I’ve spent the past week or so with some great people doing some really fun things. From watching the sunset over downtown Manhattan from the Brooklyn waterfront to attending a free jazz concert that turned into a free stand up comedy performance, I love exploring things I haven’t done before in the city. I’ll share with you a few of my new-found favorite places:

Korzo Haus in the East Village: This place’s signature item is a DEEP FRIED HAMBURGER…need I say more?

 

Vagabond Cafe in the West Village: From paninis and crepes to beer and tea, this cute little restaurant doesn’t stop its variety act there. At night, it turns into quite the popular hangout–complete with live jazz music and stand up comedy acts, all free of charge.

 

The Strand Bookstore in Union Square: “18 miles of new, used, and rare books.” Anyone could literally spend a whole day exploring this one-of-a-kind bookstore that has been around since 1927.

 

The Continental at St. Marks: $2 drafts and 5 for $10 shots of anything. If you’re in the market for ambiance, it might not be your place. But if you can’t afford much more, I highly recommend at least pregaming here.

 

Blockheads/Mother Burger in Hell’s Kitchen: I really can’t pass up anything cheap, but $4 margaritas that are actually strong–done and done! The food (which is American at Mother Burger and Mexican at Blockheads) isn’t bad either.

 

Argo Tea in Columbus Circle: This joint offers insanely cool and unique offerings of tea. I would classify it as a little hipster-y version of Starbucks–except I guess not entirely because it’s still a chain. Regardless, it’s still cool in my book.

The Highline Park in the Meatpacking District: If you don’t know, this is an elevated park that used to be railroad tracks. It’s beautiful and free and gives you a fun few of the river and some different areas of the city.

 

Artists & Fleas in Williamsburg: Local artists and antique finders (?) get to showcase and sell their hard work. It’s only open on the weekends, but for the one-of-a-kind items that you will find there, it’s work the trek to Brooklyn.

Although all of these places are insanely dope, who you are spending your time with is equally important (probably more) as what you spend your time doing. A lot of the time, game nights and movie marathons with friends trump going out to the hippest local venue there is. :) Hope everyone is having a great week!