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New York City’s famous ladies with the high-kicking legs, the Radio City Rockettes, celebrate the best of the city every night on stage during the Christmas Spectacular. The festive show puts the dancers on a sightseeing bus that virtually rolls around the city, from Times Square to the Statue of Liberty.
But the performers are New Yorkers themselves and have their own favorite spots around town they frequently visit when not in costume.
This week, we asked them to share their favorite restaurants, shops and hangouts with us to take part in the NYC love we’re all feeling this holiday season.
Below are nine Rockettes’ favorite NYC locations, which showcase the ladies’ love for coffee and desserts especially!
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Madison O’Connor (in her second season)
Leo’s Bagels
3 Hanover Square
“If you are in the mood for a good New York bagel, go to Leo’s Bagels. They have the best bagels in FiDi!”
Stone Street
Financial District
“Stone Street is a strip of restaurants with a great variety of options and good music! This is a great place to bring family and friends.”
Caitlin Potosnak (first season)
Ovelia
34-01 30th Avenue, Astoria
”This is a beautiful restaurant, both indoor and outdoor, with wonderful Greek food and refreshing drinks. My favorite appetizer is the tzatziki with pita!”
Gianpiero
4417 30th Avenue, Astoria
“A wonderful Italian bakery that has the best croissants in the Astoria/Woodside area, along with great coffee. They have amazing desserts from cookies to a variety of cakes and homemade loaves of bread.”
Stevie Mack (second season)
Uva
1486 2nd Avenue, Upper East Side
“This Upper East Side Italian restaurant is my go-to for date night with my husband. We both love the ambiance, and the food is top-notch. I have had dreams about their truffle gnocchi!”
Anita La Mamma del Gelato
1561 2nd Avenue, Upper East Side
“My favorite dessert on the Upper East Side! Their gelato is heavenly and the perfect post-show treat. My personal favorite is the pistachio, but you can’t go wrong with any of their many flavors!”
Jourdan Rose Epstein (first season)
Lady Moo Moo Ice Cream
365 Chauncey Street, Bed-Stuy
“This small, locally owned walk-up shop is my favorite place to get ice cream in Brooklyn. They constantly have new flavors like black sesame or vegan cherry chip, and scrumptious ice cream cookie sandwiches!”
Trad Room
266 Malcolm X Boulevard, Bed-Stuy
“I adore this quaint Japanese restaurant in Brooklyn—the atmosphere is beautifully chic and the food is delicious and perfect for sharing. I highly recommend the Shachihoko tempura roll.”
Jordana Rosenberg (first season)
Harvest Kitchen
269 Columbus Avenue, Upper West Side
“Harvest Kitchen is my go-to place for any meal. It’s a great place to go with a big group of friends because there are so many options on the menu. My personal favorites are the veggie rice bowl and the hummus with their homemade focaccia.”
Irving Farm
224 West 79th Street, Upper West Side
“I love the rustic charm of Irving Farm coffee shop. It is a cozy place to sit by yourself or to meet up with a group of friends for a coffee and a bite to eat. Their chai and matcha lattes are my favorite in town, and they have such yummy chocolate chip cookies.”
Erin Monteleone (ninth season)
Buunnii Coffee
213 Pinehurst Avenue, Washington Heights
“Buunnii is the spot for a perfect cup of Ethiopian coffee. This location is super quaint and inviting, and I know I’ll always leave with delicious coffee in hand thanks to their knowledgeable baristas.”
Fort Tryon Park
Hudson Heights/Inwood
“Fort Tryon Park is my favorite park in the city. The landscape is stunning in every season and the views of the Hudson River cannot be beat. I enjoy strolling through the Heather Garden and then looking out onto the Hudson with views of the George Washington Bridge.”
Jackie Aitken (ninth season)
Boris & Horton
195 Avenue A, East Village
“A dog-friendly café, this place truly is the happiest place on earth. Gigi (my dog, French bulldog to be exact) and I are regulars at this café. Dogs roaming around to pet while having a coffee or light snack … what more could you want? Gigi may have had her first birthday party here—French-themed, of course!”
Café Mogador
101 St. Marks Place, East Village
“Cafe Mogador is a Moroccan-inspired restaurant that will not disappoint. I still haven’t decided if I prefer their brunch or dinner menu … it’s just too hard of a decision, personally. The cozy and warm environment is ideal for any occasion.”
Tiffany Griffin (13th season)
Sanfords
30-13 Broadway, Astoria
“It’s an Astoria staple with the best brunch in the neighborhood. It’s simply delicious American food.”
The Brass Owl
36-19 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria
“Owned by women, this shop supports local artists and is one of my favorite places to get gifts. They have a wide variety of things to choose from: candles, clothes, jewelry, shoes … your options are endless!”
Khori Petinaud (first season)
Chez Moi
135 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn Heights
“This little French gem has been a staple for us for quite a while and we especially love to go in the fall when the mussels are PERFECTION!”
Mayfield
688 Franklin Avenue, Crown Heights
“This is one of my and my husband’s favorite spots in Brooklyn! The food is delicious and the staff is so friendly! Get the chicken sandwich!”