nyc to do + see — the wandarer

nyc things to see + do

Below is my personal Google map with favorites, places we want to try, and those that we don’t plan to revisit. If we haven’t tried it, I’ve included reviews from a trusted source like Eater or NYT, maybe Infatuation – definitely not Yelp or TimeOut. Stay tuned for more updates.

Purple Hearts are our favorites and we will go out of our way to visit.
Green Knife + Fork are places we want to try.
Gold Stars are places that are pretty good and worth a try if you are in the neighborhood.
Red X’s are places to avoid.
Black Skulls are permanently closed – RIP

Mostly they follow this structure for price:
$ – casual and less than $50 for two (may or may not include a couple of beers).
$$ – two can have dinner with a bottle of wine for $120ish.
$$$ – $160 gets you a bottle of wine, shared appetizer and entree – no dessert for two.
$$$$ – splurges – $200+ and sometimes ++

Favs

King

Italian • SoHo

Small menu where everything is delicious. No red sauce here. One of the few places that we always get a dessert to share. Also, the cocktails are amazing.

Mission Chinese

Chinese-ish • Brooklyn

Not for the feint of heart - flavor + spice abound. Dishes like Kung Pao Pastrami or Chongqing Chicken Wings are not to be missed, but the wings will light you up. The Mission Feast is a good value if you don’t mind a doggie bag. You must get the Phil Khallins cocktail if it is available.

Dhamaka

Indian • Lower East Side

The goat biryani is to die for but you can’t miss with any of the dishes. Lots of spice. Make sure to take a spin around Essex Market before or after dinner - grab some pickles from the Pickle Guy. If you are in Long Island City, check out sister restaurant, Adda.

Tacombi

Mexican • NYC

Although a chain with locations all over NYC (and a few other places like Miami + DC Metro), the quality is top-notch. They make their own tortillas under the name Vista Hermosa, which you should have with the Guacamole and a Michelada, a light, savory, beer-based drink. Otherwise, any of the tacos are tasty. If the Tuna Tostada is on the menu, definitely order.

Cafe China

Chinese • Midtown

Specializing in Sichuan while throwing in a few other regions, everything on this large menu is full of flavor. I can't help but order the Husband & Wife Special to start. Beef tripe and tendon may not be for everyone, but I urge you to try it if you are even slightly adventurous and can handle spice. Other favorites are Poached Okras, Szechuan Pickled Vegetables, Kung Fu Shrimp, Pork Dumplings in Chili Oil, and Sautéed Pea Shoots. Begin with one of their classic or modern cocktails, and then order wine with some sweetness or just go for a beer if you are going for any of the dishes with peppercorns as the drinks will get lost in the numbing, tingling spice.

Nami Nori

Sushi • West Village

We've only ordered pick-up + delivery from Nami Nori, and their special system keeps the nori crisp during transit. The best value is the Signature Set of five hand rolls, each of which ?? a different Asian (or Pan-Asian) flavor - Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, and Hawaiian. Add on the Spicy Tuna Dip and another appetizer or two like the Wasabi Cucumber Takaki to round out the meal.

Close Seconds

Hutong

Chinese • Upper East Side

Stepped-up Dim Sum like the tender + flaky Wagyu Beef Millefeuille or any of the dumplings prepare you for the spicier mains or the Roasted Peking Duck with Pancakes that is served in stages.