NYC Recap 2021
Loverboy once said everybody’s working for the weekend, but I’d disagree — I’m working for my next vacation. And now that I’m #vaxxedandwaxed, I finally got to go on my first true getaway to my favorite place ever: New York.
After spending several summers there growing up, I’ve recently begun experiencing the city I love as an adult. Of course, this means people look at me crazy when I say I enjoy taking the train or that I wear sandals in the city… but hey, it’s New York—and isn’t the point that you can completely go against the grain.
Anyway, when I go to NYC, I aim to do a mix of touristy and “real New Yorker” activities. The tourist spots are for the ‘gram, and everything else is for the best NY experience. Like most trips, everything didn’t go as planned—but it all worked out in the end. Many events were added and deleted along the way, but that’s how the best trips go.
Here’s a quick rundown of what we did, saw, and ate during our trip!
Day 1
Café Nala
We were going to start our day with Starbucks (an 8-minute walk from our home base), but we stumbled across this local coffee shop. The coffee was delicious, and the owners (twin sisters) were so friendly. We started every morning with a coffee and a picture — from here!
The bodega/corner store
Okay, even native New Yorkers look at me so crazy when I mention this… but I still remember one of my favorite summer snacks as salami and cheese on a bagel. And while I don’t order the same exact thing, I definitely have to get a sandwich at least once.
Melanie typically ordered a bacon, egg, and cheese, which received rave reviews from her. I opted for a hot pastrami all the way!
Refinery Rooftop
I heard about this place from a TikToker who claimed to be “basiqué.” It’s located in Manhattan near Bryant Park (which you should also check out if you have time). But she wasn’t bluffing. The pictures we got here were super cute, and the views on the terrace were tres chic.
The food and drinks were pretty good, though! However, we each had only one drink given the high price tag.
Grand Central Station
If you’ve watched Gossip Girl, you understand the reasoning behind this stop… but even if you haven’t, the ceiling is stunning. Likewise, the structure itself is a beautiful sight as you’re walking through.
Watermark Bar
Originally, I wanted to visit Savanna Rooftop, but it was closed for renovations. The business recommended Watermark as a sister company, and the happy hour looked pretty cute, so we booked a free general admission reservation.
It’s located on Pier 15, sitting right on the water with a really pretty view of the Brooklyn Bridge. Overall, the happy hour specials were super affordable. Still, I don’t know if they exactly served their purpose (getting us buzzed).
Sweet Science
Sweet Science is a black-owned restaurant in Brooklyn. The drinks were tasty, and the food was the best of Day 1! We went late at night and didn’t need a reservation or anything. I would definitely recommend trying it out.
Day 2
Sangria Café
We went here for brunch in Co-Op City in the Bronx. They offered $20 bottomless mimosas and sangrias or a $40 pre-fixe brunch with bottomless drinks plus an appetizer and entrée. I would say it was very worth it!
The High Line
If you’re looking for a good first date spot or to kill time while chatting with friends, I recommend hopping on the high line — it gives major Riverwalk vibes.
Beauty and Essex
I don’t know why I thought Beauty and Essex would be a rooftop bar, but I was still pleasantly surprised by the setup. It begins as a pawn shop, but it becomes a glamorous speakeasy once you pass through the back door.
All the dishes are meant to be shared. We ordered the chicken meatballs (my fave), Mexican street corn ravioli (the table favorite), and the mac and cheese. I would definitely call this place a splurge for your trip.
Dallas BBQ
My cousin in Co-Op suggested this place earlier in the day for brunch, but we ended up switching gears. However, after hearing about it again from my friend later that night, we decided to try it out. Imagine an Applebee’s with stronger, bigger, “Texas-style” drinks…
The food wasn’t too bad either!
Day 3
Piquant…. Then Don Pancho Villa
The original plan was to visit Piquant… but after about a 20-minute delay, we decided to move to Don Pancho Villa, which offered a better brunch vibe anyway.
Piquant Brooklyn Brunch — $19 Prix Fixe meal + $15 Bottomless mimosas, sangria, and Bloody Marys
Don Pancho Villa Brooklyn Brunch — $34.99 Bottomless mimosas + One Appetizer + One Entrée
We all ended up just ordering margaritas and other drinks, which ran about $13-$16 each. Everyone was pretty satisfied and at least a little tipsy by the end of our meal.
Central Park
Central Park is a staple if you’re visiting New York. Of course, you can picnic, stroll, or even just sit here. Sheep Meadow acts as an eccentric gathering place on the weekend—so try to find it if you can!
JG Melon
This restaurant has received rave reviews from several publications about having the best burgers in the city. They’ve been around for 40 years now, so they’re doing something right. And I’ll admit, the burger was pretty good. For now, they’re cash only :(
Day 4
Ruby’s
Okay, this was the best meal I had here tbh (in hindsight, this is sad, and I should’ve eaten more, but we were literally running from place to place)… The “classic Cheeseburger” with its special sauce was absolutely delicious. I added a side of truffle fries, which were YUM.
As far as cocktails, I got “That Watermelon Drink,” which was super refreshing.
Places we didn’t make it to:
Ricardo Steakhouse in Harlem – my cousin recommended this place, and my other cousin agreed. We made a reservation but didn’t end up making it, unfortunately.
Chelsea Market
DUMBO
How is New York handling COVID?
After coming from Florida, where the COVID precautions are completely nonexistent at this point, the contrast was SIGNIFICANT.
From the moment we stepped out on day 1, we noticed that people were wearing their masks even on the sidewalk! Some restaurants require you to wear your mask when your waiter comes back to the table (lots of scrambling). And all establishments require masks inside (except when seated at your table, of course).
Nevertheless, it was nice to see the free vaccine stations set up in Union Square and Central Park. I really admire the way the city has reigned in the pandemic.