Taking a Bite of the Big Apple
I recently spent one week in New York City and enjoyed exploring the boroughs and quaint neighborhoods. Most of my time was spent fitting in your generic touristy adventures, i.e. Top of the Rock, which would be my suggested viewpoint!
With an average temperature of 87-degrees and smoldering humidity, I found NYC to be one of the most fascinating cities I have ever visited. I know everyone says that, but this Angeleno was truly awe-struck around every corner, taken back by the intricate subway system, to the environmental waste infrastructure, the sheer amount of people, and lack of excellent coffee (biggest bummer of the trip!)
With that being said, in order to fuel the 27,000 steps I took daily, I needed some good eats. Let’s dive into my favorite meals of the trip!
Jacob’s Pickle
A recommendation from @maddy_gutierrez_ on Instagram, this Upper West Side eatery is a must. We arrived at opening for a hearty breakfast and good vibes. Known for their outstanding house made pickles and beer, Jacob’s Pickles served up well with great waitstaff, a killer playlist, beautiful decor and delicious eats.
I ordered the Biscuits and Sausage Gravy with two over easy eggs, and the portion could easily have been split between two folks. I completed my breakfast with a mason jar filled with freshly brewed unsweetened iced tea, and I have never felt more southern…but a posh type of southern with a city twist.
It didn’t take long after opening for the establishment to fill up, so make reservations, be hungry, and enjoy the atmosphere.
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Lefkos Pyrgos Cafe
I spent a lot of time in Astoria, Queens dipping heavily into my Greek roots and desperate for delicious food and desserts. Listen, this place has a whopping two-stars on Yelp, which mainly comes from the supposed lack of decent customer service. During my visit, we ordered 3 freddos, baklava and a hearty helping of galaktoboureko
1. Delicious. Desserts were well made and well presented. Perfect night cap.
2. Rich. My freddo was made to perfection. Could have had two more if it wasn’t 9:30pm.
3. A note on the service… I would consider this a no frills establishment. Order your desserts and coffee, eat, tip and leave. The menu and choices don’t leave room for any questions. They operate more like a local bakery as I saw many folks coming in for last minute cakes. Our waitress was kind, but not overly attentive, which I enjoy at these type of places where your own table conversations should carry you through. I didn’t find the older women behind the counter to be rude at all, but it’s possible that because we spoke Greek it made communication a little easier. I don’t know if I would consider it a tourist friendly or tourist accommodating spot, but it shouldn’t stop you from going! These Eλληνίδες know that they are doing!
Regardless, don’t let Yelp steer you away from getting your hands on a delicious slice of Hellenic heaven.
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Los Tacos №1
I’ll keep this one brief since I am pretty sure EVERYONE is familiar with Los tacos №1 located inside the Chelsea Market. Again, another no frills menu and establishment whose main aim is to provide you with delicious food and they did just that.
Counter style ordering with outside seating, this taqueria offers NYC what I believe Los Angeles will always have a leg up on — delicious tacos.
If you don’t have an affinity for spice, I would suggest asking for your salsa on the side. If that’s not a problem, order those babies “con todo” and add jamaica to drink. Two street tacos made the perfect snack and made me fall in love with Chelsea Market.
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Taverna Kyclades
Like I said, I spent a good amount of time in Astoria, Queen, and this Greek Angeleno found her seafood heaven. I repeat, if you don’t like seafood, 1) what’s wrong with you? and 2) skip this place.
We ordered a village salad and calamari for the table — both were insane portions with insane amounts of deliciousness. The calamari was crisp, tasted incredibly fresh, and the side sauce was unlike any I have been served before. I prefer my kalamaria drenched in lemon, so the automatic inclusion of a huge side of lemons was a winner for me.
My main course was swordfish souvlaki, rice pilaf and lemon potatoes. My grandmother would murder me for saying this, but they were the best potatoes I have ever had (Sorry, gram!). They weren’t overly saucey, were cooked to perfection, and the kisses of lemon in each bite were great. My swordfish, again, fresh, aromatic, light and delectable.
You’re gifted a complimentary dessert with all meals and that is really what makes a Greek restaurant a premier Greek estiatorio. Don’t believe me? Consult the one hour and 45 minute wait in the rain New Yorkers and tourists alike were happy to oblige.
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Honorable Mentions
Lukes Lobster Brooklyn Bridge Park🥄🥄🥄🥄
1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Go for the: Lobster and Crab Rolls, best in the borough, if not city!
Skip on: shrimp roll
Brooklyn Diner 🥄🥄🥄
212 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019
Go for the: pot pie, chicken noodle soup, aesthetic
Skip on: coffee
Cafetal Social Club 🥄🥄🥄🥄
285 Mott St, New York, NY 10012
Go for the: neighborhood, pasta, service
Skip on: nothing! This place was great. I ate my food so fast I forgot to take a photo, but stop by St. Patrick’s Old Basilica over on Mulberry — it’s Martin Scorcese’s Parish, and I highly recommend booking a catacomb tour with Tommy over at Tommy’s Tours!
Katz Delicatessen 🥄🥄🥄
205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Go for the: pastrami, photo op, experience
Note: ungodly amount of tourists, but almost felt like a rite of passage — this is definitely a NYC staple. Go at least once…
All in all, I 110% loved my time in the Big Apple. I have a list of places I can’t wait to try on my next trip out there, including Margon Cuban Sandwiches. I’d also like to do a review of the city’s $1 pizzas….anyone want to sponsor that? ;)
Until next time, au revoir NYC.
