Your Next NYC Weekend Itinerary

There are some things that are just too good not to share. Rose’s Luxury’s lychee salad, a bottle of Trader Joe’s wine, and finally the insanely good itinerary Rachel made for our weekend trip to NYC.

Carson, Ellen, Alex, Michael, Rishil, Rachel and I (aka the squad) met in NYC for Rishil’s birthday, and she made the best agenda for us all to follow while we were there. A lot of my friends will text me when going to a city for recommendations on places to go/eat, so I figured I’d skip the ask and just post about everything we did this past weekend that we loved.

For the first time, I was not good about taking pictures, so some of these are borrowed from others 🙂 Before we begin, know that this will be your mantra for the weekend:

Alright, let’s start with breakfast!

1. Bagels from Tompkin’s Square Bagels

This teeny bagel shop in East Village has some of the best hand rolled bagels I’ve ever had. Combine that with over 30 cream cheese flavors (try the birthday cake!), 4 different kinds of smoked salmon, and the kindest staff, and you have a killer breakfast place.

Of course the classic lox on an everything bagel was incredible, but I’ll definitely be back to try their breakfast sandwiches (bacon, chorizo, egg and avocado anyone!?!). We picked up a few, okay 7, on our way to work, and couldn’t have been happier with our choice.

2. Happy Hour at Bar 65

Bar SixtyFive is a gorgeous hang out on the 65th floor at the top of the Rockefeller center. It boasts some of the best views of the city, along with rosé (need I say more?) and craft cocktails. We went after work on Friday, and had the best time taking waaayyy too many photos of the skyline and each other.

If you were to go to the top of the Rockefeller center with a tour group, the ticket price is $30. Rachel being the genius planner that she is realized that there’s no cover to go to Bar SixtyFive, which is just one floor below where the tours take you. Bottom line, you get to spend that ticket price on wine. It’s a win-win, just don’t forget to dress business casual and make a reservation!

3) Dinner at Lil Frankie’s

Next up on our list was dinner at Lil’ Frankies. Don’t let the fact that it’s cash only deter you, the Spaghetti Limone, housemade gnocchi, and pizza (get the smoked salmon special) were unreal. Also not to be missed is the fire roasted eggplant appetizer with black sea salt and pepperoncino oil, and the Valrhona Chocolate Cake.

4) Drinks at Please Don’t Tell 

After dinner head to Please Don’t Tell, a small speakeasy hidden inside of a hot dog shop! They start taking reservations at 3:00pm same day, so make sure to set an alarm for it.

The cocktail list is incredible- I loved the spicy, tart, and refreshing Mezcal mule with passion fruit puree, chili, cucumber, and house made ginger beer. Another winner was the bacon infused old fashioned, and the you can’t forget an order (or 4) of the cheese smothered waffle fries!

5) Brunch at Pardon My French

First of all, don’t kill me Spencer! That is the only photo I have from brunch…which is probably for the best. Anyway, Pardon My French is a fantastic all you can drink brunch spot that serves up classic French food by hot French waiters. There’s really nothing not to love about this place.

Do us both a favor and get the croque madame: a ham and cheese sandwich that’s been smothered in bechamel and cheese, broiled, and topped with a fried egg. Best hangover cure ever.

6) Kumo Sushi

Oh god, where to begin on this place. I’m secretly glad we don’t have one in DC, but with bottomless sake bombs and sushi this place is dangerous.

For $49 a person you get unlimited sushi and speciality sushi rolls, along with unlimited sake bombs. As you can imagine, our group took full advantage of both offerings, and some of us *cough Carson* didn’t make it out that night. Is it the best sushi you’ll have? No, but it’s definitely worth going to.

^^post sake bombs

7)Reuben Sandwiches from Katz’s Deli

Following a night of unlimited sake bombs, you’re going to need comfort food the next day. Look no further than the century old Katz’s Deli.

They’re world famous for their insanely good sandwiches with pastrami that’s freshly shaved right in front of you. Queue up in line, order the reuben with pastrami, grab a gatorade, and eat. Trust me, it works like a charm.

8) Magnum Ice Cream

This place is like a nightclub for ice cream. It’s white marble on the inside, with little photo booths for you to take pictures of your ice cream, my kind of place.

You pick a chocolate or vanilla center, dark or milk chocolate to dip it in, and then three toppings to go on top. Of course Carson and I had to get the gold flakes *hair flip*.

9) The Standard Biergarten

Collectively we didn’t have any pictures from here (it was after bottomless brunch if that gives you any clue as to why), but it’s definitely worth a stop. You buy tickets that get you giant beers, massive pretzels, or bacon wrapped hot dogs.

10) Artichoke Pizza

I’ve told you guys about Artichoke pizza before, but it’s worth another mention. Picture spinach and artichoke dip on top of a pizza. now imagine eating it after a few drinks. Even better right? It’s a staple for me every time I come to New York!

These last photos didn’t fit into a category, but were too good not to include. So there you have it, 10 incredible places to go next time you’re in NYC!

Thank you Rachel for planning the best weekend, and we hope you had the best birthday Rishil! Next stop for the group? Vegas. Can someone say The Hangover Part 4??