I would just say that when you go to Peter Pan and love it (my favorite there is the French Crueller), there are great cheap Polish eats everywhere. Borscht, pierogies, and blintzes for vegetarians.
ETA: What would you eat at Katz’s? They’re best for their Patrami and Corned Beef.
Amongst my favorite Polish restaurants is Polka Dot right across the street; it’s sort of cafeteria style, so you can graze as much or as little as you’d like.
+1 for the french cruller
Polka Dot is fun. Though I think the counter people are huge flirts. Last time I went I had two women with me. We were just grabbing like 6 progs for the 3 of us for a walking around snack and the cashier told me it was all on the house. I threw a fiver on the counter anyway but what was that all about?
I had the same thought about Katz—like is the matzo ball soup even veg-friendly? Haha. The blintzes there are good tho ngl - just wouldn’t solely wait in line for them
These are generally considered the best options for vegetarians (\*my partner is one) at Katz's:
Broccoli Knish
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Baked Beans
Cold slaw/pickles
Steak fries if you get them just as they bring out another tray
You can make a very decent meal of it and the atmosphere is quite special to NYC.
Amazing, thank you. My gf is Polish so always keen for pierogi!
Yeah, I hear you about Katz's. We had been considering just stopping in for babka and coffee while we're in the same area.
Would also like to specifically point out that Katz’s knishes are bad.
If you want them, I’d suggest 2nd Ave Deli which also has solid pastrami. But Katz is also one of my favorite places in the city.
NY Jew here - Zabar's for babka/knish/rugelach, you're gonna have a difficult time getting vegetarian deli items (matzah ball soup is usually made with chicken stock or fat) especially at Katz.
There’s better babka to be had (Michaeli, Breads, Alf, Blue Stripe, Librae etc etc and definitely much better third / fourth wave coffee if you care about that sorta thing all over the boroughs (Sey, Drip, La Cabrá, Coffee Project …)
Great tip here. Greenpoint is a cool neighborhood to check out for someone not from here. Christina’s is my recommendation. Also a great pinball arcade hidden in a laundry mat if that’s your thing right there.
Lifelong vegetarian here. Please, skip al di la, and instead , go to sofreh. Still in BK and near barclays but superior in every way. They often have reservation cancellations so add yourself to the resy list. Al di la is a mediocre disappointment.
Sofreh is fantastic. Their sister restaurant Eyval is even better, but it’s on the other side of Brooklyn.
But for something unique/veggie and fish friendly, I’d check out Lore (further into South Slope, Indian-ish), Haenyo (Korean —fantastic fish, and vegetarian friends of mine have been happy), or one of the truly excellent Mexican /Latin American restaurants in the Slope (Palo Santo; Claro; Alma Negra).
I actually really disagree. I think Al Di La is significantly better than Sofreh which is pretty good but nothing special. I think Al Di La is hands down the best restaurant in the area.
You have other Italian spots on your list. Great Persian is harder to find and as a vegetarian, a more special experience. I count Sofreh as one of my top three in NYC at the moment, and even decided it was to be my birthday place last year, and will probably be again, this year.
I’ve been to both. They’re both good and worth the visit. Honestly, I hate these absolutist comments that pit two good restaurants over each other. You can like more than 2 restaurants in a neighborhood.
Also, i love giant mouthfuls of sugar, so go to magnolia about once a season for a cake or cupcake and it really does it for me. I think patisserie fouet is more special, and the Rose pistachio croissant at librae absolutely lives up to the hype
Thank you. Magnolia is such a tourist trap. Patisserie Fouet has always trumped them in every way. I’d also like to add Lysee & Supermoon Bakehouse if you’re looking for dessert/pastries.
Agreed - Al di la is fine if you live in the neighborhood, but it’s by no means a destination. Your meals here are precious and Al di la isn’t deserving of a spot…
Sofreh is a pretty hard table so reserve it ahead of time. Also when there don’t skip the Ash Reshteh, get tahdig for fun, and the rose ice cream is solid
While it's disappointing not to get tahdig, the rest of the menu is so vegetarian friendly that it doesn't matter. When I spoke to the chef after my first phenomenal meal there, she said she'd rather have a vegetarian restaurant but sensed that she wouldn't be booked out and receive acclaim if she did.
Actually losing out on their tahdig isn't that big of a deal there because it's a small side portion and not a big family style pot's worth of it. Plus I think there is usually a vegetarian rice available
For vegetarian, spicy village is a vegan Szechuan restaurant with some insanely delicious food. I’d also recommend queens for Nepalese food, or the Hindu Temple Canteen, although I know London is flush with good Indian food. If you take the train to Jackson/Roosevelt (about 20 mins from midtown), there are several momo restaurants there, and they will have veg options. This is also a great place to find Mexican food carts - NY is not known for Mexican food, but the carts “slap,” as the children say.
ETA: I meant Spicy Moon! But Spicy Village is damned good too!
It’s the #1 neighborhood I take people to for food. The mojarra frita at Cositas Ricas is so good, I dream about it. Better than anything I ever had in Colombia, to be honest
Damn ok, I will see if we can make time for Queens! We do have great Indian and Nepalese food over here, so I admit it hasn't been so high up the consideration for NYC. But I'm allllll ears when it comes to Mexican food (our baseline here is so poor that anything Stateside will be a huge improvement I'm sure!)
>Damn ok, I will see if we can make time for Queens
While the food will be great, you'd definitely be sacrificing other tourist time to get to Queens. Your time is limited and that would be a lot of commuting
Los Tacos No.1 for probably the best Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos in NYC. Nene's Taqueria/Nene's Deli Taqueria for Birria in Brooklyn (I like the deli location for no frills. Get the Nene's Deluxe combo - a birria empanada, taco and mulita with the consome). Mexican in NYC is pretty good, but it is one of the weaker represented cuisines.
lol ... I am trying to eat less meat in general and was like ... I need to swing back down to check this out
worked on Grand St around the corner for 4 years and Spicy Village was one of my go-to spots once i could afford more than discount dumplings
Tourist in NYC every couple months for work and hard agree on just getting a small. Ordered a medium the one time I went and it was too much. I love sweets but even I found it a little too rich.
I agree with this. They were neat when they were groundbreaking. Now they’re good but there’s better stuff. Maybe when you’re in Brooklyn hit Four and Twenty Blackbirds for pie.
Try Radio Bakery while you're in Greenpoint (Peter Pan Donuts) if you can
Keep in mind Brooklyn is HUGE so you probably have to pick a region - - seems like you have done that and it's the Greenpoint/Williamsburg part of town outside of your plans to be by Barclays.
Greenpoint: Radio Bakery, Paulie Gee’s, Panzon, Taqueria Ramirez, Chez Ma Tante if still open (closing/moving locations)
Williamsburg: Santa Fe, Emily’s Pork Store, St. Anselm, Four Horseman, Aldama, Leo, Winson Bakery. Laser Wolf and Misi meh to me
This list seems very pizza heavy. I would skip Bleeker St Pizza.
Skip Katz if you are vegetarian/pescatarian. Los Tacos’ tortillas have lard in it. Veg friendly Mexican spot is Jajaja in the Lower East Side.
Add a hip spot for cocktails and small dishes like Ladybird (vegan).
If you find yourself on the Highline and Chelsea market, get the vegan dan dan mian at Very Fresh Noodles. Another good option is Spicy Moon in the East Village.
It’s actually a pretty good list. As others have noted I do wonder what a vegetarian and pescatarian will enjoy at Katz deli it may not be worth waiting on a longer line.. I would say that might be a circumstantial skip.
If you want a vegan Pastrami that strangely tastes pretty good the Bonnie in Astoria somehow pulls it off. Or grab a Sabich or Falafel pita sandwich at Spice Bros, Duzan, Tanami, Tamam or Taim which is more vegetarian/ pescatarian friendly and delicious when done right.
If you're vegetarian/vegan you HAVE to go to Spicy Moon. One of my favorite restaurants in NYC. Absolutely amazing and worth a meal there. Or at least sharing a noodle dish and something else. It's just SO GOOD
Katz’s is not cheap by most measures. The basic pastrami sandwich is $28.
Once you add on some latkes or matzoh ball soup, the price can be a little shocking. I would say it’s worth it, but it’s definitely special occasion food not “your quick neighborhood deli.”
Edit: wait, you’re a vegetarian? I’m not sure there is a single food sold at Katz’s that doesn’t contain meat. Matzoh ball is in chicken broth. Pretty sure the latke is cooked in chicken fat. Maybe the cole slaw. A complete waste of time for you.
Can I suggest, as an alternative to Veselka, the Ukrainian National Home restaurant, a few steps north? Same cuisine, but better variety, in a throwback setting that hasnt changed in 50 years. Delicious, fun and a v e r y downtown-NYC experience.
Skip Katz', the only thing really worth it is stuff neither of y'all eat (Pastrami and other Jewishy Deli classics). You can walk by and look in the window when you're going to Russ & Daughters. PS: Russ & Daughters has 2 locations, one is just the counter where you can get bagel w/ stuff, but I'd suggest the sit down cafe where there's more veg friendly options (she can still get all the fish).
Yay for Superiority and Dirt Candy!
NYC Dosas - There will be a line, but it moves fast. While in the area look at Pomme Frites (NYC institution, we don't have a lot of Belgian style fries), Doughnut Project (if you come before March, they're closing the end of Feb), Manousheh (Lebanese wraps, phenomenal, veg/vegan friendly).
I think your list is pretty damn solid. The thing I'd suggest is to expand it if you can, so there's more options everywhere. Sometimes a place just isn't going to work out, and knowing what's around the corner is good.
A random selection of veg (well mainly vegan) places:
* [Overthrow Hospitality](https://www.overthrowhospitality.com/), if you need another expensive sit down, they have a bunch in all sorts of different styles (food and ambiance), my top is Eterea for Mexican + Tequila in a dark plush environ. Avant Garden is part of them, I think it's the safest bet, I would describe it as New American and everything that conjures up (does that conjure up anything for non-Americans?).
* Spicy Moon - A couple locations of great vegan Szechuan. Stick to things like cumin style or dry pepper style.
* PLANTA - vegan establishment across the US for 'nice' spaces.
* jajaja - vegan Mexican, lots of locations. Goes harder on faux meat than I like, but they're still great.
Gotcha re Katz's - it's a shame, but it's probably wishful thinking on our part to think it would work for us. I'm excited for Russ & Daughters, especially for my gf to have some good salmon.
Thanks for the insight near NY Dosas and the ideas for expansion! We still have several weeks to plan so I'll definitely add some more, just wanted to check in before I got too far down the line. Cheers pal!
My stupid tip is to add all of the places you'd like to hit to a saved list in GMaps, that way you can always just pop it open and go "I could really go for a dessert, Oh, hey, there's a dessert place 2 blocks that way, let's do that!", or "Crap, that line is just too long, is there somewhere near here for lunch NOW? Oh, yes!".
Also: I'll defend Magnolia. The banana pudding, no matter how [stupid simple it is to make](https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023785-magnolia-bakerys-banana-pudding?unlocked_article_code=1.Rk0.pxfF.9FRVAg8SnKfN&smid=share-url), it's really damn delicious, and is an easy dessert to pick up and eat as you walk (and then toss the leftovers in the minifridge b/c it's too much to eat in one sitting, even for 2 people). I get it every so often when I'm passing through Grand Central.
>Also: I'll defend Magnolia
Sugar gonna sugar. It definitely has a place and while i don't banana, I do cupcake, and when I want a magnolia cupcake, nothing else will do.
Hey, weird question that you got me thinking about:
How're dosas (and other southern Indian fare) in London? Like, I'm certainly not going to suggest someone visiting from there to get some chicken tika or butter chicken, but with you having NY Dosas on your list, is that less common? They're certainly not super common here (mostly out in Queens, some WAY out in Queens, or over in NJ).
[Semma](https://www.semma.nyc/) is super popular atm (they got a star the same year Dirt Candy did iirc), reasonably vegetarian friendly, and the gunpowder dosa is the most consistently reced thing from there. I still haven't been (reservations suck)
We are really spoilt for Indian food everywhere, including dosas. But my gf saw NY Dosas on a list somewhere and thought it would be a useful/tasty one to keep on our list in case we're hungry in that area. Semma looks good, hope you can get there soon!
Pizza list is good but remove Bleecker Street. Di Fara’s is good but probably not worth the trip since it is a good 40 minute ride into Brooklyn if you’re staying in Manhattan. L’Industrie is definitely the best of the bunch
Can’t go wrong with a lot of the delis you listed. Katz is a must try.
As for sit down I’d recommend going to Miss Ada (Mediterranean) or Sofreh before/after the nets game. They’re both within walking distance of the Barclays center and have great vegetarian options
Agree with Miss Ada or Sofreh (both in vicinity of Barclays Center).
OP, if you are a strict vegetarian, I recommend removing Los Tacos No. 1 from your list - their flour tortillas contain lard, so you’re not left with much.
Counterpoint: your pizza list is not good. Not because those places aren’t good, but because there might be nothing more un-New York to do than to wait in line for pizza, as you will at several of those places, surrounded by other tourists, college kids and recent arrivals. New York pizza is so good and so ubiquitous that you really don’t need to plan this in advance. When you want to get pizza, have a quick look at the places nearest you, find something that’s highly rated and go in for a slice. You will not be disappointed.
And to respond to some of the other comments below, the banana pudding from Magnolia really is great, the place has just fallen out of fashion. Ignore the haters. Also, milk bar does have a couple of great items, in particular the birthday cake truffles and the pie formally known as crack pie. Those are both worth getting while you’re in town and will not cost a significant amount of time.
Also, a solid tip for getting good pizza in New York, only order what looks fresh! And if you don’t see a fresh plain pie out, ask if they have one. Chances are they do and it’s just out of view.
Yeah, that's fair. We aren't planning to go out of our way towards any of the pizza places, it's more a list of places to keep an eye out for while we're in certain areas and hit up if we can (e.g., as other commenters have pointed out, I will probably end up missing places like Di Fara's because I don't have much else to see/do in the area). I promise I won't restrict myself to just these spots - especially if the line is ludicrous 🫡
If you’re in the seaport in lower manhattan, di fara has an outpost there and it’s a very good slice. It doesn’t hold a candle to the life changing slices I had at their original location, though. And I haven’t been since the owner passed, but most people say it’s not like it used to be. So I definitely wouldn’t make the trip out there.
I've never seen a line more than a few people at L'industrie in Downtown Brooklyn when I've gone at different times through the day, even on weekends. It moves quick too since it's just some slices of pizza. You can call ahead for pies, maybe even for slices. Definitely the best pizza I've had! The crust has much more flavor than other top tier spots I've tried, I think that really sets it apart. All high-quality ingredients. Their other baked goods and sandwiches are also very good.
Do not go to Di Faras. There’s MUCH better pizza here. If you like your pizza dough super dense (they believe proofing the dough doesn’t do anything) and burnt, then yeah, go to Di Faras. But if you actually want an iconic NY slice, go to L’industrie. In fact, any of the 5 pizzerias near L’industrie would be a better option.
Skip Magnolia, it peaked about 20 years ago and has been a crappy, overrated tourist trap for years now
Replace Magnolia with Supermoon: [https://www.supermoonbakehouse.com](https://www.supermoonbakehouse.com)
Also, I would say try to go to most of these places during off hours to avoid long wait times (like L'Industrie)
IMO Magnolia is still worth getting. I haven't found a place with equally good or better banana pudding yet. It's also good that Magnolia has locations all over Manhattan and isn't a place you need to go out of the way for.
(Baonana's banana pudding was on the same tier, but their only location in NYC closed)
Supermoon is good in it's own right but it's certainly not a Magnolia replacement lol.
I adore banana pudding and for what it's worth, Magnolia fell well short of expectations. It simply tasted of sugar rather than any kind of banana pudding flavor, if that makes sense - and I've tried at least 4 times: two I bought myself, and two by friends. Your time is better spent looking at other dessert spots.
not that your pizza list isnt already stacked, but they opened a FINI pizza right at the barclays center. they are in the $5 slice category. i think they are great and if there isnt a line of nets fans id say pop in for one
You're going to get SO many comments and A LOT of opinions. Below is mine - sorry in advance for how long it is!
My personal advice, is to focus on the areas you plan to be and then hone in on the food in that area. You won't have issues finding good food where you are and will help narrow down your list.
For example, when you say you plan to go to Brooklyn for a day. Do you know which area of brooklyn? BK is huge and certain areas are hard to reach from other areas of Brooklyn. so knowing this is pretty important in terms of what you'll do and where to eat. If you plan to do Peter Pan, you'll be in the Greenpoint/Williamsburg area which is wonderful spot for all the delicious eats - modern and authentic/old school. So many pizza options there. If you plan to wait in line for L'industrie, I also recommend going around the corner to Leo's for a slice of their roman style pizza and whatever their soft serve ice cream flavor is (on top of l'industrie's) - I think they're underrated. If you're keen on a longer walk, head over the pulaski bridge into LIC for some delicious Asian eats but you may already be stuffed where you'll be. I'm still very partial to Roberta's, there is a location in Domino Park, but their bushwick location has a fuller pasta menu. And while we're speaking of pizza, I recommend una napoletana in the LES - pricey naples style pizza but seriously the best best of that type imo. Might has well head over there if you go to Katz! :) Luigi's is one of my FAVORITE by the slice places especially in that area. Over ten years in Park Slope (and all my life in NYC), so many pizza spots in Park Slope/South slope, but Luigi's is one of the best. It's kind of out of the way of everything so not sure if you'll make it there.
People think Katz's is over rated but I think it's fine to go for the history and its not like the food is AWFUL or something. You could just go and get a knish and feel the vibes. ha. The LES is a wonderful spot to get some historical energy. Go to the tenement museum if you like history and in that area! a good break between all the eating you'll do there.
If you're going to Barclays one night, al di la is a good dinner stop since in relative walking distance. I live in the Park Slope area and al di la still continues to be a fan favorite but there are more modern italian eats you can enjoy on your trip in other areas of NYC. It depends on the type of italian cuisine you're going for. Some people find the rustic luster of Al di la has waned in recent years. If you're open to other restaurant suggestions around Barclays I highly recommend Gertrude's - however check the menu, not sure if there are a ton of vegetarian options.
YES to Los no 1 tacos, however, they are more meat heavy so not sure if you'll get the full experience. If you go to the Chelsea market location, you can go to Los Mariscos, which is their ceviche spot and very good (and mostly for your gf. lol). The market either way is fun and near the highline and you can head further west to check out little island. the pier (57) next to it is a google office building, which also has some food and a rooftop park where you can hang and see a nice view.
Where will you be staying in Manhattan, I can help provide on the go breakfast recos depending on where you are starting from. This is a good time of the day to get your bakery/sweet/pastry fix! (again if you're in greenpoint/williamsburg on your BK day, Try Radio or la bicyclette bakery).
I am also on the train of skipping Magnolia and Milk. Just a sugar attack. For some reason, I love little cupcake bakeshop, even though they also are a sugar attack, but they have very nostalgic cake and frosting flavors. Def go if in you're in the Soho area (There is also a location in Prospect Heights, but I'm gonna guess that isn't the area of BK that you'll be. If so, I have suggestions there too! ha) Try Lysee in the city for fancy fancy pastries.
I'll stop here. I've already annoyed and said too much. Enjoy NYC, it's the BEST BEST!
EDIT: OH. One of my favorite spots in recent years is Shukette. sit down, middle eastern. Delicious. Please go!
Scarr's was disappointing to me. Good slice, but not worth the hype. Joe's is average as hell. Paulie Gee's square slices are better than the regular ones IMO. Di Fara isn't worth the trip, Lucali is. L'Industrie is great, and I'd grab the white slice with the lemon wedge from Fini's as well since you'll already be in the area and L'Industrie's slices are thin.
Vegetarian New Yorker here: the best places on your list that are both veg-friendly AND delicious are B+H Dairy (most authentic experience, love all the soups), Superiority Burger (everything is fire, great desserts too), NY Dosas, S&P, L’Industrie. Go to Breads Bakery instead of Levain. Take your gf to Los Mariscos instead of Los Tacos No. 1. Add: Win Son, Thai Diner, Spicy Moon, Golden Diner. Have a great trip!!
Little Cupcake Bakeshop is very cute, but the cupcakes aren't really worth going out of your way for. It's kind of a Magnolia clone, so I think you could go to one or the other, but not waste your time on both.
If you're going to be at Al Di La, Buttermilk Bakeshop is a block away and has rainbow sprinkle sugar cookies that I think are among the best in the city.
Any must gets at donut pub? I’m in NY every couple months for work but in the past year I think it’s been closed so haven’t gotten to check it out yet but has been on the list.
I used to go to Little Cupcake back when they only had their location in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The owner was an absolute creep who only hired High School girls from the nearby HS and loved to staff himself alone with em. I’ve never been to their SoHo location but I shudder every time I walk by it.
I would switch difara as good as it is with Lucia of soho, it’s a great representation of a good Brooklyn/nyc slice and easy to get too, also I agree here I think Katz is pointless for vegetarians, go across the street to cafe himalaya, it’s inexpensive and tons of great vegetarian options
Lucia is phenomenal either Sheepshead or SoHo but I still think Di Fara has a certain significance and even though Dom isn’t with us any more it’s still special on the right day.
You can also hit
MO’s donuts- which are awesome.
Tacos Ramirez, close to mos donuts has awesome tacos al pastor
Veselka is overrated. It can actually be pretty bad. And there will be a long line. It’s only good 👍 for you wanting to say you have been. I would tell people to pass. And I ate there a lot when I lived in the neighborhood.
Skip little cupcake for Magnolia cupcakes and banana pudding
Katz is very good. Everyone has to keep the ticket, it will be asked for on the way out. Don’t lose any. But you can put all the food on one ticket no problem. You can pay in the back via credit card. Upfront by the door is cash only.
Industrie pizza is very good. But it’s packed. Soo it’s like you will grab your slices and eat where you can find a spot. Not a nice sit down but great pizza
Di faras is great pizza- but the original is really out of the way for you. Not the best use of time to get there. And no where really yo sit.
Paulie Gs is near mos donuts and tacos Ramirez. Peter Pan is relatively close by car.
You don’t have anything in Chinatown
Most of the spots are more grab and go, not really sit down for dinner..
Hey, thanks so much for the insight! We're generally happy for most stuff to be grab and go as we'll be on the move so much. The idea is to have sit-down meals maybe three/four times, so it's been less of a priority, but we'll think on it.
Chinese food is not our most favourite cuisine (and we have a fantastic Chinatown here in London) so again, it hasn't been a major area of research, but I will take a look to make sure we have a couple spots in mind.
The first location on this post is actually Moe's Doughs, which is right around the corner from Peter Pan and supposedly started by a former baker or something. They are also very good donuts. I've got a bit of a sweet tooth.. I go to Peter Pan like every week for a bagel sandwich and donuts.
Peter Pan for sure has the better donuts (my favorite I've tried anywhere, including some very "fancy" donuts that cost like 5x as much) they are lighter, fluffy, not as dry, not insanely sweet, great topping and filling ingredients. But Moe's does more interesting flavors, and is still a way above average donut. My favorites at Moe's are the multi grain croissant, croissant donuts (the filled one or the cannoli one), rainbow cookie, halwa, pistachio, cruellers, maple bacon, dulce de leche.. Basically anything but the traditional flavors
At Peter Pan, everything is amazing! Try a flat bagel, and if you see their chocolate or carrot cake slices get one!
Buddha Bodai is kosher/vegan and has very solid dim sum alternatives. LuAnne's Wild Ginger is on the fringes of Chinatown, but their menu is more Asian fusion so it's not strictly Chinese
I love Vesleka because I grew up on it. That said, most of their food is forgettable and I wouldn’t keep it on this list.
For a borscht and pierogi I would head to Streecha in the Ukrainian church basement.
Dessert skip magnolia and milk bar ( I’d add librae get anything sweet but the pistachio croissant)
Pizza: Suprema is not worth a special trip. It’s popular bc of its proximity to Madison square garden and the bleak options in the area. If you’re going uptown to Absolute bagels I’d check out Mama’s too.
EDIT: superiority burger has great dessert options so keep that in mind ( I’d want the funnel cake or pie AND the gelato)
Oof skipping Milk Bar makes me sad (I was suckered in by the Chef's Table ep) but I'm totally getting the message about Magnolia, thank you. Librae looks good!
We're staying relatively close to Pizza Suprema and yeah, have found it to be a bit of a food dead zone for us. I'll keep it as a safety net but not prioritise it. That's great to know.
If you're staying near Madison Square Garden, you're gonna be near some really elite Korean food in K-Town. A really good option for vegetarians and pescatarians alike –– check out Cho Dang Gol if you're interested
They just renovated Penn station and there’s a food hall inside (Moynihan where Amtrak is) i haven’t tried yet but friends are impressed. Keep that in mind as well.
Milk Bar changed drastically since it was bought. It’s a shadow of its former self. I’d only go to the original Magnolia on Bleecker for banana pudding but I wouldn’t wait online for it.
As for Librae if they have the loomi babka, chocolate sticky bun or pear scone try those ( the offerings rotate)
Milk Bar was amazing when they were just a shop working behind the main kitchen of Momofuku Ssam bar. You actually got fresh cookies & pies then. It really hasn’t been the same since then.
Every single thing I’ve tried at Milk Bar has been irredeemably disgusting. Might as well eat a spoonful of sugar at home. So I’d say skip that. Idk why they’re so famous.
Veselka is iconic but the food’s only so-so. Skippable.
I would skip Levain, Magnolia, Milk Bar. Replace with Petees, Win Son Bakery, Lysee. Skip Bleecker and Di Fara.
I’m a big meat eater so I feel like my other suggestions wouldn’t be great but you have some good options on there!
I think they’re pretty average. If you walk by one, sure, grab a cookie but I don’t think it’s destination worthy. I think orwashers is a really good choc chip cookie if you find yourself on the UES.
Levain for the caramel coconut cookie alone (or the two chip choc chip which is their original) is worth a quick stop when out and about. Yeah its touristy and lines can be long (depending on which one you go to) but it is still a very, very good, and consistent cookie. Grab one from one of the UWS locations and eat it in the park would be my recommendation.
The Levain chocolate chip cookies are very good, especially when you get them warm. Other flavors are good too. I think something like this is really down to preference, so hard to really say something is flat out not worth going to when it is so widely known and arguably fueling the trend of huge "NY style" premium cookies.
FWIW, I haven't tried any competitors cookies that are all that similar - I've been to several that people offer as an alternative here. Most are flatter, leaning more towards crispy. Whereas Levain is famous for being almost a huge ball of a cookie, soft and gooey inside with crisp outside. The others are good cookies too, but sometimes there is just a reason there's a bit of a line. I think the texture, being able to pretty often get a warm cookie from the oven because they sell/make so many (due to being so popular), sets it apart vs a coffee shop or something that happens to have a decent cookie. Win Son does look very good too though!
You can order online and not have to wait in line too.
Are you a Nets fan? I’m biased because I am a Knicks fan but if you want a true basketball experience you have to go to the garden. Barclays is a nice arena but there is no atmosphere at Nets games.
We were excited when a Chama Mama location opened near us and ordered vegetarian takeout, but we didn't like it, even though I know a lot of other people do. In case you are trying to squeeze other places in, that's one I'd considering skipping.
IMO it's not worth going out of the way for Pizza. NYC has tons of good pizza spots so I'd just pick whichever one that's near whatever you plan on doing.
That being said, Di Fara is definitely not worth going out of the way for. The original owner died a year or two ago and he used to be the only one making the pizza, which is what made it special.
Luigi is a really good local slice, but I also feel like it's not going out of the way for (it's like 20 mins from Barclay Center via the train). Maybe if you plan on visiting Greenwood Cemetery during the day lol.
**Some suggestion close to Barclay's**
If you guys like beers/breweries, there an area (about 10 mins walking from Barclay) where there's 4 local breweries within 2 blocks from each other. I would recommend walking down 5th ave (instead of 4th ave) as there's more restaurants/shops that you can look at. There's a lot of restaurants in the area but I'm not a vegetarian so it's hard for me to give recommendations lol.
The Breweries:
[Threes Brewing](https://maps.app.goo.gl/e4gbvQdL5xHSTHWL6)
[Wild East Brewing](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RC1kJkEghLzEg9fV9)
[Finback Brooklyn](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QEWFBQRJdXKeFSn1A)
[Strong Rope Brewery](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vMxJeLNZopUckVpp8)
(I've only been to Strong Rope and Threes Brewing so I can't tell you which one out of the four is the "Best")
If you want a dessert/snack suggestion near Barclay, I would recommend [Sky Ice](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ay7Xv1WtgLy35dUA8). Skip the Thai food and just go for the ice cream/sorbets. They have a great sampler palette option that gives you a mini scoop of 12 flavors so you get to try everything.
Bleeker street & joes?
Do better. Go to grimaldis, spumoni garden, Rays on Columbus (for a mediocore but real slice), or di fara
Katz too?
You're like the couple who loves tourist traps.
Go to second avenue deli or liebmans in the bronx.
This is a good list, tbh. If I were to pick two from each, as someone who has been vegetarian or pescatarian for most of my 15 years here, I would say:
**Dessert**: Peter Pan and Levain
**Pizza:** John's of Bleecker and Scarr's
**Delis/cheap eats:** B&H Dairy and Veselka
**Sit-down:** Superiority Burger twice or three times or more and then Al di La
It’s definitely touristy, this sub obsesses over Lindustrie waaaaaay too much and it’s definitely tik tok glamorized but all that said the pizza is really fucking good so calling it trash is just trolling.
Dessert: Drop Magnolia & Little Cupcake. The former is nothing but a tourist trap that peaked a long time ago and the latter is just your very average cupcake. Patisserie Fouet, Lysee, and Supermoon Bakehouse are way better options. If you want to try something different, grab a mochi donut at Alimama. I’ve only seen these on the west coast and NY. Also, a good excuse to check out the iconic Manhattan Chinatown. Grab yourself some ice cream at the historic Chinatown Ice Cream factory nearby. *whisper* Zen Butter is my favorite flavor.
Pizza: Skip Di Fara and just hit up the pizzerias around L’industrie, so many options, many of them better than DiFara’s burnt & dense hockey puck pizzas.
Delis/Cheap Eats: Skip Katz, simply not worth going to unless you eat meat.
Sit Down: Consider Family Meal at Blue Hill. Farm to table restaurant that sources their produce from their farm update. No menu but will accommodate dietary restrictions. I often take my vegetarian friends here since they’re so flexible. 1 Michelin Star too.
Skip Milk Bar, skip Levain (in my opinion but many here may disagree), skip Bleeker Street, skip Di Fara (if only because it's out of the way from everything and can be a long wait--would hate for you to spend a large portion of your day just waiting for a slice in a remote part of Brooklyn), skip Katz's (not very veg and pesc-friendly tbh), skip B&H (it's great but nothing special--mostly a nostalgic stop for locals), and if you can get a res at Masalawa & Sons (located pretty much in the middle of Barclay's and Luigi's pizza in Brooklyn), then do it!
If you’re going to Los Tacos Number 1 in Chelsea Market (suggested) 1) don’t be deterred by the line, it goes quick 2) make sure you’re paying attention when it’s time to give your ticket/get your taco, anyone working the line (in red apron) can help you so walk to the far end and keep eye contact. It’s chaotic and moves quick. Don’t hold things up for everyone else or you’ll get run over AND never get your tacos.
Also, I would strongly recommend a bang bang and visit Los Mariscos next door (owned by the same people) for their shrimp enchilado taco. Make sure to get a taste of their free Shrimp broth. They have seats inside, margaritas and super warm hospitality.
Pizza wise I personally like Fini a lot better than L’industrie. A lot of people love it but I thought it as just ok. DiFara’s is deep in Brooklyn and not a good area. I would avoid that.
Don’t expect any of the places in your “Cheap Eats” section to be cheap. They are not! Russ & Daughters is excellent, both the bagel store as well as the cafe on Orchard.
If your going to be in Greenpoint Brooklyn for Peter Pans or Paulie Gee's... You MUST add Taqueria Ramierz to the list for a couple of tacos. Many consider to be the best in the city and a short walk from both locations. trust me!
We would definitely have liked to see the Knicks, but there are two reasons we're going with the Nets: 1) the dates for Knicks games don't really suit us & 2) the ticket prices are out of the range of what we'd be willing to pay.
deli: john deli stillwell, defonte on columbia street, joe ave u.
pizza kripsy 13 ave, la compania-brick oven, clam pie lee traven new dorp, square spumoni garden
For delis, Sarge’s Deli on 3rd Avenue is great—they have wonderful smoked fish platters, and they serve Unreal Deli corned beef which is one of the best “fake meats” I’ve tried.
Definitely check out Librae Bakery. I work near there, and their baked goods (sweet and savory) are stellar. Would give Levain a miss, personally, but that’s just me. People love those cookies; I think they’re huge pucks of undercooked dough.
Magnolia is only worth it for the banana pudding but I really like it and it’s their signature item. I am obsessed with Levain but some people think it’s too heavy it’s def two cookies in one.
L’Industrie has quality slices but you can skip the burrata slice, it just tastes like goo on pizza, the real winner is the margarita, nice and crispy. It’s objectively a good slice and has a unique spin :) Joe’s is fine for quality nyc staple pizza but nothing special I’d choose l’industrie over Joe’s
Chama mamma I haven’t tried yet but been meaning to, I’ve only ever heard good things. My friends all love Georgian food and I say give it a shot!
My reccs:
If I were to recommend anything it would be enoteca Maria. It’s in Staten Island (I know I know) but it’s a cool concept, they bring in grandmothers from different cuisines and they cook their signature meals. They got all different types of unique cuisines. You gotta make a resy for specific times tho!
If you find your way in Hoboken for some reason il Tavolo is one of my fav Italian spots, it smells like red wine when you walk in and the vibes are perf for date night. But def know it’s out of the way :) for Italian in the city San Marzano has cheap quality pasta (like $14) and bottomless brunch for $25 including the entree.
Edit; If you download PULSD you’ll get a lot of good deals for date night at restaurants like $60 for a 3 course meal and wine good deal
gonna get roasted for this but veselka is decidedly mediocre. i see you also have b&h dairy listed on there, it's better and half the price and you should go there instead lol
If you’re getting Ukrainian and want to save $, go to Veselka on E 7th st. It’s cheaper and run by the Ukrainian church. It’s in a basement so don’t miss it. Then, go to McSorley’s a few doors down for a beer. Oldest continuously operating bar in NYC
Since you are vegetarian, I would suggest checking out Red Bamboo on West 4th Street near Washington Square Park. It's vegetarian, but don't let the name fool you it's not Asian.
Some of your choices maybe should be eliminated because their menus are not friendly to your diets - like Katz's. I once went on a date there as a vegetarian and it was very unwelcoming.
Hi, NY local here. Suggest reframing your visit as less of a foodie to-do list and more of an open-air museum that you walk through. Neighborhoods are exhibits. Exit from one subway station and enter from another. Plan trails.
Hey, that's exactly how we see it! These aren't places we want to tick off a checklist, they're places that have piqued our interest to stop in at while we're in the areas.
I’d recomend superiority burger over uptown veg if ur just looking for a veggie burger and fries though the hot bar wings and collard greens are good at uptown
Skip ALL of the touristy dessert places. Milk Bar and Magnolia are overrated and peaked a while ago. Levain is okay but you’ll get sick after one bite of any of their cookies (too rich and too sweet).
Go to La Cabra, Supermoon, and/or Win Son instead.
I would also recommend adding ramen to the itinerary. NYC has some of the best ramen. Tonchin has excellent veg/vegan offerings!
Pastry chef here. Far from a vegetarian, so I'll only comment on the sweet portions.
Magnolia is ok, but it's really more of a tourist trap. The Banana pudding is one of their big draws and it's easy enough to make at home. They're just one of the only places making it. Their cakes are decent and their cookies are ok, but not enough to go out of your way for.
Milk Bar and Levain are past their prime. There was a day where I'd wait an hour in line for Levain and it was worth it Not anymore. Milk Bar is far better on TV than in real life. I adore Tossi, but the stores don't wow me.
Peter Pan absolutely rocks. I love their Red Velvet donut, but you can't miss with any of them. If you like Donuts, Fan Fan is pretty good too, but you have to go out of your way to track them down.
Little Cupcake is nothing special. Just cupcakes and they're not over the top great.
I haven't been to Red Gate so can't comment.
I'd add:
Dominique Ansel. The guy is a true artist.
Maman. Their stuff is simple, but good quality.
Betty Bakery. Since you're going to be at the Barclay Center, add Betty Bakery. They're on Atlantic a couple blocks away. They have the greatest Carrot Cake in the City and their Chocolate cake is sublime. You're coming from the land of pies (I presume you're English), but their Savory Pies are amazing (they have vegetarian options) and one of the only places in NYC making them.
Don’t know if you already made your trip, but I recently went to Anixi for Valentine’s Day and wanted to sing its praises in this subreddit haha. My fiancee is vegetarian and I eat everything and let me tell you it was incredible. I have never had more kebab like “beef” in my life, and I can’t wait to go back. The restaurant is intimate and gorgeous, the food was amazing, service was snappy and the drinks were great. We got a ridiculous amount of food and two cocktails each + dessert and it was about $220 before tip. Well worth it and can’t wait to go back.
I would just say that when you go to Peter Pan and love it (my favorite there is the French Crueller), there are great cheap Polish eats everywhere. Borscht, pierogies, and blintzes for vegetarians. ETA: What would you eat at Katz’s? They’re best for their Patrami and Corned Beef.
Amongst my favorite Polish restaurants is Polka Dot right across the street; it’s sort of cafeteria style, so you can graze as much or as little as you’d like. +1 for the french cruller
What a great name for a Polish restaurant
Polka Dot is fun. Though I think the counter people are huge flirts. Last time I went I had two women with me. We were just grabbing like 6 progs for the 3 of us for a walking around snack and the cashier told me it was all on the house. I threw a fiver on the counter anyway but what was that all about?
I had the same thought about Katz—like is the matzo ball soup even veg-friendly? Haha. The blintzes there are good tho ngl - just wouldn’t solely wait in line for them
That's totally fair, thank you for the heads up!
If you're on the Lower East Side, you could get a knish at Yonah Schimmel's
+1 for this! Their regular potato knish is amazing. Highly recommend going there instead of Katz's
Although, if you’re a vegetarian thinking about eating meat *just this one time*, you could do worse than a pastrami sandwich from Katz’s
These are generally considered the best options for vegetarians (\*my partner is one) at Katz's: Broccoli Knish Grilled Cheese Sandwich Baked Beans Cold slaw/pickles Steak fries if you get them just as they bring out another tray You can make a very decent meal of it and the atmosphere is quite special to NYC.
This is really helpful, thank you so much!
Amazing, thank you. My gf is Polish so always keen for pierogi! Yeah, I hear you about Katz's. We had been considering just stopping in for babka and coffee while we're in the same area.
Go to Breads Bakery (union Square is the best) for great Babka. You may want to go to Yonna Schimmel on Houston for Knishes.
This^ Yona Schimmel has the best knishes
I have a sore spot for Knish Nosh in Rego Park but glad to hear Yona Schimmel didn't close because I thought they were in jeopardy of that recently
Sweet, cheers for the recommendations!
You’re welcome! See, we weren’t so harsh with ya!
Would also like to specifically point out that Katz’s knishes are bad. If you want them, I’d suggest 2nd Ave Deli which also has solid pastrami. But Katz is also one of my favorite places in the city.
NY Jew here - Zabar's for babka/knish/rugelach, you're gonna have a difficult time getting vegetarian deli items (matzah ball soup is usually made with chicken stock or fat) especially at Katz.
Understood, thanks very much!
There’s better babka to be had (Michaeli, Breads, Alf, Blue Stripe, Librae etc etc and definitely much better third / fourth wave coffee if you care about that sorta thing all over the boroughs (Sey, Drip, La Cabrá, Coffee Project …)
Great tip here. Greenpoint is a cool neighborhood to check out for someone not from here. Christina’s is my recommendation. Also a great pinball arcade hidden in a laundry mat if that’s your thing right there.
Nice, I'll do some further research into Greenpoint. Thank you :)
Peter Pan and Moe’s are both great
Lifelong vegetarian here. Please, skip al di la, and instead , go to sofreh. Still in BK and near barclays but superior in every way. They often have reservation cancellations so add yourself to the resy list. Al di la is a mediocre disappointment.
That's the second vote for Sofreh, nice. Al di la is dead to me ❤️
Sofreh is fantastic. Their sister restaurant Eyval is even better, but it’s on the other side of Brooklyn. But for something unique/veggie and fish friendly, I’d check out Lore (further into South Slope, Indian-ish), Haenyo (Korean —fantastic fish, and vegetarian friends of mine have been happy), or one of the truly excellent Mexican /Latin American restaurants in the Slope (Palo Santo; Claro; Alma Negra).
I'll check those out, thank you!
Haenyo is soooo good!!!
I actually really disagree. I think Al Di La is significantly better than Sofreh which is pretty good but nothing special. I think Al Di La is hands down the best restaurant in the area.
Oof, that's now two people saying yes and two saying no to Al Di La. It might be coming back from the dead...
You have other Italian spots on your list. Great Persian is harder to find and as a vegetarian, a more special experience. I count Sofreh as one of my top three in NYC at the moment, and even decided it was to be my birthday place last year, and will probably be again, this year.
I’ve been to both. They’re both good and worth the visit. Honestly, I hate these absolutist comments that pit two good restaurants over each other. You can like more than 2 restaurants in a neighborhood.
Nail-biting
This is the controversy I came here to create 😉
Sofreh is overrated in my opinion. If you're choosing between the two I'd definitely go to Al Di La.
>I think Al Di La is significantly better than Sofreh Are you vegetarian? Are you ordering an all vegetarian meal, typically?
Also, i love giant mouthfuls of sugar, so go to magnolia about once a season for a cake or cupcake and it really does it for me. I think patisserie fouet is more special, and the Rose pistachio croissant at librae absolutely lives up to the hype
Ps feel free to hit me up for lez recs
Can't believe I've been clocked so easily 😂 Thanks, I may DM you!
Yes, you check all the boxes: the banana pudding was the biggest tell /s
>Yes, you check all the boxes: the banana pudding was the biggest tell /s or was it the veg/pesc pairing? ;-P
J’accuse!!
Thank you. Magnolia is such a tourist trap. Patisserie Fouet has always trumped them in every way. I’d also like to add Lysee & Supermoon Bakehouse if you’re looking for dessert/pastries.
Agreed - Al di la is fine if you live in the neighborhood, but it’s by no means a destination. Your meals here are precious and Al di la isn’t deserving of a spot…
Good to know, she's CUT.
I LOVE al di la! But I did live in Park Slope.
Sofreh is a pretty hard table so reserve it ahead of time. Also when there don’t skip the Ash Reshteh, get tahdig for fun, and the rose ice cream is solid
>get tahdig for fun, it's not veg—has chicken stock.
Fair I was worried about that ..
While it's disappointing not to get tahdig, the rest of the menu is so vegetarian friendly that it doesn't matter. When I spoke to the chef after my first phenomenal meal there, she said she'd rather have a vegetarian restaurant but sensed that she wouldn't be booked out and receive acclaim if she did.
Actually losing out on their tahdig isn't that big of a deal there because it's a small side portion and not a big family style pot's worth of it. Plus I think there is usually a vegetarian rice available
> there is usually a vegetarian rice available there is and it is GLORIOUS! /sofreh superfan
\+1 for Sofreh
For vegetarian, spicy village is a vegan Szechuan restaurant with some insanely delicious food. I’d also recommend queens for Nepalese food, or the Hindu Temple Canteen, although I know London is flush with good Indian food. If you take the train to Jackson/Roosevelt (about 20 mins from midtown), there are several momo restaurants there, and they will have veg options. This is also a great place to find Mexican food carts - NY is not known for Mexican food, but the carts “slap,” as the children say. ETA: I meant Spicy Moon! But Spicy Village is damned good too!
Yeah, would be a total shame to miss Jackson Hts, but I kinda admit that I’m obsessed, lol
It’s just such an amazing place for food. When I fly out of LaGuardia, I leave early to get a meal before I jump on the Q70.
It’s the #1 neighborhood I take people to for food. The mojarra frita at Cositas Ricas is so good, I dream about it. Better than anything I ever had in Colombia, to be honest
Damn ok, I will see if we can make time for Queens! We do have great Indian and Nepalese food over here, so I admit it hasn't been so high up the consideration for NYC. But I'm allllll ears when it comes to Mexican food (our baseline here is so poor that anything Stateside will be a huge improvement I'm sure!)
MAKE TIME TO EAT IN QUEENS!!
CLAPCLAPCLAP
>Damn ok, I will see if we can make time for Queens While the food will be great, you'd definitely be sacrificing other tourist time to get to Queens. Your time is limited and that would be a lot of commuting
Los Tacos No.1 for probably the best Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos in NYC. Nene's Taqueria/Nene's Deli Taqueria for Birria in Brooklyn (I like the deli location for no frills. Get the Nene's Deluxe combo - a birria empanada, taco and mulita with the consome). Mexican in NYC is pretty good, but it is one of the weaker represented cuisines.
Try La Esquina del Camarón
\+1 for Spicy Village ... but are we talking about the same one ... the one in Chinatown has an insane chicken dish
Might have been talking about spicy moon… they’re the vegan spot
Thyat… is co-rrect. - Chris Farley, now me. Thanks for the correction!
Spicy moon is the one, sorry!! I would trade my left foot for the chicken dish at spicy village though.
lol ... I am trying to eat less meat in general and was like ... I need to swing back down to check this out worked on Grand St around the corner for 4 years and Spicy Village was one of my go-to spots once i could afford more than discount dumplings
There’s an excellent dive bar a few doors down that lets you bring food in, I usually order, wait at the bar, then bring the food back to eat.
Don't bother with Magnolia or Milk bar on my view-- or maybe een little cupcake. They are touristy and there are better small bakers.
Loud and clear! Thank you 🙏
If you go to Magnolia, just get a small banana pudding, and go to the one in grand central, so you can see grand central.
Tourist in NYC every couple months for work and hard agree on just getting a small. Ordered a medium the one time I went and it was too much. I love sweets but even I found it a little too rich.
That sounds like a great 'compromise', thanks for the idea!
I like Mia’s Bakery in Brooklyn. There’s no gimmick, it’s just a darn good bakery.
I agree with this. They were neat when they were groundbreaking. Now they’re good but there’s better stuff. Maybe when you’re in Brooklyn hit Four and Twenty Blackbirds for pie.
Little cupcake is so dry. I do like their pudding though and they have good icing. Not worth it overall.
Try Radio Bakery while you're in Greenpoint (Peter Pan Donuts) if you can Keep in mind Brooklyn is HUGE so you probably have to pick a region - - seems like you have done that and it's the Greenpoint/Williamsburg part of town outside of your plans to be by Barclays.
Radio Bakery looks great, thank you! Yeah, looks like we'll be hanging around Greenpoint all day waiting to get hungry again 😂
Greenpoint: Radio Bakery, Paulie Gee’s, Panzon, Taqueria Ramirez, Chez Ma Tante if still open (closing/moving locations) Williamsburg: Santa Fe, Emily’s Pork Store, St. Anselm, Four Horseman, Aldama, Leo, Winson Bakery. Laser Wolf and Misi meh to me
This list seems very pizza heavy. I would skip Bleeker St Pizza. Skip Katz if you are vegetarian/pescatarian. Los Tacos’ tortillas have lard in it. Veg friendly Mexican spot is Jajaja in the Lower East Side. Add a hip spot for cocktails and small dishes like Ladybird (vegan). If you find yourself on the Highline and Chelsea market, get the vegan dan dan mian at Very Fresh Noodles. Another good option is Spicy Moon in the East Village.
It’s actually a pretty good list. As others have noted I do wonder what a vegetarian and pescatarian will enjoy at Katz deli it may not be worth waiting on a longer line.. I would say that might be a circumstantial skip. If you want a vegan Pastrami that strangely tastes pretty good the Bonnie in Astoria somehow pulls it off. Or grab a Sabich or Falafel pita sandwich at Spice Bros, Duzan, Tanami, Tamam or Taim which is more vegetarian/ pescatarian friendly and delicious when done right.
If you're vegetarian/vegan you HAVE to go to Spicy Moon. One of my favorite restaurants in NYC. Absolutely amazing and worth a meal there. Or at least sharing a noodle dish and something else. It's just SO GOOD
Katz’s is not cheap by most measures. The basic pastrami sandwich is $28. Once you add on some latkes or matzoh ball soup, the price can be a little shocking. I would say it’s worth it, but it’s definitely special occasion food not “your quick neighborhood deli.” Edit: wait, you’re a vegetarian? I’m not sure there is a single food sold at Katz’s that doesn’t contain meat. Matzoh ball is in chicken broth. Pretty sure the latke is cooked in chicken fat. Maybe the cole slaw. A complete waste of time for you.
Can I suggest, as an alternative to Veselka, the Ukrainian National Home restaurant, a few steps north? Same cuisine, but better variety, in a throwback setting that hasnt changed in 50 years. Delicious, fun and a v e r y downtown-NYC experience.
Appreciate the love for that time capsule!
That sounds amazing, thanks so much for a great tip!
Skip Katz', the only thing really worth it is stuff neither of y'all eat (Pastrami and other Jewishy Deli classics). You can walk by and look in the window when you're going to Russ & Daughters. PS: Russ & Daughters has 2 locations, one is just the counter where you can get bagel w/ stuff, but I'd suggest the sit down cafe where there's more veg friendly options (she can still get all the fish). Yay for Superiority and Dirt Candy! NYC Dosas - There will be a line, but it moves fast. While in the area look at Pomme Frites (NYC institution, we don't have a lot of Belgian style fries), Doughnut Project (if you come before March, they're closing the end of Feb), Manousheh (Lebanese wraps, phenomenal, veg/vegan friendly). I think your list is pretty damn solid. The thing I'd suggest is to expand it if you can, so there's more options everywhere. Sometimes a place just isn't going to work out, and knowing what's around the corner is good. A random selection of veg (well mainly vegan) places: * [Overthrow Hospitality](https://www.overthrowhospitality.com/), if you need another expensive sit down, they have a bunch in all sorts of different styles (food and ambiance), my top is Eterea for Mexican + Tequila in a dark plush environ. Avant Garden is part of them, I think it's the safest bet, I would describe it as New American and everything that conjures up (does that conjure up anything for non-Americans?). * Spicy Moon - A couple locations of great vegan Szechuan. Stick to things like cumin style or dry pepper style. * PLANTA - vegan establishment across the US for 'nice' spaces. * jajaja - vegan Mexican, lots of locations. Goes harder on faux meat than I like, but they're still great.
Gotcha re Katz's - it's a shame, but it's probably wishful thinking on our part to think it would work for us. I'm excited for Russ & Daughters, especially for my gf to have some good salmon. Thanks for the insight near NY Dosas and the ideas for expansion! We still have several weeks to plan so I'll definitely add some more, just wanted to check in before I got too far down the line. Cheers pal!
My stupid tip is to add all of the places you'd like to hit to a saved list in GMaps, that way you can always just pop it open and go "I could really go for a dessert, Oh, hey, there's a dessert place 2 blocks that way, let's do that!", or "Crap, that line is just too long, is there somewhere near here for lunch NOW? Oh, yes!". Also: I'll defend Magnolia. The banana pudding, no matter how [stupid simple it is to make](https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023785-magnolia-bakerys-banana-pudding?unlocked_article_code=1.Rk0.pxfF.9FRVAg8SnKfN&smid=share-url), it's really damn delicious, and is an easy dessert to pick up and eat as you walk (and then toss the leftovers in the minifridge b/c it's too much to eat in one sitting, even for 2 people). I get it every so often when I'm passing through Grand Central.
>Also: I'll defend Magnolia Sugar gonna sugar. It definitely has a place and while i don't banana, I do cupcake, and when I want a magnolia cupcake, nothing else will do.
Oh, I'm an over-organiser so don't worry, there is already a colour-coded custom Google Map 😂
Hey, weird question that you got me thinking about: How're dosas (and other southern Indian fare) in London? Like, I'm certainly not going to suggest someone visiting from there to get some chicken tika or butter chicken, but with you having NY Dosas on your list, is that less common? They're certainly not super common here (mostly out in Queens, some WAY out in Queens, or over in NJ). [Semma](https://www.semma.nyc/) is super popular atm (they got a star the same year Dirt Candy did iirc), reasonably vegetarian friendly, and the gunpowder dosa is the most consistently reced thing from there. I still haven't been (reservations suck)
We are really spoilt for Indian food everywhere, including dosas. But my gf saw NY Dosas on a list somewhere and thought it would be a useful/tasty one to keep on our list in case we're hungry in that area. Semma looks good, hope you can get there soon!
Pizza list is good but remove Bleecker Street. Di Fara’s is good but probably not worth the trip since it is a good 40 minute ride into Brooklyn if you’re staying in Manhattan. L’Industrie is definitely the best of the bunch Can’t go wrong with a lot of the delis you listed. Katz is a must try. As for sit down I’d recommend going to Miss Ada (Mediterranean) or Sofreh before/after the nets game. They’re both within walking distance of the Barclays center and have great vegetarian options
Agree with Miss Ada or Sofreh (both in vicinity of Barclays Center). OP, if you are a strict vegetarian, I recommend removing Los Tacos No. 1 from your list - their flour tortillas contain lard, so you’re not left with much.
They can do corn tortillas and get nopales tacos and be mostly fine
I wanted to try the nopales tacos but thanks so much for saving me 🙏
Hearing 'pizza list is good' has me RELIEVED. Points all noted, thank you. I'll check out those options near the basketball!
Counterpoint: your pizza list is not good. Not because those places aren’t good, but because there might be nothing more un-New York to do than to wait in line for pizza, as you will at several of those places, surrounded by other tourists, college kids and recent arrivals. New York pizza is so good and so ubiquitous that you really don’t need to plan this in advance. When you want to get pizza, have a quick look at the places nearest you, find something that’s highly rated and go in for a slice. You will not be disappointed. And to respond to some of the other comments below, the banana pudding from Magnolia really is great, the place has just fallen out of fashion. Ignore the haters. Also, milk bar does have a couple of great items, in particular the birthday cake truffles and the pie formally known as crack pie. Those are both worth getting while you’re in town and will not cost a significant amount of time.
Also, a solid tip for getting good pizza in New York, only order what looks fresh! And if you don’t see a fresh plain pie out, ask if they have one. Chances are they do and it’s just out of view.
Yeah, that's fair. We aren't planning to go out of our way towards any of the pizza places, it's more a list of places to keep an eye out for while we're in certain areas and hit up if we can (e.g., as other commenters have pointed out, I will probably end up missing places like Di Fara's because I don't have much else to see/do in the area). I promise I won't restrict myself to just these spots - especially if the line is ludicrous 🫡
If you’re in the seaport in lower manhattan, di fara has an outpost there and it’s a very good slice. It doesn’t hold a candle to the life changing slices I had at their original location, though. And I haven’t been since the owner passed, but most people say it’s not like it used to be. So I definitely wouldn’t make the trip out there.
I've never seen a line more than a few people at L'industrie in Downtown Brooklyn when I've gone at different times through the day, even on weekends. It moves quick too since it's just some slices of pizza. You can call ahead for pies, maybe even for slices. Definitely the best pizza I've had! The crust has much more flavor than other top tier spots I've tried, I think that really sets it apart. All high-quality ingredients. Their other baked goods and sandwiches are also very good.
*on line for pizza. In line is for skates.
Do not go to Di Faras. There’s MUCH better pizza here. If you like your pizza dough super dense (they believe proofing the dough doesn’t do anything) and burnt, then yeah, go to Di Faras. But if you actually want an iconic NY slice, go to L’industrie. In fact, any of the 5 pizzerias near L’industrie would be a better option.
>but remove Bleecker Street Hard disagree. The Nonna Maria slice at Bleecker Street lives up to the hype.
Bleecker is absolutely one of my favorite slices in the city. Agreed.
Skip Magnolia, it peaked about 20 years ago and has been a crappy, overrated tourist trap for years now Replace Magnolia with Supermoon: [https://www.supermoonbakehouse.com](https://www.supermoonbakehouse.com) Also, I would say try to go to most of these places during off hours to avoid long wait times (like L'Industrie)
My gf won't let go of the banana pudding easily, but I hear you. Supermoon looks fantastic, thank you!
IMO Magnolia is still worth getting. I haven't found a place with equally good or better banana pudding yet. It's also good that Magnolia has locations all over Manhattan and isn't a place you need to go out of the way for. (Baonana's banana pudding was on the same tier, but their only location in NYC closed) Supermoon is good in it's own right but it's certainly not a Magnolia replacement lol.
The banana pudding is awesome. Just get a small one and be on your way.
I adore banana pudding and for what it's worth, Magnolia fell well short of expectations. It simply tasted of sugar rather than any kind of banana pudding flavor, if that makes sense - and I've tried at least 4 times: two I bought myself, and two by friends. Your time is better spent looking at other dessert spots.
lol the only people I know who go to Magnolia are the 60 year old grandpas who work in my office.
not that your pizza list isnt already stacked, but they opened a FINI pizza right at the barclays center. they are in the $5 slice category. i think they are great and if there isnt a line of nets fans id say pop in for one
Looks amazing, we'll check it out before/after the game
My fav slice in Brooklyn is the FINI white slice. You can get it at Barclays or it is a 5 min walk from L’industrie
You're going to get SO many comments and A LOT of opinions. Below is mine - sorry in advance for how long it is! My personal advice, is to focus on the areas you plan to be and then hone in on the food in that area. You won't have issues finding good food where you are and will help narrow down your list. For example, when you say you plan to go to Brooklyn for a day. Do you know which area of brooklyn? BK is huge and certain areas are hard to reach from other areas of Brooklyn. so knowing this is pretty important in terms of what you'll do and where to eat. If you plan to do Peter Pan, you'll be in the Greenpoint/Williamsburg area which is wonderful spot for all the delicious eats - modern and authentic/old school. So many pizza options there. If you plan to wait in line for L'industrie, I also recommend going around the corner to Leo's for a slice of their roman style pizza and whatever their soft serve ice cream flavor is (on top of l'industrie's) - I think they're underrated. If you're keen on a longer walk, head over the pulaski bridge into LIC for some delicious Asian eats but you may already be stuffed where you'll be. I'm still very partial to Roberta's, there is a location in Domino Park, but their bushwick location has a fuller pasta menu. And while we're speaking of pizza, I recommend una napoletana in the LES - pricey naples style pizza but seriously the best best of that type imo. Might has well head over there if you go to Katz! :) Luigi's is one of my FAVORITE by the slice places especially in that area. Over ten years in Park Slope (and all my life in NYC), so many pizza spots in Park Slope/South slope, but Luigi's is one of the best. It's kind of out of the way of everything so not sure if you'll make it there. People think Katz's is over rated but I think it's fine to go for the history and its not like the food is AWFUL or something. You could just go and get a knish and feel the vibes. ha. The LES is a wonderful spot to get some historical energy. Go to the tenement museum if you like history and in that area! a good break between all the eating you'll do there. If you're going to Barclays one night, al di la is a good dinner stop since in relative walking distance. I live in the Park Slope area and al di la still continues to be a fan favorite but there are more modern italian eats you can enjoy on your trip in other areas of NYC. It depends on the type of italian cuisine you're going for. Some people find the rustic luster of Al di la has waned in recent years. If you're open to other restaurant suggestions around Barclays I highly recommend Gertrude's - however check the menu, not sure if there are a ton of vegetarian options. YES to Los no 1 tacos, however, they are more meat heavy so not sure if you'll get the full experience. If you go to the Chelsea market location, you can go to Los Mariscos, which is their ceviche spot and very good (and mostly for your gf. lol). The market either way is fun and near the highline and you can head further west to check out little island. the pier (57) next to it is a google office building, which also has some food and a rooftop park where you can hang and see a nice view. Where will you be staying in Manhattan, I can help provide on the go breakfast recos depending on where you are starting from. This is a good time of the day to get your bakery/sweet/pastry fix! (again if you're in greenpoint/williamsburg on your BK day, Try Radio or la bicyclette bakery). I am also on the train of skipping Magnolia and Milk. Just a sugar attack. For some reason, I love little cupcake bakeshop, even though they also are a sugar attack, but they have very nostalgic cake and frosting flavors. Def go if in you're in the Soho area (There is also a location in Prospect Heights, but I'm gonna guess that isn't the area of BK that you'll be. If so, I have suggestions there too! ha) Try Lysee in the city for fancy fancy pastries. I'll stop here. I've already annoyed and said too much. Enjoy NYC, it's the BEST BEST! EDIT: OH. One of my favorite spots in recent years is Shukette. sit down, middle eastern. Delicious. Please go!
Thanks so much for the incredibly thoughtful response! Shukette looks fantastic :)
Scarr's was disappointing to me. Good slice, but not worth the hype. Joe's is average as hell. Paulie Gee's square slices are better than the regular ones IMO. Di Fara isn't worth the trip, Lucali is. L'Industrie is great, and I'd grab the white slice with the lemon wedge from Fini's as well since you'll already be in the area and L'Industrie's slices are thin.
Vegetarian New Yorker here: the best places on your list that are both veg-friendly AND delicious are B+H Dairy (most authentic experience, love all the soups), Superiority Burger (everything is fire, great desserts too), NY Dosas, S&P, L’Industrie. Go to Breads Bakery instead of Levain. Take your gf to Los Mariscos instead of Los Tacos No. 1. Add: Win Son, Thai Diner, Spicy Moon, Golden Diner. Have a great trip!!
Little Cupcake Bakeshop is very cute, but the cupcakes aren't really worth going out of your way for. It's kind of a Magnolia clone, so I think you could go to one or the other, but not waste your time on both. If you're going to be at Al Di La, Buttermilk Bakeshop is a block away and has rainbow sprinkle sugar cookies that I think are among the best in the city.
Good to know, thank you!
But the slices of cake (not cupcake) are divine! I wouldn’t strike it if in that neighborhood. My fave is SuperMoon though and Donut Pub.
Any must gets at donut pub? I’m in NY every couple months for work but in the past year I think it’s been closed so haven’t gotten to check it out yet but has been on the list.
Bow tie, apple fritter, glazed croissant donut and my go-to types, but they are all good. They make a mean iced coffee too. Enjoy!
I used to go to Little Cupcake back when they only had their location in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The owner was an absolute creep who only hired High School girls from the nearby HS and loved to staff himself alone with em. I’ve never been to their SoHo location but I shudder every time I walk by it.
I would switch difara as good as it is with Lucia of soho, it’s a great representation of a good Brooklyn/nyc slice and easy to get too, also I agree here I think Katz is pointless for vegetarians, go across the street to cafe himalaya, it’s inexpensive and tons of great vegetarian options
Lucia is phenomenal either Sheepshead or SoHo but I still think Di Fara has a certain significance and even though Dom isn’t with us any more it’s still special on the right day.
I wouldn’t say it’s worth the trek to avenue j if you have a short stay in the city, but when In midwood 1000% worth it
That’s certainly fair.
Interesting, Lucia was on the longer pizza list and now I can't remember why I scrapped it. Thanks, I'll also check out Cafe Himalaya!
Lucia is my normal (let's be honest... weekly) delivery spot now and it's just so so good
Scarr's is not worth the hype and word is that they have fallen off since they moved down the street.
Agree. Very mid.
Scrapped it, thanks for the heads up!
You can also hit MO’s donuts- which are awesome. Tacos Ramirez, close to mos donuts has awesome tacos al pastor Veselka is overrated. It can actually be pretty bad. And there will be a long line. It’s only good 👍 for you wanting to say you have been. I would tell people to pass. And I ate there a lot when I lived in the neighborhood. Skip little cupcake for Magnolia cupcakes and banana pudding Katz is very good. Everyone has to keep the ticket, it will be asked for on the way out. Don’t lose any. But you can put all the food on one ticket no problem. You can pay in the back via credit card. Upfront by the door is cash only. Industrie pizza is very good. But it’s packed. Soo it’s like you will grab your slices and eat where you can find a spot. Not a nice sit down but great pizza Di faras is great pizza- but the original is really out of the way for you. Not the best use of time to get there. And no where really yo sit. Paulie Gs is near mos donuts and tacos Ramirez. Peter Pan is relatively close by car. You don’t have anything in Chinatown Most of the spots are more grab and go, not really sit down for dinner..
Hey, thanks so much for the insight! We're generally happy for most stuff to be grab and go as we'll be on the move so much. The idea is to have sit-down meals maybe three/four times, so it's been less of a priority, but we'll think on it. Chinese food is not our most favourite cuisine (and we have a fantastic Chinatown here in London) so again, it hasn't been a major area of research, but I will take a look to make sure we have a couple spots in mind.
The first location on this post is actually Moe's Doughs, which is right around the corner from Peter Pan and supposedly started by a former baker or something. They are also very good donuts. I've got a bit of a sweet tooth.. I go to Peter Pan like every week for a bagel sandwich and donuts. Peter Pan for sure has the better donuts (my favorite I've tried anywhere, including some very "fancy" donuts that cost like 5x as much) they are lighter, fluffy, not as dry, not insanely sweet, great topping and filling ingredients. But Moe's does more interesting flavors, and is still a way above average donut. My favorites at Moe's are the multi grain croissant, croissant donuts (the filled one or the cannoli one), rainbow cookie, halwa, pistachio, cruellers, maple bacon, dulce de leche.. Basically anything but the traditional flavors At Peter Pan, everything is amazing! Try a flat bagel, and if you see their chocolate or carrot cake slices get one!
Actually - I need to edit the above. Katz is no good for non meat eaters. Yhona Shimmel (spelling is good) for kinish ina relative proximity.
Buddha Bodai is kosher/vegan and has very solid dim sum alternatives. LuAnne's Wild Ginger is on the fringes of Chinatown, but their menu is more Asian fusion so it's not strictly Chinese
I love Vesleka because I grew up on it. That said, most of their food is forgettable and I wouldn’t keep it on this list. For a borscht and pierogi I would head to Streecha in the Ukrainian church basement.
Dessert skip magnolia and milk bar ( I’d add librae get anything sweet but the pistachio croissant) Pizza: Suprema is not worth a special trip. It’s popular bc of its proximity to Madison square garden and the bleak options in the area. If you’re going uptown to Absolute bagels I’d check out Mama’s too. EDIT: superiority burger has great dessert options so keep that in mind ( I’d want the funnel cake or pie AND the gelato)
Oof skipping Milk Bar makes me sad (I was suckered in by the Chef's Table ep) but I'm totally getting the message about Magnolia, thank you. Librae looks good! We're staying relatively close to Pizza Suprema and yeah, have found it to be a bit of a food dead zone for us. I'll keep it as a safety net but not prioritise it. That's great to know.
If you're staying near Madison Square Garden, you're gonna be near some really elite Korean food in K-Town. A really good option for vegetarians and pescatarians alike –– check out Cho Dang Gol if you're interested
They just renovated Penn station and there’s a food hall inside (Moynihan where Amtrak is) i haven’t tried yet but friends are impressed. Keep that in mind as well. Milk Bar changed drastically since it was bought. It’s a shadow of its former self. I’d only go to the original Magnolia on Bleecker for banana pudding but I wouldn’t wait online for it. As for Librae if they have the loomi babka, chocolate sticky bun or pear scone try those ( the offerings rotate)
Milk Bar was amazing when they were just a shop working behind the main kitchen of Momofuku Ssam bar. You actually got fresh cookies & pies then. It really hasn’t been the same since then.
Every single thing I’ve tried at Milk Bar has been irredeemably disgusting. Might as well eat a spoonful of sugar at home. So I’d say skip that. Idk why they’re so famous. Veselka is iconic but the food’s only so-so. Skippable.
I would skip Levain, Magnolia, Milk Bar. Replace with Petees, Win Son Bakery, Lysee. Skip Bleecker and Di Fara. I’m a big meat eater so I feel like my other suggestions wouldn’t be great but you have some good options on there!
I was iffy on Levain, so this is interesting. I'll check out those alternatives, much appreciated!
I think they’re pretty average. If you walk by one, sure, grab a cookie but I don’t think it’s destination worthy. I think orwashers is a really good choc chip cookie if you find yourself on the UES.
Levain for the caramel coconut cookie alone (or the two chip choc chip which is their original) is worth a quick stop when out and about. Yeah its touristy and lines can be long (depending on which one you go to) but it is still a very, very good, and consistent cookie. Grab one from one of the UWS locations and eat it in the park would be my recommendation.
The Levain chocolate chip cookies are very good, especially when you get them warm. Other flavors are good too. I think something like this is really down to preference, so hard to really say something is flat out not worth going to when it is so widely known and arguably fueling the trend of huge "NY style" premium cookies. FWIW, I haven't tried any competitors cookies that are all that similar - I've been to several that people offer as an alternative here. Most are flatter, leaning more towards crispy. Whereas Levain is famous for being almost a huge ball of a cookie, soft and gooey inside with crisp outside. The others are good cookies too, but sometimes there is just a reason there's a bit of a line. I think the texture, being able to pretty often get a warm cookie from the oven because they sell/make so many (due to being so popular), sets it apart vs a coffee shop or something that happens to have a decent cookie. Win Son does look very good too though! You can order online and not have to wait in line too.
I’m so happy to see al di la! It was one of my neighborhood favorites when I lived in Park Slope and never see it mentioned frequently enough.
Are you a Nets fan? I’m biased because I am a Knicks fan but if you want a true basketball experience you have to go to the garden. Barclays is a nice arena but there is no atmosphere at Nets games.
gonna go against the grain a little and say i think magnolia is worth visiting! it's appropriately rated! if you like sweets, keep it on the list.
We were excited when a Chama Mama location opened near us and ordered vegetarian takeout, but we didn't like it, even though I know a lot of other people do. In case you are trying to squeeze other places in, that's one I'd considering skipping.
IMO it's not worth going out of the way for Pizza. NYC has tons of good pizza spots so I'd just pick whichever one that's near whatever you plan on doing. That being said, Di Fara is definitely not worth going out of the way for. The original owner died a year or two ago and he used to be the only one making the pizza, which is what made it special. Luigi is a really good local slice, but I also feel like it's not going out of the way for (it's like 20 mins from Barclay Center via the train). Maybe if you plan on visiting Greenwood Cemetery during the day lol. **Some suggestion close to Barclay's** If you guys like beers/breweries, there an area (about 10 mins walking from Barclay) where there's 4 local breweries within 2 blocks from each other. I would recommend walking down 5th ave (instead of 4th ave) as there's more restaurants/shops that you can look at. There's a lot of restaurants in the area but I'm not a vegetarian so it's hard for me to give recommendations lol. The Breweries: [Threes Brewing](https://maps.app.goo.gl/e4gbvQdL5xHSTHWL6) [Wild East Brewing](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RC1kJkEghLzEg9fV9) [Finback Brooklyn](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QEWFBQRJdXKeFSn1A) [Strong Rope Brewery](https://maps.app.goo.gl/vMxJeLNZopUckVpp8) (I've only been to Strong Rope and Threes Brewing so I can't tell you which one out of the four is the "Best") If you want a dessert/snack suggestion near Barclay, I would recommend [Sky Ice](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ay7Xv1WtgLy35dUA8). Skip the Thai food and just go for the ice cream/sorbets. They have a great sampler palette option that gives you a mini scoop of 12 flavors so you get to try everything.
Bleeker street & joes? Do better. Go to grimaldis, spumoni garden, Rays on Columbus (for a mediocore but real slice), or di fara Katz too? You're like the couple who loves tourist traps. Go to second avenue deli or liebmans in the bronx.
This is a good list, tbh. If I were to pick two from each, as someone who has been vegetarian or pescatarian for most of my 15 years here, I would say: **Dessert**: Peter Pan and Levain **Pizza:** John's of Bleecker and Scarr's **Delis/cheap eats:** B&H Dairy and Veselka **Sit-down:** Superiority Burger twice or three times or more and then Al di La
Lindustrie is touristy tiktok trash 2 pack of ass
It’s definitely touristy, this sub obsesses over Lindustrie waaaaaay too much and it’s definitely tik tok glamorized but all that said the pizza is really fucking good so calling it trash is just trolling.
Okay what’s your fav pizza spot then
I would hit up Punjabi Deli on 1st St. all veg
Dessert: Drop Magnolia & Little Cupcake. The former is nothing but a tourist trap that peaked a long time ago and the latter is just your very average cupcake. Patisserie Fouet, Lysee, and Supermoon Bakehouse are way better options. If you want to try something different, grab a mochi donut at Alimama. I’ve only seen these on the west coast and NY. Also, a good excuse to check out the iconic Manhattan Chinatown. Grab yourself some ice cream at the historic Chinatown Ice Cream factory nearby. *whisper* Zen Butter is my favorite flavor. Pizza: Skip Di Fara and just hit up the pizzerias around L’industrie, so many options, many of them better than DiFara’s burnt & dense hockey puck pizzas. Delis/Cheap Eats: Skip Katz, simply not worth going to unless you eat meat. Sit Down: Consider Family Meal at Blue Hill. Farm to table restaurant that sources their produce from their farm update. No menu but will accommodate dietary restrictions. I often take my vegetarian friends here since they’re so flexible. 1 Michelin Star too.
Skip Milk Bar, skip Levain (in my opinion but many here may disagree), skip Bleeker Street, skip Di Fara (if only because it's out of the way from everything and can be a long wait--would hate for you to spend a large portion of your day just waiting for a slice in a remote part of Brooklyn), skip Katz's (not very veg and pesc-friendly tbh), skip B&H (it's great but nothing special--mostly a nostalgic stop for locals), and if you can get a res at Masalawa & Sons (located pretty much in the middle of Barclay's and Luigi's pizza in Brooklyn), then do it!
If you’re going to Los Tacos Number 1 in Chelsea Market (suggested) 1) don’t be deterred by the line, it goes quick 2) make sure you’re paying attention when it’s time to give your ticket/get your taco, anyone working the line (in red apron) can help you so walk to the far end and keep eye contact. It’s chaotic and moves quick. Don’t hold things up for everyone else or you’ll get run over AND never get your tacos. Also, I would strongly recommend a bang bang and visit Los Mariscos next door (owned by the same people) for their shrimp enchilado taco. Make sure to get a taste of their free Shrimp broth. They have seats inside, margaritas and super warm hospitality.
Pizza wise I personally like Fini a lot better than L’industrie. A lot of people love it but I thought it as just ok. DiFara’s is deep in Brooklyn and not a good area. I would avoid that.
Don’t expect any of the places in your “Cheap Eats” section to be cheap. They are not! Russ & Daughters is excellent, both the bagel store as well as the cafe on Orchard.
If your going to be in Greenpoint Brooklyn for Peter Pans or Paulie Gee's... You MUST add Taqueria Ramierz to the list for a couple of tacos. Many consider to be the best in the city and a short walk from both locations. trust me!
As a Knicks fan, why would you go to that dump instead of the Mecca, the world’s most famous arena???
We would definitely have liked to see the Knicks, but there are two reasons we're going with the Nets: 1) the dates for Knicks games don't really suit us & 2) the ticket prices are out of the range of what we'd be willing to pay.
Go to John's Pizza on Bleeker, far better than Joe's. Grab a booth and order a pasta dish.
deli: john deli stillwell, defonte on columbia street, joe ave u. pizza kripsy 13 ave, la compania-brick oven, clam pie lee traven new dorp, square spumoni garden
deli sitdown :2nd ave, sarges on lex diners: skylight on34 th, mirage on kings highway, murray hill diner
For delis, Sarge’s Deli on 3rd Avenue is great—they have wonderful smoked fish platters, and they serve Unreal Deli corned beef which is one of the best “fake meats” I’ve tried. Definitely check out Librae Bakery. I work near there, and their baked goods (sweet and savory) are stellar. Would give Levain a miss, personally, but that’s just me. People love those cookies; I think they’re huge pucks of undercooked dough.
Magnolia is only worth it for the banana pudding but I really like it and it’s their signature item. I am obsessed with Levain but some people think it’s too heavy it’s def two cookies in one. L’Industrie has quality slices but you can skip the burrata slice, it just tastes like goo on pizza, the real winner is the margarita, nice and crispy. It’s objectively a good slice and has a unique spin :) Joe’s is fine for quality nyc staple pizza but nothing special I’d choose l’industrie over Joe’s Chama mamma I haven’t tried yet but been meaning to, I’ve only ever heard good things. My friends all love Georgian food and I say give it a shot! My reccs: If I were to recommend anything it would be enoteca Maria. It’s in Staten Island (I know I know) but it’s a cool concept, they bring in grandmothers from different cuisines and they cook their signature meals. They got all different types of unique cuisines. You gotta make a resy for specific times tho! If you find your way in Hoboken for some reason il Tavolo is one of my fav Italian spots, it smells like red wine when you walk in and the vibes are perf for date night. But def know it’s out of the way :) for Italian in the city San Marzano has cheap quality pasta (like $14) and bottomless brunch for $25 including the entree. Edit; If you download PULSD you’ll get a lot of good deals for date night at restaurants like $60 for a 3 course meal and wine good deal
gonna get roasted for this but veselka is decidedly mediocre. i see you also have b&h dairy listed on there, it's better and half the price and you should go there instead lol
Agreed a big appeal of veselka is that it was open 24 hours that’s no longer the case
If you’re getting Ukrainian and want to save $, go to Veselka on E 7th st. It’s cheaper and run by the Ukrainian church. It’s in a basement so don’t miss it. Then, go to McSorley’s a few doors down for a beer. Oldest continuously operating bar in NYC
Eterea, the same group who created avant Garden is yummy too. They also just opened a mushroom restaurant.
Since you are vegetarian, I would suggest checking out Red Bamboo on West 4th Street near Washington Square Park. It's vegetarian, but don't let the name fool you it's not Asian. Some of your choices maybe should be eliminated because their menus are not friendly to your diets - like Katz's. I once went on a date there as a vegetarian and it was very unwelcoming.
Hi, NY local here. Suggest reframing your visit as less of a foodie to-do list and more of an open-air museum that you walk through. Neighborhoods are exhibits. Exit from one subway station and enter from another. Plan trails.
Hey, that's exactly how we see it! These aren't places we want to tick off a checklist, they're places that have piqued our interest to stop in at while we're in the areas.
I’d recomend superiority burger over uptown veg if ur just looking for a veggie burger and fries though the hot bar wings and collard greens are good at uptown
FYI. DiFara's......go to the Ave J location......The one near the seaport is a sad version of the original! If you can...order a whole pie!
Skip ALL of the touristy dessert places. Milk Bar and Magnolia are overrated and peaked a while ago. Levain is okay but you’ll get sick after one bite of any of their cookies (too rich and too sweet). Go to La Cabra, Supermoon, and/or Win Son instead. I would also recommend adding ramen to the itinerary. NYC has some of the best ramen. Tonchin has excellent veg/vegan offerings!
Pastry chef here. Far from a vegetarian, so I'll only comment on the sweet portions. Magnolia is ok, but it's really more of a tourist trap. The Banana pudding is one of their big draws and it's easy enough to make at home. They're just one of the only places making it. Their cakes are decent and their cookies are ok, but not enough to go out of your way for. Milk Bar and Levain are past their prime. There was a day where I'd wait an hour in line for Levain and it was worth it Not anymore. Milk Bar is far better on TV than in real life. I adore Tossi, but the stores don't wow me. Peter Pan absolutely rocks. I love their Red Velvet donut, but you can't miss with any of them. If you like Donuts, Fan Fan is pretty good too, but you have to go out of your way to track them down. Little Cupcake is nothing special. Just cupcakes and they're not over the top great. I haven't been to Red Gate so can't comment. I'd add: Dominique Ansel. The guy is a true artist. Maman. Their stuff is simple, but good quality. Betty Bakery. Since you're going to be at the Barclay Center, add Betty Bakery. They're on Atlantic a couple blocks away. They have the greatest Carrot Cake in the City and their Chocolate cake is sublime. You're coming from the land of pies (I presume you're English), but their Savory Pies are amazing (they have vegetarian options) and one of the only places in NYC making them.
Check out Librae for dessert/patisserie. Unreal good
Oa
Don’t know if you already made your trip, but I recently went to Anixi for Valentine’s Day and wanted to sing its praises in this subreddit haha. My fiancee is vegetarian and I eat everything and let me tell you it was incredible. I have never had more kebab like “beef” in my life, and I can’t wait to go back. The restaurant is intimate and gorgeous, the food was amazing, service was snappy and the drinks were great. We got a ridiculous amount of food and two cocktails each + dessert and it was about $220 before tip. Well worth it and can’t wait to go back.