New York Food and Drink

Burger bars

If you’re going to New York, you need to visit one of the many burger bars here, at least once (if not more). Burger joints are popular in New York, each serving up patties in many shapes and sizes, but all having one thing in common – their delicious, mouth-watering taste.

Drop by Emily in Brooklyn for some truly cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth burgers. This cosy and welcoming burger bar has a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your meal in, and because it’s a small, family-run business, extra care and attention is put into every single burger that’s served.

It’s worth swinging by Raoul’s to try their famous burger, which was named the best in Manhattan by Thrillist’s National Burger Critic. This tasty delight is served with triple cream, red onions and peppery greens, for an explode-in-your-mouth taste sensation.

Death Avenue serves a whole host of burgers, featuring a range of different meats inspired by great American and Greek recipes. Try the slow-cooked baby pork ribs burger served with oregano fries, or the zesty feta burger with greens, pickles and tomatoes.

Cull and Pistol - Oyster Bar

Opened by the same team who run The Lobster Place (one of the top seafood restaurants in New York), the Cull and Pistol is New York’s premier oyster bar.

Located in the trendy Chelsea Market, the Cull and Pistol offers some of the best seafood in New York, and their selection goes well beyond just oysters: lobster dishes, ravioli, and even traditional battered cod and chips are all on the menu. The exact items on the menu vary seasonally, so there is always something new and interesting to try during your visit.

To get the authentic Cull and Pistol experience, make sure you try the lobster dishes which inspired the name of the bar. Alternatively, if you’re just looking for a quick, cheap snack, make sure you visit between 4pm-6pm on weekdays, where you can purchase oysters for as low as $1 each.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

For fans of musical theatre, Ellen’s Stardust Diner is the diner of dreams. Situated in the heart of Broadway, Stardust is one of the most famous restaurants in New York City.

The waiters here are all budding Broadway performers who are looking to break into the world of musical theatre; Stardust Diner gives them the chance to earn money while learning and refining their craft. The diner really helps to propel the careers of the staff, too, many of whom get cast in Broadway musicals later in their career.

Image source: Flickr. Copyright Phil Guest

For the duration of the evening, you’ll be serenaded by the talented waiters, who, between serving you, take it in turns to perform classic songs from famous musicals like Wicked, Cats and Mamma Mia. While eating excellent American diner dishes, you can watch on as waiters sing and dance on the restaurant tables; the whole evening is a magical experience. A meal at Ellen’s Stardust Diner really is out of this world.

Fast Food

Tasty fast food can be found on every corner of New York, the city famed for its large portions and delicious on-the-go treats. Not forgetting, there’s a host of amazing fast-food restaurants and eateries worth seeking out, too, offering anything from burgers to pretzels and quick-fix tacos.

Head down to The Halal Guys, a casual fast food restaurant on the radar of any fast foodies in the know. This popular eatery crafts American halal food, inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. Everything they sell, from their chicken platter to their special white sauce has people queuing around the block.

Or, if you’re wanting to grab a quick Mexican-inspired bite in the Big Apple, then Los Tacos No. 1 is the perfect spot, and its popularity certainly speaks volumes about the quality of the fast-food served here. Feast on grilled steak, chicken or cactus tacos, or tostadas with beans, cheese, salsa and guacamole.

Gramercy Tavern

Gramercy Tavern is an elegant, Michelin star bar and restaurant in Manhattan, New York. It first opened in 1994 and has since built up a flawless reputation, receiving accolade after accolade from esteemed restaurant critics.

Image source: Flickr. Copyright Lou Stejskal

As well as a number of other awards, Gramercy Tavern has been voted the most popular restaurant in New York seven times, including three years running between 2005 and 2007, and also received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for five consecutive years between 2009 and 2013.

The food at Gramercy Tavern is as good as the awards suggest; their now renowned Executive Chef, Michael Anthony, provides an ever-evolving menu, keeping customers coming back to try his latest culinary creations. While the items on the menu are regularly changed, the cuisine tends to consist of contemporary American dishes, and exquisite pastries and desserts, the latter of which are created by the skilled hand of Pastry Chef Miro Uskokovic. Gramercy Tavern really is an unmissable stop on the food circuit for any foodie visiting New York.

King Cole Bar

King Cole Bar is a famous cocktail bar in Midtown Manhattan, New York, believed by many to be the first bar in America to serve the popular Bloody Mary cocktail, or as it’s known here, The Red Snapper. However, the historical and cultural significance of this classy, refined cocktail bar goes far beyond its association with the Bloody Mary cocktail. It has been the setting for many famous films like The Devil Wears Prada and Gossip Girl, and is regularly frequented by celebrities.

The iconic Maxfield Parrish mural, which sits behind the bar, alongside the beautiful mural ceiling, lavish golden coving and beautiful hanging chandeliers, create the bar’s warm and elegant ambience. This ambience provides the perfect setting to enjoy King Cole’s perfectly prepared cocktails and exquisite New American cuisine.

So, if you’re looking for a stylish bar to enjoy an unforgettable New York nightcap, look no further than the King Cole Bar, and try America’s first Bloody Mary.

Nobu New York Fifty Seven

Nobu is a famous Japanese restaurant chain with luxury restaurants operating all over the world. While all of these restaurants provide an exceptionally high standard of dining, the New York restaurant does more than just meet these standards; it sets them. Nobu Fifty Seven was opened in 2005 by the legendary Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, making it the first Nobu restaurant to be opened in New York.

Needless to say, while running under the watchful eye of Matsuhisa, the sushi at Nobu Fifty Seven is completely unique. Rich flavours, precise preparation and creative presentation make this sushi some of the best you are ever likely to taste. As well as sushi, a range of Nobu’s signature Japanese dishes are available to enjoy while you take in the exquisite decor. The flawless reputation of Nobu has attracted numerous high profile celebrities to Nobu Fifty Seven, so keep your eyes peeled while you’re here, as you might spot some famous faces dining alongside you.

Rooftop bars

Rooftop bars are the perfect way to make the most of New York's thriving nightlife, being fantastic places to unwind and enjoy a Martini with great company, on a warm summer’s night.

The Water Tower in Williamsburg is an incredible rooftop bar, making you feel like you’re in a scene from Friends. Sip on a cocktail inside the repurposed water tower, providing fantastic cityscape views as well as impressive décor, including floor-to-ceiling windows. Bask in the relaxed and stylish ambience on offer here, as you peer over the city lights.

Summerly, at The Hoxton, is an elegant rooftop space with sofas to lounge on, while looking out over the glittering New York skyline. This bar has East Coast summer vibes, so enjoy a classic Cosmopolitan, or a craft beer while soaking up the glorious sunshine.

If you want to enjoy upbeat music and dancing al fresco, drop by Elsewhere in Brooklyn. This bustling spot has everything you could want from a lively rooftop bar, offering local DJ sets, laser shows and a truly laid-back atmosphere.

Russ and Daughters Cafe

Ranked by The New York Times as one of the top 10 restaurants in New York, Russ and Daughters is an iconic appetising store in lower Manhattan, serving boards and platters of perfectly prepared caviar, herring and legendary salmon.

Having originally opened in 1914, the store has stayed in Russ family ownership for four generations, having remained in exactly the same location throughout its existence. The original café was a simple over-the-counter food store, where customers patiently queued up to place their orders to take away. But in 2014, on the 100th anniversary of the Russ and Daughters store, a new sit down café was opened of this long-standing New York eatery.

Salmon is the staple dish of Russ & Daughters and is prepared in an array of flavoursome ways, including smoked, baked, cured and kippered. In truth, you haven’t really had a Russ & Daughter’s meal if you haven’t tried their salmon, so make sure you sample some when you're here.

The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog

Located just a short walk away from Wall Street - New York’s famous, bustling financial district, is where you can find The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog bar. Coined as the world’s best bar, The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog is owned and run by a group of men from Belfast, who have found success by applying the influences of their hometown to this lively, modern Irish bar - over 3,000 miles away from home.

Image source: Flickr, Copyright Lou Stejskal

The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog is celebrated for its intimate setting, amiable character and friendly hospitality, creating the traditional vibe that makes Irish bars so unique.

The shelves behind the bar are lined with rows of drinks bottles, most of which probably contain whiskey, given that this bar's broad selection of whiskeys is one of the specialisms which make it so popular. However, you don’t have to be a fan of beer, whiskey or Guinness to enjoy this famous bar, as it is also famed for its creative and delicious cocktails.