Growing up in New York, I quickly learned where to eat throughout New York City. Now, interacting with people from all over the country, I often get asked where the best places are to eat in NYC. My number one piece of advice is don't go to a touristy route. You'll end up eating in Time Square at some spare, overpriced spot. I feel as though it is partially my duty as a New Yorker to help some of the less informed people in their quests to discovering New York City. If you're feeling adventurous, head downtown and explore all that lower Manhattan has to offer. If you're feeling even more adventurous, head over to Brooklyn. The restaurants below are just a few that are more than worthy of a visit during your trip to NYC.

The Best Spot to Take Your Parents: Upland

EVERYBODY, and I mean everybody loves Upland. If you're near Madison Square Garden/Park and looking for a fancier spot to eat, come here. It's just a really great restaurant, with really great food, that you can be confident will please pretty much anyone you're planning to have dinner with. What to order: Literally anything... the duck wings, the pizzas, and the estrella pasta are both amazing.

The Best Spot to See Celebrities: The Spotted Pig

Be warned, you're in New York City so things are going to be a bit expensive. The Spotted Pig is no exception to that but, if you're looking for some great food and quite an interesting crowd, the price is worth it. The cornerstone of restaurants in the West Village not only has one of the coolest interiors but is often a spot that celebrities spend time at. Even the almighty Kanye West has confessed his love for The Spotted Pig. The restaurant sits at the bottom of a 178 year old building and as a result, the old vibes are real.

What to order: Get the burger, or the deviled eggs, or the burrata... the list could go on and on.

The Best Spot for Watching Sports: Pork Slope

Dale Talde, a Top Chef contestant for all you food TV fans, opened up this restaurant/bar in Brooklyn and its popularity has skyrocketed ever since. It is hard to describe this spot as it isn't a sports bar but at the same time, it essentially is. The food is relatively inexpensive so the crowd tends to be loud and rowdy, especially during sporting events. It gets pretty crowded, it's cash only, and you order your food from a counter. This spot has a real nitty gritty, old school feeling, and it's awesome.

What to order: Get the fried chicken, buffalo wings, or the pulled pork sandwich.

The Best Spot for Brunch: Pies N' Thighs

You can't go to New York City without eating brunch. Brunch is a staple in every New Yorkers' weekend, despite it kind of being a hassle. With two locations, one of the Lower East Side and one in Brooklyn, the tiny size and thus big crowd can split up. A combination of good southern food and good breakfast equals a higher end Chick-fil-A sandwich and it's really, really good.

What to order: Go with the chicken biscuit, waffles, or pancakes.

The Classic New York Establishment: Peter Luger Steak House

If you want to eat steak when you're in New York City, you better come to Peter Luger Steak House. This place is the most New York of the New York spots and it is not messing around. All of the waiters are old school NYC men who, despite being a little cold, are the best in the business. Everything is essentially served family style on old wood tables in a very old looking room.

What to order: The porterhouse steak is ridiculously good, and go with some extra thick bacon as well if you're feeling extra unhealthy.