I moved to New York City the first week of June to start my internship and had no idea where to go or what to do. I needed to find my own spots, the places that I knew I would want to hang out at, and the people I would want to see the most often.
Since being here, I have come into the habit of going to the same places with my friends at certain times of the day, sometimes certain days of the week. These places may not be your style, but these have become some of my favorite places to simply hang out.
Starting with breakfast, my favorite place to go with friends by far would be an Australian café called Bluestone Lane in the Upper East Side. The location of it for me is perfection because it is a block from the Guggenheim Museum and across from central park. There usually will be a wait because of its popularity; however, the park or the Guggenheim is always a good option to fill the time. The menu consists of mostly healthy choices, my favorites being their "Avocado Smash" and freshly made green juice.
When lunch comes around I tend to find myself at Fred’s or Little Beat Table.
I know what you're thinking, so unoriginal going to Fred’s. But it is really that good. I always find myself getting the tuna tartare or the chopped chicken salad. I love the atmosphere on the top floor on the Upper East Side looking over the shops below on Madison Avenue. Sitting in this room surrounded by windows I tend to find myself in a zen mood and always have a good time enjoying my meals with friends. If you’re in the mood, get their french fries…they are unreal.
Little Beat Table sits in Midtown. They also have their own to-go locations, but their restaurant is absolutely unreal and healthy. Every time I come here I always order their baby kale salad filled with pine nuts, currants, pecorino, lemon, and olive oil. It's delicious. They also have the most amazing sides and other choices, and honestly, I would eat anything on the menu. It consists mostly of fresh veggies cooked in different ways.
My favorite lounge would probably be Paul’s Cocktail Lounge; it’s a great place to get a drink, listen to great music, and hang out with your friends. The room itself is really cool too and I love how you can’t take pictures or Snapchat anything inside.
Another one of my favorite places to go would probably be Happy Ending located in the Lower East Side. It doesn’t get fun until around 1:30-2 a.m. Be sure to go with a good group of friends. The upstairs has tables and a bar for dinner and drinks, while the downstairs has another long bar and club-like room with tables and a DJ booth. I love this spot because it definitely is the best of both worlds, bar and club.
