There’s really nothing quite like New York this time of year. And, if you haven’t heard, the city is as alive as it’s ever been. We asked long-time resident and all-around cool guy (and one of our favorite actors) Christopher Abbott for the local’s guide to some of his go-to spots and hidden gems—be it his pick of hotel lounges, late night speakeasies, family-owned bookshop, florist and long-time boxing gym.
BEST HOTELS TO HANG
More than just places to lay your head, the city’s hotels make for some of the best places to lounge, get a late night drink with friends, or meet up for a work meeting.
THE BEEKMAN HOTEL
“Next to City Hall. Gorgeous lobby and bar.”
123 Nassau St / Financial District / 212.233.2300
THE BOWERY HOTEL
“Always run into someone, for better or worse, but great energy and vibe.”
335 Bowery / East Village / 212.505.9100
RESTAURANTS
“I like trying new things all the time, and there’s so much in New York, but here are my go-tos.”
ALTRO PARADISO
“My favorite all around, food, wine, people, energy, second home.”
234 Spring St / SoHo / 646.952.0828
CAFE MOGADOR
“A staple; wildly consistent for years; has never been bad; always great. Great vibe inside, also you don’t feel weird eating alone there for whatever reason.”
133 Wythe Place Ave/ East Village / 718.486.9222
I SODI
“One of my favorite Italian places in the city. It’s special.”
105 Christopher St / West Village / 212.414.5774
SHU JIAO FU ZHOU CUISINE
Simple Chinese cafe. Try the handmade dumplings!
295 Grand St / Lower East Side / 212.625.2532
F&F PIZZERIA
“Classic NY slice shop from the people behind long-time favorites Frankie’s and Frank’s Wine Bar.”
459 Court St / Brooklyn / 718.407.6575
LOS TACOS NO. 1
“Best tacos in NYC. Yes, LA has more great taco places, but these are fucking good, so whatever.”
75 9th Ave / Chelsea Market / 212.256.0343 + Multiple locations
PING’S
A taste of China without having to leave the states; good for traditional dim sum and seafood specialties.
22 Mott St / Chinatown / 212.602.9988
ESTELA
Chef Ignacio Mattos’ small-scale restaurant is a spirited alcove serving American small plates alongside an extensive wine list.
47 E Houston St / SoHo / 212.219.7693
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Owners Yiming and Xian have done it again. Their third restaurant features Sichuan cuisine with a modern twist suitable for 21st century Brooklyn.
191 Grand St / Williamsburg / 718.969.6800
ONJIUM
Michelin-starred Onjium, located in Genesis House, serves Seoul cuisine with dishes dating back to the 1300s, and its space is equally unique. With a Genesis car showroom on the ground floor and a Korean-inspired second floor featuring: a tea pavilion, library, and a garden terrace, the atmosphere alone is worth visiting.
40 10th Ave / West Village / 855.444.0836
BARS
“This is hard because there are so many. But here are a few. The common thread is natural wine, which is pretty much all I drink. And Negronis. And mezcal. Natural wine, mezcal, Negronis—get on it.”
WILDAIR
An American restaurant and bar serving everything from oysters and chicken wings to panna cotta and natural wine.
142 Orchard St / Lower East Side / 646.964.5624
HOTEL DELMANO
“They have something for everybody. If you want to be outside, or if you want to be candlelit inside with awesome craft cocktails and a tequila bar upstairs; it’s great. You can check a lot of boxes in one place.”
82 Berry St / Williamsburg / 718.387.1945
BROOKLYN INN
Everything from the bar top, which is carved-wood imported from 1870’s Germany, to the beautiful architecture will transport you to another time period: 1885 to be exact—making it one of the oldest bars in Brooklyn.
148 Hoyt St / Brooklyn / 718.522.2525
FANELLI CAFE
Another oldie, Fanelli’s is a simple pub with simple grub that dates back to 1847.
94 Prince St / SoHo / 212.226.9412
TOMI JAZZ
Japanese cuisine meets intimate jazz bar for a unique, speakeasy-esque atmosphere.
239 E 53rd St / Midtown / 646.497.1254
ACTIVITIES
“I consider eating and drinking an activity, but this is also difficult because there are endless things to do in New York City. Pre-quarantine, I’ll sum it up by just saying—the arts. Movies, theater, opera, ballet, galleries, etc. During the pandemic, what transpired for me in a city so rooted in doing things socially, and not having that is—I took up biking in the city. I always biked, but more as a commute than enjoyment, and in a way, I rediscovered New York recently by taking long bike rides, anywhere, but especially all the way up the West Wide bike path. It’s truly beautiful.”
HUDSON RIVER WATERFRONT GREENWAY
“This is probably my favorite. It’s outdoors. It’s chill. It’s not a hoopla to get into. It’s an old school place.”
New York State Reference Route 907V / Manhattan
VILLAGE VANGUARD
As one of the oldest jazz clubs in the world, the Village Vanguard is known for its amazing acoustics that jazz legends like John Coltrane and Miles Davis could attest to.
178 7th Ave S / Greenwich Village / 212.255.4037
SHOPS
KAI D. UTILITY
“Kai makes some of the most beautiful pieces out there.”
230 Grand St / Williamsburg / 718.384.4057
FRONT GENERAL STORE
“A recent discovery. Great for clothing and gifts.”
143 Front St / Brooklyn / 646.573.0123
180 THE STORE
180 The Store is 5,000 sq. ft of bright, clean atmosphere, always showcasing different designers and brands.
180 Duane St / TriBeCa / 212.226.5506
GYMS & TRAINERS
MENDEZ BOXING
“My homie John Rosado. Been training with him out of Mendez Boxing for a long time. Best teacher and dear friend. Mendez is a second home. Rest in peace Francisco Mendez.” Also at Mendez, check out trainer Jason Lee.
23 E 26th St / Manhattan / 212.689.5255
WORK TRAIN FIGHT
Boxing and strength training gym in Lower Manhattan.
636 Broadway #204 / NoHo / 646.727.4660
ED NAPPER
As part of his training methodologies, Ed Napper takes a holistic approach to wellness through meditation, social connection, injury rehabilitation, and conscious eating including his program’s meal plans.
FLORISTS
GREEN FINGERS MARKET
“Favorite plant store.”
5 Rivington St / Lower East Side / 646.964.4420
FOX FODDER FARM
“Taylor Patterson does incredible design for events, restaurants, etc.”
45 S 4th Street / Brooklyn / 845.617.6802
BOOKS & RECORDS
STRAND BOOK STORE
“Independent & iconic book shop, specializing in new, used, and rare books.”
828 Broadway / NOHO / 212.473.1452
JOANNE HENDRICKS COOKBOOKS
Selling both rare and out-of-print books, this boutique bookstore is a go-to—especially if you’re in the market for antique cookbooks.
488 Greenwich St / Greenwich / 212.920.9324
THREE LIVES AND COMPANY
Quaint bookstore with a focus on creating and maintaining a local community of fellow book lovers.
238 W 10th St / Greenwich / 212.741.2069
MCNALLY JACKSON BOOKS
Family-owned bookstore with four locations including NoLita, Seaport, Williamsburg, and Downtown Brooklyn.
52 Prince St / NoLita / 212.274.1160 + Multiple locations
BROOKLYN RECORD EXCHANGE
“New and used vinyl records, books, films. The staff is very knowledgeable about vinyl.”
599 Johnson Ave #1 / East Williamsburg / 646.969.2030
BLACK GOLD RECORDS
“Cozy coffee shop with a vintage feel and antique records across a wide variety of genres.”
461 Court St / Brooklyn / 347.227.8227
ROUGH TRADE NYC
Take your time to peruse Rough Trade’s CDs and records; they have a wide variety of artists to choose from, and while you’re at it, enjoy the live music and bar!
30 Rockefeller Plaza / Midtown / 212.664.1110
Editor’s Note: Some of the activities, hotels, and restaurants listed on our website may be currently closed due to Covid health restrictions. We urge you to check before visiting and to exercise caution and follow CDC guidelines if traveling or visiting any of our recommendations.
CHECK OUT CHRISTOPHER
COMING SOON
In director Yorgos Lanthimos upcoming Sci-Fi Poor Things
In Sanctuary alongside Margaret Qualley
BEST OF
As Gabe in Black Bear
As Yossarian in the George Clooney-produced Hulu series Catch-22
As the title role in director Josh Mond’s James White
As Max in Martha Marcy May Marlene
As Charlie Dattolo on HBO’s Girls
