Tag Archives: Union Square

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.*

1st Cheap NYC Guide: 40+ Top Attractions

December 5, 2018

BTSNYC

Our 1st cheap NYC guide features 40+ top attractions that you must-see! Touristy or not, these are the classics spots that have changed New York’s history. Come explore New York with us!

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists Cheap NYC Guide Central Park The Lake San Remo — The Lake and The San Remo towers at Central Park © Behind the Scenes NYC

I have been living in NYC for more than two years now and considering that I always have friends and family visiting me, I’ve created my own touristic route to take them through the most iconic highlights of the city.

They are entertaining, fun and best of all, CHEAP routes that I want to share with you.

First Route: From Central Park down to Union Square

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.

I recommend you start with this route, since it’ll give you a broad view of the city and Midtown. The first day is always the most intense day of all. Or, at least it’s what I tell my friends to give them the illusion they won’t walk “that much” for the rest of the trip. By the way it’s a total lie. Hahaha!

Central Park & Plaza Hotel

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists Cheap NYC Guide Central Park The Pond — The Pond at Central Park © Behind the Scenes NYC

This route starts at Central Park, on the corner of 5^th Ave and 59^th Street. Here you can access one of the most iconic areas of Central Park featured in several movies like Home Alone 2 or Enchanted. You will see the amazing contrast between nature and the city, giving you incredible pictures at The Pond and the famous Gapstow Bridge. If you’re lucky, you can even take a picture of the most famous bachelor of NYC today: the gorgeous Mandarin Duck who is living at The Pond! Also, close to this area you can walk around the Hallett Nature Sanctuary (be aware of the Raccoons that lives in a tree there), skate at the Wollmann Rink Ice and visit the Central Park Zoo.

For those that have more time to spend around Central Park, walk up to The Lake, to cross another famous bridge – Bow Bridge. Be sure to snap a picture with The San Remo towers at the back! You might also want to get a row boat at The Loeb Boathouse.

Now, if you are in a hurry, just walk around and keep going down 5^th Avenue, heading South (downtown direction). How do you know you’re heading South if you’re in the middle of the 5^th Avenue? Cars are moving South too, so just follow the flow!

*Restroom Spot: go inside the beautiful Plaza Hotel and down to the food court located at -1 level. They have restrooms you can use at the end of the left alley.

5^th Avenue, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral & Rockefeller Center

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists Cheap NYC Guide Top of the Rock — Top of the Rock © Behind the Scenes NYC

Between 59^th Street and 42^nd Street, when you walk through 5^thAvenue, you’ll find the biggest and most fashionable stores in NYC. Be sure to check the 4^th floor of Victoria Secret’s store, where you can see a small exhibit of the costumes used at their world-famous shows. Walk into the Neo-Gothic Saint Patrick’s Cathedral dating back to 187 and, of course, the Rockefeller Center. If by this time you are getting a little hungry, pass by the Lindt Chocolate, on 5^th Avenue store where they will always welcome you with a delicious chocolate truffle. And La Maison du Chocolate at the on 49^th also offers tastings. Yum!

If you are coming to New York for the Christmas holiday season, don’t forget to take pictures of the Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller and enjoy the Saks’ light show every night starting at 5pm to 11pm. It happens every 10 minutes. These shows gets really crowed, so try to come early to see it all. If you have time and have to pick one of the buildings to walk up – Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, go up the latter. It will give you the best 360º view of downtown, stretching to our Lady Liberty, and also Central Park. Plus, lines are much shorter compared to the Empire State.

Bryant Park & Food

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists Cheap NYC Guide Bryant Park — Bryant Park © Behind the Scenes NYC

By the time you hit 42^nd Street and 5^th Avenue, I can guarantee you’ll be quite hungry. What I usually do is turn right at 42^nd Street and walk to 6^th Avenue to grab some food inside Whole Foods. They have a delicious food buffet with tons of vegetarian, vegan and organic food, if you enjoy, besides other options too. And, the best part is that they have a sitting area, where you can eat and admire Bryant Park. If the weather allows, I recommend you enjoy your lunch at Bryant Park, where they have several tables and chairs available. It might be a bit hard to find a spot during the warmer months though…

Now, during the winter season, you can also visit Winter Wonderland Village at the park that offers over 150 stores, surrounding the Ice Skating Rink. Skating and lockers are free if you own your skates and have a padlock, but you will have to pay if you need to rent skates, want to check bags, or need to buy a lock for your locker. By the way, this is the cheapest place to skate in the city, if you want to experience it.

*Restroom Spot: the Le Pain Quotidien, by Bryant Park is an easy spot to.

New York Public Library

When you’re done, head back to 5^th Avenue and visit the New York Public Library (NYPL). They offer free guided tours at 11a and 2pm, Monday through Saturdays, and at 2pm on Sundays. Tours are available on a first come basis and are limited to 25 people, so try to be there early. It’s definitely a place to spend some time in and, of course, don’t forget to pass by the famous reading room.

It was renovated a while back and is stunning. Do remember be absolutely silent in there! Oh! The Public Library was featured in the Sex and the City movie, when Big left Carrie practically at the alter, remember?

*Restroom Spot: the Public Library has several restrooms in almost every floor.

Grand Central Terminal & Its Secrets

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists Cheap NYC Guide Grande Central Terminal — Grand Central Terminal © Behind the Scenes NYC

The next stop is Grand Central Terminal. To get there, just walk two blocks East on 42^nd Street and you’ll find it. Atop the Grand Central Terminal is the world’s largest Tiffany Clock and the iron eagles. The best shots from the outside is on the corner of at 42^nd Street and Park Avenue. When you walk inside the terminal, look for the Main Concourse where another Tiffany Clock is located right at the middle.

Take time to look straight up and admire the massive painting of the constellations on the ceiling and try to find a small, dark patch of brick next to Cancer, the crab. This brick reveals what the terminal’s ceiling looked like before it was cleaned during the restoration project in 1998. Yup, this place was the former home of homeless people and was even dangerous to walk in. Can you imagine?

Nestled between the Main Concourse and the Vanderbilt Hall is an acoustical architectural anomaly called Whispering Gallery. Here, sound is thrown clear across the 2,000-square-foot chamber, “telegraphing” across the surface of the vault and landing in faraway corners. Feel free to try it out!

*Restroom Spot: Grand Central Terminal also has restrooms located at the food court, on the -1 level.

Again, walk back to 5th Avenue and keep walking downtown. Between 33^rd and 34^th Streets you will spot the Empire State Building. To get the perfect picture of the building, I recommend to walk to 28^th St x 5^th Avenue. In addition, close by at 32^nd Street, you will hit Koreatown. There are great places offering delicious food like Jongro BBQ, karaoke spots and countless beauty stores.

Flatiron District & Food

When you arrive at 26^th Street, you’ll walk into the Flatiron District by Madison Square Park. Here, for the best picture of the complete Flatiron Building, go to the intersection of 5^th Avenue and Broadway – right in front of the sculpture placed in the middle. It’s the General William Jenkins Worth Monument.

Walk into Eataly to visit! It’s the most famous Italian market in the city that offers several restaurants and all sort of food to buy. Its deliciously beautiful. If you’re not hungry, you can just order some appetizers and a glass of wine at an area with bar tables. There aren’t even stools there, since people are in an out pretty quickly.

* Restroom Spot: Eataly has restrooms next to the fresh pasta section.

On the other hand, if you are hungry already but don’t want to spend tons of money, try a traditional NYC hamburger at Shake Shack, located in the middle of Madison Square Park. They have vegetarian options that are pretty good too!

Down Through Broadway & Union Square

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists Cheap NYC Guide Union Square — Union Square © Behind the Scenes NYC

Once again, keep walking downtown, but this time let’s change and take Broadway instead of 5^th Avenue. Broadway is the only avenue that crosses the entire city from West to East. By the time you hit 17^th Street, you will be close to our final destination for the day: Union Square!

Here you can enjoy a year-round Farmer Market every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, between 8am – 6pm. If you do intend in going there to shop, head there early morning, since vendors sometimes leave, once they have sold out).

Around this area you can find several stores and lots of restrooms: Whole foods, Burlington, Best Buy and Starbucks to name a few. If you are traveling on a budget, but still want to buy clothing and shoes, I recommend you go to Burlington and DWS located in 14^th Street. They have great deals with amazing brands.

To finish the day with another food spot for a quick bite, try Maoz Vegetarian, serving Middle Eastern vegetarian food, with some of the best falafels in town!

So, our 1st Route has come to an end. And, believe or not, you have walked around 13km, or 8miles. Not bad for your first day, right!?

If you enjoyed the 1st cheap NYC guide featuring 40+ top attractions in the city, stay tuned for next week! I will share my 2nd Cheap NYC Guide starting at Union Square and ending at Chinatown. Oh, and take a look at 10 Top Secrets about New York too!

See you then!

Text Credit: Written by our contributor Magdalena S. Concha
*Last Update on March/2020.*

36 Brazilian Restaurants in New York That You Have To Try

September 25, 2018

BTSNYC

Dining Our Bucket Lists No Comments

The New York food scenes is certainly overwhelming and you can eat practically anything you crave. We decided to immerse ourselves in the Brazilian culinary world and put together a beautiful list of 36 Brazilian restaurants in New York!

Yes, New York has it all when it comes to food and culinary experiences! And, it’s quite tough to know which restaurant to go next, since options are endless.

Since our Founder, Fê, is Brazilian, we decided to dedicate this post list all the best Brazilian restaurants in New York and a few other food businesses! And, of course, to all of our beautiful Brazilian readers!!!

We listed below 36 of the best spots to have Brazilian food and treats, spread throughout the boroughs of: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. This list was done with the help of Yum City, NY.

So, if you enjoy the Brazilian culture, food, music and lifestyle & vibe, take a look below to pick where you’re going to explore next! It’s also a fantastic list if you want to know where to eat in New York on a budget!

Have fun in your immersion into the Brazilian culinary world!

In Manhattan:

Manhattan is the home of some of the best Brazilian spots. From restaurants in energetic neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, to bakeries, specialty stores and all you can eat upscale restaurants.

But, if you’re in New York on a budget, don’t worry, we have a great variety of places for everyone!

#1 Berimbau do Brasil

We love Berimbau do Brazil and we’ve written about them before. So, let’s refresh your memory and you can see a YouTube video at Berimbau we shot with Mario, the owner!

Berimbau do Brasil has been one of the small and trendy Brazilian spots in the Greenwich Village, since 2009. The restaurant is named after a very popular Brazilian instrument called “berimbau”, that has African roots and is used in the capoeira martial arts dance.

The restaurant is small, cozy, with a rustic décor, and great service (as most Brazilian spots have), plus, the food is truly fantastic. It’s loved not only by the meat eaters, but also vegetarians. Portions are very generous, so feel free to share different dishes and try a bit of it all.

What to try? The acarajé, Pão de Queijo (cheese bread) and pastel (a type of Brazilian empanada), as appetizers. For the mains, we love the picadinho carioca, bobó de camarão, the famous feijoada and the moqueca à Baiana. Dessert? The brigadeiro, of course – a chocolate truffle sweet loved by all Brazilians.

Location: 43 Carmine Street

www.berimbaunyc.com

#2 Tap NYC

Tap NYC opened not too long ago, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and has been attracting clients from all over the city, as well as visitors. With delicious variations of the famous tapioca – a starch extracted from cassava root, originally from the Northeastern part of Brazil – it’s become a to-go spot.

As they explain: “Tapioca is gluten-free, sodium-free, fat-free, and cholesterol free, with no added preservatives!” Sounds perfect, right?

The place is great, décor is bright and spacious!

Tapioca options vary from countless savory ones, to sweet ones. Plus, they still offer, salads, Brazilian bites, açai bowls, matcha drinks, juices, smoothies, teas. And, of course, great coffee like every true Brazilian loves.

Location: 267 Columbus Avenue

www.tapnyc.com

#3 Padoca Bakery

When you walk inside Padoca Bakery, a traditional Brazilian bakery, you are immediately absorbed by an incredibly irresistible smell of fresh baked goods!

Located in the Upper East Side, the place has great natural lighting, that is certainly a highlight. Their menu is fantastic for a quick breakfast, to a filling and healthy lunch. They have fresh pastries done in-house, savory ones too, cookies, brownies and açai bowls. Coffee is very good too!

In addition they also offer catering services and whole cakes for special celebrations, also freshly baked! We love the bolo de coco that is a very fluffy and moist coconut cake! Yum!

To read more about them, check out this post we’ve done!

Location: 359 East 68th Street

http://padocabakery.com

#4 Fogo de Chão

Ah! This is for the big carnivores out there! Fogo de Chão is one of the most famous and respected churrascarias in Brazil.

They’ve also gained international recognition “exporting” a great team of Brazilian meat experts to run the overseas locations. It is said that only their Brazilian team touches and cuts the meat since there is a special way to accentuate its flavor by doing so.

The side dishes are also to die for, from the arroz caipira (a type of rice), to the fantastic salad table with everything you can ever imagine eating.

The meat is served in a “rodizio” style, that means that you pay a fix price and eat as much as you’d like.

Waiters pass by the table with different meat options and you can choose the ones you’d like to try, or reorder more of the same. After you’re satisfied, you just signal you’re done by flipping a paper coin (one side is green meaning you want to be served / the other is red that means you’re done).

Location: 40 West 53rd Street

https://fogodechao.com

#5 Casa Restaurant

We love places that are able to host only a very small number of guests at a time. The intimate space definitely makes it an amazing experience.

Casa Restaurant, located in the West Village, is one of these great spots. With a very traditional Brazilian menu, they offer some of the best Brazilian comfort-food selection.

As appetizers, our top picks are the: pão de queijo, pastéis (or empanadas) and mandioca frita (yucca sticks).

A great dish to start from, if you’ve never tried Brazilian food, is the well-known Feijoada – black bean stew with prime meats served with white rice, fresh oranges, collard greens, farofa and vinaigrette sauce.

Their sandwiches, also very typical, are fantastic. Which ones to pick? Try starting with the bauru de carne made with pita bread, steak, melted cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.

Now, if you enjoy a good cocktail, the traditional caipirinha (cachaça, sugar and lime) is always our cocktail choice.

Location: 72 Bedford Street

www.casarestaurant.com

#6 Empórium Brasil

Located in the heart of Manhattan, Empórium Brasil’s food has been compared, by Brazilians, to their mom’s or grandma’s food. Always a good nostalgic feeling, for sure!

They are known for having a great service and very friendly staff. Definitely a plus, right?!

As always, never skip ordering the appetizers. They are very unique and delicious.

One of their top signature dishes are the short ribs, but we particularly love the famous camarão na moranga. This is a quite unique dish made from fresh acorn squash stuffed with shrimp, hearts of palm and catupiry cheese. Yes, this is one of the top Brazilian dishes that is considered a “national passion”! Very, very flavorful.

The vatapá is also a great pick. It’s a typical dish from Bahia, a state in the Northeastern part of the country. It’s basically made with purée of bread crumbs and smoked shrimp with peanuts and cashews flavored with coconut milk and palm oil.

Their menu is very diverse, with everything from grilled steak and poultry, to seafood and pastas, but you can’t really go wrong.

Location: 15 West 46th Street

http://emporiumbrasil.com

#7 Oca

UNFORTUNATELY THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED!

We love Tapioca! Why? As Oca, located in the neighborhood of NoLita, says: it’s gluten, dairy, GMO, preservatives, fat, sugar, cholesterol and guilt FREE!

All the ingredients used at Oca organic and very fresh, purchased from local farmers. Hence, many ingredients are seasonal, but that just makes it more exciting.

Besides the tapioca crepes, they have appetizers like the famous pão de queijo, a few different salads, a few wraps, the to-die-for açai bowls and some tasty desserts. Plus, they offer not only Vegetarian option, but Vegan ones too!

To drink, their cashew nut shakes are delicious and we like the avocado one, or apple + cinnamon. Like every good Brazilian, coffee is a biggy. They have a good variation. The Hot Vegan Nocciolata is an interesting pick!

Location: Their Mott Street store is closed. Stay tuned for updates on their new secret location, still to come.

#8 Cafe Patoro

This café, located step from the Brooklyn Bridge, in the East part of the Financial District, also known as South Seaport, is a great upscale option to go for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack.

The place is well-known for the love for the famous Pão de Queijo (PDQ). They explain what it is: “PDQ is a small gluten-free cheese-bread roll. Featuring a perfect balance of crispy outside and chewy inside, PDQs are the most delectable when hot, right out of the oven.” It’s actually hard to explain, so I guess you’ll have to get one and try!

They offer a few variations of the mini PDQ sandwiches, something that is not so easy to find in New York City. This is surely one of the specialties you must try.

For the bigger bites, try the empanadas, the Brazilian grilled cheese and the corn bread.

Talking about sweets, we are fans of the brigadeiro cake – a variation made from the famous brigadeiro, a type of chocolate truffle made with condensed milk. Also try the flan and the carrot cake.

Location: 223 Front Street

www.cafepatoro.com

#9 Brigadeiro Bakery

Opened in 2014, this SoHo sweet shop offers 17 different flavors of Brigadeiros truffles, including passion fruit, coffee, dulce de leche and Oreo.

It’s a snug space with minimal seating, but it’s open seven days a week. So, you’ve got plenty of time to stop by in case the lines are too long.

If you’re going to celebrate a special date, they offer great catering services, as well as beautiful packaging or gifts. And trust us: it will be the best gift ever!

They offer a free brigadeiro when you check in on Yelp too! Ha!

Location: 156 Sullivan Street

www.brigadeirobakery.com

#10 Churrascaria Plataforma

Churrascaria Plataforma, located in the Theater District, is called the The New York Yankees of Brazilian Steakhouses. Raved about by legions of fans and the best known food critics.

A New York Daily News writer once wrote:

“I’ve been asked a lot over the course of the year which New York restaurants I’d be most likely to visit out of personal choice rather than professional responsibility. The name I heard myself uttering in response, more than any other, was Churrascaria Plataforma.”

As they explain: “Churrascaria (choo-rah-scah-ree-ah) is the name used to describe a restaurant that serves meat, mostly grilled. A rodízio style restaurant uses the method of serving different cuts of meat that originated in the south of Brazil in the early 1800s.”

If you love to experiment with drinks, go to their bar and let the waiter guide you through the options!

Location: 316 West 49th Street

https://plataformaonline.com

#11 Favela Cubana

A Brazilian-Cuban hybrid in the Greenwich Village.

As they share on their website, Favela Cubana is a place where food, music and culture converge.

Brazil’s frango Ipanema and Cuba’s arroz con pollo are amongst the delicacies featured on the menu, and fresh tropical cocktails such as their tantalizing “orange basil mojito” highlight the fully stocked bar.

It’s a great mixture of two fantastic cultures: Brazilian and Cuban! The result: Festival, for sure!

Go check them out and let us know your thoughts!

Location: 543 LaGuardia Place

www.favelacubana.com

#12 Via Brasil

Via Brasil has been serving authentic Brazilian fare since 1978, so you have to assume they make some pretty delicious food. Located in Midtown West, it’s a quite easy commute coming from different parts of the city.

Robert Sietsema, from Eater’s, exclaimed that: “rarely has New York seen such a lush rendition” of the feijoada, the Brazilian national dish. Sietsema also noted that the Brazilian restaurant is “a notable paragon of relaxed dining, a place where you can feel like you’re on vacation.”

You’re able to find everything from the heavier dishes, like the Feijoada, to lighter ones with seafood. So, there is something for everyone, regardless of your daily-crave.

Location: 34 West 46th Street

www.viabrasilrestaurant.com

#13 Ipanema

Also located in Midtown West, Ipanema gets raves for its bitoque and picanha steak dishes.

The bitoque, a Portuguese staple, is an aged New York strip cooked in a garlic and beer sauce and topped with a fried egg. The picanha is an aged top sirloin served on a sizzling platter.

Drooling already? We are!

They explain that: “Brazil is a rich well of culinary diversity, blending the ingredients and techniques of the native South Americans with the cooking techniques of its Portuguese, African and Asian immigrants.”

Ipanema is in the heart of New York City’s Little Brazil Street. The restaurant’s owners are not shy about the quality of their food and claim to run the best Brazilian restaurant “in all of New York City.”

Location: 43 West 46th Street

http://ipanemanyc.com

#14 Zebú Grill

UNFORTUNATELY THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED!

Located in the Upper East Side, Zebú Grill features a meat-heavy menu and specializes in churrasco dishes and caipirinha cocktails.

Their standout meals are the ultra-tender carne cozida beef dish and the feijoada, a plate of lean cuts of beef, pork & sausages in a black bean stew accompanied by rice, collard greens & farofa.

Try sides the banana milanesa (fried bananas – so good!), the farofa and the vinagrete.

But, you’ll be able to choose from the menu great traditional options that are very typical in the Brazilian cuisine!

A terrific spot for family dinners or a low-key date night.

Location: 305 E 92nd Street

#15 Samba Kitchen & Bar

This casual Hell’s Kitchen Brazilian venue features traditional Brazilian fare & cocktails, plus live bands in a cozy ambiance. The yucca fries, feijoada and picanha get a lot of love from the clientele.

Clients have said “who doesn’t want to eat, drink and listen to live music at the same time?!” They do have a point, right?

Live music happens every Wednesday night and Sunday brunch, in case you were wondering! Oh! And there is no cover charge!

Location: 661 9th Avenue

www.sambakitchenbar.com

#16 Petisco Brazuca (Delivery Only)

If you have a particular passion for coxinhas, the Brazilian version of the chicken croquette, look no further than Petisco Brazuca.

Chef Vanessa Pedreira and Ricardo Rosa started this delivery-only shop to share their passion for salgados, a type of Brazilian snack food, with New Yorkers.

They have a large Brazilian following and have earned praise from numerous Brazilian media outlets.

Plus, they’ve worked with clients like Google, Nike, Michel Kors, Melissa, Samsumg, Yahoo and Chase Bank.

They can deliver it to your door and you can order online, or through their app!

www.petiscobrazuca.com

#17 Galeria

UNFORTUNATELY THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED!

Located in the Lower East Side, Galeria serves unique bowls of Brazilian food made from organic, local and fresh ingredients. It’s literally a mixture of food, art and drinks!

They use all ingredients within 48 hours of delivery. The serving presentation is exquisite and is quite distinct from most other Brazilian restaurants in the city. In fact, their presentation is exceptional compared to New York City restaurants in general.

They’ve made believers of the folks at Gothamist, who remarked that the eatery’s bowl concept “sounds cliché at this point, but it’s hard to get too cynical about it when everything tastes this good.”

They even have a Concept-Store inside with articles from clothing to décor, for sale!

Location: 43 Clinton Street

#18 Tapas Bites

UNFORTUNATELY THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED!

Tapas Bites serves, you guessed it, Brazilian tapas and desserts.

The small eatery is located on a happening East Harlem block with some other cool spots to eat and chill.

Diners love the coxinhas, pão de queijo, bolinho de bacalhau, bolinha de queijo and for dessert chocolate or flaky coconut brigadeiros.

Location: 2337 First Avenue and 352 East 120th Street

#19 Gomi

Gomi is an interesting mix! It’s New York City’s only Korean-Brazilian wine bar.

Located in Alphabet City, their strength is their wine, not necessarily their food, but they’ve got some tasty bites, if you need something to follow your drinks!

Some of the favorite dishes are the cornish hen, gyoza and the picanha, among the numerous other tapas on the menu. Likewise, the “Brazilian-Meets-Korean” steak is a standout.

On the wine side, rose is the star.

Location: 186 Avenue A

www.gomikoreanwinebar.com

#20 Rice N Beans

Rice N Beans has been serving authentic Brazilian cuisine to New Yorkers for over 25 years. Located in Hell’s Kitchen, its namesake ingredients, rice and beans, stand out from other Latin American eateries because of the culinary talents of Executive Chef Carlos Roberto Inácio.

“I used to observe my mom cooking in (the Brazilian state of) Minas Gerais, so I learned how to cook in a different way, how to bring special seasoning to the dishes”, Chef Inácio explains.

The result is represented in a traditional Brazilian cuisine with intense flavors of garlic, onion, tomato, and coconut.

You’ll want to try the bolinho de queijo (cod stuffed croquette), the feijoada, the coxinhas and guava & passion fruit caipirinhas.

As they say, it’s a “no-fuss” place, so everything is pretty casual, but very tasty!

Location: 744 9th Avenue

www.ricenbeansnyc.com

#21 The Coffee Shop

UNFORTUNATELY THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED!

We love this place! It’s always very busy and loud, but nonetheless, it’s in our hearts!

The Coffee Shop is an iconic all-night Brazilian eatery that’s been around for decades and is open 23 hours a day. Located at Union Square, it’s fun, it’s noisy and it’s full of the pretty and the hip.

It’s famous for the sidewalk people watching tables, sort of like a classic Parisian bistro.

The service can be hit or miss, but many of the servers are aspiring models, actual models or could pass for models – which may make up for the slow service for some.

The herb fries are particularly popular, but The Coffee Shop offers plenty of other choice fare, like the pão de queijo. Likewise, the shrimp Baiano, a shrimp stew from Bahia, that comes with kale, fried plantains and plenty of white rice, is utterly delicious.

You might also want to try the granola bowl with fresh fruits and yogurt that is pretty good too and well served!

Location: 29 Union Square West

In Brooklyn:

Brooklyn also have a few Brazilian spots that we really enjoy. Some of them you’ve probably seen quite a few times on our Instastories, like Beco Bar!

Why? Well, it’s one of our Founder’s favorite spots to hand out and chill with her friends!

#22 Beco Bar

This is one of the Brazilian spots we love the most in Brooklyn and we’ve written about them a thousands of times! Beco Bar is a small Brazilian-style pub located just a few blocks from McCarren Park in Williamsburg.

The place is certainly the hot spots where the cool Brazilian (and local) crown hangs on weekdays and weekends. Brunch hours are always very full and tables are coveted by the trendiest people in the neighborhood – but, many commute from Manhattan and even other close by cities!

They offer very traditional dishes like the feijoada, PF (aka prato feito) and the bife a cavalo. Appetizers like the pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) is a must-eat, as well as their coxinha – a fried croquettes filled with shredded chicken breast.

Their sandwich options are various and we recommend the also traditional, Bauru with sliced filet mignon, queijo prato (cheese) and tomatoes on a baguette.

For drink we’d say, try them all, but the famous caipirinha, of course, and batida de côco are our top picks!

Ah! They have live bands on Sundays at 5pm playing traditional Brazilian music, and also DJs on other days.

Location: 45 Richardson Street

www.becobar.com

#23 My Sweet

As Paula, the Founder, beautifully explains: “My Sweet is a Brooklyn based artisan brand where every sweet is handmade to order. We only use high quality, natural ingredients and we like to support local producers. We don’t use anything artificial.”

Their store is located in East Williamsburg, but you can buy the sweets online. They also offer catering services, so be sure to make your next party memorable, ordering a sorted selection!

Customers love the bite sized desserts made on premises.

We’ve also written about My Sweet before, feel free to read and see more pictures.

Location: 57 Porter Avenue

https://mysweet.com

#24 Miss Favela

If you like to party like Brazilians do, this is the place for you!

Here’s how the owners describe their menu:

“For nostalgic and curious palates, the restaurant features a menu filled with dishes as Moqueca de Peixe,Tutu a Mineira, Feijoada, among others. Also part of the menu Brazilian appetizers- coxinha, frango a passarinho, bolinho de bacalhau, pão de queijo, and the traditional drink, the Capirinha, that is offered with typical fruits as açaí, among others.”

They have long lasting parties, with loud music and Rio-inspired décor. What you’ll listen to? The typical Brazilian rhythms of Forró, Samba and Pagode.

During the warmer months, they have all the doors and windows open, with quite a few outdoor seatings.

As they say: “After all, life is about it, taste, love, friends and celebration!”

Location: 57 South 5th Street

www.missfavela.com

#25 El Mate

Located in Carroll Gardens, El Mate is a Brazilian-Argentinian fusion restaurant. Quite an interesting combination, considered the rivalry both countries have in the field while playing Soccer! Ha!

The guys there share that:

“From our delicious milanesas to our selections of empanadas to the most complexity of flavors of cuts of beef – like bife de costilla or tira de asado or the exotic Brazilian cut picanha na tabua we are dedicated to serve our food with passion which you can enjoy every bit by sipping with our handcrafted selection of house cocktails featuring all natural Yerba Mate tea.”

But wait! The Yerba Mate is a popular tea in both Brazil and Argentina that you actually mix with spirits, so you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time there!

For dessert, try a delicious maracujá mousse – known to us as passion fruit!

Location: 550 Court Street

www.facebook.com/elmaterestaurant

In Queens:

We have the biggest selection of restaurants located mostly in Astoria. Why? Astoria is the neighborhood with the biggest concentration of Brazilians! The community there is huge and definitely vibrant.

Many don’t even have a website, but you can always Google them!

# 26 Beija Flor

Customers rave about this place’s ambience! Beija Flor is located in the upcoming neighborhood of Long Island City! We love explore that part of Queens, and so should you!

Commuting is quite easy and there is always something new to explore!

The restaurant is cozy, but lively serving traditional Brazilian cuisine in an elegant yet unpretentious fashion. Located on a quiet Long Island City corner, the unfinished wood, sisal rope, and natural cloth used in the tasteful decor creates a true rustic ambiance enhanced by clay pots and cast iron skillets.

The restaurant uses ingredients sourced from the finest purveyors, featuring many local and organic products. On weekends, live music invigorates the atmosphere and inspires people to dance while they enjoy signature caipirinhas.

Location: 38-02 29th Street

#27 Kilo Astoria

Kilo Astoria is a Brazilian churrascaria that is loved by customers for its hot buffet, low-key atmosphere and friendly staff.

Equally as important, the prices are also very reasonable. It’s a place for a more casual meal, with dim lighting and quite simple and rustic décor. But, the food is just so well done and tasty, that it’s all goes unnoticed.

And, as we said above, the staff are so polite, that you’ll definitely want to come back again, and again, and again!

Oh! It’s so good that customers don’t even want to share that much about it online, so it won’t go viral, hahaha!

Location: 31-27 Ditmars Blvd

#28 Villa Brazil Café Grill

Dining 36 Brazilian Restaurants In New York Villa Brazil Cafe Grill Dragan Lojpur — Photo Credit: Dragan Lojpur

Similar to other restaurants we’ve mentioned here, Villa Brazil Café Grill is another buffet style restaurant.

Let us tell you why! Self-serving restaurants is actually very common in Brazil, even in a few more high-end ones. You literally get your table, and go serve yourself with everything you can possibly want. Take your time to find the most exotic and different options! Everything there is calculated by weight.

The barbecue meat is one of the highlights, as well as other options like the hanger steak, sirloin steak , beef ribs and sausage.

If you’ve never had Brazilian food, it’s a great place to start, since you can try a bit of everything!

Location: 43-16 34th Avenue

#29 Favela Grill

This Queens wine bar has received raves from the likes of Gothamist, Village Voice and New York Magazine.

Customers love the coxinha de frango (chicken croquettes), churrasco and costela bam bam (a Flinstone-style short rib on a bone).

Other standout dishes include the moqueca de peixe, a seafood stew made with herbs, vegetables and coconut milk and served with a side of bacon fat cassava; as well as the feijoada, a beef stew served in a miniature cauldron and the salgados pastries (savory).

They’ve been open since 2006 and continue to be a to-go spot in Astoria for great food. They also have a few different areas to host private events which are quite nice! Oh, and they offer buy-outs, with capacity for up to 75 people.

Location: 3318 28th Avenue

www.favelagrill.com

#30 Beach Bistro 96

Beach Bistro’s tapioca was named one of the “85 Best Dishes & Desserts” in NYC. It’s been open for only a couple of years, but this Rockaway Beach eatery has proven to serve some of the city’s finest Brazilian cuisine.

Oh, for those that don’t know, Rockaway Beach is considered part of Queens. Yup!

Besides their beautiful, delicious tapioca (similar to crepes), Beach Bistro 96 serves excellent coxinhas, pastéis, picanha and feijoada. The husband and wife team that run the restaurant also make fresh juices like maracujá juice, an incredible passion fruit concoction, and guava juice.

Whether you’re about to hit the waves, or you’ve just finished a surf session, Beach Bistro 96 is a great spot to satisfy your craving for authentic Brazilian food.

Location: 95-19 Rockaway Beach Blvd

www.beachbistro96.com

#31 Aroma Brazil Restaurant

Located in Jackson Heights, Aroma Brazil is a cozy pay-by-the-pound spot that features all the Brazilian classics. You get to eat for a fraction of the price you would at the larger Manhattan Brazilian restaurants.

If you go, make sure to order the picanha (sirloin), the coxinha (croquette), feijão (beans) and farofa (cassava).

They serve lunch and dinner and have everything from salads and pasta, to beef, chicken and a whole variety of traditional Brazilian dishes.

Location: 75-13 Roosevelt Avenue

www.facebook.com/Aroma-Brazil-Restaurant

#32 Copacabana Brazilian Grill

Copacabana serves delicious Brazilian barbecue buffet style, and charges as little as $7.49 per pound depending if you go for the meat (and is at most $10/pound).

Besides offering traditional Brazilian style meat, they also offer an excellent cut of lamb.

This Astoria spot has a legion of fans who rave about the food there, on countless websites. Just like their Queens competitors, Copacabana’s prices are modest compared to Manhattan Brazilian spots, but the quality of the food is comparable.

Location: 31-13 36th Avenue

#33 Rainhas Churrascaria

Rainhas Churrascaria is a popular all you can eat Brazilian steakhouse near Citi Field, in the neighborhood of Corona.

Best known for the picanha and the roasted pineapple. The interior is quite spacious and ornate, and features a waterfall panel on the windows.

Servers bring an array of meats – over 30 in fact – to your table to choose from. It includes pork, different cuts of steak, prime rib, spare ribs and lechon, among others.

Customers also really enjoy and talk about the service and the drinks.

Location: 108-01 Northern Blvd

# 34 Casa Theodoro

Casa Theodoro is a pizzeria and eatery in Woodside. They are famous for their Pizza Rodizio which, once again is a prix-fixe, all you can eat style. They also have a Pasta Rodizio.

The Beijinho is a Brazilian sweet made of condensed milk and coconut flake, but there they actually made a pizza with it! So, it can be a great option to try for dessert! Other options are Nutella, banana, merengue with strawberry and Nutella.

And still, the famous Romeo & Juliet, very traditional in Brazil, made with cheese, guava pasta and catupiry cheese.

For the folks that live close by, they also have 10% off if you order online! Check their delivery range online!

Location: 54-18 31st Avenue

www.casatheodoro.com

#35 Point Brazil

Point Brazil was founded back in 2009 by the Ribeiro sisters and was chosen, in 2011, as a New York Times’ Critics Pick.

Elzi and Erli Botelho Ribeiro are originally from Bahia, one of the most famous states in Brazil, in the Northeastern part of the country. They offer buffet style and a la carte menu. It’s a great place to start off the day with a nutritional healthy breakfast.

Plus, you might also want to consider checking out the daily baked cakes from orange cake to gluten free banana cake. Yum!

Location: 38-01 31St Avenue

www.pointbrazilrestaurant.com

#36 New York Pão de Queijo

Last, but certainly not least, New York Pão de Queijo is truly authentic Brazilian food.

As you saw above, all these traditional Brazilian spots serves this “national passion” called: Pão de Queijo. In other words, the famous cheese bread. It’s hard to explain exactly what it is, so the way it actually trying one! Here, you’ll actually be able to order even ones with filling! Yum!

Disclaimer: They are addictive, so beware!

Clients commute from Manhattan and other spots to eat at this spot and continue coming back again and again!

Top picks are always the green sauce, the pão de queijo (obviously), the sandwiches and the burgers.

In addition, they recommend: “Reinvigorate yourself at our Brazilian restaurant with an Açaí bowl, composed with locally sourced fruits and a fresh blend of juices from strawberry, papaya to pineapple mint.”

Location: 31-90 30th Street

www.newyorkpaodequeijo.com

So, as we said, if you love Brazilian food and the culture, or if you want to know know where to eat in New York on a budget, explore these places!

Enjoy, and let us know in the comments below, which one you loved the most!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the venues and Dragan Lojpur
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*

Union Square Subway Therapy Project: Leave Your Sticky Note

November 23, 2016

BTSNYC

City Secrets Curiosities No Comments

New York City is an incubator for upcoming artists and inspiring ideas. Today, we are sharing more about the intriguing Union Square Subway Therapy Project that has surely called everyone’s attention! Go leave your sticky note!

One of the reasons we love New York is because it it’s constantly booming are scene! Every day, every hour and every minute, you are able to see a new art work around town.

In addition, some of the most talented artists on the planet are based here (lucky us!), and we just love to know “what’s coming next”!

New York’s subway can be an adventure for many, but also hectic and confusing. That is to say, this week while commuting around Manhattan to our endless meetings, our eyes were immediately drawn to this fantastic, colorful, eternal wall with thousands and thousands of Post Its!

We promptly stopped to see what is was about and simply loved the idea! The Union Square Subway Therapy Project glued an infinite number of Post It’s to the subway walls.

The messages? Of Hope! Love! Life! Protesting! Defending! Inspiring! Thanking! Questioning!

“Subway Therapy is about making people smile, laugh, and feel less stress. It’s about peaceful expression and being part of a vibrant and diverse community.”

It was just so fantastic to stop and read these message. Many, of course, we resonated immediately. These were the very inspiring and loving. Others were very resentful and questioning certain relevant topics. We respect them too!

So, if you want to be part of this mural of ideas and messages, head to Union Square and leave your sticky note!

Check out their Instagram page (@SubwayTherapy) to see a bit more of what it looks like!

And, lucky us!!! This project transformed into a beautiful book!

“People have been asking me over the last few months if I will be making a book, and now I can say yes, I will be! On October 24th, 2017 people will be able to hold a piece of Subway Therapy in their hands.
I’m very excited work with Bloomsbury and bring Subway Therapy to life in print. I started this project to help people feel less stress and connect with their community, and it is my hope that these books will inspire people to explore new pathways of expression and understanding. “

It is called “Signs of Hope: Messages From Subway Therapy” and you can buy it on Amazon, here!

Lastly, if you are an art fan and love exploring this creative universe, see what our Private Art Tours are about! We also cater for special Corporate Experiences!

www.subwaytherapy.com

Nix: A Manhattan Vegetarian Restaurant By A Michelin-Starred Chef

August 11, 2016

Fê Paronetto

Dining No Comments

We had dinner with a group of friends at an amazing Manhattan vegetarian restaurant, by a Michelin-starred Chef, called Nix. The location is not so “behind the scenes”, since it’s only a few steps away from Union Square, but we all really enjoyed it!

Dining Nix Vegan Restaurant Private Table

Dining Nix Vegan Restaurant Cauliflower Buns

Dining Nix Vegan Restaurant Pea Green Dumplings

Dining Nix Vegan Restaurant Churros Dessert

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Hummus

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Façade

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Bar

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Private-Table

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Table

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Guests

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Full-Table

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Salad

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Cauliflower-Buns

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Appetizers

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Four-Dishes

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Pea-Green-Dumplings

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Carrots

Dining-Nix-Vegan-Restaurant-Churros-Dessert

Nix is a Manhattan vegetarian restaurant, founded by the Michelin-starred chef John Fraser and James Truman. The restaurant serves a huge variety of dishes with very fresh, seasonal vegetables (one of Fraser’s cooking passions). Plus, it’s vegan friendly!

The dishes we tried were all prepared in a way perfect for sharing which, for larger groups, is ideal. We love being able to taste a bit everything!

The flavors were fantastic, presentation was impeccable and the energy of the place is hard to describe, but very very welcoming and peaceful.

A few dishes you can try, that are our favorites:

Tandoor bread
House hummus, zaatar
Labneh & marinated cucumbers
Steamed tofu, smoky mushroom dashi & celtuce
Cauliflower tempura with steamed buns and house pickles
Artichoke and broccoli rabe sauté with preserved tomatoes
Pea dumplings, radish, ginger an& scallion

It’s a great place for drinks too, since they have a gorgeous full bar and some pretty cool cocktails! You can try some unique options like the Playa II with passionfruit juice, reposado tequila, champagne foam and the Honey Bee with thai basil, clover honey, gin, sake.

Chef Fraser’s believes “that eating vegetarian or vegan should feel more celebration than sacrifice”, and we couldn’t agree more!

It’s surely a lifestyle we love, and that our Founder, Fê, is pretty much a part of. Plus, if you are a bit skeptic about it, how about opening your head and maybe just trying it out? Won’t hurt and it might surprise you!

Nix opens for lunch, dinner and weekend brunches!

Opening Hours:
Dinner: Monday – Thursday: 5.30pm – 11pm | Friday & Saturday: 5pm – 11pm | Sunday: 5pm – 10.30pm
Lunch: Monday – Friday: 11.30am – 2.30pm
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 10.30am – 2.30pm

Location: 72 University Place

www.nixny.com

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Nix

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!

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

Our 1st cheap NYC guide features 40+ top attractions that you must-see! Touristy or not, these are the classics spots that have changed New York’s history. Come explore New York with us!

First Route: From Central Park down to Union Square

Central Park & Plaza Hotel

5th Avenue, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral & Rockefeller Center

Bryant Park & Food

New York Public Library

Grand Central Terminal & Its Secrets

Flatiron District & Food

Down Through Broadway & Union Square

The New York food scenes is certainly overwhelming and you can eat practically anything you crave. We decided to immerse ourselves in the Brazilian culinary world and put together a beautiful list of 36 Brazilian restaurants in New York!

In Manhattan:

#1 Berimbau do Brasil

#2 Tap NYC

#3 Padoca Bakery

#4 Fogo de Chão

#5 Casa Restaurant

#6 Empórium Brasil

#7 Oca

#8 Cafe Patoro

#9 Brigadeiro Bakery

#10 Churrascaria Plataforma

#11 Favela Cubana

#12 Via Brasil

#13 Ipanema

#14 Zebú Grill

#15 Samba Kitchen & Bar

#16 Petisco Brazuca (Delivery Only)

#17 Galeria

#18 Tapas Bites

#19 Gomi

#20 Rice N Beans

#21 The Coffee Shop

In Brooklyn:

#22 Beco Bar

#23 My Sweet

#24 Miss Favela

#25 El Mate

In Queens:

# 26 Beija Flor

#27 Kilo Astoria

#28 Villa Brazil Café Grill

#29 Favela Grill

#30 Beach Bistro 96

#31 Aroma Brazil Restaurant

#32 Copacabana Brazilian Grill

#33 Rainhas Churrascaria

# 34 Casa Theodoro

#35 Point Brazil

#36 New York Pão de Queijo

New York City is an incubator for upcoming artists and inspiring ideas. Today, we are sharing more about the intriguing Union Square Subway Therapy Project that has surely called everyone’s attention! Go leave your sticky note!

So, if you want to be part of this mural of ideas and messages, head to Union Square and leave your sticky note!

We had dinner with a group of friends at an amazing Manhattan vegetarian restaurant, by a Michelin-starred Chef, called Nix. The location is not so “behind the scenes”, since it’s only a few steps away from Union Square, but we all really enjoyed it!

Chef Fraser’s believes “that eating vegetarian or vegan should feel more celebration than sacrifice”, and we couldn’t agree more!

Pin It on Pinterest

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!

5^th Avenue, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral & Rockefeller Center