Last year I visited a friend in New York for a few days. A couple weeks prior to the trip, he texted me to ask what I wanted to do while I was there. I sent him back a long list of eateries I wanted to check out. His response – “So I get that you want to eat, but what else do you want to do?” I’d been to New York several times before and done the tourist things, so this trip was all about the food, of which the city has a wonderful abundance. We ate six times a day, occasionally stopping to see a sight if it happened to be along our path from one restaurant to another. We didn’t manage to hit every place on my list, but we made a pretty solid dent. There were a few duds along the way, but for the most part it was delectable… here are the spots that got our thumbs up!

Schmackary’s

This cookie shop makes big scrumptious cookies in all kinds of interesting flavors which change seasonally. I couldn’t make up my mind, so I bought a dozen. Yes, this was our breakfast.

The cookies I tried included The Classic (chocolate and sea salt), Sweet Corn (corn, cranberries, and pecans), Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Schmacker-doodle, Butter Pecan, Sch’mores, and more. My surprise favorite – the Sweet Corn!

Russ & Daughters

Russ & Daughters is a New York institution – it’s what they call an “appetizing shop” which specializes in smoked fish, baked goods, and dried fruits. It’s a family-owned place that has been around forever and maintains it’s awesome old-school vibe.

When we first walked in, I was oohing and aahing over the selection of smoked fish and spreads – clearly a newbie. The guy that had come in after me asked where I was from. It turned out his son lives not too far from me in CA, and we were having a fun chat, when all of a sudden he stopped to say, “By the way, I’m not some weirdo… I own this place.” Mark was a super friendly and funny guy, who I kept calling Russ, only to find out later that Russ is the family name. He never corrected me.

The Everything Bagel with Smoked Salmon and Scallion Cream Cheese was awesome. I also got some dried pineapple to go.

Katz’s Delicatessen

Katz’s is another New York institution – some argue that this Jewish deli has the best pastrami in the city.

When you walk in, this crazy scene is pretty much what you’ll see on any given day. But don’t be too discouraged by the apparent insanity. It turns out they’ve got the system down pat, and you move through the line and find yourself with your food surprisingly quickly.

I got the Pastrami Sandwich of course, some Dill and Half-Sour Pickles, and an Egg Cream. In case you couldn’t tell, I was pretty happy. I still dream about that meal.

Ferrara

Ferrara is an Italian bakery and cafe that claims to be America’s first espresso bar.

It has a vast selection of Italian pastries. The hardest part is deciding which to get.

I went with a Cappuccino, Cannoli, Sfogliatella, Tiramisu, and Napoleon. Great snack stop.

Lhasa Fast Food

This was the number one must-hit spot on my list. A friend had told me I had to try their momo (Tibetan dumplings) and yak butter tea (which I believe is the inspiration for Bulletproof Coffee if you’ve heard of that trend). I fondly refer to Lhasa Fast Food as the Tibetan speakeasy, because it is hidden away behind this cellular store.

You walk down the entryway and go through this door. Notice the tiny sign with green lettering in the middle of the door. This is not a place you just stumble upon.

As the previous sign indicated, you walk right down a hallway until you reach another door with a sign pointing you to the left.

You walk through that door and to the left down another narrow hallway which ends at this magical destination. You feel as triumphant as though you scaled a mountain and reached Tibet! Miraculously, this tiny place hidden at the end of a cellular maze is packed with Tibetan people enjoying what is apparently pretty authentic Tibetan food.

We got Beef Momo, Momo in Soup, and of course Yak Butter Tea (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like – tea with yak butter in it). The momo was juicy and delicious, and the yak butter tea was strangely addictive – sort of savory, and at first I wasn’t sure I liked it, but then I coudn’t stop drinking it.

Mile End

Mile End is another Jewish deli, but they specialize in Montreal-style smoked meats. It has a much trendier feel than Katz’s, sourcing seasonal ingredients and serving Stumptown coffee.

Of course I had to get the Smoked Meat Sandwich. The flavor was awesome and the bread was amazing, though Katz’s meat was much juicier. I do have to note that my friend said we got a bad batch and the meat is not usually that dry, so I might have to give them another try next time I’m in New York.

We also got the Matzo Ball Soup, which was delish.

Ample Hills Creamery

I love ice cream, so of course an ice cream shop had to be part of this New York food adventure. Ample Hills Creamery is known for having great ice cream in over-the-top flavors.

It is adorable inside, just the way an ice cream shop should be.

They have this awesome bike turned into ice cream churn in the window. I got Salted Crack Caramel, Mexican Hot Chocolate, and Butter Pecan Brittle. The flavors were great, and the ice cream is rich and dense just the way I like it. Definitely some of the best ice cream I’ve had.

Peter Luger

If you look at any “Top 10 Steaks in the US” list, Peter Luger is probably on it. I’ve been dying to try this Michelin-starred steakhouse. It’s definitely old-school, with white-haired regulars sitting at the bar looking like they never move from their spots.

We started off with Luger’s Sizzling Bacon, Extra Thick By the Slice. As you can see, it is extra thick, fatty deliciousness.

Of course the star of the show is the steak. Your options are basic – you can get it single, for two, for three, or for four. We got the Steak For Three, which came out as this massive beast. The server brings it out and immediately starts dishing it out using two spoons tong-style and with one hand behind his back. It comes with steak sauce, which I found unnecessary as the steak is melt-in-your-mouth good all on its own. We also got Creamed Spinach, but it just wan’t memorable next to the steak.

Crif Dogs

Crif Dogs is known for deep-frying their hot dogs and then topping them with crazy stuff.

It stays open late, and has old-school arcade games.

But as though that’s not already fun enough, there’s this throwback phone booth which you mysteriously see people lining up for. You pick up the phone, somebody looks at you through a camera, and if there’s room and they like the way you look, the back of the phone booth opens up to allow you entrance to a tiny bar called PDT (Please Don’t Tell). I tried to take a picture in PDT, but was immediately kicked out!

Oh well, I went back to playing Pac Man and eating my Spicy Redneck (chili, jalapeños, and coleslaw on a bacon wrapped dog).

The Spotted Pig

The Spotted Pig is a European-style gastropub that has backers like Jay Z and Michael Stipe (of R.E.M.). It is apparently a destination for celebrity sightings. I didn’t see any when I was there, though I likely wouldn’t have noticed even if one was sitting right next to me. I was there for the food.

There is pig-themed decor everywhere, including hanging off the ceiling. It was super crowded, even on a weekday afternoon when we were there, but in a cozy welcoming kind of way.

We got the Chicken Liver Toast, which is sweetened with Port and comes on a fantastic crusty rustic bread. Magnificent. The burger is also supposed to be quite good – I’ll have to try that next time.

Taim

Taim is known for having the best falafel in New York, and arguably the entire United States.

You can choose between three falafel flavors – Green (parsley, cilantro, and mint), Harissa, and Olive. We got Harissa and Olive. The pita and hummus are great, but the falafel really is what’s stunning. I have never had falafel with such a great crunch on the outside and flavor-filled center. We also got the Sabich (sliced eggplant), which was yummy. But it’s all about the falafel – I give it my vote for best falafel in the US.

Murray’s Cheese

Murray’s Cheese is an artisanal cheese shop that’s been around for over 70 years.

They do cured meats and a massive selection of, you guessed it… cheese.

They have the biggest cheese wheels I’ve ever seen. We stopped in and got some cheese and meat to munch on as we traveled to our next food destination. Great snack for the road.

The Meatball Shop

I’m thinking you can figure out what the specialty is at The Meatball Shop. They also do hand-crafted cocktails, and thus as you might have guessed are one of those trendy spots that’s super loud and dark inside.

But they do have good meatballs. You choose the kind of meatball you want, and then what sauce you want to top it with. We got the Classic with Spicy Meat sauce, the Chicken with Pesto sauce, and the Spicy Pork with Parmesan Cream sauce. We also got the Risotto, which was quite nice.

Hamilton’s

The Egg Cream at Katz’s started my Egg Cream obsession. I also love an old-fashioned soda fountain. So when we walked by Hamilton’s, I had to stop.

The guy working there was awesome. He sampled us all the ice cream flavors, and made me this fabulous Chocolate Egg Cream. A good way to close out this New York eating extravaganza.