#LoveLocal: Support the independent businesses at the heart of NYC

To make a theatrical production shine, it's not just about the actors delivering their lines perfectly. The lighting must work just right. The music must pair with each scene. And the costumes must complement each actor, whether they're in a baroque gown, a military uniform or streetwear. The power of costumes will be in the spotlight at a new exhibit by The Public Theater. This free exhibit will be on view from Sunday, July 28, through Friday, August 30 in the theater’s Shiva Theater in Manhattan’s Noho neighborhood.  RECOMMENDED: Let me tell you—Broadway doesn’t need to be that serious At The Public Theater's Costume Exhibit, see exquisite costumes spanning four decades of acclaimed Public Theater and Free Shakespeare in the Park productions. Expect to can see pieces from iconic shows like A Chorus Line and Hamilton and Delacorte Theater productions of Twelfth Night, Richard III, Mother Courage and On the Town. Admire the intricacies of lacy dresses, fuzzy capes and ornate top hats, among many other incredible outfits.   Photograph: By Martha Swope, 2001 Snowbound | A Chorus Line You'll get a chance to admire costumes worn by legendary performers such as Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Anne Hathaway, Audra McDonald, Danai Gurira, Kevin Kline, Peter Dinklage and more.  This exhibit was curated by former Director of Costumes Luke McDonough with assistance from current Director of Costumes Vanessa Watters and Associate Director Melinda Basaca. Photograph: By Martha Swope

Every drink seems ideal when you're at the perfect bar. Your dive’s beer is frosty, rooftops send you soaring toward the clouds and cocktail destinations shake and stir myriad ingredients into ideally calibrated glassware unlike anything you have at home. The options are unending, the ice is nicer and you aren’t just drinking, you’re at the spot.  Whether you're dabbling in low-ABV libations, making your way through dedicated martini menus or collecting passwords for pseudo speakeasies, there is an ideal location for every taste, tolerance and occasion. Find them among the 50 best bars in NYC right now. 

New York City Restaurant Week’s summer edition is on! Reservations for the summer session are available at more than 600 restaurants with prix fixe specials citywide from July 22-August 18. This year’s price points are $30, $45 and $60 for brunch, lunch and dinner menus on the days of each venue’s choosing. With so many sensational spots, and so little time to taste them all, it can be hard to narrow the field. Luckily, we've taken the initiative to highlight the top options. These are the best places to visit and everything to order during NYC Restaurant Week this summer.

For Justin Lim, it all started with a noodle. Fifteen years ago when he was living in Los Angeles, he made a visit to Tsujita, a Tokyo import that focused on tsukemen. Translating to “dip noodles,” tsukemen is a popular dish in Japan served with two bowls: one, filled with a piping hot gravy-like broth, the other, a chewy, thick noodle made for soaking up as much broth as possible. With one taste, he fell in love—so much so that he and his friend, fellow chef Sean Lim, traveled to Japan to find the best in the country. Training under master chefs and tasting at up to 30 shops in a day, together they hunted for the perfect blend of noodles and broth to bring back home.  “Tsukemen was something I've never had before. I wanted to introduce that particular dish to the American audience,” says Justin Lim.  Photograph: Mia Yakel| From left to right, Naoki Kyobashi and Justin Lim RECOMMENDED: The New York Times listed this sandwich as one of the best in NYC Finalizing their mix of noodles and broth, the duo opened their own tsukemen shop in L.A., Okiboru. With just a small location to work with, the restaurant specialized in only two noodle dishes: ramen and tsukemen. With noodles made onsite daily, the restaurant drew fans from far and wide, earning them a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2019. Unfortunately, the initial L.A. outpost closed during the pandemic.  But in 2023, the Okiburu concept came to New York with Okiboru House of Tsukemen in the Lower East Side. Of the noodles,

The views at Edge, the highest sky deck in the western hemisphere, are always stunning, but now they’re even more beautiful thanks to an eye-catching new activation.  This highly Instagrammable exhibit called “SHADES” features transparent colors in both the indoor and outdoor areas of Edge. On the outdoor deck, see how the perspective changes as you look through the clear glass versus the colorful panels. Inside, peek through colorful panels that make an adorable photo-op. “SHADES” is on view through September and is included with admission. RECOMMENDED: Incredible immersive experiences to do in NYC right now The exhibition encourages visitors to consider the view more carefully. It shows how changing our vantage point to subtract certain wavelengths of light shows the world saturated in entirely new hues. Even for longtime New Yorkers who have seen the skyline thousands of times, the experience offers a fresh perspective on the city.  Photograph: Courtesy of Edge "These stunning visuals offer a perfect photo opportunity for visitors looking to capture unique and eye-catching moments against the backdrop of the New York City skyline," Edge officials said in a press release. If you haven't visited Edge, expect to be dazzled. The deck rises 1,131 feet in the air and extends out 65 feet from the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards. Edge features a spectacular outdoor viewing area with its breathtaking glass floor, angled glass walls, and outdoor skyline steps from the 100th to 101

The world of made-to-measure clothing is steeped in tradition. Many contemporary customs regarding suiting—from button placement and color to fabric choices—have been in place for centuries. While that continuity lends a certain timelessness to the industry it also makes it ripe for innovation. Local atelier Watson Ellis is seizing that opportunity. After working in the male-dominated business for over a decade, Melissa Watson Ellis realized there was a glaring lack of custom suit companies catering equally to women, men and nonbinary individuals. She launched her bespoke NYC atelier to reach that untapped market.“I definitely saw that the industry was missing a huge group of people,” says Watson Ellis. Photograph: Courtesy Watson EllisMelissa Watson Ellis At a light-filled atelier on the corner of 8th Avenue and 14th Street, Watson Ellis offers handmade suiting in three options: custom, bespoke and one-of-a-kind original designs. (The difference between the first two is an extra muslin fitting.) First, however, she had to overcome a pretty big obstacle: the lack of suiting templates for cis female bodies.  “There wasn’t a template,” says Watson Ellis. “So I based the middle size off of my own body and then graded up and down from there. What else did I have to work with?” Along with a personalized and inclusive approach to her work with clients, Watson Ellis prioritizes sustainability in her approach—sourcing fabrics from ethical mills across Italy, France and the U.K. The

“Let Me Tell You” is a series of columns from our expert editors about NYC living, including the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and what to see at the theater. They publish each Tuesday so you’re hearing from us each week. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan took on the challenge of trying all the unlimited samples at the Museum of Ice Cream. A lot of New Yorkers like to talk smack about Times Square. I’m not one of them. Sure, I avoid the area during high tourism times when I can’t lose precious minutes trudging through crowds on the sidewalk. Yes, I regularly feel disgusted by the display of capitalism. And I most certainly do not want to be so much as grazed by a costumed character. RECOMMENDED: Let me tell you—it’s time to fill the giant, empty Sbarro in Times Square. We have ideas. But I remember the magic of Times Square on my first visit to New York City, an experience so foreign and transformative for a girl who grew up among hayfields, rather than skyscrapers. I adore seeing that same awestruck expression on the faces of tourists—so much that I won't even get that mad if they stop right in front of me on the sidewalk.  Even so, when I traveled to Toronto recently, I didn’t intend to visit the “Times Square of Toronto.” It wasn’t on my carefully planned, absolutely packed itinerary filled with local cafes, renowned restaurants and quirky “non-commercial” experiences. But I ended up there by chance and found out that New York City could l

Another day, another ranking.  Luxury magazine Robb Report, just released its ranking of the 10 best new restaurants in America and (unsurprisingly, given our stellar culinary landscape), New York City made the list twice.  Le B., the French restaurant at 283 West 12th Street in the West Village, lands at spot number six.  One of the most anticipated openings of the past year, Le B. comes courtesy of Chef Angie Mar, of Beatrice Inn fame, serving classic French dishes in a setting reminiscent of the 1980s and early 1990s. "The menu reflects Mar’s longtime obsession with French cuisine, but she allows her own personal history to influence her dishes in subtle yet exciting ways," reads the Robb Report ranking. "In her lobster blanquette, shellfish mingle in a sea of indulgent, umami-rich sauce: beurre blanc flavored with soy and shiro dashi to give it uncommon depth." Restaurant Yuu at 55 Nassau Avenue near Brooklyn’s McCarren Park tops the overall ranking—and for good reason.  The Greenpoint eatery only offers service to 36 guests a day spread across two seatings of 18 folks each. The tasting menu, which earned a Michelin star less than a year after the restaurant opened, includes Wagyu tartare, foie gras and hefty beverage pairings. To, perhaps, make things a bit more accessible, Restaurant Yuu started selling top-notch desserts to-go back in March. Interested parties must order the sets of eight macarons two days in advance through this special Google form. Available flavors

For the second time this summer, the Chinatown Night Market will return with beloved vendors serving up banh mi, tea, sugarcane juice, and lots more. It’s back on Friday, July 26 from 8-11:45pm at the gateway of Manhattan Bridge at Forsyth Plaza and Forsyth Street. The Chinatown Night Market began in 2021, and this year we are seeing it as a three-part series; this will be its second appearance. The night market brings a lot more than just delicious food to the playing field, as it also acts as a celebration of Chinese culture and community with its performances and art.  RECOMMENDED: Here are all the NYC night markets to indulge in this year. "Chinatown Night Market is much more than just a street fair. It’s a stake in the ground to proudly claim space for our community in the face of encroaching gentrification," said Yin Kong, the director of Think!Chinatown, which runs the event. Food vendors include an array of Chinatown favorites, including Bánh Mì Cô Út, Grand Tea & Imports, Sugarcane Daddy, Kabisera, Mrs. Jiang’s Sweet Soups, Whistle & Fizz and Pho Master.  Photograph: By Derek Srisaranard On top of the food, the night market will see a number of Chinese dance performances from the New York Chinese Culture Centre (a.k.a. NYCCC). This non-profit cultural and educational institution was created in 1974, and it seeks to celebrate and understand Chinese culture through arts in a variety of communities. The NYCCC performances can be seen on the upper plaza throughout the

Choosing a favorite restaurant in New York City is a joyful task with myriad possibilities depending on the occasion, mood and even the time of year. Your favorite dive, fine dining destination and 'any night' type of place might all occupy top spots on your personal best list in spite of their disparate qualities.  Our list of NYC’s 50 best restaurants is the same, spanning each of those categories and more to comprise a catalogue of all the places we wish we were at right now. They don’t have to be the newest or the most recently reviewed, just places that we want to return to again and again, and that we think that you will, too.  RECOMMENDED: NYC’s best bars right now Note: Many of the city’s best chefs, restaurants and concepts have been welcomed into the Time Out Market. Because that is the highest honor we can award, establishments related to the market have not been ranked here, but you can see them below.  Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining.

Brownstone Brooklyn's newest attraction is a win-win for kids and parents.  While you're sipping a hot chocolate (perhaps with a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream), your kiddos can whip around Court Street Tavern's debut ice skating rink. The newly opened Carroll Gardens restaurant has taken outdoor accommodations and upped the ante; while most eateries have opted for heated tents, this South Brooklyn spot has created its own destination for winter fun.  Meet the Court Street Ice Rink. Photograph: Time Out / Danielle Valente Photograph: Time Out / Danielle Valente Photograph: Courtesy Emily Bartlett Perfect for ages 13 and under, the super-cute "glice" rink from Matt Shendell of Paige Concepts is open daily from 12:15–7:15pm for $25 per child (including skate rentals). Parents can make reservations on Resy for 45-minute sessions and walk-ins are welcome. For an additional $10, moms and dads can rent a skate aid seal—an adorable buddy looking to help your little skaters keep their balance. Note that lockers are not available, so be prepared to hang onto those winter boots.  Plus, there's more good news. TVs are stationed right above the rink, so you can have your eyes on the game, your lil' winter Olympian and that tasty Hot Toddy. We told you this would be a win-win for everyone! Court Street Tavern is located at 449 Court St in Carroll Gardens.  Most popular on Time Out - Awesome things NYC families can’t miss in 2021- New kids’ movies coming out in 2021 that you can’t miss

Are your little ones missing their favorite reading circle? Don’t worry, Mom and Dad: We have the perfect solution! Time Out is partnering with the New York Public Library to present digital storytimes for pint-sized bookworms. Beginning August 10, families can tune in Monday through Thursday at 10am—right here—for a remote read-aloud. Curious about the lineup? The Time Out New York Kids newsletter will reveal forthcoming story time schedules on Fridays, so sign up today! Monday, January 4 Susan Burkhardt from Van Cortlandt Library in The Bronx The Completed Hickory Dickory Dock by Jim Aylesworth and I Just Ate My Friend by Heidi McKinnon Tuesday, January 5 Dana Keddy from Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library in Staten Island I Went Walking by Sue Williams and Boo! by Ben Newman Wednesday, January 6 Ruth Guerrier-Pierre from Kips Bay Library in Manhattan Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson Thursday, January 7 Nanette Rivera from Mulberry Street Library in Manhattan Perfect Square by Michael Hall Friday, January 8 Katie Loucks from Mosholu Library in The Bronx Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush and Rock-a-bye Baby by Jane Cabrera

Update: The completely redesigned Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals will now open in spring 2021 as opposed to February 2021. An exact date has not been revealed. We'll be sure to update you as soon as we know more.  Looks like we're going to have to be patient.  The Museum of Natural History's completely redesigned Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals will now open in 2021 as opposed to this fall. But judging from the details, we have a feeling it'll be well worth the wait. On Feb 17, 2021, the family attraction will welcome visitors to the 11,000 square-foot space that house roughly 5,000 pieces from 95 countries. Guests can catch a glimpse of a 3,000-pound block of iridescent green and blue labradorite, the Singing Stone from the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and the new "Beautiful Creatures" exhibit, which will celebrate historic and contemporary jewelry inspired by animals. Patrons will be able to find it in halls’ first temporary exhibition space. Plus, as an added bonus for the little learners in your crew, the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals will be the perfect spot for children with an interest in earth science, as it promises to be an invaluable resource for schools and camps.  Courtesy AMNH “Generations of New Yorkers have loved the Museum’s mineral and gem halls, storing up memories of family visits and marveling at the glamorous displays of utterly spectacular minerals and gems,” Ellen V. Futter, Pre

A library card goes a long way in New York City.  Today, the New York Public Library, Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library announced that Culture Pass will resume for 25 attractions—with limited capacity—on Nov 1. This program provides New Yorkers with library cards free access to their favorite family attractions.  The 25 institutions participating:  Alice Austen House Museum American Museum of Natural History Asia Society Museum Brooklyn Museum The Drawing Center Dyckman Farmhouse Museum Fraunces Tavern Museum International Studio & Curatorial Program The Jewish Museum King Manor Museum Kingsland Homestead The Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) MoMA PS1 Morris-Jumel Mansion Museum of Arts and Design Museum of the City of New York National Lighthouse Museum New Museum New York Botanical Garden The Noble Maritime Collection The Noguchi Museum Poster House The Rubin Museum of Art SculptureCenter How to snag a freebie:  Beginning Nov 1, in-person passes can be reserved up to one month in advance on culturepass.nyc. (Learn more about Culture Pass rules.)  More good news:  Additionally, Culture Pass is rebroadcasting virtual arts and cultural programs for all ages from NYC's favorite institutions through Nov 21.  Besides mapping out your Culture Pass plans, be sure to check out the best new and upcoming exhibits at our go-to kids' museums, sit in for virtual storytimes from the New York Public Library every Monday through Friday and see what el

November 3 is quickly approaching, and the New York Public Library is in a political state of mind.  In honor of the upcoming election, the NYC institution has released a 2020 Election Reading List for three age groups: children, teens and adults. The selections focus on voter issues such as climate change, foreign policy and healthcare, among many others.  If your little bookworms are curious about this historical moment in our nation's history, have a look at some of the inspiring kids' books below that have landed on the ballots!   2020 Election Reading List for Kids Around America to Win the Vote by Mara Rockliff  Dreamers by Yuyi Morales Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson Out of the Ice: How Climate Change Is Revealing the Past by Claire Eamer Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Doreen Rappaport Courtesy: NYPL 2020 Election Reading List for Teens Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook & Ryan Estrada Displacement by Kiku Hughes Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Life & Work by Victoria Ortiz Election Manipulation: Is America's Voting System Secure? by John Allen It's Getting Hot in Here by Bridget Heos Courtesy: NYPL For the full list for each age group, visit nypl.org/election2020. While you're at it, be sure to check out Time Out's daily virtual storytimes with the NYPL and get homework assistance with the NYPL's free virtual tutoring—a game-changer for parents.   Most popular on Time Out - NYC schools closed: a running list of building shutdowns

Milk & Cream is at it again!  After the success of the limited-edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle treats (ice cream pizza!), the Instagrammable dessert spot is continuing the fun with a second installment of the Nickelodeon flavor takeover (#NICKFLAVORTAKEOVER). This time, the focus is on Blue's Clues.   Show one of your favorite TV shows for kids some love by stopping in for a snack. Now through Oct 25, the shop will offer Blue's Snack Time Treat, an ice cream sammie with cookie dough, chocolate chips and dark chocolate-covered pretzels and Josh's Ultimate Ube Surprise, a purple yam ice cream sandwiched between two chocolate wafers and dusted off with chocolate crunchies.    Courtesy: Milk & Cream Cereal Bar   Of course, the ice cream hotspot will be decked out in all-things Blue's Clues, so make sure there is room in your camera roll. (We did tell you this was an Instagrammable dessert spot, after all.) Plus, temporary tattoos will be given out with your Blue's Clues purchase.    Courtesy: Milk & Cream Cereal Bar   If all of these dreamy desserts have given you a hankering for the Nickelodeon of yesteryear, check out where you can stream the coolest old-school cartoons (Doug, Hey Arnold, Ren and Stimpy, etc.).  Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school- The NYC School Calendar for 2020-2021- A drive-thru fair food festival headed to New York this fall- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is opening a second location this year- The

Sleeping is overrated when there is a good book to finish.    Now that the New York Public Library has released its list of "125 Books We Love for Teens," a good night's rest will likely be few and far between. This brand-new collection of YA goodness joins the ranks of the Library's 125 favorite books for adults and children, both of which are in celebration of the attraction's milestone anniversary.  Now readers 12-18 (and the young at heart, of course) can enjoy tales of identity, self-discovery and love. (It's not all about unrequited crushes and the cool clique in homeroom, though there's plenty of that.) Curious what books made the list? Have a look at some of our favorite selections:  Go Ask Alice Anonymous The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier The Giver by Lois Lowry The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes You can take a gander at the full list on the NYPL website and download your favorite selections (aka everything) on the SimplyE app.  Have younger readers in your crew? Check out daily storytimes from Time Out New York Kids and the New York Public Library, where you can sit in on a digital read-aloud of your favorite kids' books.  Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school- The NYC School

Museums in New York City were given the green light to reopen at limited capacity on Aug 23. Although family attractions such as The Museum of Natural History and The Met started welcoming back visitors, most of our favorite children's museums only remain active online. However, the Children's Museum of the Arts just announced its plans in a Sept 18 newsletter.  "After evaluating options to reopen safely, we have made the difficult decision to stay closed for the remainder of the year," the note read. "Though our doors remain shut, we are more dedicated than ever to pursuing our mission of providing transformational and accessible arts opportunities through online content and programs." There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the best of the attraction: Art pods, parent workshops and virtual kids' classes are some of the offerings that'll keep the creative juices flowing this fall. No matter your little artist's interest, CMANY has the perfect fit, from its graphic novel club to animation and character design, among other cool after-school programs. Check them out! You can stay up-to-date on kids' museum reopening plans at Time Out New York Kids.  Most popular on Time Out - NYC DOE reaches a new decision about the return to school- The NYC School Calendar for 2020-2021- A drive-thru fair food festival headed to New York this fall- The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is opening a second location this year- The best apple picking NY kids and families love Get us in your inbox! Sign

Summer vacation is practically in the rearview mirror, so now is the time for kids to soak up that last bit of freedom.  Plus, there are a few end-of-season perks to enjoy. Some of NYC's best family attractions are offering free and discounted admission for students before the first day of school on Sept 21. Count us in! “Arts and culture are a critical part of New York City’s social fabric, and we thank these organizations for providing our kids with safe, educational activities before schools open next week,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said during his Sept 14 press briefing.  Making day trip plans? Here are the participating institutions, according to the city's website:  American Museum of Natural History: The museum welcomes NYC schoolchildren and their caregivers back, with a hall to visit for every grade and every age. Tickets are pay what you wish for NYC residents. Reserve on their website: https://ticketing.amnh.org/#tickets. Metropolitan Museum of Art: The Met is welcoming students and caregivers back to both their main building on Fifth Avenue, and to The Cloisters. For NYC residents, admission is pay what you wish. Closed to the public Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Reserve a timed ticket on their website: https://engage.metmuseum.org/reservation. Morgan Library and Museum: The Morgan Library & Museum is providing free tickets to school-aged kids aged 18 and younger and their caregivers on September 16, 17 and 18. Advance reservation required. Families can email tickets@th

Update: You can snag 50 percent off a child's ticket (with the purchase of one adult ticket) when children where their costumes to Boo at the Zoo. Use "COSTUME" at checkout to claim the offer.  In a spooky state of mind? You're not alone.  Tickets have just gone on sale for the Bronx Zoo's annual Boo at the Zoo festival, and this year's celebration is chillingly wicked—in a good way!  Thursday through Sunday from Oct 1 to Nov 1 is your chance to revel in the Halloween fun, from magic shows and pumpkin carving demonstrations to mind reading and trips through the spooky extinct animal graveyard. Each day, animal-themed costumed stilt walkers and Halloween animal puppets will put on a "MASKerade" while the Wildlife Theater will pull out all the stops with performances in Astor Court.    Photograph: Courtesy Julie Larsen Maher   Like other family attractions, the Bronx Zoo had to make some adjustments to this year's festivities, but that certainly doesn't mean Halloween is canceled—far from it. All guests 3 and up are required to wear a mask and social distance when on the grounds. Additionally, advanced tickets are required before attending and reentry is not permitted. A full list of health and safety guidelines is available on the zoo's website.  You can snag tickets online ($39.95 adults, $29.95 children ages 3–12) and map out your other fall activities. We suggest apple picking, checking out Six Flags' new HALLOWFEST and, of course, marveling at the pumpkin artistry on dis