NYC in a Month - Nehal Tenany

And on the next episode of Nehal’s nomad adventure, we cram New York City into ONE month. Aside from a heat wave, a tropical storm, and flood – it was a successful trip. I lived in the East Village which honestly was the perfect location to experience everything without having to Uber/Subway too much. I also realized I’m the worst New Yorker ever because I literally hate the Subway. But if you’re going to do NYC, do it right, hence my official list. I highly recommend making reservations a month in advance so you can experience all of the below.

Where to Eat:

Thai:

Love Mama: Super cute hole in the wall featuring Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese food, the owner is so sweet.
Jaiya: For all my spice lovers, the volcano Tom Yum soup is incredible. (P.S. medium is super spicy.)
Thai Villa: MUST go, delicious Thai-fusion food and the drinks are incredible.

Italian:

Carbone: Personally I thought it was overrated, but worth trying the infamous vodka pasta and Espresso Martini.
Scarpetta: LOVED this Italian restaurant, so many great veggie options and burrata is to die for.
Serra by Birreria: Located on the Early rooftop, cute vibes and drinks but the food was very average.
Gemma: Another GEM (haha, see what I did there) in the heart of East Village.
Galli: Randomly found this place in East Village but the pasta was so yummy – definitely try the pesto and vodka sauce.

Bagels:

Tompkins: So many cream cheese flavors here but I found it to be really heavy. Lots of great vegan cheese options tho!
Russ & Daughters: THE. BEST. BAGEL. PLACE. The scallion cream cheese is everything.

Indian:

Gupshup: WOW. Honestly, spend 3 hours here and order the entire menu. Hands down my favorite Indian-fusion restaurant in NYC – must get the Chai martinis.
Rahi: I loved all the small plates here – chili cheese toast, dahi chili paneer and the artichoke chaat are some of my favorites.
Baar Baar: SATURDAY BRUNCH. You’ve seen the TikToks. Go here on Saturdays for live music, incredible food, and alcohol pitchers.

Badshah: A cute hole in the wall Indian restaurant, I personally loved their paneer charcuterie board and kale chaat.
Kati Roll Company: Quick and easy Indian fast food for a snack – they are so small!

Mediterranean:

Ilili: DELICIOUS. Add this to your reservations list because it is the best Mediterranean restaurant in NYC. The falafel, hummus, and Brussel sprouts are so yummy.
Taim: I got the falafel bowl for lunch once and thought it was super yummy – I’m a huge Mediterranean cuisine lover.
Mouman’s Falafel: Another incredible falafel bowl place, I got this one for lunch at least 4 times because it’s so healthy and filling.

Japanese:

Beyond Sushi: VEGAN ASIAN FUSION. Everything was SO yummy. Must try the five spice chick’n dumplings, fried chick’n bar, and grilled chicken satay.
Mokyo: Asian inspired tapas with a twist, super small plates and really amazing vegetarian options.
Planta Queen: The greatest vegan restaurant ever. The vegan tuna sushi is mouth-watering.

Mexican:

Los tacos No 1 – Chelsea Market: Lots of hype around this place, I had the Napoles taco (cactus) and was underwhelmed, I did LOVE Chelsea Market though.
Gitano: Go for the vibes, views, and drinks at this Tulum-inspired restaurant. The food – no thank you.

Jajaja: Pretty descent vegan Mexican restaurant, I tried about 4 of the tacos but my favorite was the sweet potatoes taco.

Chinese:

Buddakan: One of my favorite Asian-fusion places in NYC, I come here every single time!

Buddha Bar: The newest and hottest Asian-fusion restaurant from London is now in NYC! Think TAO but way better.
Joe’s Shangai: Supposedly the best Chinese restaurant in NYC, I was not super impressed.
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop: A great snack during the day, this place has super fun dumplings. I enjoyed the Kung Pao dumpling and the Impossible dumpling.

Pizza:

Joe’s: The perfect night cap and drunchies pizza.
Prince Street Pizza: BEST. VODKA. PIZZA. EVER. That’s all.

Rubirosa: Didn’t get a chance to try this place but apparently it gives Prince St. a run for their money.
Sauce: If you’re a fan of thin crust, you gotta try the Vodka pizza here.

Things to Do:

Bathtub Gin Speakeasy: Super dope speakeasy that has a burlesque show every Tuesday, their drinks were incredible.
Comedy Cellar: I went once a week but the comedians were HILARIOUS. They take your phones because sometimes celebrities come to test out their new content.
1000 Games: MUST DO WITH A GROUP OF FOUR. Super fun and interactive game show to do with your friends, my ugly competitive side came out for sure.

UES Speakeasy: Ice cream shop turned speakeasy. Drinks are super strong but the vibes & insta pics make it worth it.

The Cauldron: Potion-making Harry Potter-esque experience.

Rooftop Bars:

Mr. Purple: If you don’t end up here once a week, you’re doing New York wrong.
Cantina: Cute rooftop with Mexican food.
Magic Hour: LOVE THIS PLACE – themed rooftop with the cutest decor. Super Instagrammable.

Refinery Rooftop: Amazing rooftop with views of the Manhattan skyline and Empire State Building.

Upstairs at Kimberly Hotel: Bougie rooftop – come here for brunch.

Sandbar Rooftop: Hamptons-inspired bar.

Azul Rooftop: Another great spot on your rooftop hopping tour.
230 5th Rooftop: Iconic igloo bar!

Going Out (Bars):

DL: Three-story bar with different music on each floor but I was not a fan – too college-y for me.
Brass Monkey: Apparently one of the best bars in NYC, I didn’t get to go this time around but on my list.
Delancey: Cute lounge with amazing music and vibes.
Somewhere Nowhere: THE BEST PLACE EVER. Lounge. House Music. DJ. Club Vibes. Special Guests.

Little Sister: The coolest underground lounge ever – a celebrity hotspot.

Sweet Treats:

Levain: I DREAM ABOUT THESE COOKIES.

Cupcakes at Magnolia: Delicious dessert!

Dominique Ansel Bakery: The cookie shots with milk!

Brunch:

Poco: LITTIEST BRUNCH, the bottomless deal is so worth it. An overall party.

Hotel Chantelle: A classic brunch spot – the food sucks though and there was no music. Vibes were average.

Clinton’s Bakery: Really delicious iconic brunch spot – not a party, just really good food.