Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3. Covid has required some changes.
“We’ve got your weekend plans ready! Whether you’re looking to wander through a rainbow of tulips or feast on NYC’s best burgers, we’ve got you covered.
Here are our top 10 plans we know you’ll enjoy this weekend:”
Holy Burger is part of the NYC Foodie Guide, including some of the best burgers in NYC.
Burger lovers listen up—and yes, we’re talking to vegetarians too! We’ve launched a brand new series that will highlight NYC’s best bites and we’re starting with burgers. Take advantage of unbeatable deals from April 30 to May 9 across tons of NYC burger joints, including Bastard Burgers, Holy Cow, Beatnic, Tallgrass, and David’s Brisket House to name a few. From vegan Impossible patties to juicy double brisket burgers, the options are endless. Get your tickets now!
NYC’s favorite glamping experience is back for its fifth year! Collective Retreats will officially open for booking this Sunday, May 1st. Enjoy luxurious amenities like live music nights, tarot readings, crafting, morning yoga, bike rentals, and more when you book a stay. See what accommodation suits you here.
Spend the weekend strolling through one of NYC’s fruitful farmer’s markets and stock up on all the produce you need! Whether you’re planning to cook a meal for your special someone or finally going to test that one recipe you’ve been thinking about, you’re sure to find some of the best ingredients in every borough with NYC’s expansive list of farmer’s markets. Find one near you here.
For all the rest of these great NYC events this weekend go HERE.
Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3. Covid has required some changes.
(4/25-5/1) “Looking for what to do in NYC this week and weekend? The city continues to bounce back, with many venues dropping their mask and vaccine requirements. Expect a revitalized city this week and this weekend, with new restaurants, festivals, pop ups, and all kind of other things to do in NYC this week.”
ROLLER RINK
Rendering: ImageFiction for Flipper’s and Tishman Speyer.
From ice to wheels: Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace is offering roller skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center. It’s the first time warm weather skating has been here since 1940. A legendary ‘70s-‘80s rink run by Ian “Flipper” Ross in West Hollywood has been revived in Midtown Manhattan by his daughter Liberty Ross. The new rink is joined by a major area renovation, with tables, chairs, and green spaces now available in the plaza. Grab-and-go options include JJ Johnson’s Fieldtrip and David Chang’s Fuku. (If you’re out JFK way, the TWA Hotel’s Roll-A-Rama at the Runway Rink is open for the season as well.)
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: KING PLEASURE
Photo by Lee Jaffe.
Everyone’s favorite Brooklyn artist gets a major exhibition, led by his family and launched in Chelsea. Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasurefeatures a priceless collection of over 200 never before and rarely seen paintings, drawings, ephemera, and artifacts. The show is sourced from the Basquiat family collection and also features recreations of his NYC artist studio on Great Jones St. and the Michael Todd VIP Room of NYC’s Palladium nightclub, where Basquiat created two paintings.
CURTAIN’S UP AT ELLEN’S STARDUST DINER
The show goes on at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Food, drink, and live performances from the famous singing waitstaff have returned. The 1950s-themed restaurant has been around since 1987 and brings back its retro vibes (founder Ellen Hart Sturm is a native New Yorker who was crowned Miss Subways in 1959.) Catch intimate performances by staff on their way to joining a long line of Broadway actors who have made Ellen’s their launching pad. If you’re looking for a great souvenir of an NYC trip, check out The Stardust Shop, with merch like mugs, hats, and the t-shirt above.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner is also turning sweets into action. The popular Times Square spot is now offering a Ukraine-themed milkshake to customers. The effort is to raise money and awareness for the Ukrainian children who are suffering as the Russian invasion intensifies. The issue has touched the iconic eatery personally. Iuliia, a Starduster, is Ukrainian, with many of her family members still living there. More information on the shake of the month is here.
AN UPTOWN HAPPY HOUR
Presenting a fresh alternative to the mundane, Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar is an intimate, full-service restaurant on the Upper West Side. Sugar Bar was established in 1996 by the late Nickolas Ashford, one half of the songwriting and performing sensation Ashford & Simpson. Co-owned with Ashford’s wife Valerie Simpson, the Sugar Bar offers an elegant ambiance inside a historic brownstone. Happy Hour specials are available Tuesday through Saturday 3 to 7pm at the bar, with a menu that includes $5-$7 specials on beer, wine, and cocktails. There are also deals on chicken wings, sliders, nachos, quesadillas, and fries.
To celebrate its 15th anniversary season, Drom is introducing a weekly residency from Grammy-nominated Cuban bandleader Pedrito Martinez. Martinez will bring his signature, high-energy Afro-Cuban sound every Thursday. For his weekly residency Pedrito will perform alongside Sebastian Natal on bass and vocals, Issac Delgado Jr on keyboard and vocals, Jose “Xito” Lovell on trombone and vocals and Manuel Marquez on percussion and vocals. He’ll be teaming up with Carlitos Padron & Rumberos Del Callejon on April 28th.
JoAnna Ross and Dan Goodman, photo by Paul Park.
Drom is also your local choice for comedy and pole dancing. Schtick A Pole In It has for the past 9 years been NYC’s best (and only) comedy and pole dancing show. Comics tell jokes and pole dancers pole dance. Laugh lines alternate with death-defying tricks. If you don’t see shows like this, why are you even paying NYC rents? The show has just expanded to four dates a month as part of an open-ended run. Tickets and more information are here.
ACTIVATIONS AT THE HUGH
Dramatic new Midtown East food hall The Hugh is filling out its schedule with more than just great food. There’s free live music in the days ahead.
For all the rest of CityGuide’s Best Things to Do in NYC go HERE.
“The sun will come out—eventually! Our guide to spring in NYC has flower shows, outdoor fests and cultural musts.
Spring in New York is full of excitement. When the sun comes out, the flowers start blooming and the weather warms up, New Yorkers can shed their winter blues and head out to NYC parks, NYC street fairs and food festivals in NYC.”
Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3. Covid has required some changes.
“With Earth Day this weekend and the news that NYC’s air quality improved (just a teensy bit) over the last few years, it seems like an ideal time to be outside or find ways to volunteer for the cause. Or, if you’re just in need of a new cool place to hang out al fresco, we’ve got all the details on a brand-new rooftop park and major street closed to car traffic all weekend. Plus, there are limited-time dumplings to try, a 10th anniversary edition of a legendary warehouse rave, and a very delicious block party with some of NYC’s hardest-to-snag tables.
Weekend-long Various locations Dim sum lovers know that some of the most innovative creations in the city can be found at Mimi Cheng’s. And starting this month, they’ve collaborated with other restaurants to create limited-time dishes that help raise funds to fight AAPI hate crimes. For April, the partnership is with James Beard-nominated chef Calvin Eng of Bonnie’s, who has created his interpretation of Sui Gok shrimp dumplings. Each deep-fried morsel is made up of fresh shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, salted radishes, garlic, and scallions wrapped in a sticky rice coating. And as icing on the cake, 10 percent of net proceeds will be donated to the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families. Cost: Dumplings from $14.50
Weekend-long Hudson Yards and Rockefeller Center While everyone’s favorite holiday for munchies was earlier this week, one of our favorite food specials is still running through the weekend. Head to fried chicken spot Fuku in Hudson Yards or Rockefeller Center to try the Dough Sando, a special collab with cult-fave doughnut shop, Dough. The slightly ridiculous creation includes a crispy habanero-brined chicken breast, bacon, spicy cheese sauce, ranch, and pickles, all served on a Plain Glazed or Cinnamon Sugar Dough doughnut. Cost: Sandwiches from $14.20
Weekend-long Meatpacking District For those of us who have been wondering what’s going on near 15th Street and the West Side Highway, we finally have an answer: Pier 57 has just unveiled NYC’s largest public rooftop park with nearly two acres of open lawn space. While the grass alone is a pretty big draw, look out for a food hall and restaurants to open in the coming months. Cost: Free
Weekend-long Upper East Side It seems live piano music is having a bit of a renaissance in NYC. First, The Nines recently opened with a piano smack in the middle of the dining room, and now we can welcome Melody’s Piano Bar to the dance floor (er…music floor?). The new space is the brainchild of Anthony and Tom Martignetti, who are also the impresarios behind Southside and Brinkley’s (if you remember them, you weren’t really ever there). Their new venture features light bites like caviar and potato chips, a smartly curated list of cocktails with names like Blueberry Nights (vodka, St. Germain, blueberry purée), and live jazz music on Fridays and Saturdays until the epic hour of 4 am. Cost: Cocktails from $18; $20 cover after 8 pm
Show the planet some love
Friday, April 22 Various locations While we hope you’re living a sustainable life all the time, this Friday is Earth Day, so you better be on your best behavior. Apart from turning off your lights and recycling, we also found a few more fun ways to celebrate. Start the holiday early this year with a 6:30 am Earth Day Sunrise Sound Meditation, a partnership between Hudson Yards skydeck Edge and Equinox. Then, swing by the Awoke Vintage and UNDONE by Kate pop-up at Arlo SoHo Hotel for some new-to-you duds that can be personalized with custom patches and embroidery. For the afternoon, swing by Arcadia Earth, the first immersive, augmented reality exhibit that’s all about our lovely home. And finally, end your night at Gaia NoMaya, a new social wellness sanctuary. They’ll be hosting United Gaia Earth Day, with events like yoga classes during the day and live music performances until 4:15 am. Cost: Varies
Saturday, April 23, 9 pm-4 am Maspeth A decade ago, MATTE Black started as an underground warehouse party, which celebrated musicians, artists, and digital creators. For their ten-year anniversary this weekend, partygoers will be able to see just how far the collective has come (spoiler: a lot). The Saturday night fete at Knockdown Center in Queens will include a headlining set from DJ and record producer Peggy Gou, along with performances from designer and DJ Heron Preston, DJ Marcel Dettman, and DJ duo AceMoMa. Plus, don’t miss the immersive art exhibition curated by Alex Czetwertynski, with works by 404.zero, Ivan Navarro, Jacolby Satterwhite, and Benjamin Gordon. A portion of proceeds will also be donated to the IRC’s efforts towards Ukraine. Cost: Tickets from $99
Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 Park Slope Since it’s (almost) warm enough to be spending the whole day outdoors, head to Park Slope this weekend for the inaugural weekend of the third annual OPEN STREETS. New Yorkers can expect to be spoiled with 15 blocks along 5th Avenue that will be closed to car traffic and wide open for pedestrians. While there, look out for events like art strolls, magic shows, and The Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair. Cost: Free
Sunday, April 24, 12 pm Lower East Side It’s no secret that snagging restaurant reservations in NYC is not for the faint-hearted. But this weekend, some of the city’s harder-to-secure spots will all be popping up on the same block for a great cause. Head to Stanton St. on Sunday starting at noon, where buzzy Italian spot Forsythia is hosting its second bi-annual block party. Restaurants like Mama’s TOO!, Dame, Caffe Panna, Evil Katsu, Smashed, and Yellow Rose will be serving a variety of dishes, from limited-time specials to beloved classics. Even better, 100 percent of ticket proceeds will be donated to UNICEF USA: Protect the children of Ukraine. Cost: $3 per ticket
Celebrate Greek Easter with these special menus
Sunday, April 24 Various locations While last week’s Catholic Easter may get top billing as the more famed holiday, as all Greek Americans know, this weekend is the real show. Orthodox Easter, which– fun fact!– is always celebrated on the first Sunday after Passover, is often commemorated by eating lamb. Amali, on the Upper East Side, will offer a special menu with leg of lamb with roasted potatoes and an airy chocolate mousse, while Marathi in Tribeca is serving a traditional family feast of a whole, spit-roasted lamb, plus Magiritsa (a soup made with lamb innards) and Kontosouvli (pork souvlaki paired with fries and a yogurt tzatziki sauce). Cost: Varies
Thrillist, a site with tons of food, drink, travel & entertainment info, introduces folks to the coolest things to do in NYC (and other places when you are traveling). I like to check them out regularly. You should, too.
Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3. Covid has required some changes.
“Spring has sprung in NYC! From cherry blossom hunting to delicious food festivals, the activities are endless as the weather continues to warm.
As colorful blooms brighten every corner of NYC, there are so many amazing things to put on your to-do list. Have a look below at a selection of our top activities for April, to fully embrace spring in NYC:
Explore your favorite space saga at The Fans Strike Back now open in NYC. The exhibit features over 600 collectables and figurines! Home to the largest private fan collection of Star Wars memorabilia, walk through snow-covered Hoth, take a photo with a life-sized Chewbacca and Darth Vader, and try your hand at the recreated control center. Get your tickets to the out-of-this-world experience today!
Swap your blades for wheels because Rockefeller’s iconic ice rink is turning into “Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace,” a famous L.A. roller rink from the 70s. The rink will officially open on April 15th! Once called “Studio 54 on wheels,” NYC will get to experience this high-energy, nostalgic skate spot all summer long. Find out more details here.
Travel back to the 60s with this outdoor theatrical experience in the East Village. Discover businesses, street corners, and other secret locations that were significant to the great American artist, Andy Warhol. The experience is the ultimate immersive production as you walk alongside the actors doing eclectic choreography, film, and puppetry. You don’t want to miss it! Get your tickets now.
The wildly popular Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind on a spring evening! Whether you’re looking for a beautifully unique classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, there’s a concert for everyone. Connect with our musicians for an evening gently illuminated by candlelight, and prepare to be taken into the clouds with history’s most treasured masterpieces!
Eat your way through NYC’s many mouthwatering outdoor food markets
Instagram/ @japanfes via @maki_1129__
There’s not much New Yorkers get more excited about than food, and lucky for us, there are tons of open-air food markets returning to the city this April. See below for some of our favorites:
Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3. Covid has required some changes.
“Interesting. Unusual. Uniquely NYC. Highlights of this week’s top events include “Limón Dance Company at the Joyce Theater,” “Dewey Crumpler: Painting is an Act of Spiritual Aggression,” “Boris Lurie: Nothing To Do But To Try” and more.
Get the NYC-ARTS Top Five in your inbox every Friday and follow @NYC_ARTS on Instagram or @NYCARTS on Twitter to stay abreast of events as they happen.”
The Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust announces “Boris Lurie: Nothing To Do But To Try,” a first-of-its-kind exhibition on the 20th century artist and Holocaust survivor and the Museum’s first contemporary art show, opening to the public on October 22, 2021. The exhibition is centered around Lurie’s earliest body of work (the paintings and drawings in his so-called “War Series”), as well as never-before-exhibited objects and ephemera from his personal archive, …
The Limón Dance Company celebrates its 75th Anniversary Season by sharing José Limón’s inspiring life story. In two exciting programs, the company brings to The Joyce three Limón works as they have never been seen before and two world premieres, as well as modern dance classics. The dancers travel through time with a tour of Mexican history inside the thoroughly researched reimagination of Limón’s first major solo, “Danzas Mexicanas.” Further exploring ideas of legacy, the company revisits Doris Humphrey’s glorious “Air for the G …
On Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 7:30pm, Aspect Chamber Music Series presents multiple GRAMMY Award-nominated violinist Philippe Quint in the highly-anticipated New York premiere of “Philippe Quint in Charlie Chaplin’s Smile” with pianist Jun Cho, in celebration of Chaplin’s 133rd birthday. The critically-acclaimed multimedia docu-concert experience – inspired by Quint’s 2019 album “Chaplin’s Smile” (Warner Classics) – features new arrangements of works and video clips from Chaplin’s most celebrated films – “Modern Times,” “City Lights,” “Monsieur Verdoux,” “The Kid,” “Limelight,” and …
Hailed by The New York Times as “our leading new-music foursome,” JACK Quartet is one of the most acclaimed, renowned and respected groups performing today. The program includes the world premieres of Khyam Allami’s “Ma-a a-ba ud me-na-gin Ma-a di-di-in” and George Lewis’s “String Quartet 4.5,” plus the U.S. premiere of Patricia Alessandrini’s “A Complete History of Music (Volume 1).”
Derek Eller Gallery is pleased to present Dewey Crumpler’s first New York solo exhibition featuring recent and historic paintings and works on paper. Thirty years ago, Crumpler became fascinated with a photograph of an object identified as an iron slave collar. He read it as an ovoid mass with a circular hole in the center, indicating both absence and presence of a Black body. Sometime after, he noticed his son’s hoodie sweatshirt thrown over a chair. …
Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3. Covid has required some changes.
“Get psyched for spring! The best events in NYC are coming in April 2022. Aside from celebrating major holidays like Easter in New York, you’ll be able to take in the gorgeous blooms at the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. Speaking of buds, take advantage of checking out the best NYC parks, while all the flowers and trees are starting to bloom. And there’s even more greenery fun for outdoorsy folks—Earth Day, duh!”
Enjoy the (finally!) thawing weather by checking out these great things to do for Easter. NYC offers a range of things to do outside, from egg hunts—yes, even for adults—to a silly Easter Bonnet Parade and a boozy brunch cruise. In case the weather is lousy, head indoors to one of the city’s best New York attractions for the annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden.
There’s nothing like a day of worshipping our planet to put an optimistic spin on dwindling resources, rising sea levels and the alarming acceleration of climate change. Head to this annual street fair to get familiar with dozens of environmental non-profits and green businesses, then kick back and enjoy some live performances while you plot how to up your eco-friendly game.
Lincoln Center is making it easier for more New Yorkers to see its incredible performing arts this spring. There will be free performances, discussions and civic events inside the David Rubenstein Atrium as well as Choose-What-You-Pay ticketing for the new edition of Lincoln Center’s American Songbook: “A World of Voices.”
The Whitney Biennial has been a long time coming. Originally meant to open in 2021, the 80th edition combines three years of planning as well as 63 artists and collectives to present an event that has been described as both “dynamic” and timely by its curators. “Whitney Biennial 2022: Quiet as It’s Kept,” which opens April 6, is broken up into two experiences on the fifth and sixth floors of the Meatpacking District building. Each one presents a completely different atmosphere—on the sixth floor is a cavernous, labyrinth-like gallery, and on the fifth floor is an open and airy room where works are displayed together. The exhibition mimics the range of emotions we felt during the past two years, from fear and pain to joy and hope, and everything in between. Artworks—even walls—will change and performance will “animate” the galleries and objects. The changing nature of the exhibition reflects these uncertain times.
For all the rest of the Best NYC Events in April go HERE.
Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3. Covid has required some changes.
“The quality and quantity of free events, free things to do that take place in New York City every day of the year is truly amazing. So don’t miss the opportunities that only New York provides: stop wondering what to do; start taking advantage of free things to do, free events to go to in NYC today!”
Join Club Free Time – I did, and it’s one of the best things I ever did. Here is a sample of FREE events this week. Get more information by going to the Club Free Time website.
Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3. Covid has required some changes.
“We’ve got your weekend plans ready! Whether you’re looking to stuff your face at Japan Fes or shop the largest vintage show in NYC, we’ve got you covered.”
After originally being slated to run until early January, the mesmerizing Van Gogh exhibition has been extended through April, but the closing date is this Sunday (4/10). You don’t want to miss out on your chance to step inside the work of one of the world’s most famous artists! Take in all your favorite paintings in a rare 360 degrees, thanks to several dozen projectors and state-of-the-art video mapping technology that will absolutely blow you away. Grab your tickets while you still can!
Make your way through dozens of vendors serving up mouthwatering Japanese and Asian-inspired bites at Japan Fes. returning to Chelsea this Saturday. Make sure to explore the non-food vendors as well, selling traditional Japanese clothing, art and novelties. Find out everything you need to know here.
Calling all shopaholics! This weekend Manhattan Vintage is hosting its prestigious Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show at Metropolitan Pavilion. The event will feature over 90 vintage and antique vendors, so you’re sure to find a treasure amongst everything! Read more here.
For all the rest of 10 fun things to do this weekend, go HERE
Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3. Covid has required some changes.
(4/4-4/10) “Looking for what to do in NYC this week and weekend? The city continues to bounce back, with many venues dropping their mask and vaccine requirements. Expect a revitalized city this week and this weekend, with new restaurants, festivals, pop ups, and all kind of other things to do in NYC this week.”
A HAPPY HOUR SPECIAL & A BENEFIT FOR UKRAINE
Havana Central has introduced 1/2 price empanadas during Happy Hour at the bar! Diners must purchase a drink, 3 empanadas max per drink purchase. Available in the bar only, Monday-Friday from 4-7pm. Choose from a variety of homemade savory pockets including beef, chicken, cheese, shrimp, and ropa vieja! Havana Central also features Happy Hour drink specials including $7 classic mojitos, classic margaritas, and red sangria, in addition to other specials.
Today, April 4th, Havana Central will be partnering with Jose Andres’s World Central Kitchen to benefit refugees of Ukraine. Half of the proceeds from all Havana Central locations will be collected, with an anticipated donation of $10-$25k. For information about World Central Kitchen, click on the website wck.org
ON THE LINE
The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) is launching a new event series called On The Line, which features conversations and cooking demos from prominent NYC chefs. On Monday, you can learn from Einat Admony of Balaboosta and Taim fame. Next week you can also experience a fine cooking intensive and a session on the Essential Wines of Spain.
IN BLOOM
An annual rite of spring is back as the Macy’s Flower Show has launched its 2022 season. Look for lush, inspiring gardens inside the flagship’s main floor and balcony level and in the Broadway windows (that’s a previous year’s show pictured here; 2022’s iteration highlights “impact, energy, and bold modernism,” with a special focus on scents).
For all the rest of great things to do this week go HERE.
Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3. Covid has required some changes.
“If you’re into games (i.e., carnivals, basketball, and bingo, not the emotional kind), then this upcoming weekend will be a fun one. Not only is the NCAA Final Four championship happening (see below for some of our favorites places to catch the action), but the famed Luna Park in Coney Island is reopening for the season, and then there’s also bingo with a side of drag queen to check out as well.
But if none of those strike your fancy, you’re still in luck because we live in the greatest city in the world—and on top of 50 essential Brooklyn restaurants to eat through, new restaurant openings to discover, and secret bars to sip at, there’s still plenty to do this weekend. Read on for everything fun you can eat, drink, and do the next few days in NYC, and for more things to do, check out our spring list of Actually Cool events and podcast streaming below.”
Weekend-long SoHo If you’ve ever worked in the restaurant industry, or are just a fan of NYC restaurant history, then you’re certainly familiar with Blue Ribbon Brasserie. The SoHo spot has long been known as a favorite late-night hangout for chefs off the clock, as well as serving an inimitable, French-inspired menu. This weekend, the restaurant once again returns to its famed late night hours; you’ll be able to order dishes like Beef Marrow and Oxtail Marmalade, and Steak Tartare until 2 am, seven nights a week. Don’t forget to order the Banana Split sundae for dessert; it’s one of NYC’s best iterations. Cost: Entrees from $27
Taste a collaboration between two of NYC’s buzziest restaurants
Friday, April 1 Williamsburg Japanese and Peruvian fare are not infrequent bedfellows: Nikkei cuisine, after all, is basically a fusion of the two culinary traditions. And this Friday, you can experience a version of it at two of Williamsburg’s hottest restaurants: Nami Nori and Llama Inn. Each will be serving a special dish from the other’s menu: Nami Nori, which specializes in open-style temaki, will feature Llama Inn’s Tiradito, made with local fluke, leche de tigre, Japanese sweet potato, and garlic chips. And Llama Inn, a spot known for its modern Peruvian food, will have a special Temaki made with fluke, umeboshi, cucumber, crispy quinoa, and plum sesame seeds. Cost: Dishes from $8
Friday, 5 PM to 7:30 PM Midtown East There are drag queens and then there are bingo drag queens. And in NYC, Linda Simpson reigns supreme. If you’ve never had the pleasure of attending a game called by Linda, this Friday is an excellent time to join: it will be the first session of Linda Loves Bingo! at Midtown’s new food hall, The Hugh (which is one of many great food halls in town). Grab a bite from vendors like Alidoro or Kazunori before settling in for a game (or a few) with special prizes, and get those vocal cords ready to shout bingo! Cost: Free
Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3 Coney Island A sure sign of spring is the annual reopening of the old-school amusements of Coney Island. And this Saturday, one of the area’s most famed attractions, Luna Park, reopens with the traditional “egg cream christening” of the Coney Island Cyclone. The heart-pumping ride is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year: if you’re one of the first 95 in line for this classic rollercoaster, you can even ride it for free. And another reason to check out the park on opening day? Wristbands will be marked down to $20. Cost: Extraordinary Wristbands (good for four hours) from $62
Weekend-long Various locations Whether your bracket is in shambles or not, we’re guessing you’re still looking for the best spot to catch the Final Four matchups. Some of our favorite places to watch the action this weekend include Joseph Brothers at The Hugh, who will be serving a 48-oz pitcher of beer with 20 pieces of boneless wings for $50; Mustang Harry’s, whose surround sound even extends to the bathroom so you never miss a play; or, of course, any of the best sports bars in NYC. And if you’d rather order in, we have you covered: Emmy Squared is offering a March Madness pack with garlic bread, crispy chicken wings, and three pizzas; and Sweetbriar has a delivery package with everything from Smoked, Black Pepper-Maple Duroc Ribs to Cornbread with honey butter. Cost: Price varies
Weekend-long Midtown West If you’re looking to impress a date with a hard-to-get reservation, we found an ultimate way to impress. Cabin Bar is the new watering hole at Quality Meats, located outside the restaurant in its own jewel box of a structure. There is room for a maximum of two people, which makes it perfect for an intimate night of steaks and classic cocktails. In addition to the regular menu, guests of the bar also have access to an exclusive collection of “Winter Warmers” cocktails as well as the restaurant’s selection of “Dusties” which are old-school bottles like Johnnie Walker Oldest and Beam’s Special Reserve “Brown Wax” 101. Cost: Free to reserve, email cabinbar@qualitymeatsnyc.com for info
Weekend-long Roosevelt Island While we’re spoiled here in NYC for places to see the quick-blooming cherry blossoms, floral fanatics know which locations remain blissfully mob free. One of our favorites (don’t tell the tourists) is Roosevelt Island, a narrow spit of land that is covered in fragrant cherry trees during the season. Once you have your fun in the flowers, head over to Graduate Roosevelt Island, whose rooftop bar Panorama Room, isn’t just one of the best new bars in town, but is also serving three different cocktails and mocktails in honor of the lovely blooms. We especially love the Spring Fever, made with Marasca cherry, rum, pink grapefruit, and apricot brandy. Cost: Free to visit; cocktails from $15
Weekend-long Flatiron Reality TV fans may be familiar with chef Tom Colicchio from his stint on Top Chef, but food lovers also know him as the brains behind NYC institutions like Craft. His latest restaurant, Vallata, began as a pop-up last year, but is now a proper, sleek, brick-and-mortar spot just north of Union Square. We love it not only for its steaming bowls of pasta like the Ricotta Cavatelli served with braised oxtail, but for its awesome food and drink deal. Order any pasta dish and you can tack on a glass of regional Italian wine for a total of just $29. Cost: $29 for pasta and a glass of wine
Thrillist, a site with tons of food, drink, travel & entertainment info, introduces folks to the coolest things to do in NYC (and other places when you are traveling). I like to check them out regularly. You should, too.
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NYCity 1-2-3 : What's Happening / Manhattan's WestSide 