9.19
IN THE CITY
Times Square newcomer The Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine is not just a place to buy gourmet tinned fish—it’s a space to explore vibrant displays and learn more about an authentic culinary heritage. A Ferris wheel welcomes visitors to a store filled with artfully arranged packages. At the heart of the offerings are exquisite Portuguese sardines, known for their superior quality and taste, each tin a testament to Portugal’s rich maritime history. Beyond sardines, the store offers a curated selection of other gourmet canned seafood, including mackerel, octopus, and squid, all crafted with the same dedication. Don’t miss exclusive tasting events, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6-9pm, offering the opportunity to sample the goods and learn about the traditional methods used in their preparation. 1592 Broadway (btw. 47th & 48th Sts.), portuguesesardine.us
9.14-9.15
As New York waterways get healthy, bottlenose dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and even whales are paying visits to the city. You can check out all of the maritime action on Seastreak, which encounters charismatic humpback whales on 90% of its nature trips. Whale Watching tours leave directly from Manhattan on Saturdays and Sundays for a quick ride to the whale watching grounds. This is a comfortable cruise with climate controlled cabins, an open-air top deck and 360° panoramic windows (the city views are every bit as spectacular as the wildlife). Pier 11 (South St.), 800-BOAT RIDE (800-262-8743), seastreak.com
9.19
Fotografiska New York is a museum experience for the modern world, with a vibrant atmosphere unlike any other NYC institution. In addition to current photography exhibits, the museum is bringing in even more culture on Thursday night. Romanian pianist Lucian Ban and Brooklyn-born violist Mat Maneri draw on their new album Transylvanian Dance, which takes inspiration from folk music gathered by composer Béla Bartók in Transylvania. The performance will feature a montage of photos taken by Bartók himself, in Transylvania in 1910. Tickets to the concert include museum admission.
281 Park Ave. S. (btw. 21st & 22nd Sts.), 212-433-3686, fotografiska.com/nyc
ONGOING
For world-class musical experiences, head to Jazz at Lincoln Center’s intimate Dizzy’s Club You’ll find a warm ambiance, a tasty seasonal menu, and panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. There are shows nightly, in addition to Late Night Sessions Thursdays through Saturdays, starting at 11pm. This weekend, Friday through Sunday, drummer Matt Wilson brings along talented friends to celebrate his 60th birthday. The ensemble Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble plays sets Friday and Saturday; Matt Wilson’s Honey and Salt (Music Inspired by the Poetry of Carl Sandburg) takes the stage on Sunday. Monday, influences of jazz, blues, funk, Latin, and world music guide the sound of The Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra, 18 players strong. On Wednesday, Grammy-winning identical twins Peter and Will Anderson, “virtuosos on clarinet & saxophone,” explore the legacy of Benny Goodman with their sextet. 10 Columbus Cir. (btw. 59th & 60th Sts.), 212-258-9800, jazz.org
Mat Maneri, Lucian Ban ©
Mircea Albutiu / ECM Records.
downtown HAS IT ALL
So much to do. So much to see. No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Lower Manhattan. It’s easy to reach, just a short ride from most any part of Manhattan. Once you’re here, distances are short, and the streets are easy to navigate.
Lower Manhattan is New York’s Financial District, but it’s also a contemporary destination packed with shopping, dining, and culture.
ATTRACTIONS» Ultimate perspectives on downtown await at 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° views of downtown, New York Harbor, city skylines, and beyond. There are great perspectives on the Statue of Liberty here as well. You won’t truly appreciate its scale until you get up close. Statue City Cruises is the only way to get there, leaving out of Castle Clinton at the neighborhood’s southern tip. On Liberty Island you’ll find the Statue of Liberty
Museum, with artifacts, an immersive film, and up close looks at the statue’s original copper torch. Boats also stop at Ellis Island, the U.S.’s famous immigrant point of entry (40% of the U.S. population can trace their ancestry here).
Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology is a brand-new immersive that will wow you with cutting-edge projections, sound design, and mirrored spaces that stretch to infinity. More modernity can be found at the new Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC), “a Lincoln Center for downtown.” In addition to performances, there’s a vibrant restaurant, Metropolis by Marcus Samuelsson.
MUSEUMS» Visiting Fraunces Tavern Museum feels like time travel, with installations showing off the building’s long and important history, including serving as a headquarters for George
Above L to R: World-class shopping inside the dramatic architecture of the Oculus. Left: designer temptations at Brookfield Place. Far left: One World Observatory overlooking the Museum of
Washington during the Revolutionary War. The Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust is nestled into Battery Park, inside a contemporary building with inspiring views of New York Harbor. Exhibits here celebrate the lives and traditions of both those who survived and those who perished in the Shoah.
SHOPPING» One of the neighborhood’s most famous draws has recently reopened the doors to its Cortlandt Street 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.)
You can’t miss the soaring white wings of Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava’s Oculus, along Broadway near One World Trade. The structure, a transit hub, is also a symbol of hope for the neighborhood’s post-9/11 recovery and a thriving spot for shopping. You’ll find dozens of top retailers at the Shops at the Oculus, from Banana Republic to H&M to Kate Spade New York and beyond. It’s part of the Westfield World Trade Center, which has even more spots to explore.
Further towards the Hudson River, Brookfield Place offers stylish shopping, plus restaurants, a food hall, and events under the palm trees of the Winter Garden. Brands like Bonobos, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, J.Crew, Louis Vuitton, Lululemon, Madewell, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch are only the beginning.
THE SEAPORT» On the East River side of Lower Manhattan, The Seaport brings together centuries of history with modern style on its cobblestone streets. There’s shopping, dining, and a museum dedicated to the area’s seafaring past, with historic ships docked in front.
A REJUVENATING GETAWAY» QC Terme Spas and Resorts was founded in Italy and its first U.S. location is right here at QC NY, an oasis with massages, saunas, steam rooms, gardens, and outdoor pools. It’s just a quick ferry ride away, on historic Governors Island.
Most major subways lines stop in Lower Manhattan: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, C, E, J, Z, R, W.
Navigate the neighborhood with the Lower Manhattan Map at the back of City Guide.
HAPPENING THIS WEEK
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH» Indie rock from Band of Horses and indie folk from City and Colour (the Rooftop at Pier 17).
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH» New exhibition Speaking Up! Confronting Hate Speech opens at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The installation shows the connections between words and savagery, while empowering visitors with strategies to counter hate speech in their own communities.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH» Dig the smooth sounds of late ‘70s and early ‘80s soft rock with Atlanta’s Yacht Rock Revue (the Rooftop at Pier 17).
Jewish Heritage.
Festival Time in NYC
THE SAN GENNARO AND MORE
More than a million people every year make their way to the historic streets of Little Italy to experience the Feast of San Gennaro, NYC’s largest and longest-running Italian festival, going on now.
Celebrating its 98th anniversary, the fest is highlighted by religious processions, parades, live music, and authentic Italian eats. San Gennaro legends like deep-fried Oreos, sausage ‘n’ peppers, and zeppole (a beloved Italian pastry) are all available, along with new favorites from the neighborhood’s latest generation of cafes and restaurants. (Yes, you can get great pizza as well.)
Figli di San Gennaro (Children of San Gennaro), a community organization, now runs the Feast, keeping alive the original spirit of
September 19, 1926, when new immigrants from Naples celebrated their city’s patron saint, Saint Januarius, and the day in 305 A.D. when he was martyred. The Feast of San Gennaro runs daily, with extended evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. There is free music most nights and food talks as well. This year’s Grand Marshall is Chef Anne Burrell, a veteran of restaurants in New York and Italy, and a TV star known for shows like “Worst Cooks in America” and “Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell.”
One of the thrills of New York is the international flavors here, especially when they mix with the city’s influences. Fests this weekend include:
Arte Agave Tequila and Mezcal Festival NY. The Bowery Hotel hosts this celebración of fine agave spirits, arts, and entertainment. »Friday, September 13th: East Village
NY Latin Food Festival. Latin and Hispanic culture get the spotlight here, with more than 100 food and merchandise vendors from across
The festival takes place on and around Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston Streets in Little Italy. This year’s celebration runs Thursday, September 12th through Sunday, September 22nd. The Feast brings the world to Little Italy and Little Italy to the world!
MANGIA!
People of Italian descent make up the largest ethnic group in New York City. The metro area is two and a half million Italian Americans strong. NYC boasts two Little Italys (one downtown and one in the Bronx), legendary Italian neighborhoods full of local charm in Brooklyn and Queens, and some of the world’s finest takes on Italian cuisine peppered all across Manhattan. Some of our top recommendations include:
For intimate experiences, look to smaller, authentic venues in the Theater District. At La Masseria you’ll find a first-rate Italian menu that blends traditional and modern. Inspirations come from the region of Puglia (the heel of Italy’s “boot”), crafting simple, authentic
pastas, risottos, and meat and fish dishes. A little ways uptown, spinoff Masseria dei Vini also specializes in the cuisine of Puglia, with Neapolitan style pizza from a Ferrara wood-burning oven.
A great option for a pre-theatre or pre-concert stop are the restaurants of The Fireman Hospitality Group. The interior of Trattoria Dell’Arte features include funky oversize sculptures, in a space inspired by an artist’s studio in Tuscany. Bond 45 holds down a sprawling space inside the stylish Deco confines of the Hotel Edison. Cafe Fiorello boasts a lively outdoor cafe and a timeless interior finished in warm wood, brass, and mirrors. All three are situated in prime west side locations and serve classic Italian entrees on top of the city’s largest antipasto bars.
Above L to R: the quaint streets of Little Italy play host to the San Gennaro festival; the festival’s signature pastry, the cannoli; pouring tequila at Arte Agave; everything’s better on a stick at Dragon Fest; which has culture as well as food; empanadas and much more at the NY Latin Food Festival.
the Latin diaspora. You’ll find art, music, and other performances as well, along the Hudson at Pier 76.
»Friday, September 13th: Midtown West
»Saturday, September 14th: Midtown West
Dragon Fest. Sample a world of Chinese food and culture.
»Saturday, September 14th: Chelsea
JAPAN Fes. Japanese street food and NYC-inspired collaborations can be found, with a side of Japanese culture. Both days feature chefs squaring off in the “Konamon Contest.”
»Saturday, September 14th: Chelsea
»Sunday, September 15th: Upper West Side
Check cityguideny.com/events for more fests!
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 from there is the perennially chic SoHo (“South of Houston”), a low-rise neighborhood with a focus on the cutting edge. French fashion house Chloé is here, as are local label Rag & Bone and a Prada flagship. 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 and the Diane von Furstenberg flagship, with perfume at Bond No 9 and boutique picks at Marni Meatpacking Market.
Continue north and you’ll pass Herald Square, home of the Macy’s flagship, and then action-packed Times Square. 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. 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. Newcomer The Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine is not just a place to buy authentic gourmet tinned fish—it’s a space to explore vibrant displays and learn more about an authentic culinary heritage. Nearby Cockpit USA has been reproducing genuine, contemporary versions of iconic American-made aviator clothing for nearly half a century.
Above left to right: Century 21 NYC, American Dream, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, Grand Bazaar NYC.
IN THE CITY
Two of the most famous shopping streets in the world are on the east side. Fifth Avenue has 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. A newcomer here is The Travel Agency, a legal, licensed cannabis dispensary with topquality products in a roomy, high-design space. Nearby Madison Avenue’s names include Fendi, Giorgio Armani, and Berluti
If you’re on the Upper West Side on Sunday, don’t miss Grand Bazaar NYC, the city’s largest curated market—and most distinctive.
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, mini golf, 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 worldrenowned fashion brands. Contemporary retail options are almost endless throughout the mall, with a slew of flagship locations. Roundtrip buses are now available directly from Manhattan, with quick, convenient service leaving daily from near Times Square.
SHOPIN THE CITY
Eclectic and essential finds make the Big Apple a most fascinating scavenger hunt, full of tempting boutiques, world-famous department stores, and legendary shopping districts. Brookfield Place, Hudson Yards, 57th Street, Madison Avenue, NoHo, and SoHo are all filled with precious merchandise spurring cherished dreams of a return trip. –Wendy Tittel
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN CAN : : Create a memorable experience for your palate with an expansive array of tinned delicacies, all responsibly sourced at The Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine in Times Square. The variety here is mind-blowing, stacked from floor to ceiling with all manner of olive oil-packed fish, ranging from plain to festooned with other fine ingredients. Competition for the most artful and collectable package is fierce—from cartoon chic to old-world elegance. Prices per tin range from $14 to $48, reflecting the precise work of hand-prepping and cleaning, and upholding coveted recipes. 1592 Broadway, portuguesesardine.us
SIGN ME UP : : Celebrate the face of Brazilian soccer with an authentic autographed Pelé Brazil national football team shirt ($749). Fashioned in iconic yellow with green stripes, from Pelé Soccer. Includes an individually numbered tamper-evident hologram. Authenticated with FanSecure technology. Jump-start or expand your collection with a broad range of authentic merch. 1560 Broadway, 646-666-0025, pelesoccer.com
GIVE FLEECE A CHANCE : : Land some cool movie star vibes with Cockpit USA’s Shadow G-1 jacket ($720), specifically created for the sci-fi horror video game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Shadow of the , a modern live-action film set for release this year. This black fur collar bomber jacket is an artistically distressed, oxidized black goatskin made to patina as it ages. High quality and proudly made in the USA. The fit is sleek and “slim” and represents ultimate cool. 15 W. 39th St., 12th Fl, 212-575-1616, cockpitusa.com
PUT YOUR BEST SOCK-FOOT FORWARD : : Variety PLUS fashion = well covered in the Happy Socks store in Times Square. Fun and festive choices ($12-$20+) abound with themes ranging from skiers to Star Wars, sewn-on bows to the Beatles. Have fun with a company that uses 50%+ renewable energy in manufacturing and sustainable materials like organic cotton and upcycled poly. 1588 Broadway, 646-590-0544, happysocks.com
INVISIBLE TOUCH
: : Connect the dots—light the lamp. This unusual and playful illumination device ($25) is available in the ultimate browsable gift shop that is the MoMA Design Store. Hours of shopping after exploring one of the world’s best art museums is a most noble occupation, IMHO...and while you’re in store be sure to check out one of the city’s most treasured collections of hard-to-find art books, cataloguing MoMA’s past exhibits among the great masters. Lamp dimensions: 9.7”h x 5.9”w x 2”d & 39.5”cord, charged via USB. 44 W. 53rd St. (across from the museum), 212-767-1050, store.moma.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.
HELPFUL SERVICES
Trusted recommendations for goods and services around New York City
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.
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
The World’s Greatest Soccer Store, from soccer legend Pelé, where you can shop—and personalize—official jerseys and fan gear from 100+ teams and players. 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.
THE FANTASTIC WORLD OF THE PORTUGUESE SARDINE
1592 Broadway (btw. 47th & 48th Sts.), portuguesesardine.us
Not just a place to buy gourmet tinned fish—a space to explore vibrant displays and learn more about an authentic culinary heritage. Artfully arranged packages show off exquisite Portuguese sardines, known for their superior quality and taste, along with handcrafted mackerel, octopus, and squid.
THE TRAVEL AGENCY
587 Fifth Avenue (btw. 47th & 48th Sts.), 212-420-6000, thetravelagency.co
The state’s most knowledgeable budtenders connect customers with top-quality products at this legal, licensed cannabis dispensary. Expect a superior curated selection covering all categories, including premium flower, vapes, edibles, and pre-rolls, from local and national brands.
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.
ON BROADWAY Broadway Your Way: A Visitor’s Guide
By Griffin Miller
Theatregoer Alert: Broadway’s 2024-2025 season has officially launched!
A dynamic cavalcade of new shows and stars (see p. 50) are joining New York’s sparkling theatre scene—a scene already dominated by a mind-boggling roster of Tony-winning shows that continue to draw audiences from across the country and around the globe.
BACK TO CLASS
Calendar-wise, September marks the beginning of a new school year— not only in the real world but on Broadway, where academic scenarios run the gamut from vividly realistic to brilliantly authentic.
Take for instance Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a show that literally begins as the title character’s youngest son, Albus (Joel Meyers), heads off to his first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry via the Hogwarts Express. Onboard, he and wonderfully quirky Scorpius Malfoy (Erik Christopher Peterson) become fast friends who accelerate through time for an adventure that not only features familiar characters from the books, but introduces audiences to a new addition to J.K. Rowling’s canon: Delphi Diggory (Jane Bruce). To say the show is magical is a gross understatement, with special effects bewitching both onstage and throughout the Lyric Theatre’s lobby and public areas, where cell phones can conjure a Patronus or animate a portrait, thanks to app sorcery.
Continued on p. 44
Left: Steve Haggard as Harry Potter.
Photo: Matthew Murphy
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)
33 The Hills of California (Broadhurst Theatre)
35 Job (Helen Hayes Theatre)
13 Left on Tenth (James Earl Jones Theatre)
28 The Lion King (Minskoff)
1 McNeal (Lincoln Center Theaters’ Vivian Beaumont Theater)
5 MJ the Musical (Neil Simon Theatre)
23 Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Al Hirschfeld)
25 The Notebook (Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre)
29 Oh, Mary! (Lyceum Theatre)
31 Once Upon a Matress (Hudson Theatre)
15 Our Town (Ethel Barrymore Theatre)
25 The Outsiders (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre)
8 Romeo + Juliet (Circle in the Square Theatre)
26 The Roommate (Booth Theatre)
16 SIX (Lena Horne Theatre)
24 Stereophonic (Golden Theatre)
21 Suffs (Music Box Theatre)
36 Sunset Boulevard (St. James Theatre)
22 Water for Elephants (Imperial Theatre)
6 Wicked (Gershwin Theatre)
38 Yellow Face (Todd Haimes Theatre)
Continued from p. 41
Another school-centric production is the fiercely “Pop-u-lar” musical Wicked in which two heroines—studious, greencomplexioned Elphaba (Mary Kate Morrissey) and fashionista/party witch Glinda (Alexandra Socha)—find themselves roommates at Shiz University (aka Shiz School of Advanced Magicks and Sciences), overseen by headmistress Madame Morrible (Tony-winner Donna McKechnie). And although derived from novelist Gregory Maguire’s reimagined prequel to L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the show emerges as a unique theatrical experience, filled with insight, surprises,
and revelations—including Tony-nominee Brad Oscar’s showstopping turn as The Wizard.
Stepping out of fantasy into Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s, 2024’s Tony-winning musical, The Outsiders, centers on two adversarial high school gangs: the entitled “socs” (socials) and other-side-of-the-tracks greasers/outsiders. The fact that they share a high school is secondary to extracurricular combat, instigated by the vitriolic alpha soc, Bob (Kevin William Paul). The conflict drives the storyline originally created by 16-year-old novelist S.E. Hinton, who inhabited their world in real life. A bible of sorts for
generations of teens, the book’s transformation to the stage is explosive, and a perfect vehicle for the young, fearless cast, led by Brody Grant as Ponyboy Curtis and Sky Lakota-Lynch as Johnny Cade.
OUT OF (& INTO) AFRICA
Propelled by skilled puppeteers, a life-sized elephant sashays down the Minskoff Theatre aisle toward the stage where stilted giraffes and other denizens of the Pride Lands leap and flutter in The Lion King’s opening number. These creature creations are coming together to celebrate the Circle of Life marked by the arrival of Simba,
Stephen Carlile as Scar and ensemble, still thrilling in The Lion King.
Photo by Deen
Van Meer
“When it comes to old-school Broadway glamour, The Great Gatsby is unmatched. ”
the newborn cub whose coming-of-age story unfolds in glorious Disney fashion with humor, friendship, love, and villainy. The Tony-winning musical is also a love letter to its setting, with six indigenous African languages sung and spoken throughout the show by the cast—many from South Africa.
Once upon a time (okay, somewhere around 2010), notoriously filter-free Trey Parker and Matt Stone headed east schlepping a portfolio stuffed with comedic street cred. Known for their irreverent South Park repertoire, they took on Broadway, along with fellow rogue creative Robert Lopez (Avenue Q), with The Book of
Mormon. Snatching up nine 2011 Tonys, including Best Musical, the cheeky romp about Elders Price (Kevin Clay) and Cunningham (Cody Jamison Strand)—novice Mormon missionaries tasked with converting the unconvertible in a remote Ugandan village—is as edgy and hilarious today as it was when it debuted 13 years ago.
MARQUEE CHARACTERS
Crackling with swagger and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking score, Hamilton is a hit that hasn’t missed a beat—or a casting opportunity—since its debut in 2015. The superstar winner at 2016’s Tony Awards now
boasts a most memorable Alexander Hamilton in Trey Curtis, who finesses the Founding Father through politics, relationships, and, ultimately, history, starting with, “Hey, yo, I’m just like my country, I’m young, scrappy and hungry, and I am not throwing away my shot.” The rest of the Pulitzer Prizewinning musical’s current company is equally exciting, including a stellar Jared Dixon in the pivotal role of Aaron Burr, Hamilton’s mentor/ friend/adversary/annihilator. When it comes to old-school Broadway glamour, The Great Gatsby in its first incarnation as a musical, is unmatched. Set within a Jazz Age playground
Romance amid Deco decadence: Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada in The Great Gatsby.
Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for
MurphyMade
slathered in beauty, wealth, and decadence—with Tony-winning costumes by Linda Cho and Art Deco sets to match—the show shines a shimmering theatrical light on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s characters, who rise from the ashes of narcissism and social class. Having bankrolled his way up the
social ladder, Jay Gatsby (Jeremy Jordan) is an enigma with an obsession: Daisy (Eva Noblezada), wife of Tom Buchanan (John Zdrojeski). No ordinary love triangle, as once the sparks flare, there’s no going back…and these fireworks are as ravishing as they are incendiary.
By contrast, romance on a
“Crackling with swagger and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking score...”
more phantasmagorical plane can be found in Disney’s Aladdin—a show with the kind of momentum that springs to life in a bustling marketplace—as the title character (played by Adi Roy) and his BFFs Kassim, Babkak, and Omar (Milo Alosi, Zach Bencal, and Brad Weinstock) scavenge for swag—and builds from there. Offering the perfect blend of thrills, humor, magic, and amour, Aladdin has been a magnet for couples, teens, families, and besties for a decade of flying carpet rides with our hero and Princess Jasmine (Sonya Balsara). Contrasting “A Whole New World” canoodling is the electrifying, non-stop abracadabra from Genie (the splendiferous Michael James Scott) in Broadway’s biggest, splashiest, funnest production number, “Friend Like Me”!
OFF-BROADWAY’S BEST
A spin of the theatrical color wheel takes you to Blue Man Group’s alien trio. These deadpan dudes don’t vocalize, yet they have no problem communicating and they’ve made it their mission to evolve, particularly when it comes to planet Earth’s techno trends, evident in their latest edition that includes eight supersized state-of-the-art screens offering access to video content that synchronizes with the Blue Men and band.
Left: Trey Curtis and Jared Dixon in Hamilton.
Photo by Joan Marcus.
HD:Users:adam.elsberry:Desktop:_WORK:WICKED - NY:JOBS:P00118373_WIC_CityGuideMag_
Users:adam.elsberry:Desktop:_WORK:WICKED - NY:ART:GreenSky.psd) ppi; Users:adam.elsberry:Desktop:_WORK:WICKED - NY:ART:Elphaba-4C.psd) 30716 ppi, -30717 ppi, 40808 ppi, 63461 ppi, -62199 ppi; Users:adam.elsberry:Desktop:_WORK:WICKED - NY:ART:Monkey-4C_hi-res.psd) 1304 ppi; Users:adam.elsberry:Desktop:_WORK:WICKED - NY:ART:Glinda-4C-ALT-3.psd) 4147 ppi; Users:adam.elsberry:Desktop:_WORK:WICKED - NY:ART:WICKED.LOGO.4C.psd)
Photo: Miller Mobley
That said, the show still includes classic bits: paint drumming, miscellaneous chaos, wide-eyed incredulousness, and so on, ensuring audiences a messy, hilarious, family-friendly show that will leave you anything but…blue.
Meanwhile, heading west
in New York’s Theater District, the high-rise musical Empire is winding down its limited run at New World Stages. Stories, both personal and corporate, provide the framework surrounding the building of the Empire State Building—from conception during the Roaring ‘20s to
ARRIVING ON BROADWAY THIS SEPTEMBER
construction during the 1930s to exploring the structure’s generational pull into the 1976 Bicentennial—making the show as historic as it is heartwarming. But don’t delay in scoring tickets, as Empire will only be around through September 22nd!
The buzz is on for September, 2024—one of Broadway’s most electrifying months ever in terms of big names and new productions, starting with the comedy The Roommate starring Tony winner Patti LuPone (Evita; Company), and Mia Farrow (Rosemary’s Baby; Hannah and Her Sisters), which began previews on 8/29 and will open on 9/12. Next up in the starry lineup is McNeal (previewing 9/11 for a 9/30 opening), with Oscar winner Robert Downey, Jr. taking on the title role alongside Melora Hardin (The Office), and Tony winners Andrea Martin (Pippin; SCTV) and Ruthie Ann Miles (The King and I). Also previewing 9/11 (opening 9/29) is The Hills of California starring Laura Donnelly (Outlander), followed two days later by Hawaii Five-0’s Daniel Dae Kim in David Henry Hwang’s comedy Yellow Face, set to officially open on 10/1.
As for the second half of the month, the star wattage remains intense with the arrival of Our Town (previewing 9/19 for a 10/10 opening), featuring Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory), Zoe Deutch (The Politician), Katie Holmes (Batman Begins; The OC), Ephraim Sykes (Ain’t Too Proud; Hamilton) and Richard Thomas (The Waltons; The Little Foxes). Then, on 9/26, two shows are slated to start previews: Left on Tenth starring Peter Gallagher (Law & Order: SVU; While You Were Sleeping) and Juliana Margulies of The Good Wife (opening 10/23), and Romeo + Juliet, starring Kit Connor (Heartstopper) and Rachel Zegler (West Side Story), opening on the 24th of October. September wraps up with Sunset Boulevard starring Olivier Award winner Nicole Scherzinger; its first preview being 9/28 with opening night taking place on 10/20.
Above: Julianna Marguilies and Peter Gallagher in Left on Tenth. Photo by Mary Ellen Matthews
Below: Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler in Romeo + Juliet. Photo by Sam Levy
KEY
THEATER
CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
COMEDY DRAMA MUSICAL
broadway & JULIET
Stephen Sondheim Theatre, 124 W. 43rd St., 833-274-8497; andjulietbroadway.com
EVENT
(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!
August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd St., 888-985-9421; kitkat.club
(2 hrs., 45 mins.) A visionary revival of Kander & Ebb’s classic set in Berlin’s Kit Kat Club—a decadent sanctuary from the brewing Nazi mindset.
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 overlapping mythical love stories, with action unfolding 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.
Blue Man Group
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.
THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA
Broadhurst Theatre, 235 W. 44th St.. 212-239-6200; thehillsofcalifornia.com (2 hrs., 45 mins.) In the 1970s the Webb sisters come home for their dying mother, and in the 1950s their singing act leads to a shot at fame. In previews from 9/11 for a 9/29 opening; limited run thru 12/8.
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, her therapist suspects her work might be doing more harm than good. Limited engagement thru 10/27.
LEFT ON TENTH
James Earl Jones Theatre, 138 W. 48th St., 212-239-6200; leftontenthbroadway.com
(100 mins., no intermission) When she least expects it, the creator of You’ve Got Mail connects with a man and falls into her own romcom. Starring Peter Gallagher and Juliana Margulies. In previews from 9/26 for a 10/23 opening.
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.
MCNEAL
Lincoln Center Theaters’ Vivian Beaumont Theater, 150 W. 65th St., 212-239-6200; lct.org
Jacob McNeal (Robert Downey Jr.) is a great writer with an estranged son, new novel, old axes to grind, and an unhealthy fascination with AI. In previews for a 10/1 opening; limited run thru 11/24.
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.
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 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 11/10.
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.
OUR TOWN
Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th St., 212-239-6200; ourtownbroadway.com
Thornton Wilder’s timeless drama about life in a small town. With Jim Parsons, Zoey Deutch, Katie Holmes, and Ephraim Sykes. In previews 9/19 for a 10/10 opening; limited run thru 1/19/25.
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.
For up to date coverage on Broadway and Off-Broadway, visit cityguideny.com/theater
THEATER (CONT’D)
ROMEO + JULIET
Circle in the Square Theatre, 235 W. 50th St., 212-239-6200; romeoandjulietnyc.com
Impulsive young lovers hurtle towards their fate in this new adaptation starring Kit Connor and Rachel Zegler. In previews 9/26 for a 10/24 opening.
THE ROOMMATE
Booth Theatre, 222 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; theroommatebway.com
Patty LuPone and Mia Farrow star in this witty and profound portrait of a blossoming intimacy between two women. In previews for a 9/12 opening.
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.
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.
SUNSET BOULEVARD
St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., 888-985-9421; sunsetblvdbroadway.com
(2 hrs., 35 mins.) In Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic work, aging film star Norma Desmond turns to a struggling screenwriter to fulfill her comeback hopes, with disastrous consequences. In previews from 9/28 for a 10/20 opening.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Imperial Theatre, 249 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; waterforelephantsthemusical.com
(2 hrs., 40 mins.) An orphaned young man finds a new life with a traveling circus in this spectacle-filled new musical based on the bestselling novel.
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.
YELLOW FACE
Todd Haimes Theatre, 227 W. 42nd St., 212-719-1300; roundabouttheatre.org
Inspired by events in David Henry Hwang’s life, a fictionalized playwright protests yellowface in Miss Saigon only to mistakenly cast a white actor as the Asian lead in his own play. In previews 9/13 for a 10/1 opening; limited run thru 11/24.
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.
For more on the city and its theater scene, check out cityguideny.com/theater
CUISINE CORNER
NYC is a world-class destination for foodies. It’s also home to NY classics 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 a real NYC comfort food experience??
The USA Brooklyn Delicatessen turns back the culinary clock to a slower time, when tastes were simpler. You’ll find EGGFACE sandwiches at breakfast; lunch and dinner options run from hot pastrami, corned beef, and turkey to chicken soup and salads. Locations don’t come any more prime, right in the heart of Times Square.
hWhere 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.
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.
iWhere 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.”
fA meal with a side of Broadway?
Ellen’s Stardust Diner matches its retro vibes (founder Ellen Hart Sturm was crowned Miss Subways in 1959) with first-rate comfort food. The biggest claim to fame here is the singing waitstaff. Catch intimate performances by staff on their way to joining a long line of Broadway actors who have made Ellen’s their launching pad.
h Where can I spot a celeb 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 ground-floor retail store!
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.
i
Where’s a legendary spot for dining along the water?
Newly reopened, the Central Park Boathouse honors tradition and updates a classic. Enjoy elegant seasonal dining alongside The Lake near Bethesda Fountain, or opt for casual options at the café. Pastas, salads, fresh seafood, and sumptuous beef choices. NYC settings don’t come any more scenic than this—take advantage of the rowboat rentals for another unique perspective on the park.
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.
DINING
For location legend, please see page 18.
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.
ELLEN’S STARDUST DINER TD $$ 1650 Broadway (51st St.), 212-956-5151, ellensstardustdiner.com | AMERICAN
In the heart of the Theater District close to Times Square, a staple in the Broadway community since 1987. Known for their famous waitstaff singing popular musicals while guests enjoy delicious food and drink. The iconic diner attracts visitors from all over the world, with its retro and nostalgic memorabilia.
DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAKHOUSE
TD $$$
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 $$$
887 9th Ave. (57th-58th Sts.), 212-315-2888, masseriadeivini.com | ITALIAN
A first-rate Italian menu blends traditional and modern. Beautiful dishes from Puglia, many of which incorporate seafood and fresh homemade pastas. Gourmet pizza Neapolitan style from a Ferrara woodburning pizza oven. Extensive wine by the glass and a large selection of bottles, mainly from Italy, but without ignoring the rest of the world.
PINK TACO TS $$
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.
Keep up with the latest NYC restaurant openings and news, visit cityguideny.com
DINING
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.
UPPER EAST SIDE
CENTRAL PARK BOATHOUSE $$$ UES
The Lake, Central Park (E. 72nd St. & Park Dr N.), 718-973-9339; centralparkboathouse.com | AMERICAN Refreshed and reimagined, the Boathouse is a testament to Central Park’s rich history, right off The Lake near Bethesda Fountain. Elegant seasonal dining highlights entrees like prime rib, Sicilian swordfish, and chicken Milanese. The café offers casual dining with a view, ranging from breakfast sandwiches to the namesake burger and iconic lobster roll. Rowboat rentals provide a unique perspective on the park.
For location legend, please see page 18.
DINING
DAVID BURKE TAVERN UES $$$
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 $$$ 551 5th Ave. (entrance on 45th St.), 212-972-3315, mortons.com | STEAKHOUSE
Famous for USDA prime-aged beef, fresh seafood, fine wine, and elegant desserts: the ideal place for a memorable dinner, suited to both intimate occasions and larger parties. A true blend of classic and contemporary. Look for raw bar specials and butchercut features like the tomahawk ribeye, dry-aged bone-in K.C. strip, and wagyu filet. Innovative cocktail culture fuels a bustling bar scene.
NERAI ME $$$
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. Neighborhoodypintscanbefoundacrossmidtown.Foramoreraucousscene, checkouttheEastVillageandLowerEastSide.Brooklynisraisingupnightlife scenestorivalManhattan’s—atripacrosstheEastRiverrevealsallkindsof optionsinWilliamsburg.Rooftopbarsareidealforcityvistas,liketheelegant surrounds of OpheliaLounge, atop the BeekmanTower in Midtown East. NearTimesSquare,youcanrockyoursenseswithtantalizingfood and drinks at HardRockCafe. Feel the history as you’re surrounded by collectiblesfromJimiHendrix,BillyJoel,JohnLennon,TheRamones,
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 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.
“ONE OF THE TOP TEN PLACES IN THE COUNTRY TO SEE STANDUP.” - USA Today
Left: world-class jazz performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s intimate Dizzy’s Club. Above, L to R: tacos and tropical drinks at Havana Central; Times Square’s legendary Hard Rock Cafe is chock-full of rock ‘n’ roll energy (and history).
NIGHTLIFE
FD Financial District
T Tribeca
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.
GOTHAM COMEDY CLUB CH
208 W. 23rd St. (7th-8th Aves.), 212-367-9000, gothamcomedyclub.com
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.
Continued from page 25—CULTURE
1. Rabbit, Ohara Mitsuhiro (Japanese, 1810–1875). Mid-19th century, ivory. Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891.
2. Bad Bunny, Grill Set Designed for Bad Bunny by ALLIGATOR JESUS (David Tamargo) in 2023, this grill set features 14-karat white gold with sparkling diamonds and rhodium plating. Alvaro Keding/© AMNH
3. Claire Zeisler, Red Wednesday, 1967. Photo: Eva Hyed.
4. Manny Vega, Bomba Celestial, 2009–2010, Collection of Bobbito García a.k.a. Kool Bob Love. Courtesy of Manny Vega.
5. Wanda Gág, Lantern and Fireplace, 1931–32. Wood engraving 10 5/8 × 8 ¼ in (27 × 21 cm). Purchase, with funds from The Lauder Foundation, Leonard and Evelyn Lauder Fund 96.68.11.
MANHATTAN SUBWAY MAP
MANHATTAN BUS MAP
For a more detailed downtown map, see the Lower Manhattan map.
WESTSIDEHIGHWAY
BROADWAY
EAVNICHOLASST
PHOTOS BY MATTHEW MURPHY AND EVAN ZIMMERMAN
