As an inhabitant of New York, I’m constantly asked by visiting friends where to go and what to do during their time here. I thought I’d share our ideal New York weekend happenings, the spots on my list that I haven’t gotten around to trying yet, and our weekend uniforms. One word: denim.
Typically by the time the weekend rolls around, we are in the mood for a solid Friday night on the couch. Cue Netflix, wine and a home cooked meal. But, if we’re feeling like getting out we will hit up one of our tried-and-true staples in our area.
Our Casual Neighborhood Dinner Go-To’s
Bar Primi – If you’re lucky enough to go to my favorite Italian joint on a Friday night, get the daily special—a spicy lobster pomodoro. Also, don’t miss the spaghetti pomodoro is phenomenal. Any fellow tomato lover will agree. Outside of that, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Gato – Bobby Flay gets the job done at his Soho outpost. Try the scrambled eggs appetizer (just trust me…). For your main you really can’t go wrong, but the mushroom and kale paella is delicious. The cocktails are spot on, too.
Schiller’s – Go here if you’re in the mood for chronic French Onion Soup or an impressive burger. Bonus: once you’ve eaten here, you’ll recognize it as a popular set location for lots of movies and television—from the SNL opening credits to countless episodes of Law & Order.
Cafe Habana – This local favorite serves up delicious Cuban grub. Chris gets the Cuban sandwich, and I love the tacos and the cheese-covered street corn. Word to the wise: don’t miss the authentic Mexican colas. Full fat Coke is so underrated these days.
My Look: Aqua top, 7 for all Mankind jeans, Tory Burch shoes
On Saturday, we like to hit the gym in the morning before the debauchery of the rest of the weekend unfolds (read: drinks, carbs and desserts). Once that’s out of the way, we’ll grab a quick juice at Pressed Juicery and get on with the most important meal of the weekend—brunch. Neighborhood staples ahead.
Our Brunch Favorites
Egg Shop – If you follow me on Snapchat, you know that I love Egg Shop any day of the week. Their satisfying egg bowls can’t be beat, and they boast the best matcha latte I’ve ever tasted.
Vic’s – Come for the baked eggs and artisanal veggies. Stay for the specialty cocktails. You can’t go wrong here.
The Dutch – This is a downtown classic. Sit at the bar, eat oysters and a burger, and enjoy a casual yet chic weekend experience. Fun fact: I saw Jason Bateman on my first visit to this spot, which definitely sealed the deal. Sadly, he didn’t tell me any jokes…
Chris’s Look: Isaia shirt, Rag & Bone jeans, Prada sneakers
After brunch, we like to find some sort of activity to do on Saturday afternoons. Some of the best on our list include a picnic in Central Park, a trip to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens or an afternoon at The Whitney or The Met. In the evening, we will head out to dinner with friends either separately or together at a new place we’ve been dying to try. You never know where the night might lead after that in New York…
Saturday Night Hot Spots
Vandal – This new street art and street food-inspired spot by the Tao team is the perfect place if you’re looking for a bit of scene and some really delicious food. We went on a Monday night when they first opened, and my favorite thing we ordered was the Lobster Rice for Two. Don’t miss it!
Pasquale Jones – We haven’t been here yet, but it’s by the owners of Charlie Bird and high on my must-hit list.
Lucky Bee – We actually have a reservation on the books for this newish Thai spot next week, but I’m mostly excited for the chic interior design and, of course, the steamed buns. I’ll report back.
Indochine – Also on the to-try list, but the crowd’s been going crazy over this joint since it opened.
Le Turtle – Another one we have yet to hit. We have a lot to eat this summer. Speaking of summer, if you are planning a trip to New York, it’s a great time to get a reservation at some of these hot spots. The locals make a mass exodus for the beach leaving tables for the taking.
Pour It Up
The Daily – Our hands-down favorite bar. We went on our first date and just can’t quit. The cocktail menu changes daily, hence the name.
Mother’s Ruin – This is another neighborhood classic that serves frozen cocktails and surprisingly good bar good. The tunes are always on point and the crowd definitely makes for some good eye candy. Single ladies, run don’t walk.
Jimmy at the James – Rooftop bar with a pool and standard cocktails. Amazing city views. Instagram gold. Enough said.
For us, Sundays are for relaxing and re-energizing for the week ahead. I love starting the week with fresh flowers, a clean apartment, and my blog calendar laid out for the upcoming days. I’ll take care of all of that and just generally keep things low key. No matter how you spend it, cheers to the freakin’ weekend y’all!
Photos by Andrew Morales
