NYC Classics You Must Try At Least Once

There are some famous New York spots - some famous from movies, others from just the folk lore of the city - where everybody should try once. I would say this applies to tourists or NYC residents but it especially applies to NYC residents. Let’s call it a point of pride.

They roughly fall into three categories - the upscale, the low key and “bistros & bagels”, both of which are just so iconically New York that they deserve a a category of their own.

Because I’m sure many of you will know many of these - I won’t belabor you with long explanations. Are there any I’m missing? This New Yorker wants to know!

UPSCALE

Union Square Cafe (Flatiron)

Just absolute class - the food, the space, the service. A Danny Meyer classic, perfect at any meal.

Via Carota (West Village)

Award winning Italian, unpretentious but always delicious. A hot ticket but lives up to the hype.

Raoul's (Soho)

Dark, vibey Soho spot, with an absolute must order burger. Many deals done in the back booths at Raoul’s.

Waverly Inn (West Village)

The coziest, classic New York establishment. Truffle Mac and Cheese, a glass of red by the fire. Go when it’s cold.

ABC Kitchen (Nomad)

Jean Georges classic spot, with the most unique environment inside a homewares store. Really veggie forward, upscale delicious.

Babbo (West Village)

White tablecloth Italian. Special occasion spot in all regards but it is everything those types of spots should be, down to the attitude of the waitstaff!

Sarabeth’s (Midtown; Gramercy; Tribeca)

The original upscale brunch. I’m going to be honest, this is an experience spot and is a little too touristy now but the Central Park South location is an institution.

Blue Hill (Greenwich Village)

The original farm to table. Like really, they came up with the concept. Food from the farm, the menu varies by season. A really special spot.

Carbone (Soho)

This place is a 360 degree experience - the colors, the size of the menu, the spicy rigatoni, a big bottle of red. Feels like old New York.

Sushi Nakazawa (West Village)

An omakase institution. You trust the sushi chef and prepare to be wowed. It is, by price point and reservation difficulty, a really special occasion.

LOW KEY

Corner Bistro (West Village)

Burgers the size of baseballs, hole in the wall. Best eaten after 10pm, with beer and a group.

Katz’s Delicatessen (Lower East Side)

When Harry Met Sally fame. A Pastrami sandwich, Matzo Ball Soup and the pickles. This must be consumed after 10pm. The chaotic energy here is unparalleled.

Joe's Shanghai (Chinatown)

Known for their soup dumplings. A lot of people’s entry into the Chinatown, dim sum experience. But oh lord, those soup dumplings.

Shake Shack (All Over!)

It’s as upscale as fast food can get. The quality is excellent - Shackburger and a concrete at the original Madison Square Park location is the way to go.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor (Chinatown)

The true dim sum experience. Go with a group so you can enjoy the variety. You will not know everything you’re eating and it’s okay.

Veselka (East Village)

A more rare restaurant type but it’s stayed in the folk lore this long for a reason. Eastern European food on a bustling corner of the East Village.

BISTROS & BAGELS

This category are things iconically New York. So much so that they really deserve their own category.

Minetta Tavern (Greenwich Village)

Checkered floors, leather booths, martini and a Black Label Burger. Tucked on a loud busy block of Greenwich Village by the comedy spots.

The Odeon (Tribeca)

Whether at the bar or at a table, this feels like you’re going back in time to classic New York. I’m there for the french fries and a martini.

Balthazar (Soho)

The original Keith McNally bistro. This is popular with tourists but, if you do it right, still holds its mettle. Good french food with good french wine.

Pastis (West Village)

Pastis is the West Village Balthazar - the crowd is trendier, the vibe a little haughtier but you can still trust the steak frites, wine and energy any day.

Sadelle's (Soho)

By the same people as Carbone but an upscale bagel experience. The smoked salmon is delicately sliced, the OJ is fresh squeezed, the French Toast is decadent.

Ess-a-Bagel (Midtown East)

In my opinion, the best bagel in the city. Truly heaven.

Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)

A historic smoked fish spot - you must get a bagel sandwich with some sort of smoked fish here otherwise you’re doing wrong by every Jewish grandmother ever.