New York-based Tech Entrepreneur, Graham Mann, shared with us his 7 top tips in New York! Check out where the cool tech crowd hangs out!
Graham Mann is cofounder of Lean Systems, a logistics startup with offices in New York and Montreal, a graduate of Techstars NYC, and recipient of the 2017 Startup Canada Young Entrepreneur award. He grew up in Nova Scotia, Canada, and did his undergrad degree in engineering at McGill University in Montreal.
He still leads the non-profit organization he founded, called Sail All, which provides sailing opportunities for youth in his home province of Nova Scotia, and mentors new entrepreneurs whenever he can, particularly for Founder Institute Montreal and Startup Weekend.
In his spare time you can usually find him on or near the water, sailing, windsurfing, or attempting surfing and kiteboarding, or out taking photos.
He writes regularly on his blog, and just launched a podcast called Starting Stories, where he interviews entrepreneurs, creatives, and more to talk about how they got started, and the habits and tools that led to their success.
Take a look at his 7 top tips in New York:
For Pizza: Lucali
“I discovered Lucali through a cousin living nearby, and it’s known to locals for good reason: their pizza is delicious. They only serve pizza and calzones, and have different ingredients every day. It’s also BYOB – go to Henry Street Wine down the street for some super-friendly advice on which wines to get. Go early as there’s no reservations, and it’s cash only.”
Their first and only location in New York is Carroll Gardens, in Brooklyn. The restaurant is specialized in pizzas and calzones, but also offers appetizer salads and fresh sides. Their thin-crusted pizzas and home-made sauces are loved not only by their neighbors, but by guests that come from all over NYC. Hence, the house is always full, as Graham mentioned above.
If you’re into craft draft and bottled beers, they have a good selection, as well as a wine menu with low production Italian wines.
Who’s the mind behind this all? The pizzaiolo Mark Iacono and he also has a location in Miami.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 5pm – 12am
Friday – Sunday: 1pm – 12am
Location: 575 Henry Street
For Cocktails: Brooklyn Social Bar
“After pizza and wine at Lucali, you can stop by Brooklyn Social Bar on your way back to the subway. The atmosphere is great, cocktails are delicious, and the bartenders are super friendly. Go on an off-night and get to know the bartenders.”
Located in Carroll Gardens, this spot was the former Society Riposto, a private member’s Sicilian Club. This group started back in the early 1900’s, and only in 1967 they actually rented out this spot.
They had private gatherings and parties led by Isidoro Parisi and his group of Italian friends.
After the memberships slowly dissolving throughout the years, 3 30-year old Brooklyn residents decided to purchase and renovate the place.
Many of the decorations are still the original ones with amazing, vintage pictures and ornaments, allowing it to keep its original vibe.
It’s surely a place that will take you back to the past, as in you entered another place on Earth.
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 5pm – 2am
Friday – Saturday: 5pm – 4am
Location: 335 Smith Street
For Those Interested In Travel: Voyager HQ
“For anyone interested in, working in, or looking for a job in travel, you should be hanging out at Voyager HQ. It’s where we work in New York, the staff are super friendly, and they hold lots of great events. If you’re interested in travel, you should be there.”
We have to agree! We love everything that VoyagerHQ does and we are there quite often!
The place is great and the crowd is perfect for networking. They say they are “A Club for Travel Innovators”, so if this at all calls your attention, you should pass by.
In addition, they host some pretty cool events from breakfasts with industry professionals, to pitch nights with fantastic start-ups urging to change the world!
Location: 137 West 25th Street
To Escape the City (sort of): Roosevelt Island
“One of my college roommates grew up here, and I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Roosevelt Island. It’s right next to Manhattan, yet you’d never know it when you’re there, given how peaceful and quiet it is. Take the tram or subway there, go for a run, grab a coffee, or check out the beautiful new Cornell Tech campus.”
Yup, Roosevelt Island is a “life apart”, even though it’s nestled in the middle of the East River.
It’s a great place to go explore during the weekends!
If you have to pick a way to get there, we do recommend the tram. The journey will start with a spectacular view of Manhattan Island, Queens and the East River.
You’ll most certainly capture breathtaking Instagrammable shots!
The island has only one main street, called Main Street, ha, and a few additional side roads! But you can always walk towards the water through the path – that’s there the best views are.
If you’re the adventurous type, be sure to explore the Smallpox Hospital, also known as the Renwick Smallpox Hospital, in the Southern tip of the island.
Place to Take a Canadian: New York Islanders game
“For Canadians, there’s no better way to spend an evening than at a hockey game, but given how popular it is in Canada, you’re lucky to get seats for a reasonable price. Take them to an Islanders game and they’ll love it, and for bonus points take them when they’re playing their favorite team.”
Canadians do love Hockey, but his is literally an activity for anyone that enjoys sports.
Moreover, if you or your friends have never been to a hockey game, we have to agreed you HAVE TO go to one.
Live hockey is definitely a thrilling experience and it’ll be a night of fun!
For Whisky: Caledonia Bar
“I got more of a taste for scotch after spending two weeks traveling Scotland last spring, and Caledonia Bar has the best selection I’ve found in New York. The atmosphere is as good as the whisky selection, and it’s a great place to take a date.”
Caledonia Bar has two locations in Manhattan. One is in the Upper East Side and the other at the Upper West Side, of Manhattan.
They have a great drink list, a few food options that vary a bit in each location and, a fantastic list of House Rules!
Wanna know some of them?
- Five percent off for Tinder dates, you need to prove it by showing us your initial awkward messages
- No credit card minimum, but if you keep swiping your card all night you are wasting paper, killing trees and in the long run killing all of humanity you selfish bastard. Start a Tab!
- Gentlemen, this is a lady friendly bar, if it’s clear that they are not interested in you then stop talking to them. Obviously this rule does not apply to me.
Ha! So fun! Anyway, enjoy your scotch night out!
Hours:
Upper West Side: Monday – Sunday: 4pm – 4am
Upper East Side: Monday – Thursday: 5pm – 4am and Friday – Sunday: 4pm – 4am
Locations:
424 Amsterdam Avenue, Upper West Side
1609 2nd Avenue, Upper East Side
For Shopping: Everlane
“I generally try to avoid shopping in person as much as possible, but Everlane makes the experience enjoyable. I love that their simple, classic lines don’t overwhelm you with choice, and their commitment to ethical factories and transparent pricing make them a brand you can get behind. They currently only have two brick-and-mortar locations, and one is in New York.”
Located in the super cool neighborhood of Nolita, in Manhattan, Everlane believes in “Exceptional quality.
Ethical factories. Radical Transparency.” Totally up our alley!
Plus, their collections and products are timeless pieces that will be part of your wardrobe for a long time. How? Well, they source the finest materials and aren’t too focused on trends.
Oh! And still, they let the customer know exactly the true cost of materials, labor, transportation, taxes, etc…for the item they are purchasing. We love it!
They offer a complete line of products for men and women that believe, like them, that “we can all make a difference”.
Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11am – 7pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Location: 28 Prince Street
Thank you, Graham, for sharing these 7 top tips in New York! We are sure you will enjoy them all!
Finally, if you enjoyed this interview, we are positive you loved all the places that David Yarus, the Founder of the app JSwipe, shared with us! He listed 5 NYC spots that you’ve probably never been to! They are all surely worth the visit, so check them out!
Photo Credits: Courtesy of The Associated Press for the Washington’s Top News, Mc_Gutty, P_Nali and the venues
*Last Update on April/2020.*
