Tag Archives: Chinatown

It’s a well-known fact that New Yorkers love exploring rooftops during the warmer months of the year – actually, all year long, lol! Now, with social distancing, they are great options to enjoy some time outside! So, check out some of the best NYC rooftop bars!

Nightlife Bars Best NYC Rooftop Bars 74 Wythe — 74 Wythe – Photo Credit: Courtesy

Today we’re going to share with you a list of some of the best NYC rooftop bars in Manhattan and Brooklyn!

Rooftop bars in New York are popular in the summer because of their revitalizing breezes, skyline views, and relief from the crowded streets.

Since outdoor dining is the only way you can indulge in communal drinking, rooftop bars have become necessary than ever before.

If you are looking for a break from the home-made cocktails you’ve been forced to make at home since the onset of the COVID pandemic, here is a collection of the best rooftop bars in New York.

#1 Cantina Rooftop [Hell’s Kitchen]

Nightlife Bars Best NYC Rooftop Bars Cantina Rooftop — Cantina Rooftop – Photo Credit: Courtesy

The Cantina Rooftop bar is on 48th Street. This outdoor space was opened four years ago and offers the best modern Mexican menu.

You should try their specialty mezcal and tequila cocktails to get the party starting.

One of the main attractions of the Cantina Rooftop bar is its climate-controlled glass rooftop terrace. This bar provides a fantastic panoramic view of Manhattan, which you will enjoy – regardless of the weather or season.

Location: 605 West 48th Street

https://cantinarooftop.com

#2 The Greens at Pier 17 [South Seaport]

Nightlife Bars Best NYC Rooftop Bars The Greens at Pier 17 — The Greens at Pier 17 – Photo Credit: Courtesy

One of the recently launched rooftops in New York is already one of our favorites NYC rooftop bars to go!

The famous Howard Hughes Corporation owns The Greens at Pier 17. This pier has the Brooklyn Bridge for its backdrop and a rooftop designed to allow the required social-distancing standards.

One end of the space features micro backyards, an inbuilt Yeti cooler, umbrella, and comfortable lounge chairs. You will also find USB ports if you want to charge your device, so don’t worry if you run out of battery during the day.

The other end of the space has lounge areas. You can enjoy delicious lobster rolls and other delicacies in this lounge space. The pier also offers refreshing cocktails like watermelon margaritas. Pretty cool, right!?

Check out the bar’s website for upcoming events. And, for the best experience, it is advisable to make reservations, after all, no one likes to be hanging on a waiting list…

Location: 89 South Street

https://thegreens.pier17ny.com

#3 74WYTHE [Williamsburg, Brooklyn]

Nightlife Bars Best NYC Rooftop Bars 74 Wythe Weddings — Gorgeous wedding and event space at 75 Wythe – Photo Credit: Courtesy

Side from exploring great public rooftop bars, you might consider this one for your private event.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re hosting a party or want an intimate gathering place, the 74Wythe has got you covered.

This outdoor space will surely create unforgettable memories for you and your guests. 74Wythe has a priceless view of Manhattan’s amazing skyline, with an all-season rooftop.

If you want privacy, you can ask for a private loft. There is also a spacious main room and a chic, elegantly furnished Greenroom for you to chose from. Or, you can decide to enjoy your drinks at the concealed cocktail lounge.

Remember to make reservations in advance and enjoy! Oh, and we’re sure your guests will be talking about your party for months!

Location: 74 Wythe Avenue

www.74wythe.com

#4 Ophelia at the Beekman Tower [Midtown East]

Nightlife Bars Best NYC Rooftop Bars Ophelia Beekman Tower — Ophelia at Beekman Tower – Photo Credit: Courtesy

As they say: “Drink & dine like Frank Sinatra.” So, if this is what you’re looking for, you found the right place!

Ophelia is situated at the top of the popular Beekman Tower. It has an impressive Art-Deco design, which includes restored elements of vintage artifacts such as old tarot cards and flapper hats.

You can expect some of the best well-crafted cocktails at this outdoor space. They won’t disappoint!

So, enjoy your cocktails and favorite drinks while reflecting on the panoramic view of the East River with Roosevelt Island right in the middle!

Location: 3 Mitchell Place

https://thebeekmantowerny.com/ophelia

#5 Mr. Purple [Lower East Side]

Nightlife Bars Best NYC Rooftop Bars Mr. Purple — Mr. Purple – Photo Credit: Courtesy

If you like to party, this is the place to do so and this spot couldn’t be left out of our list of best NYC rooftop bars that you should explore!

Mr. Purple is a rooftop bar situated above Hotel Indigo at the Lower East Side of New York.

This rooftop bar is where you will find a fun, young crowd and the who’s who in New York getting their groove on. It’s even on Holy Burt’s post “The Perfect Girl’s Night Out in NYC“, if you want to check it out.

Expect awesome cocktails and take selfies in this chic space that provides 360-degree views of the city.

You shouldn’t leave this bar without enjoying THE Mr. Purple – a punch of tequila, allspice dram, cranberry liqueur, lemon, and apple. Also, make sure you try out the fish tacos and buttermilk fried chicken sliders. Yum!

Location: 180 Orchard Street – 15th floor

www.mrpurplenyc.com

#6 The Crown [Chinatown]

Nightlife Bars Best NYC Rooftop Bars The Crown 50 Bowery — The Crown at 50 Bowery Hotel – Photo Credit: Courtesy

If you thought Brooklyn was the only place you would enjoy impressive views of Manhattan, think again. And, if you twist your nose when people talk about Chinatown, it’s about time to reconsider that thought.

Situated on Chinatown’s Hotel 50 Bowery, The Crown is loved for its intimate lounge, unobstructed views of Brooklyn Bridge, and rooftop patios.

You also have a perfect view of One World Trade and The Empire State Building from this strategic location.

You can expect great drinks and a therapeutic atmosphere at The Crown. It is advisable to make reservations in advance, as we always recommend.

Location: 50 Bowery

www.thecrownnyc.com

#7 Top of The Box [Greenpoint, Brooklyn]

Nightlife Bars Best NYC Rooftop Bars Top of the Box Hotel — Top of the Box at The Box Hotel – Photo Credit: Courtesy

Initially, this rooftop bar was used exclusively for wedding parties and their guests. As of July of this year, anyone who wants to party has access to the Box House Hotel – a 10,000-square-foot rooftop.

This is one of the only bar and restaurant in New York that has a retractable rooftop.

You will find lots of room for seating, including the adorable cozy hanging chairs. Plus, their unobstructed view of Manhattan is definitely worth experiencing.

Top of the Box offers small bites and drinks in the form of wine, cocktails, and bottle service. And they’ll be hosting some cool events through out the Summer like morning Yoga Classes with YO BK and other cool activities!

This spot is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Make reservations in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment.

Location: 77 Box Street

https://theboxhousehotel.com

#8 Summerly [Williamsburg, Brooklyn]

Nightlife Bars Best NYC Rooftop Bars Summerly at The Hoxton Hotel — Summerly at The Hoxton Hotel – Photo Credit: Courtesy

The name of this rooftop bar is enticing.

Situated above the Hoxton Hotel, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, you can expect to experience New England vibes here.

The delicious flatbreads and lobster rolls will leave you craving for more. And, of course, the unique view of the Manhattan’s skyline is breathtaking.

The restaurant boasts of its own elevator and the hotel observes all distancing rules with several sanitizing stations and digital ordering.

Location: 97 Wythe Avenue

https://thehoxton.com/williamsburg/summerly-restaurant

#9 Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge [Garment District]

Nightlife Bars Best NYC Rooftop Bars Magic Hour Rooftop — Magic Hour Rooftop – Photo Credit: Courtesy

New York City’s biggest indoor and outdoor hotel rooftop bar is an ideal adult playground.

The lounge features a topiary garden, mini-golf, and rotating seats. In addition, expect to enjoy the soothing sounds of talented DJs during the night.

You will definitely have a good time with great drinks and a panoramic view of our beautiful Empire State Building. This rooftop spot is designed to allow you to self-indulge and have an enjoyable nightlife.

Location: 485 7th Avenue – 18th floor

http://moxytimessquare.com/dining/magic-hour-rooftop-bar-lounge

In Conclusion:

If you are tired of isolating yourself at home and making monotonous cocktails, it’s high time you went out for communal drinking.

There are many rooftop bars in New York that observe all the social distancing and sanitizing standards. Before you visit any of these rooftop bars, you should make an online reservation to avoid long waiting time.

Go enjoy some of the best NYC rooftop bar and come back to leave your comments or even share new discoveries with us! We’d love to know what you’ve been up to!

Photo Credits: Courtesy of the venues

The Forgotten East: Mystic Pop-Up Adventure Through Ancient China

May 6, 2019

BTSNYC

Chinatown, in downtown New York, is the home of a new pop-up exhibit! The Forgotten East is a mystic pop-up adventure that will take you through a journey back to ancient China.

Culture Music Forgotten East Pop Up Exhibition Ancient China Treasure Desert — Courtesy of The Forgotten East

You might remember from your History class back in school the story of the famous Silk Road that connected the regions of “East Asia and Southeast Asia with East Africa, West Asia and Southern Europe”. (source Wikipedia) If you don’t…let me refresh you memory!

It built the relationship between the East and the West from 206 B.C. to 220 A.D.

It’s well-known that the route was immensely prosperous from the silk trade along the way. But, other items were also traded in different time periods like glassware, spices, perfumes, nephrite, jade, other crafts and so much more.

It is also said that not only objects were traded, but there was an immense cultural exchange. Religions like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, etc were spread, but most prominently was Buddhism due to the monasteries found along the journey. They ended up being homes to foreigners that were introduced to this new religion and practices.

What ended up happening is that many of these foreigners, because of the vast influence of different schools, “mixed and matched” beliefs, resulting in syncretism. What is that? Well, it’s the “attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion”. (source Dictionary.com)

Now that you’ve refreshed your mind, let me get into the exhibition!

The journey is divided into 4 specific room called The Mountain, The Desert, The Cave and The Market. The artist behind it all is the young and talented, Masa Ma.

Culture Music Forgotten East Pop Up Exhibition Ancient China Masa Ma Artist — The artist, Masa Ma. ©Behind the Scenes NYC

She explains the idea behind it: “I wanted to represent not only the main street of ancient China, but also wanted to bring back the memories, relaxation and the beautiful natural society in ancient times, where industrialization does not exist.”

After all, we all know how crazy it can be to live in a city like New York and other big cities, right? She wanted to remind her audience that it’s time to slow down and enjoy their life in the river of history.

1^st room: The Mountain

This room is beautifully painted and shows an Eastern mountain in a Chinese landscape. In addition, you can walk through some small installations as a continuation of these mountains with a happy surprise when a strong vapor is released to replicate the mountain’s mist. Pretty cool!

It’s also curious and interesting to see on one of the walls, a beautifully written Chinese poem that talks about nature.

2^nd Room: The Cave

When you enter this room, your eyes just can stop looking everywhere. It’s a translation of the Mogao Caves. It is also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas uniting 492 temples located in Gansu province, China. It was used by Buddhists to warship their Gods and practice their endless meditations, as well as welcome foreigners that journeyed through the Silk Road.

Since the cave was the home to some of the most amazing Buddhist art up to 1,000-years old, Masa Ma created small Buddhist sculptures that were placed throughout the room.

Curiously, the holes on the cave’s walls were designed with a mirror, as a reminder to us not to destroy nature and be mindful of our actions.

3^rd Room: The Desert

Culture Music Forgotten East Pop Up Exhibition Ancient China Dead End — ©Behind the Scenes NYC

Throughout the exploration of this room, you’ll find a beautiful treasure trunk with jewelry, china, silk and other treasures inside (even skulls were found there, back in the day!). Treasures were actually left behind by the ones that passed through and experienced the brutal desert climate.

The fun thing of this room is to play around with the jewelry and take that Instagram-worthy shot! It’s the most explorative place throughout our adventure.

4^th Room: The Market

Culture Music Forgotten East Pop Up Exhibition Ancient China The Market — Courtesy of The Forgotten East

Finally, you reach our destination! The Eastern Market was where the magic happened. Travelers and adventurers exchanged good and fostered this fast-growing economy, in such a distant time in history from us.

This last room had some delicious surprises for you to enjoy at the end of the journey with your friends/family.

“The Forgotten East is not only an exhibit about eastern culture, but it is a journey that represents travelers and adventurers’ courage to conquer challenges and reach their final destination to the western world,” as states Fengyuan Zhong, another artist of the exhibit.

The pop-up exhibition will run daily through July 28^th, 2019.

If you enjoyed, you might want to take a look at other exhibits like the Color Factory, or you might want to explore museum I love: The Cloister, that is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Tickets:
Adults: $25
Kids (2-15 years-old): $15

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11am – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Sunday: 10am – 8pm

Location: 310 Canal Street

Culture Music Forgotten East Pop Up Exhibition Ancient China Treasure — ©Behind the Scenes NYC

Photo Credit: ©Behind the Scenes NYC
*Last Update on March/2020.*

2nd Cheap NYC Guide: 30 Top Attractions

December 31, 2018

BTSNYC

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists No Comments

Our 2^nd cheap NYC guide features 30 top attractions that you must-see! Touristy or not, these are some the classics spots and neighborhoods that have changed New York’s history. Come uncover New York with us!

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists Cheap NYC Guide The Cube Astor Place — The Cube at Astor Place. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Noel Y.C. (@NYCLovesNYC)

Today, for our 2^nd Cheap NYC Guide, I’m going to take you through some of the best spots located in Lower Manhattan.

But wait! If you haven’t seen my 1^st Cheap NYC Guide, take a look at it and see how you might want to start exploring our beautiful city!

I have created my own touristic route to take my friends and family around the most iconic highlights in the city. These are all entertaining, fun and CHEAP routes that I want to share with you.

Second Route: Lower Manhattan

Before I start, it is necessary to give you some tips. First, NYC food stores and restaurants are not required to offer restroom services, so I have included this item in my tour routes. Second, you can access the WIFI networks in all subway stations, NYC Parks and Starbucks for free (which also have restrooms. YAY!).

Finally, if you like something you want to buy and you can afford it, just BUY IT. You probably won’t have time to go back or even remember where you saw that precious item.

This route explores 6 areas of Lower Manhattan: Union Square, Astor Place, Washington Square Park, SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy. It starts off at Union Square – where our 1^st guide ended – located between 17^th and 14^th Streets and Union Square West and East Avenues.

Union Square

Here you can enjoy a year-round farmers market every Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 8am – 6pm, called Union Square Greenmarket. During the peak seasons you can find regional farmers selling their products like fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, award-winning farmstead cheeses, artisan breads, jams, pickles, lavender teas and countless gifts, a profusion of cut flowers and plants, wine, ciders, maple syrup and much more. Shop early because the vendors sometimes leave, once they have sold out their products.

Around this area you can also find all type of stores including the largest Barnes & Noble store if you are looking for books, toys, music and more. A cereal store at Kellogg’s NYC where you can mix your favorites breakfast cereals for just $2 – milk not included. Also, a delicious Jewish Chocolate Rugelach pastry at Breads Bakery and Dylan’s Candy Bar, home to the largest selection of candies and candy-related gifts from around the world. And if you are into sports, your to-go spot is Paragon Sports.

If you’re traveling during the Winter holiday season, and you want to take home some unique gifts, visit Union Square’s Holiday Market that happens through December 24^th. You’ll find local craftsmen and artists, open Monday to Friday from 11am – 8pm, Saturdays from 10am – 8pm and Sundays from 11am – 7pm.

*Restroom Spots: Around here you can find restrooms at Whole foods, Burlington, Best Buy, Starbucks, Barnes & Nobles, among others.

Astor Place & Washington Square

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists Cheap NYC Guide Washington Square Park — Photo Credit: Courtesy of Noel Y.C. (@NYCLovesNYC)

If you are starting to feel hungry, I recommend you walk downtown through Broadway and at 8^th Street, turn left (East) towards Astor Square until you hit St. Marks.

Here you will find delicious cheap Asian food including Japanese BBQ, Thai Food and Ramen. During this trajectory, you will find one of New York City’s most iconic pieces of public art—and heck, one of its most iconic landmarks, period—The Astor Place Cube. I dare you to push it to make it turn around!

Just a few block from this iconic landmark, you’ll find the theatre where Stomp has been performing for years. If you haven’t heard about them, it’s about time! Founded in the UK, back in 1991, today they are world famous, creating the most impressive percussion acts with unexpected objects and body parts!

Get ready to feel your bones shake!

After you are done, return to Broadway, walk to 4^th Street and turn right (West), walking all the way to Washington Square Park. The park is dominated by the Washington Square Arch at the Northern gateway and the fountain. It’s one of the city’s popular spots for residents and tourists and you might recognize it form the movie August Rush.

Once a cemetery, now is a parade ground, a gathering spot for avant-garde artists, a battleground for chess enthusiasts and a playground for canines and children.

*Restroom Spot: Available public restrooms in the park.

If you were not temped by St. Marks food options, check MacDougal Street, located at the Southwest corner of the park. This area is NYU’s Students favorite food spot and therefore, very affordable. If you are into Italian food, Artichoke Basille’s Pizza offers huge pizza slices for less than $5.

If you prefer Asian food, Saigon Shack has cheap Vietnamese food, but is a very popular spot so be prepared to wait. And if you prefer vegetarian food, try by Chloe.

SoHo & Chinatown

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists Cheap NYC Guide Chinatown — Photo Credit: Courtesy of Noel Y.C. (@NYCLovesNYC)

By now, I’ pretty sure you’re full and in the need another good walk. Walk back to 4^th Street towards (East) until you hit Broadway again and start walking downtown. After a few blocks, you will cross Houston Street and enter SoHo (a.k.a. South of Houston).

This area is known for its designer boutiques, fancy chain stores and high-end art galleries, making it a trendy top shopping destination. I invite you to walk around the smaller streets and explore their uniqueness and secret little businesses.

Once you have absorbed all SoHo’s vibes, walk back to Broadway until you hit Canal Street, where you will be officially in Chinatown.

There is just so much to see here, that if after the tips below, you’re still curious to explore more of the food scene, book your tickets for the Tenements Tales and Taste Tour! You’ll enjoy the story of the millions of immigrants and taste several delicious dishes like pretzels, dumplings, potato knishes, waffles, homemade cheeses and even beer, of the many groups that have lived there.

At Canal Street turn left (East) and start walking through it. You will encounter several NY gift shops which are perfect to get some cheap souvenirs back home. While you’re walking you will be approach by several Chinese people offering “handbags and watches”.

Just be aware for they are all fake and illegal!

Among the treats I recommend around Chinatown are Taiyaki NYC, where you can try their fish-shaped waffle ice cream and Chinatown Ice Cream Factory where you will find my two favorite flavors: black sesame and lychee ice cream.

If you like pastries, go to Taipan Bakery and try the delicious Coconut Bun for only $1.25, cash only. It is very popular, so hopefully you are lucky enough to get a warm one. And if you want to have an authentic Chinese meal, go to Great NY Noodletown on the corner of Bowery and Bayard Street. Remember that they’re cash only.

To find several food options in one place, there is a “hidden” food market called Canal Street Market. It’s located on the corner of Canal Street with Lafayette.

*Restroom Spot: The restaurant Great NY Noodletown has available restrooms as does Canal Street Market.

Little Italy

In the middle of Chinatown, at Mulberry Street with Canal Street facing North, you will find the entrance to Little Italy. This couple of streets welcomes a heavily touristy crowd to its high concentration of souvenir shops and traditional Italian eateries and bakeries.

Tenement buildings, once home to the immigrants who settled the area in the late 1800s, line the narrow streets. Mulberry Street, the main thoroughfare, turns into a pedestrian mall on summer weekends and each September they celebrate San Gennaro Festival.

One of the store that I love visiting every time I’m there is Mulberry & Grand, founded by Emily Guggino. There is always something new to tempt you into purchasing it! A lovely curated collection of inspired accessories.

By now, you have visit almost a third of the city, all the way from 59^th Street at Central Park down to Canal Street, in Chinatown. And, the good news is: it has only taken you two days. YAY! And, there is still so much more to see!

Did you enjoy the 1st and 2nd Cheap NYC guides with the top NYC attractions? If so, stay tuned for our 3^rd Route, where we’ll explore the West Side. Spots like the famous High Line, the delicious Chelsea Market, the Meatpacking District and one of the coolest neighborhoods in Manhattan, the West Village.

See soon!

Text Credit: Written by our contributor Magdalena Concha
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Noel. Y. C. (@NYCLovesNYC) and Union Square Greenmarket
*Last Update on March/2020.*

Original Buddha Bodai: My Favorite Restaurant in Chinatown

June 29, 2018

Fê Paronetto

Dining No Comments

If you’ve never been to the original Buddha Bodai, a Kosher Vegetarian restaurant, you should start planning for it! Located in the heart of Chinatown, this is literally one of my favorite restaurants in New York City!

Original Buddha Bodai Mott Street Most Popular Dishes

Original Buddha Bodai Mott Street Dim Sum Appetizers

Original Buddha Bodai Mott Street BBQ Meat

Original Buddha Bodai Mott Street Vegetarian Turkey

Original Buddha Bodai Mott Street Full Table

Original Buddha Bodai Mott Street Vegetarian Treats

Original Buddha Bodai Mott Street by Google Maps

Original-Buddha-Bodai-Mott-Street-Most-Popular-Dishes

Original-Buddha-Bodai-Mott-Street-Dim-Sum-Appetizers

Original-Buddha-Bodai-Mott-Street-BBQ-Meat

Original-Buddha-Bodai-Mott-Street-Vegetarian-Turkey

Original-Buddha-Bodai-Mott-Street-Full-Table

Original-Buddha-Bodai-Mott-Street-Vegetarian-Treats

Original-Buddha-Bodai-Mott-Street

I’m completely in love with the restaurant Buddha Bodai, in the heart of Chinatown, and could go there EVERY SINGLE DAY OF MY LIFE!

Truly! I’ve been to the original Buddha Bodai so many time and every time I go there, I love it more and more, and MORE!!

It’s a Chinese Kosher Vegetarian / Vegan and Buddhist Restaurant, but DON’T let these words haunt you! You will have one of the best experiences of your entire life! Hahaha! Yes, I really do l-o-v-e them! They are experts in serving the famous “imitation meat”!

They were founded back in 2004 and for only a couple of bucks, you’ll have a fabulous and delicious Chinese feast! Last time I was there with my friends that actually introduced me to this gem (last weekend, lol), we had a fully served table, and we only spent $12 each!!!!

We has the Dim Sum Menu – available every day till 4pm- and a few options from the normal menu.

How does ordering from the Dim Sum Menu work?

Well, you’ll get a paper menu with a huge list of options and you’ll just write, beside the dish, the quantity you want. If you order too much, no worries, just ask them to put the rest To-Go.

This is what we had from the Dim Sum Menu:

Bar-B-Q Vegetarian Meat – this is MY favorite dish on earth! If you’re a meat eater, you won’t believe this!
Vegetarian Shrimp Dumplings
Vegetarian Meat Buns
Shrimp Rice Roll
Fried Eggplant Stuffed with Vegetarian Meat
Spring Rolls
and Hot Tea, of course

And what we had from the Normal Menu:

General Tso Chicken – meat eaters also DIE for this one!
B.B.Q Meat Fried Rice

Yup, for only 12 bucks each + tip!

Oh! And they are a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) restaurant, so bring whatever makes you smile! If you forgot your bottle, ask anyone from the restaurant the way to the closest deli! They’ll know the way!

Meet the Chef

“Chef Dong has been delighting his patrons with exquisite vegetarian meals for over 45 years. He and his staff have created dishes and ensured that it reached the highest standards of quality and freshness.

His passion and desire to share the delicate flavors that he creates is a driving force that has kept his customers, old and new, coming back time and again.”

If you’re into vegetarian options, feel free to explore our Dining suggestions!

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11am – 9:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 9:30pm

Location: 5 Mott Street
Note! There are TWO Buddha Bodai in NYC, but the one we’re talking about is the original one on Mott Street!

www.buddha-bodai.com

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Buddha Bodai
Text Experts: Buddha Bodai website
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*

Fê Paronetto

Fê is our Founder & CEO! She’s Brazilian (Yup! Not a New Yorker!), but her indescribable passion and curiosity for NY makes her a New Yorker by heart. Fê worked in companies like Kimberly Clark, Quintessentially, Vogue Brazil and Iguatemi Group, and after 12 years of working for these fantastic companies, she decided to go solo and move to NYC!
She lives in Brooklyn since April of ’15 and has been tirelessly working on BTSNYC, working with huge companies on corporate projects, practicing her Arhatic Yoga meditations, finding time for gym and friends! Phiuf!

Cortland Alley, In Tribeca: An Alley That Dates Back To 1817

April 18, 2017

BTSNYC

City Secrets Curiosities No Comments

Cortland Alley dates back to 1817 and has had several lives. Today it is a walk through time, located at the tip of Tribeca in Manhattan.

Curiosities City Secrets Cortland Alley TriBeCa by Jason Homa — Photo Credit: Jason Homa

Cortland Alley is located on the West tip of Tribeca, almost bordering the neighborhood of Chinatown. Actually, some people may disagree, since Google Maps actually shows it’s in the last block on the East tip of Chinatown.

Well, regardless of this, the story today is different.

See what our friend, Jason Homa has to say about it’s history!

“It is one of the last true gritty alleys, particularly in an otherwise beautified Tribeca.

It feels like the New York City of the 1970’s or 1980’s. Loading docks falling apart, rusted metal shutters, a feeling of abandonment and graffiti best describe this three block stretch.

Tribeca is revered for its former warehouses turned residential and lofty living spaces.

Most of these buildings still feel like warehouses or manufacturing business that won’t give in.

But, that is certainly starting to change as evidenced by luxury developments like Six Cortland Alley, which does preserve the exterior of a building dating back to 1857.

I found the modern business person in an otherwise dank alley to be a sure sign of things to come.”

Take a look to see where exactly this alley is located!

In addition, if you search google, or even hashtags on Instagram, you’ll find out that may of the pictures taken by famous bloggers are in this Alley! So, be sure to pass by it to experience some time.

It’s definitely worth the time!

Lastly, if you are looking for a customized tours and experiences of the city or any other Borough, far away from touristy spots, contact our experts so they can tell a bit more about how they can help!

For Corporate tours and requests, we have worked with big groups of executives from the largest multinational companies across the globe. So, see what we can do for your team, or your clients.

Photo and Text Excerpts: Jason Homa
*Last Update on March/2020.*

Jenna Rice: 10 Great NYC Tips From A NYC Blogger

February 2, 2017

BTSNYC

Curiosities Insider Interviews No Comments

The NYC Blogger, Jenna Rice, from the Blond Well Traveled, shared with us a mix’n’match of 10 great NYC tips! From restaurants, hotels and bagel spots, to upstate trips, art galleries and beauty salons.

Jenna Rice was born and raised in Florida, and currently lives in New York City.

She told us: “I followed my heart around the globe and landed in New York City.” Definitely a great place to land, right?!

She launched her passion project: a travel and lifestyle blog called Blonde Well Traveled, in 2015. Plus, she’s visited over 15 countries and doesn’t stop counting.

Since she moved to the “City that Never Sleeps”, she’s been sharing a glimpse into her experiences both within the city and beyond. All this, in addition to working full time in Public Relations.

Such a busy bee!

Take a look at her 10 favorite NYC spots and in nearby towns:

Brooklyn Flea

“Brooklyn Flea is basically the cooler younger sister to Chelsea Market. There’s something for everyone, from vintage rings and designer bags to viney plants and eclectic home decor. Not to mention, they have some of the most popular food vendors from Smorgasburg minus the lines.”

We love Brooklyn! We’re Brooklyn-based and even though the Brooklyn Flea can get a bit touristy, we still love it!

In addition, you’ll find 75 vendors with everything from clothes and accessories, to furniture and jewelry, plus 25 food vendors with the most delicious dishes.

During the winter they have only one location and it happens during the weekends: Saturday + Sunday from 10am – 6pm – called Winter Flea + Smorgasburg.

Location: 1 Hanson Place, Fort Greene

http://brooklynflea.com

Mile High Run Club

“Mile High Run Club is probably my favorite place to break a sweat in the City. It’s essentially a treadmill class with dimmed lighting, bumpin’ music and strobe lights…with a coach cheering you on through a series of intervals and hills. I recommend Dash 28 because it finishes with strength training utilizing kettle bells and core exercises.”

Do you like “the burn”? I mean, REALLY like it? Well, if your immediate answer was “YES!”, then this is the place for you!

Mile High Run Club’s running program is uniquely designed to challenge your body and get the best results you’d ever imagine. Go to one of their 2 locations to try it out.

Plus, they offer indoor and outdoor classes, with amazing coaches! We’re sure it’ll become your newest addiction!

Locations:
28 East 4th Street, NoHo
24 West 25th Street, NoMad

www.milehighrunclub.com

Heyday

“Heyday is easily one of my best NYC finds. My skin went nuts when I moved to the City in the heart of winter from Florida, and this place introduced me to several natural products that I now swear by.”

The weather in NYC can be pretty crazy and will test your skin to the limit!

And, summer can be burning hot, hot, hot, while the winter can be pretty damn harsh where we feel our skin will rip with the cold.

Yeah, we know, it sounds terrible, right?

Well, we are IN NEW YORK CITY of obviously that helps make it easier to accept, LOL.

HeyDay is a great place to go if you’re looking for the perfect facial, with a good price, at the time that’ll suit you best. Carly Heitlinger also loves it!

Locations:
1130 Broadway, NoMad
92 Reade Street, Tribeca

www.heydayskincare.com

Harriman State Park

“For those who need a breather from the City, Harriman State Park is your sanctuary. It’s just a quick train ride from the city and much less crowded than some of the other hiking spots like Breakneck and Bear Mountain.”

Harriman State Park is located in Rockland and Orange Counties, Upstate NY – a little over 1h drive from Manhattan. The drive is actually a very quick and surely a gorgeous car ride up there.

They have almost 52,000 acres of mostly forested landscape and over 23miles of hiking trails.

So, what are you waiting for? Go grab (or rent here) a car, and have fun!

And, more about them:

“At 47,527 acres (192.33 km2), Harriman State Park is the second largest state park in New York. Located in Rockland and Orange counties 30 miles (48 km) north of New York City, it is a haven for hikers with over 200 miles (320 km) of hiking trails. The park is also known for its 31 lakes, multiple streams, public camping area, and great vistas.”

https://parks.ny.gov

The Jane Hotel

“The Jane is easily my favorite spot to go out in the City. It basically feels like you’re at a mansion party where your favorite songs are always playing and dancing on the furniture is encouraged. Every time I have a friend visiting, I take them there and they’re never disappointed.”

Yup! It’s one of our favorite spots too!

The Jane Hotel, is located in the West Village and is certainly a destination for the cool NYC crowd.

In addition, the hotel was launched in 1908 and has rooms that replicate luxury ship and train cabins. On the other hand, rooms are pretty small, but come on, “Who” comes to NYC to stay in the room, right!?

Location: 113 Jane Street, West Village

www.thejanenyc.com

Rockwood Music Hall

“For an intimate live music experience, hit up Rockwood Music Hall. A friend introduced me to this venue and it was everything I could’ve hoped for. While there are shows that require cover, there is a smaller room to the left of the main entrance that is free of charge.”

Rockwood Music Hall is known for having hosted performances of great artists like Lady Gaga, Gary Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and Mumford & Sons.

It’s one our favorite spots to have a cool night out and listen to some of the best emerging NYC bands and musicians.

Plus, musicians from other nationalities are a big hit too, like Aline Muniz and André Vasconcellos.

They have 3 stages, full bars for all tastes, drinks aren’t so pricey, like expected in Manhattan. We love it, and we are there quite a lot!

Location: 196 Allen Street, Lower East Side

www.rockwoodmusichall.com

Black Seed Bagels

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice Bagels Daniel Krieger — Photo Credit: Courtesy of Daniel Krieger

“After a night out, nothing compares to Black Seed Bagels. Option #11 always satisfies! Another favorite is Tompkins Square Bagels if you’re in the mood for trying out a new cream cheese flavor like birthday cake or one of their French toast bagels.”

Bagels! We just love Bagels!

And, New York’s bagels are said to be one of the best on this planet, since our water is so fantastically clean and tasty!

Black Seed Bagels is certainly one of the most famous in town. In addition, Tompkins Square Bagels’ are hand rolled, kettle boiled and baked over wood planks….yum!!!

Locations:

Black Seed Bagels:
170 Elizabeth Street, Nolita
200 Vesey Street, Battery Park City
176 First Street, East Village

www.blackseedbagels.com

Tompkins Square Bagels: 164 Avenue A.

www.tompkinssquarebagels.com

Original Buddha Bodai

Curiosities Insider Interviews Jenna Rice Buddha Bodai Kosher

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“Original Buddha Bodai is an incredible vegetarian spot in Chinatown. The food is delicious (you can’t even tell there’s no meat) and the atmosphere is so authentic. I highly recommend the sesame “chicken”.”

OMG! When our Founder, Fê Paronetto, went with a very good friend to Buddha Bodai, she became c-o-m-p-l-e-t-e-l-y addicted to it!

She’s vegetarian, but loves Vegan food too, and she couldn’t believe how amazingly tasty everything was!

The dumplings are to-die-for, but everything is remarkably good! But, it’s actually hard to know what exactly to order, so you might just have to go there multiple times to try it all.

Location: 5 Mott Street, Chinatown

www.buddha-bodai.com

Dia: Beacon

“Dia:Beacon is the perfect day trip for anyone craving a little artistic adventure, especially if you love installations! Be sure to purchase a round trip ticket with museum entrance included at Grand Central Station.”

Dia:Beacon is surely a highlight if you’re into Art.

Located only 1.5h from Manhattan, it’s a beautiful place to visit and the trip there, is pretty easy too. And, if you’re not sure how to get there, and would like help, contact our concierge experts.

In addition, if you need assistance for any corporate activity with your team or clients, let our experts cater to all your needs and make the experience memorable.

Location: 3 Beekman Street, Beacon

www.diaart.org/dia-beacon

Galleries in NYC

“One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is pop into galleries in the LES and Chelsea. It’s a great alternative to hitting up a crowded museum, plus they’re completely free to enjoy: David Zwirner, Paul Kasmin, and Richard Taittinger are a few of my go-tos.”

David Zwirner

David Zwirner is one of the top contemporary art galleries, with another location overseas, in Mayfair, London. They currently have 2 great exhibitions: “Yun Hyong-keun” up through February 18th and “Drawn Together”, up through February 18th.

“The David Zwirner gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of large-scale paintings by Yun Hyong-keun (1928-2007) from the mid-1970s through the 1980s. The exhibition includes an unprecedented selection of paintings in the artist’s unique style of monochromatic abstraction, several of which are shown here for the first time. The exhibition marks the largest solo presentation of Yun’s work in North America to date.” ~ Read more here.

“David Zwirner is pleased to present the gallery’s first exhibition of the collaborative work of Aline Kominsky-Crumb and R. Crumb. Both pioneers of underground and alternative comics, Kominsky-Crumb and Crumb have created a groundbreaking portrait of their shared lives and creative collaborations over the past four decades. In their ongoing “Aline & Bob” comics, the two artists have rendered their innermost thoughts, fears, and fantasies alongside the day-to-day realities of family life in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, each in their own distinctive style.” ~ Read more here.

Paul Kasmin Gallery

Paul Kasmin Gallery works and supports influential Modern and Contemporary artists. They are showcasing two exhibitions: NATURALIA” up through March 4th and “WILLIAM N. COPLEY: WOMEN”, up through March 25th.

“Paul Kasmin Gallery and Sotheby’s Old Masters Department will present their first collaborative exhibition, Naturalia, curated by Danny Moynihan. The show will be comprised of works spanning six centuries which share a fundamental focus on the examination of natural science and its myriad presentations in art.” ~ Read more here.

“COPLEY: WOMEN unites a selection of paintings that highlight the late artist’s preoccupation with the opposite sex, which he employed as an endless source for inventive figurative and narrative paintings that explored eroticism, sexual politics and the pursuit of pleasure. Originally defying painterly trends of the 1950s by making personal and narrative works, the self-taught artist developed a radical fusion of European Surrealist vernacular and a rogue, humorous American sensibility. Sex, eroticism and cultural critique were mainstays in Copley’s oeuvre of paintings that embraced idiosyncratic figuration, candy-colored palettes and Matisse-like decorative patterning.” ~ Read more here.

Richard Taittinger Gallery

Richard Taittinger Gallery works in Presenting works by contemporary artists with significant global recognition. Stop by their gallery, in the Lower East Side, to see their current exhibition: “The Wsanderers: Contemporary Painting From CLUJ”. It will be on through February 19th.

“For this exhibition, the curator has endeavored to make visible that, beyond the ascribed label of the Cluj School by way of international media, there is much more to be explored when considering this group of artists. Therefore, this multigenerational exhibition tracks a shared dialogue between masters and students in order to define certain Romanian traditions. Traditions, that has within the last decade, projected the painters of Cluj-Napoca, into the limelight, astounding the international art world.” ~ Read more here.

If you are an art lover, you’ll most certainly be fascinated by our art tours and experiences, so contact us. In addition, see how our corporate experiences related to art works.

Locations:
David Zwirner: 525 West 19th Street, Chelsea
www.davidzwirner.com

Paul Kasmin Gallery: 293 10th Avenue, Chelsea
www.paulkasmingallery.com

Richard Taittinger Gallery: 154 Ludlow Street, Lower East Side
http://richardtaittinger.com

Lastly, to wrap up this great interview and a beautiful selection of hot spots in New York, we asked Jenna:

What does NYC mean to you?

“I could honestly answer this question so many ways, but I think NYC means being able to wake up each morning with every possibility in the world at your feet.

There is always something to do, someone to meet, something to see. To me, personally, it means perseverance. The people who live here are tough. For the most part, we all struggled in some way to get here, and continue to struggle now that we’re here. But somehow, it’s all worth it.

There’s no place in the world that can offer up this kind of experience to a person.”

Thank you Jenna for being part of our Insider Interviews and sharing these 10 great NYC tips.

Plus, don’t forget to check out her blog named the Blond Well Traveled.

Credits (Text and Photos): Courtesy of Wikipedia (Harriman State Park), Mwanner, Daniel Krieger, Jenna Rice and all the venues
*Last Update on March/2020.*

A Wellness And Trendy Lifestyle In NYC For A Top Fitness Blogger

September 23, 2016

BTSNYC

Fitness & Health 1 Comment

We gave a few health, fitness & beauty tips for a trendy lifestyle in NYC exclusively for the Brazilian fitness blogger, Gabriela Pugliesi. Plus, one of the top New York City rooftop to visit!

New York City has endless options for all the fitness addicts and enthusiasts. Today we want to share with you some of the spots for wellness and trendy lifestyle in NYC.

So, we’ve listed a few of our options that have been on the top of our list!

Class with TT

The newest NYC fitness obsession is called Class with TT. The modality was created by Taryn Toomey. After working with companies like Dior and Ralph Lauren, Taryn decided to work with her passion for music, body work and movement.

This is a 75-minute body & mind experiment that works all body muscles from the bottom up. In addition, there are no elastics, supports, equipment, nothing. It’s just you and your body! It is definitely a fantastic addiction!

So, when you’re in New York, be sure to schedule your class. If you live here, what are you waiting for? This is part of the ultimate trendy lifestyle in NYC.

Location: Several different studios, so check online.

https://theclass.com

Gallow Green

And, here it is again! We love this place! Located on rooftop of famous The McKittrick Hotel, in Chelsea, Gallow Green is definitely one of the NYC highlights.

The spot was considered one of the Top 10 Rooftop Bars & Restaurants to visit in NYC and it’s perfect for brunch with friends! The menu is small, so it’s not a place for lunch or dinner, but it offers delicious salads, salmon, prawns, some quiches.

But, the best part is the experience of feeling on top of the world with an incredible skyline and a perfect view of the city! Plus, the McKittrick hotel houses one of the most amazing theatrical productions today called Sleep No More.

Location: 542 West 27th Street

www.mckittrickhotel.com/gallow-green

Dimes

Now, this is also amazing. Many people have no idea of the countless delis around the city that are focused only in extremely healthy ingredients.

Chinatown can be super cool, too! Dimes is definitely one of the healthiest restaurants in NY that you will never hear about. Or not! The restaurant goes against the media frenzy on search of fame!

As the New York Times has described: “The hippest healthy restaurant you’ve ever heard of.”

The restaurant opened in September of 2013 and is so tiny that it’s compared to a shoe box. It offers a super healthy menu with influences from cuisines from around the world.

The duo behind it is Sabrina De Sousa and Alissa Wagner. In addition, some of the ingredients they use in the dishes are: black sesame, coconut, oat flakes, yogurt, vegetables and fruits.

And, don’t forget to try the juices. They are inspired by a Patagonian juice bar!

Plus, you will go crazy inside their deli wanting to buy everything!

Location: 49 Canal Street (restaurant) | 143 Division Street (deli)

http://dimesnyc.com

Bottega Organica

Bottega Organica was born from a peculiar conversation between a geneticist and three owners from an Italian, organic and sustainable restaurant named Quartino, in downtown Manhattan.

With a full line of beauty products, everything is created from scientifically proven botanical formulas (100% pure) to keep skin looking young. This happens by prolonging the youthful state of our cells.

Furthermore, the formulas are based on extracts of plants and extra virgin olive oil that are produced at a farm in Liguria, Italy. Most products are focused on anti-aging, of course.

They offer products for the face, body, hair and lips. Plus, a line of teas, olives and olive oil that also have anti-aging properties.

Note: “A minimum of 10% of all profits from Bottega Organica sales will be donated to organizations dedicated to cancer cure and prevention.” A super cool initiative!

Location: 11 Bleecker Street

www.bottegaorganica.com

Photo Credits: Courtesy of venues and Red Thread Good Coffee
*Last Update on March/2020.*

Dora Marra: A Time Machine Back To The 1920’s And 30’s

July 27, 2016

BTSNYC

Ladies Shop No Comments

Get your costume with Dora Marra and enter a time machine back to the 1920’s and 30’s! Experience the Jazz Age Lawn Party and feel the nostalgia.

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Yes!!! We are so glad that the 2nd Jazz Age Lawn Party of the year is finally almost here! And, we decided to share with you a place to get your costume ready: Dora Marra!

On August 13th and 14th, at Governos Island, you’ll be able to “discover and experience one of the most colorful and formative epochs in American history.”

What to expect? Amazing music, dances, great food & drinks and performances.

As a result, guests dress up with very creative clothes and props. It definitely gives you a nostalgic feeling of experiencing the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Not sure where to buy your hair accessories?! Well, we’ve got the p-e-r-f-e-c-t place.

Dora Marra is the responsible for the most exclusive and beautiful hair accessories in town. She dresses the coolest folks that always attend the event, so she’s the one you should go to if you’re attending the Jazz Age Lawn Party.

Her pieces are all hand made, plus she has the style and budget for everyone! So, don’t worry. You’ll find the perfect piece to match your style.

Dora works with fascinators, hair accessories, masks, crowns, bridal, halloween, flower pieces and 1920’s head wraps.

You’ll be able to find her every weekend at the street fair in Chinatown or take a look at her Etsy Store. For further information be sure to check her website. You’ll definitely fall in love with her work.

Take a look at 30 vintage and thrift shops, where you might be able to find the right attire to wear for the party.

www.doramarra.etsy.com
http://jazzagelawnparty.com

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dora Marra and Jazz Age Lawn Party
*Last Update on March/2020.*

David Yarus Shares 5 NY Spots You’ve Never Been To

May 10, 2016

BTSNYC

Curiosities Insider Interviews No Comments

David Yarus, the Founder of JSwipe, shares with us 5 NY spots that you’ve probably never been to! They are all surely worth the visit, so check them out!

This week our Contributor Arielle Crane, interviewed David Yarus, the Founder of JSwipe, the largest and Jewish dating app with over 700,000 users across the world.

He’s also the Founder of Mllnnl, a millennial marketing agency that helps brands and nonprofits understand and engage this audience.

Take a look at his Top 5 NY spots:

St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club

Curiosities Insider Interviews David Yarus St Mazie Bar Wiliamsburg Entrance

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“St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club is my current and absolute favorite spot in all of NY. The best live music, every night, good food, and a cozy atmosphere. Take a date or take some friends and sit back, relax, and enjoy!”

St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club is a great place if you enjoy live music, oysters (yum!) and cocktails.

It’s a great place for brunch over the weekends. And yes, they do have some of the best live music, with amazing jazz bands. It gets quite crowded, so be sure to go early and get your table!

Location: 345 Grand Street, Williamsburg

www.stmazie.com

Apothéke

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“Probably my first favorite spot in NY and one of the classics, Apothéke always has great drinks and amazing ambiance. Top notch live music as well, but make sure you get there early if you want some quality couch space.”

This is one of the top speakeasies bars in town and it’s hidden behind a door in a silent street.

They have great live music a few times a week, with a very cool crowd and beautiful energy. The bar is amazing and replicated a old chemistry lab.

If you enjoy speakeasies, take a look at these other 9 secret speakeasies to uncover whenever you’re in NYC.

Location: 9 Doyers Street, Chinatown

www.apothekenyc.com

Boat Basin Café

Curiosities Insider Interviews David Yarus Boat Basin Cafe by Drunken Photographer — Photo Credit: Courtesy of Drunken Photographer

“Along the river in the Upper West Side (UWS), Boat Basin Café is a perfect summer hang, in the evening or during the day. They have a restaurant along the river, with sunset views and access to Riverside park for a post-drink stroll.”

Before starting to work with Real Estate, Christine O’Neal was into the restaurant business and opened Boat Basin Café.

It’s a very casual outdoor restaurant, perfect for the Spring and Summer time in New York City.

Location: West 79th Street on the Hudson River, Upper West Side

www.boatbasincafe.com

Wild Williamsburg

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“Wild Williamsburg is just perfect. The food is delicious, the vibe is on point, and there is always an amazing crowd having fun in the back! Also happens to be veggie-focused and gluten free!”

Miki Agrawal decided to open in 2006, Wild Williamsburg, because he was tired of suffering with stomach pains due to his intolerance for additives and hormones used on food.

The pizzas are organic, with gluten-free flours and tomato sauces, hormone-free cheeses and meats!

Location: 340 Bedford Avenue and 535 Hudson Street, Williamsburg

http://eatdrinkwild.com

Bushwick Inlet Soccer Park

“Bushwick Inlet Soccer Park is a public park, in Williamsburg along the water. It’s the home to a top secret island that only surfaces during low-tide. One time, years back, we snuck in at night and painted the concrete beams that make up the island different neon colors. It became a staple hang spot for my friends and I — and definitely a great place to relax or take a date!”

So, this is for the guys!

Sometimes it can be pretty hard to find outdoor space in New York for a games with friends.

Girls, go there support your loved one!

Location: Between North 9th and North 10th Streets along Kent Avenue, Williamsburg

www.bushwickinletpark.org

Thank You, David Yarus, for sharing these fantastic places! Plus, they are also great to meet people, if you’re single! I mean, the Founder of JSwipe would know better, right?

Photo Credits: Courtesy of the Venues, Mary Hautman and The Drunken Photographer
*Last Update on March/2020.*

9 Best Speakeasies In New York City

November 24, 2015

BTSNYC

Nightlife & Bars No Comments

We contribute with New York content for Glamour Brazil. This post was about 9 best speakeasies in New York City that are secret spots!

Here is the Portuguese version and below, the English version:

In the US, Prohibition Era happened between the years of 1920 through 1933. During these years, the American Constitution banned the sale and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the entire country! It did not take long for the black market liquor traffic to appear and quickly grow.

One of the most famous traffickers this time was the famous Al Capone! Consequently, bars hidden deep inside restaurants or in the basements of bakeries, spread across the country. These places were called “Speakeasy” and served illegal alcohol for customers!

In New York there are still several speakeasies around the city, but obviously today are all legal. Anyway, it’s always a thrill to go into one of these bars, as they remain hidden behind small doors or in secret rooms, in the most unlikely places!

We reveal 9 best speakeasies in New York City at some of the most sought after addresses:

55 Bar

Located in the Greenwich Village, 55 Bar has wonderful jazz concerts, funk and blues nights, seven days a week!

It is one of the bars with the best vibe, incredible music, a more intimate place, where bands interact with the public, which in turn is laid back, the decor is super cool … and the best: zero tourists!

Surely a perfect place for those who want to feel like a real New Yorker!

Take a look at their website to see what is their upcoming events and bands playing. If you live in New York, be sure go to there too!

Location: 55 Christopher Street

www.55bar.com

Please Don’t Tell

After entering a small hot dog restaurant called Crif Dog, in the East Village, you will see an old phone booth to your left. This cabin is actually the entrance to the speakeasy called Please Don’t Tell (great name, by the way!).

As you pick up the phone, you inform the hostess the number of people with you and she will open the door!

No doubt it will be a grand entrance! The place is gorgeous, with a full bar and it can get pretty packed!

Nonetheless, you will have a great time!

Location: 113 Saint Marks Place

http://pdtnyc.com

Apothéke

Inside an old opium den located in the famous, hidden Doyers Street, in the heart of Chinatown, an Austrian named Albert Trummer, founded Apothéke.

Now, imagine a place where a mad scientist meets a mixologist in a place full of opium! It is strange!

This speakeasy is one of the most stylish in the city, with a bar offering more than 250 drinks and 500 bottles of liquor brought in from different parts of the world.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays they have live music, but the coolest day is Wednesday with the house’s jazz band! Bewere of their dress code after 9pm – Elegant Sophisticated Attire – and you should be fine!

Location: 9 Doyers Street #1

www.apothekenyc.com

Bathtub Gin

Hidden deep in a cafe in Chelsea, Bathtub Gin has a very good menu and an interesting beverage menu with elaborate cocktails!

The name of the bar is in homage to the homemade Gin, who during the years of Prohibition in the United States, was very popular. Bathtub Gin portrays the poor quality of the drink that was available during that time in the country.

The suggestion is to try to make a reservation to ensure that you’ll be able to get it, since it can be tough at the door. You can still be lucky enough to attend one of the burlesque shows that take place at night!

Location: 132 Ninth Avenue

www.bathtubginnyc.com

Here are a few more of the best speakeasies in New York City:

– The Raines Law Room at Flatiron District – www.raineslawroom.com
– Employees Only in the West Village – www.employeesonlynyc.com
– Death & Company in the Lower East Side – www.deathandcompany.com
– The Richardson in Williamsburg, Brooklyn – www.therichardsonnyc.com
– Hotel Delmano in Williamsburg, Brooklyn – www.hoteldelmano.com

If you are looking to organize a unique company gathering for your team, we are sure our team of experts behind our Concierge Services will do a fantastic job.

But, if your in town with friends, family, or if you live here, but don’t have time to organize a dinner, your birthday, a small event, let us help you out!

Photo Credits: Courtesy of venues and Max R. Sequeira Photography, Smoke & Oakum’s Gunpowder Rum and The Creamynals

It’s a well-known fact that New Yorkers love exploring rooftops during the warmer months of the year – actually, all year long, lol! Now, with social distancing, they are great options to enjoy some time outside! So, check out some of the best NYC rooftop bars!

#1 Cantina Rooftop [Hell’s Kitchen]

#2 The Greens at Pier 17 [South Seaport]

#3 74WYTHE [Williamsburg, Brooklyn]

#4 Ophelia at the Beekman Tower [Midtown East]

#5 Mr. Purple [Lower East Side]

#6 The Crown [Chinatown]

#7 Top of The Box [Greenpoint, Brooklyn]

#8 Summerly [Williamsburg, Brooklyn]

#9 Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge [Garment District]

In Conclusion:

Chinatown, in downtown New York, is the home of a new pop-up exhibit! The Forgotten East​ is a mystic pop-up adventure that will take you through a journey back to ancient China.

Now that you’ve refreshed your mind, let me get into the exhibition!

1st room: The Mountain

2nd Room: The Cave

3rd Room: The Desert

4th Room: The Market

Our 2nd cheap NYC guide features 30 top attractions that you must-see! Touristy or not, these are some the classics spots and neighborhoods that have changed New York’s history. Come uncover New York with us!

Second Route: Lower Manhattan

Union Square

Astor Place & Washington Square

Get ready to feel your bones shake!

SoHo & Chinatown

Just be aware for they are all fake and illegal!

Little Italy

If you’ve never been to the original Buddha Bodai, a Kosher Vegetarian restaurant, you should start planning for it! Located in the heart of Chinatown, this is literally one of my favorite restaurants in New York City!

How does ordering from the Dim Sum Menu work?

Meet the Chef

Cortland Alley dates back to 1817 and has had several lives. Today it is a walk through time, located at the tip of Tribeca in Manhattan.

Take a look to see where exactly this alley is located!

The NYC Blogger, Jenna Rice, from the Blond Well Traveled, shared with us a mix’n’match of 10 great NYC tips! From restaurants, hotels and bagel spots, to upstate trips, art galleries and beauty salons.

Brooklyn Flea

Mile High Run Club

Heyday

Harriman State Park

The Jane Hotel

Rockwood Music Hall

Black Seed Bagels

Original Buddha Bodai

Dia: Beacon

Galleries in NYC

David Zwirner

Paul Kasmin Gallery

Richard Taittinger Gallery

Lastly, to wrap up this great interview and a beautiful selection of hot spots in New York, we asked Jenna:

We gave a few health, fitness & beauty tips for a trendy lifestyle in NYC exclusively for the Brazilian fitness blogger, Gabriela Pugliesi. Plus, one of the top New York City rooftop to visit!

Class with TT

Gallow Green

Dimes

Bottega Organica

Get your costume with Dora Marra and enter a time machine back to the 1920’s and 30’s! Experience the Jazz Age Lawn Party and feel the nostalgia.

David Yarus, the Founder of JSwipe, shares with us 5 NY spots that you’ve probably never been to! They are all surely worth the visit, so check them out!

St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club

Apothéke

Boat Basin Café

Wild Williamsburg

Bushwick Inlet Soccer Park

We contribute with New York content for Glamour Brazil. This post was about 9 best speakeasies in New York City that are secret spots!

55 Bar

Please Don’t Tell

Apothéke

Bathtub Gin

Here are a few more of the best speakeasies in New York City:

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Chinatown, in downtown New York, is the home of a new pop-up exhibit! The Forgotten East is a mystic pop-up adventure that will take you through a journey back to ancient China.

1^st room: The Mountain

2^nd Room: The Cave

3^rd Room: The Desert

4^th Room: The Market

Our 2^nd cheap NYC guide features 30 top attractions that you must-see! Touristy or not, these are some the classics spots and neighborhoods that have changed New York’s history. Come uncover New York with us!