When you have an opportunity to visit New York City for the weekend it’s easy to get over-whelmed in the city that never sleeps. I’m from California and I’m at that stage in my life where I still value my sleep. This February I flew to the East Coast for a four day weekend in Manhattan. We stayed at a new hotel near Times Square and walked and ate our way through the big apple. I guarantee that if you ask five different foodies for their top foodie eats in New York City, you’ll get five different answers. I’m an equal opportunity gal; these are my recommendations on things to see and do in New York in 48 hours – your experience may differ.
Check into the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square West – or any hotel of your liking. I recently reviewed this pet-friendly hotel and I liked it for the price and mid-town Manhattan location south of Times Square.
Hop on the subway at Times Square and head to Russ & Daughters to get a lox sandwich and coffee. Next, head to the Tenement Museum. Purchase your tickets for the one hour guided tour and experience what it was like for people living on Orchard Street. While you wait for your tour to begin, watch a 35 minute video on the history of the area and its inhabitants.
Take the subway uptown to Levain Bakery on West 74th Street. Get in line and think about what type of cookie you would like; chocolate chip walnut, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter chocolate chip or double chocolate cookie. Take a walk in nearby Central Park and attempt to walk off that 563 calorie cookie.
Get back on the subway to midtown and head to the High Line. This 1.45 mile long elevated rail structure is a park – the trail runs from 34th Street to Gransevoort Street on Manhattan’s West Side. It’s great for city views, is surrounded with wonderful places to eat in the Meatpacking District and if you walk the path, it will help you reach your goal of 10,000 steps or more.
Patricia Schultz, author of the recently updated 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, is also a fan of the High Line. Patricia’s foodie eats spot is Bubby’s.
“The arrival of the stunning Renzo Piano designed Whitney Museum sits at the base of the super popular elevated Highline walkway. It fast-forwarded the Meatpacking District’s already impressive food scene, offering its own gorgeous “Untitled” restaurant, the hot ticket in the neighborhood. But one of my favorites is Bubby’s, a beloved, unpretentious and fun go-to, especially busy during its famous brunch hours (those biscuits!) – and is just steps away.”—Patricia Schultz
Walk to Greenwich Village and have lunch or a cocktail and deviled egg at The Spotted Pig – I’ve been told the hamburger is really good, too! They don’t take reservations, so either eat and drink at the bar or get there when they start dinner service.
Walk to Magnolia Bakery – there are three in New York City. The original bakery is on Bleecker Street. Magnolia Bakery is known for their creamy banana pudding, but I prefer the cupcakes with their sweet frosting. Sex and the City helped make this place famous – the bakery has also played a supporting role in several Hollywood movies.
So there you have it; my top 5 foodie eats in New York , New York. All photos and opinions are those of travel writer and San Francisco foodie Nancy D. Brown.