Hi friends,
Right now, I’m on a plane headed to Palm Beach for a girl’s trip. But I thought it would be fun and useful to tackle another FAQ topic. So, you’re coming to New York and want some recs. In pretty much every IG question box, I get some variation on itinerary recs for a trip to NYC.
I’m no travel agent, but I can tell you a few of my favorite places that might help you put together your to do list. Save this email for future trips or you can always find it in the archives. And even more recs are saved in the OOO app.
My favorite bookstores: If you’re in Brooklyn make it a point to stop by Books are Magic (2 locations: Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights) owned by the wonderful author Emma Straub. If you’re not making it to Brooklyn, check out McNally Jackson (multiple locations). They just moved their SoHo flagship and opened a new Rockefeller Center location—both look dreamy. If you’re at the SoHo location, also check out their paper goods store, Goods for the Study for pen heaven.
My favorite bagel: I think the best bagel in NYC is Ess-a-bagel (51st & 3rd). I’m rarely up that way, so if you’re sticking to downtown, I like Murray’s (13th & 6th) or Tompkins Square Bagels (multiple locations). In Williamsburg, Bagelsmith (N 7th & Bedford) is great.
My favorite casual dinner: I have two options for you. First is Vic’s (which might be my fave restaurant period). It’s easy to get a reservation or you can eat at the bar. Make sure to get the sweet crispy onions, the cacio pepe, and both the chicken and the steak are excellent. They took the garlic bread off the menu, but I’ve heard rumors of it’s return—if you see it… jump! You could also try Shukette, Vic’s Mediterranean sister restaurant. Fair warning, getting a reservation takes some skill. If you do get in, all of the dips and bread are AMAZING!
My favorite fancy/celebration dinner: If you’re carnivorous, few things beat the Bistecca Fiorentina at Altro Paradiso (I also love the fennel salad!). If you’re up to head to Brooklyn and lucky enough to snag a res, you can’t beat Lilia for pasta.
My favorite [north] Brooklyn dinner spots: Bernie’s is such a gem right on McCarren park. It’s the updated fun, hipster version of the red sauce Italian joint you went to as a kid. It doesn’t take reservations, so your best bet is go right when it opens at 5:00. Faves include the mozzarella sticks, shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, chicken piccata, and they also have consistently great fries. And always a martini. For interesting steakhouse fare, try St. Anslem. They also have a super cute backyard if weather permits. Don’t miss the butcher steak or the hashbrown side dish. I’ve also never had a bad meal at Meadowsweet, it’s a bit fancier (but not too fancy). Make sure to get the crispy baby artichoke appetizer.
My favorite way to do theater: Every true-blue New Yorker hates Times Square. My M.O. is usually to get dinner elsewhere, but if you’re committed to dinner nearby I like La Pecora Bianca on Bryant Park or you could also try to get a reservation at the newly-opened Bad Roman in Columbus Circle (I haven’t been but am dying to go), which is walking distance if you’re wearing comfy shoes. As far as what to see: Moulin Rouge and & Juliet are both jukebox musicals but super fun (I tend to prefer Moulin Rouge for the stage design and spectacle). SIX is incredible but tickets are $$$, so beware. I’ve heard great things about Lea Michelle in Funny Girl, but can’t vouch for it myself, and am also curious to see Olivia Holt (from Cruel Summer on Hulu in Chicago as Roxy Hart). Whatever you see, head to Joe Allen after for a martini.
My favorite museum: You cannot go wrong with The Met. It’s huge, has something for everyone, and you could go every day for a month and still find new things to see. Also, if you’re coming in the near future, make sure to check out the Karl Lagerfeld costume exhibit (you need separate tickets and should book in advance). If you don’t consider yourself a museum person, you could try a Museum Hack tour of the Met. They make it really fun and interesting. Also, fun fact there’s a bar on the roof of the met with a great view of central park.
My favorite coffeeshops: In Manhattan: I love Stumptown in Greenwich Village. Ralph’s in Flatiron is also fun and has a mini Strand bookstore attached. In Williamsburg, I love Partners or Devocion.
My favorite way to spend a day in Williamsburg: So you want to spend a day in my neighborhood! Here’s where I’d take you: get a bagel sandwich at Bagelsmith (right off the Bedford L stop) and eat it in Domino Park, which has great views of the city. Then walk/shop your way up Bedford and through McCarren Park and then over to Franklin Street in Greenpoint. You might want to stop at McNally Jackson or Word bookstore, browse jewelry at Catbird, hit up Big Night for kitchen/entertaining items or Wood’s Grove for knickknacks. For lunch head back to central Williamsburg and get lunch at Jack’s Wife Freda. Maybe get an afternoon facial at Glowbar. For dinner: two options. For fancy: grab pre-dinner drinks at Deux Chats (great martinis! Apparently a theme, you’re going to drink a lot of vodka on this trip. The crab dip is a great snack, too) then head to Meadowsweet for dinner. If you want more casual, go to Bernie’s for dinner and get there right when they open (see recs of what to order above). Then go to Hotel Delmano (which is confusingly not at all a hotel) for drinks afterwards. Sit outside if it’s nice!
There you have it! Save this email for future trips, or come back and find it in the archives any time.
In other news this week…
On the podcast: We have a Three Things episode about our personal Barbie accessories, AI, hyperfixations, and Miranda Priestley’s UES apartment. Also, if you missed it, we had a great episode about journaling last week with Amber Burns.
What I’m listening to: Olivia mentioned the Writer’s Routine podcast on our latest BOP ep, and I am OBSESSED! I’ve gone deep in the archives (some faves guests are Mhairi McFarlane, Karin Slaughter, and Danya Kukafka).
What I bought: Gearing up for vacay, I bought these sandals in the color “neutral”, which may be my vacation footwear MVP! Fun and fancy enough for dinners but still flat and comfy.
What I’m watching: Is it just me, or did Succession go downhill since *the big thing that happened at the beginning of the season*. But I am enjoying the return of Somebody, Somewhere on HBOMax. Also, if you haven’t watched The Diplomat on Nextflix yet, what are you waiting for?! It’s the best new drama I’ve watched in ages.
What I’m reading: I love discovering a new-to-me author with a big back catalog, and right now I’m in my Katherine Center era. I read The Bodyguard a few weeks ago, then moved onto Things We Save in a Fire, and last weekend read Happiness for Beginners. I truly cannot choose a favorite, they are all so good. If you’re looking for an author to binge, may I suggest you also enter your Katherine Center era.
Until next time!
Becca
PS – if you appreciate the recs in this newsletter, please consider pre-ordering my book: The Christmas Orphans Club (out 9/26). You can also request it from your local library or add it on Goodreads.