Anna Rahmanan

You don’t need us to tell you that The Big Apple is a pricey place. Anybody visiting for the first time will soon realise that all the pizza slices, cocktails, museum tickets and cab fares quickly stacks up, but one way to easily make some savings is by booking yourself into a budget-friendly hotel.  What are hotel prices like in New York City? Hotel prices in NYC can be pretty harsh on your wallet, whether you book well in advance or not. But don’t fret, weary traveler—we are here to help. Our cheap New York hotels guide comprises a list which has not been skimpy on that effortlessly cool New York style, but still only features stays with a starting price of $215 per night or less.  What’s the best area to stay in New York City? It’d be easy to assume that staying smack-dab in the heart of Manhattan will set you back a chunk of change—and don’t get us wrong, that is often the case. However, even in New York’s coolest zip codes, you will find budget-friendly places to stay. Have a read of our guides to all NYC’s neighborhoods, and cross-reference with our brilliant list below for the best affordable hotels in the city.  New York’s best budget-friendly hotels, at a glance: 👙 Best pool: Margaritaville Resort Times Square 🗺️ Best location: Now Now NoHo 🤩 Coolest: Romer Hell’s Kitchen Hotel  📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old

Television is widely thought to have entered its golden age in the early 2000s, but the road there was paved by the previous decade. In many ways, the ’90s completely changed the idea of what the medium could accomplish. It’s where Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld reinvented the sitcom. It’s where David Lynch actually got a spot in primetime. And it’s where HBO set up the revolution of the coming millennium by introducing a crime drama for the ages.  If you weren’t around back then – or ‘didn’t even own a TV’, as Gen X liked to brag – it’s a good time to catch up. The ’90s are everywhere again, in fashion, music and all over streaming platforms. Here are 37 can’t-miss suggestions, along with where to find them. Recommended: 📺 The 101 best TV shows of all-time💻 The 40 best Netflix original series to binge🎮 The best 50 ‘90s movies🎶 The 50 best ‘90s songs

This list is old. Here are the best things to do in the world in 2026.  2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

If you’re looking for a travel destination, don’t underestimate Busan. In our opinion, Busan is one of the most underrated cities in the world, but let’s not go there right now. See the magic for yourselves. This huge, sprawling city at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula is home to three and a half million people, and to fully embrace it, you’ve just got to go along for the ride.  Busan has huge beaches, a seriously good food scene and plenty of markets and shopping spots to explore. The best part? You can get all this alongside the bright lights of city life, which lends itself to trendy micro-breweries, cool coffee shops and vintage bargains. Fancy fresh seafood from the biggest fish market in Korea? An underground photographer’s gallery? You’ve got it all here. Read on for the best things to do in Busan right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Seoul🇰🇷 The best things to do in South Korea✈️ The world’s most underrated travel destinations🌆 The best cities in the world🏬 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

Few travel experiences capture the spirit of adventure quite like a road trip—and in America, it's practically a rite of passage. With thousands of miles of scenic byways, historic highways and wide-open roads, the United States, in our opinion, is best explored via four-wheel drive. While there are many reasons to love road trips, it's the freedom to roam that makes them truly special. Without the rush, distractions, or rigid schedules that come with pre-booked flights or train tickets, travelers can explore at their own pace—lingering where they want, skipping what doesn't interest them and embracing spontaneity. So, instead of racing to an airport or train station, travelers have ample time to explore, be it strolling through small towns, pulling over for a scenic hike or making a beeline for quirky roadside attractions. Whether you're weaving through coastal cliffs along the Pacific Coast Highway, winding through the Smoky Mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway or cruising through red rock arches on Utah's Route 12, there's a scenic and spectacular route for every kind of traveler. Here are 20 of our favorites across the country, each offering picturesque landscapes and postcard-worthy views. We've also included Airbnbs to stay in at the end of each route!

A new season calls for a new wardrobe, but who says the swap has to come with a hefty price tag? The best sample sales in NYC offer a goldmine of designer finds at a fraction of the cost. From chic outerwear to fresh footwear, these sales let you step into spring with a stylish new look—without breaking the bank.

Growing up, a shelf-stable sandwich was a constant cast member in my brown bag lunch, from the reliable turkey with a squirt of mustard to the simple yet satisfying peanut butter and jelly variety, all of which was prepared by my loving mother. But as I've grown, so has my imagination as to what I can slide between two halves of bread.  The mighty sandwich is really a vehicle for all. Carnivorous appetites call for hunks of brisket and barbecue to pastrami-stacked creations. Yet sandwiches sprouting with veggies and vegetarian-forward ingredients can be just as satisfying if not more. And no matter what, a sandwich beats a sad desk salad, any day. When the hankering calls for a carb-laden lunch (or breakfast or dinner, we don't care), thumb through this list and discover your new favorite sub. Editor's note: We removed Bonafide Delicatessen and Cafe, Ciao, Gloria, Henry Public and Rowdy Rooster. We added Bark Barbecue, Calyer, Daily Provisions, Ends Meat, Ollin, Win Son Bakery and The Bonnie.  RECOMMENDED: The 25 most spectacular sandwiches in the world

New York City's art scene is in for an impressive spring season. The season begins with an extensive survey of Brooklyn artists at the Brooklyn Museum. Then, there's The Affordable Art Fair, The Frick Collection's re-opening, never-before-seen Hilma af Klint illustrations, and an exhibit on nuclear posters at Poster House. We're especially looking forward to "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at The Met and "Out of the Closets! Into the Streets!" at Hispanic Society. From public art displays to gallery shows to museum presentations, here are 17 art experiences we’re excited about this spring for you to mark your calendar. No matter which you choose, New Yorkers you're guaranteed to feast your eyes on some incredible works this spring.  

New York is a green city. Back in March of 2021, then-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation into law that effectively legalized marijuana in the state. It was a long time coming: lawmakers had been trying to pass the guidelines since back in 2018 but conversations would stall on the topic of tax revenue from sales. Finally, in 2021, the stage budget proposal included the Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act (more on that later).  RECOMMENDED: Weed 101: Everything to know about cannabis in NYC Fast-forward nearly two years and the legalization of recreational cannabis began to actually take effect and all previous marijuana-related criminal records in the state of New York were given the current legality of the substance. New York State legalized the sale of cannabis for adult recreational use in 2022. That year, thousands of New Yorkers applied for their Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CUARD) license and (at the time of publication) over 40 of them went on to open licensed dispensaries, including 16 of them right here in New York City in 2023. Since then, more than 300 have opened across the state, as of January 2025. Of course, there are still a lot of questions to be answered: Can weed also be grown at home? Where can New Yorkers buy the stuff and will they be stopped if carrying it around? Can anyone sell marijuana now? Below, check out our extensive guide to marijuana legalization in New York state. Recommended: What to expect in NYC now that weed is

Whether or not you’re a sports fan, the halftime show is the one thing everyone tunes into on Super Bowl Sunday. This year was no different with Pullitzer-prize-winning rapper (!) Kendrick Lamar taking the stage alongside special guest SZA (plus a few other surprises we won’t ruin just yet). The halftime show is a long-standing tradition that has featured some of the country's biggest stars, from Beyoncé to Prince to Madonna. Every year, it brings us a thrilling performance filled with fireworks, splashy entrances, special guests, and plenty of surprises to keep you glued to your TV set. This year’s musical spectacle made a big impression, but that doesn’t mean they’ve all landed well with audiences. We’ve seen our share of misses among the best Super Bowl halftime shows. Below, a cherry-picked ranking of the performances that got us dancing, singing and discussing with colleagues the next day.

No matter where you are or where you work in New York, you’re probably stressed out. As great as our fair city is—with so many amazing things to do, fabulous restaurants and top-notch bars—it’s hard to find time to chill out. Taking a weekend getaway or relaxing on a nearby beach are good ways to relax, but often we need serenity NOW (and let’s face it: sometimes planning that beach trip or weekend getaway can lead to even more stress!). A relaxing spa treatment can be just the thing for a quick fix. Problem is, most of us can’t afford the luxurious spas that promise instant bliss. Fortunately there are a number of spots for affordable spa treatments in NYC. Whether it’s a facial, a massage, a mani-pedi or a body scrub, one to two hours at a spa will give you the re-set you need. You’ll feel refreshed and glowing in no time. RECOMMENDED: Find more spas in NYC

This year started off strong as New York City started winning its war against rats, was named as the best city in the world and had an extremely packed spring season on Broadway. But then as 2024 unfolded, we experienced some pretty radical moments, like an incredible solar eclipse and an earthquake—and when Jennifer Lopez declared “if you know, you know” about her mystifying Bronx bodega order. From there, we ditched the dating apps and confoundedly found love at live dating shows and running clubs, and suffered heartache when we lost a few greats—RIP to the Rubin Museum‘s physical space (it’s still in operation), the Fotografiska museum of photography (temporarily at least), our beloved Flaco the owl, pandemic-era dining sheds and $15 congestion pricing (oh no!). But New York City is nothing if not resilient. We celebrated the Paris Olympics from afar, turned out to the U.S. Open, saw top-notch theater, welcomed back Kellogg’s Diner, Papaya King and Pioneer Works, and even held a Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest.  But so much more is worth celebrating this year, which is why Time Out New York editors—all of whom experienced these crazy NYC moments—are unveiling their top picks in the food and drink sphere, the world of theater, art and culture, nightlife circles and more. RECOMMENDED: Time Out New York’s 2023 Best of the City award winners

Dining at Malka in Dumbo, the kosher Israeli restaurant by celebrity chef Eyal Shani, shifts depending on when you walk through the door. On most nights, it’s a polished, Middle Eastern–flavored dining experience, anchored by the now-famous golden Malka schnitzel—stuffed with mashed potatoes and served with dips begging to be dragged through. The vibe: Weeknights are calm and focused on the food, but come Thursday, the lights dim, the DJ cranks up and the restaurant transforms into a Tel Aviv–style party. Prix fixe tends to dominate because who has time to order while people are dancing on tables? The Dumbo outpost, Shani’s first U.S. kosher venture after the Upper West Side debut in 2023, also hosts wine-pairing dinners spotlighting kosher bottles from around the world, matched with regionally inspired dishes. The food: While the menu offers green beans, a field-of-greens salad and red meat entries, the schnitzel steals the show. Crispy and stuffed just right, it practically crackles under your knife, revealing a pillowy potato filling. Order it as a starter with the focaccia to swipe up every last bit. The branzino hraime—a North African fish stew in a fiery tomato, garlic and chili sauce—is another standout, served whole and begging for that same bread-soaking treatment. The drinks: Cocktails hit the mark with Israeli-inspired twists: the Jerusalem Negroni with grapefruit, the Limonarak with arak, mint and soda and the Sweet Luisa with gin, lemon, honey, verbena and brut.

One of the most visited historical sites in Europe, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, has opened an exhibition in New York for the first time. Find it at the Center for Jewish History in the Flatiron District through April 30, 2025. New Yorkers can now walk through a full-scale re-creation of the rooms where Anne Frank, her parents Otto and Edith, her sister Margot, the Van Pels family and Fritz Pfeffer (all Jews) spent two years in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Inside the re-created annex itself, every object displayed in glass cases is original—things that Anne, her family and fellow hideout Jews touched and used daily, alongside exact replicas of other items. The exhibition also includes a gallery space that walks visitors through the events leading up to the Holocaust, when 6 million Jews were murdered, and its aftermath. Expect to see objects—some original, others exact replicas from the house in Amsterdam—alongside striking images. There's a remarkable amount of archival footage on display—photos and videos blown up to massive size that demand attention to every detail.  Brace yourself for a deeply emotional experience. Time Out tip: upon entering, be sure to grab an audio guide. The space is filled with artifacts, photos and videos, but the text on the walls is minimal, mostly consisting of quotes from Anne’s diary and from family members. 

In what is likely to be the most New York-way to ring in the New Year, dance to electrifying beats by DJ Kristaval, who will be performing 1,000 feet above the city at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt on December 31. You can also expect two complimentary cocktails of your choice, a complimentary champagne for a midnight toast, and a dessert bar with plenty of gourmet bites.  For $300, you'll gain access to all three floor sof the space until 2am, including the beautiful rooftop. You can purchase tickets right here.

If Netflix’s Squid Game was one of your favorite shows and you’re looking forward to the new season premiere this December, you’ll want to try your hand at some of the challenges at Squid Game: The Experience here in NYC. Set within Manhattan Mall (100 West 33rd Street by Sixth Avenue), you get into teams of up to 24 people each to complete challenges across 60 minutes, including those that appeared on the TV show (yes, you’ll get to try your hand at the iconic Red Light Green Light) plus a number of brand-new ones built specifically for the experience.  Once done playing, you can enjoy a night market offering a variety of Korean and international sweet and savory foods—plus drinks! As the event's official spirits partner, Johnnie Walker is serving signature cocktails inspired by the show such as The 456, at the Johnnie Walker Black Label bar.

The ultimate family concert experience, the Kidz Bop tour is hitting New York's Beacon Theatre with 90 minutes of pop tracks sung by children... for children. The concert coincides with the group's latest album Kidz Bop 2024 Vol. 2. This year's Kidz Bop Kids—Aleah, JJ, Shila and Tyler—will perform songs like "Dance the Night," "Shake it Off," "TEXAS HOLD 'EM," "Sunroof" and "Uptown Funk," among others. A few things to keep in mind: the show features an intermission and you are more than welcome to snap photos of the experience before, during and after the producion. A message to fans: every Kidz Bop tour is different, so expect an all-new set design, novel costumes, choreography and more at this year's shenanigans. You can snag tickets to the Beacon Theatre concert right here. 

Is the role of a hotel to shield its guests from the outside world or render them participants to the goings-on of the city they get to temporarily call home? If you’re leaning towards the former, then the Greenwich Hotel, the eight-story luxury abode near Tribeca that's partly owned by actor Robert De Niro, is where you’ll want to stay while in town.  Nestled on the corner of North Moore Street and Greenwich Street right by the West Side Highway, the building boasts 73 rooms, some of which overlook an interior courtyard, 11 suites and two duplex penthouses that are aptly named The Greenwich and The North Moore.  On a recent visit while staying in a luxurious suite on the second floor, I was struck by one aspect of the experience: I forgot I was in New York. When looking out the window and into the courtyard, I noticed the absence of the very things that make the city what it is on a visual level. There were no buildings, no people rushing down the street and all was… quiet?  Despite the disconnect from its surroundings, the hotel offers a premium experience when it comes to your actual stay: the beautiful bathroom, complete with a shower and a bath, was stocked with Red Flower products developed specifically for the hotel and the bed, by British company Savoir, was particularly comfortable.  But there’s more: guests receive a complimentary newspaper every morning and the mini bar is filled with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to be enjoyed completely gratis (keep in mind tha

Sabrina Carpenter’s sixth studio album, Short N’ Sweet, is set to drop this Friday. And Angelenos will get to celebrate the much anticipated new record with a visit to this exclusive pop-up experience, courtesy of Complex L.A. at 433 North Fairfax Avenue. Friday, August 23 through Sunday, August 25 from 11am to 7pm, folks can shop exclusive merchandise inspired by and dedicated to the 25-year-old singer and actress. From T-shirts to tanks, hats, totes, CDs and vinyl records, the roster of products on offer run the gamut in terms of style and genre, but each one pays homage to the artist behind the hit “Espresso.”

Angelenos will soon be able to taste one of the most iconic dishes served in New York when Katz’s Delicatessen, perhaps the most recognized deli in all of the East Coast, will open in L.A. for one day only this Saturday, June 29 from 11am to 6pm. Brought to this side of the country by Postmates and West Hollywood spot Bar Next Door, where the activation will be setting up at 9159 Sunset Boulevard, the pop-up will be serving a limited number of Katz’s famous pastrami sandwiches on rye with a side of the legendary house-made mustard and pickles. You can opt for either pickup or delivery on Postmates, and in addition to the app, there’ll be a limited number of sandwiches available at the bar for walk-ups (though you’ll likely need to wait in a standby line). Fair warning: The culinary delight will cost you $25 for half a sandwich and $45 for a full one. But trust us: The food is worth the price tag. Guests will also be able to look through limited-edition branded merch.

Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology is a unique new immersive museum created by Roy Nachum, the artist behind Rihanna’s famous 2016 “Anti” album cover, and his business partner Michael Cayre, a real estate developer.  The 36,000-square-foot space opened in early 2024 at 21 Dey Street, inside the bank building that used to be part of the now-nextdoor Century 21. There are a total of 15 different rooms to explore, each one attacking all the senses upon entrance. Some outstanding installations include the one that the staff refers to as "The Dragon," where a total of 500,000 individual LED lights hung on strings adorn a room and are lit up to created 3D videos, including one of a galloping horse, that will catch your attention. Towards the end of the walkthrough is what can only be described as a cave of beautiful pink flowers (plastic ones), where there will soon be a bar as well. This is perhaps the most Instagrammable space within the museum as a whole, one that will likely come to represent the destination on social media once it officially opens. An installation of a robot will also delight. Dubbed Kuka Robot, the machine is found behind a glass in the middle of a bed of sand. The robot makes sand castles, sketches and more while visitors look on wondering how it's all possible. Taking a tour of the new Mercer Labs is something you might want to consider doing with kids. Not only are the visual elements striking and entertaining but certain rooms are specifically targ

A new public art installation by artist Curry J. Hackett has just taken over The Plaza at 300 Ashland in Brooklyn, and it's as futuristic as art gets these days: the piece, dubbed Ugly Beauties, features panoramic, AI-generated images of Black folks among various native weeds. According to an official press release, the work, on display through May 2, highlights a “metaphorical connection between society’s perception of these species and its treatment of Black people.” Upon approaching the structure, the viewer will immediately notice the juxtaposition of the various elements depicted, prompting all to think of our perception of what is beautiful and what is part of society at large. “Ugly Beauties expands on Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s commitment to activating itsshared spaces with art installations that enliven the public realm and capture the spirit of theneighborhood,” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, in a statement. “With residents, shoppers, workers, diners, and other visitors rushing around the neighborhood, we hope this piece will impart a moment of reflection and help Brooklynites to realize the beauty all around them. ”

The 10th season of the New York Philharmonic's "Art of the Score" series kicks off this week with West Side Story.  As has been the case since its inception in 2013, the program features the legendary orchestra performing scores live alongside film screenings.  This year, for the first time ever, five of the six featured movies will be New York premieres, with soundtracks being performed live for the very first time in town. Those presentations include Black Panther (December 20-23), Vertigo (January 23-26, 2024) and Metropolis (February 6, 2024), among others. We are, however, particularly excited to listen to the May 17-19, 2024's presentation of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Although the orchestra has performed the film's score in the past, there's just something about the music that tickles all of our senses.  Buy tickets to the various events and learn more about them right here. 

The kids will surely love this one: the Newark Museum of Art has just announced the opening of "Animal Kingdom," a new immersive exhibit that explores the concept of ecology and nature through art, digital workshops and more. Opening on September 23 through May 2024, the show will feature, among a variety of offerings, an animal-matching game with ancient cave drawings and a digital recreation of three ecosystems, including highlights regarding endangered and extinct species that once called them home.  The show's piece de resistance, though, will be "Sketch Aquarium: Connected World," an interactive digital installation by teamLab where "visitors will be able to draw their own sea creatures to join an underwater habitat where animals come to life and swim in a virtual aquarium," reads an official press release. Exciting things ahead!

Back in September, the New York City Council passed a comprehensive legislative package aimed at improving water safety programs across the city while expanding access to public schools. As part of the new laws, the city now offers second graders free swimming lessons. It should come as no surprise, then, that the folks behind Goldfish Swim School, the first children-only swim facility in Manhattan, decided to debut their project now. Photograph: Courtesy of Goldfish Swim School The space at 1534 Second Avenue by 80th Street on the Upper East Side welcomes kids ages 4 months to 12 years old to have fun in the 75-foot pool that’s kept at 90 degrees Fahrenheit all day. The destination also features a 92-degree pool deck and a viewing area for parents, private changing rooms, a hair dryer station, cubbies for belongings and, to the delight of the young ones, a fish tank. Photograph: Courtesy of Goldfish Swim School The facility is an official partner of the USA Swimming Foundation and offers a vast variety of swimming lessons “tailored to each child’s age and skill level,” according to a press release.  Children of New York: you've got a few solid months until the weather turns warm again—use the time to learn how to swim! There are plenty of pools around town that will be calling your name come summer, after all. 

When Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt got eliminated on the last season of Dancing with the Stars, we were all left hungry for more. The couple—inarguably, one of the best duo of dancers to ever hit the TV show—would put on a production akin to the best Broadway shows each week. It is only fitting, then, for the two to join forces once more on an actual Broadway stage. Starting April 6, Ballas and Leavitt will star as, respectively, Billy Flynn and Roxie Hart, on Chicago for a limited run through May 3. Leavitt, who broke out on Hulu’s hit The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, has actually been part of the cast as Roxie since the beginning of February. Ballas is also no stranger to the Broadway stage, having previously appeared in Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots. Chicago, the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, also feels like an appropriate show for a reunion given its propensity to cast celebrity Roxies throughout the years. A slew of stars of the reality kind in particular have taken on the role recently, including Ariana Madix of Scandoval fame and Erika Jayne, one of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Clearly, given the success of each run, the format is working. For what it's worth, we're particularly excited to catch a duo whose chemistry and dance chops have already proven to be excellent.

We can't quite think of a more Jane Fonda move: the award winning actress and climate activist is set to star in the premiere of Dear Everythng: A Musical Uprising for the Earth at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for one night only on April 22—which is actually Earth Day.  Written by Tony Award winner V (formerly Eve Ensler) and directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus, the production is a folk-pop musical that will take over the venue's Howard Gilman Opera House "as an artistic response to our climate emergency," reads an official press release.  The story focuses on a fictional small town, where teenager Sophia rounds up friends to stop the adults from sacrificing nearby forests for money. Fonda will be narrating the production. Photograph: Jenny Anderson "Our planet is burning from human-made climate catastrophe, and we need to join together to confront this," Fonda said in an official statement about the show. "Dear Everything is about the power of solidarity and it gives us the anthems we need for the job." The actress has never been shy about her position on climate issues. Back in 2022, for example, she founded the Jane Fonda Climate PAC, a political action committee that seeks to defeat fossil fuel-industry-backed politicians and instead elect "climate champions" at all government levels that will push for "bold climate action." Tickets for Dear Everything: A Musical Uprising for the Earth, which start at $35, are currently available right here.

Although hand roll spots are fairly popular across New York today, when Nami Nori opened on Carmine Street back in 2019, it tapped into a relatively unexplored corner of the sushi world—and did so extremely well. Until then, aside from maybe KazuNori, hand rolls were simply one of the many types of rolls you could order at any old sushi restaurant. Some were stellar, sure, but few places were truly dedicated to the form. Photograph: Jill Rittymanee All of which is to say: whenever the Nami Nori team is behind a project, we’re here to listen. That’s why we’re delighted to report that Nami Nori chef Jihan Lee is gearing up to open TBD Gimbap, a gimbap-only eatery taking over the group’s former Postcard Bakery space at 31 Carmine Street this Thursday, March 12. For the uninitiated, gimbap is sort of like the Korean answer to Japanese sushi: the dish consists of cooked rice and various fillings rolled in dried seaweed (told you) and then sliced into biteable pieces (told you again). No specific menu details have been released yet, but a photo posted to the restaurant’s official Instagram account shows staffers setting up the printed menu on the wall and it’s looking delicious. Gimbap options appear to include a classic (usually made with vegetables and beef), beef bulgogi, spicy pork, carrot inferno, tuna mayo and soy-garlic tofu. Beef bone broth also seems to be on the menu, alongside some pretty exciting desserts that we can only assume refer to ice cream flavors: pistachio,

Just a few weeks after revered longtime PDT bartender Jeff Bell announced the opening of Kees, his new subterranean lounge at 1 Cornelia Street, the cocktail guru has revealed yet another project. In partnership with Marx Realty, Bell is opening a new speakeasy-style concept, this one complete with a hidden entrance and a “complex entry process.” Highball Ltd. is officially open for business—if you can only find it inside the office tower at 10 Grand Central. Photograph: Eric Medsker Before we get to how you can actually get in, a bit about the space, which is carved out of the building’s 11th-floor Meeting Galleries amenity, a new 11,000-square-foot hub. The entire project is essentially an homage to Grand Central Terminal: the design draws inspiration from all things train, specifically honoring the “golden age of luxury train travel,” according to an official description. The idea is that you’ll feel as though you’re sipping a very good cocktail in the bar car of a train. The name of the destination is also on theme—doubly so. The moniker nods both to the classic whiskey cocktail and the “highball” railroad signal, when a ball raised to the top of a pole indicated that the track ahead was clear and the running train could proceed. Photograph: Eric Medsker Highball Ltd. is actually just one quarter of the four distinct spaces that will make up the Meeting Galleries complex, which will also include a 200-person town hall venue called the Grand Gallery, a recording studio

At the moment, everyone (us included) is obsessed with Love Story, Ryan Murphy’s glossy take on the courtship and marriage of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Can you blame us? The ’90s fashion alone is a master class in understatement and ease, the cast is distractingly beautiful and, let’s be honest, the national fixation on the Kennedy family, and JFK Jr. in particular, has always had a chokehold on America. Next weekend, New Yorkers especially enamored with the relationship (and with JFK Jr. himself) should make their way to Washington Square Park, where a JFK Jr. lookalike competition is set to take place. We spotted a flyer for the event circulating on social media and reached out to the Instagram account Hey Hunk, listed as the host, but haven’t heard back yet. Here’s what we do know, per the flyer: the contest is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, at 1pm, right beneath the iconic Washington Square Arch. There’s a $250 cash prize for the contestant who most resembles JFK Jr.—dubbed “the biggest hunk” on the flyer—and while it doesn’t say this explicitly, we wouldn’t be shocked if a swarm of single women started lining up the night before in search of a real-life Camelot. This isn't the first competition of this kind to take over NYC (a Heated Rivalry contest popped up in Washington Square Park just a few weeks ago, for example), but this one feels a bit more electric—perhaps because the Kennedy mystique never really fades or because JFK Jr. and Bessette-Ke

Dining at Malka in Dumbo, the kosher Israeli restaurant by celebrity chef Eyal Shani, feels like a different experience depending on when you walk through the door. On most nights, it operates like any other of-the-moment restaurant, turning out a menu of Middle Eastern favorites—most notably, the now-famous golden Malka schnitzel, stuffed with mashed potatoes and served with an array of dips that demand to be dragged through. Photograph: Max Flatow Photo But come Thursday, the lights dim, the DJ turns it up and the place morphs into something closer to a Tel Aviv fever dream. The menu stays put, but the energy doesn’t: prix fixe tends to rule the room—because who has time to deliberate over ordering when people are dancing on tables?  The Dumbo outpost opened about a year after the Upper West Side location debuted in 2023—Shani’s first-ever kosher venture in the U.S.—and it makes sharp use of its enviable corner perch. Beyond the weekly rhythm shift, the restaurant also hosts occasional wine pairing dinners spotlighting kosher bottles from around the world, matched with regionally inspired dishes (recent editions have highlighted Italian and Spanish pours). Photograph: Courtesy of Malka The mood may swing wildly from quiet Tuesday night dinner to full-blown party, but one thing at Malka remains constant: the menu's dedication to Middle Eastern flavors, mainly anchored by three standout—the focaccia, the branzino hraime and the above mentioned schnitzel. The only complain

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-WEB:179cb2cb-2a14-41ba-93ff-abb57b6a93c4-0" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Although kosher diners, in particular, are sure to savor a special evening at Maison Ostrow this March, the upcoming dinner at the French-Mediterranean kitchen and bar promises to impress anyone drawn to a little culinary theater. On Thursday, March 5, a roster of heavy-hitting talent will host a six-course experience anchored by a live 150-pound bluefin tuna carving—an awe-inducing spectacle that doubles as dinner prep. Celebrity chef and TV personality Todd English will join chef-owner Olivia Ostrow alongside the expert fish-cutting team from Sushi by Bou for the one-night-only event. The meal will be prepared live and served immediately, each course paired with wines from Herzog Wine Cellars. David Galzignato, Director of Winemaking for Herzog, will be on hand to walk guests through every pour. As for the menu, highlights include thon cru (minute-cut tuna dressed with olive oil, citrus, fleur de sel and fresh horseradish), plancha-style seared tuna loin with preserved lemon, capers, tarragon, garlic confit and piment d’Espelette, a flambéed tuna collar finished with orange peel and fennel seed, and grilled brochettes layered with eggplant, cherry tomato and rosemary. Throughout the evening, small plates, bag

It might have felt like a safe bet: a multi-level shrine to gourmet food backed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten down by NYC's South Street Seaport. And, yet, the 58,000-square-foot Tin Building, which cost nearly $200 million to set up, has officially closed after a four-year run. According to an official press release that was sent out yesterday, the food hall will be replaced with the Balloon Museum flagship this summer, an immersive experience focusing on inflatable art that had a temporary run in NYC back in 2023. Rumors regarding the financial struggles that have been plaguing the Tin Building—perhaps caused by the relatively remote location of the operation and the prevalence of similar high-end food markets across the city—have been circulating for months. According to publicly available financial documents, the market's parent company lost over $100 million over four years. According to the New York Post, "the Tin Building’s most popular eateries such as House of the Red Pearl and T. Brasserie might be relocated to other parts of the Seaport." Official plans are still being discussed, though. Moving forward, parent company Seaport Entertainment Group Inc. (SEG) hopes that the arrival of the Balloon Museum will revive the area. "After years of international growth, choosing New York City and an iconic location such as the Tin Building represents an even greater cultural responsibility for our team," said Roberto Fantauzzi, CEO and founder of Lux Entertainme

The great blizzard of 2026 enveloped New York City in massive amounts of snow starting yesterday—just weeks after another storm brought life to a halt. In many suburban areas, crews were still clearing the remnants of that system when this one hit. And the snow keeps coming.  Right before the precipitation started to get heavy last night, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency across the five boroughs and issued a travel ban that will remain in effect until at least noon today. “ We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non-essential travel, please for your safety, stay home, stay inside and stay off the roads,” Mamdani said during an official press conference last night. “Hazardous conditions put delivery workers, drivers and restaurant staff at risk. If you can do so, please look out for your fellow New Yorkers and prepare meals at home until the weather improves.” With the city seeking emergency snow-shoveling volunteers and precipitation still falling in parts of the state and alternate side parking suspended, the best advice is simple: stay indoors. If you absolutely must head outside, here’s what you need to know about the travel ban. Driving Cars, commercial trucks and e-bikes are not allowed to drive around the city right now until, at least, 12pm. That applies to bridges, highways and local streets. Mamdani noted that violating the travel ban would be akin to a Class B misdemeanor. NYC subways Keep in mind that things keep shifting, so you'll want to c

What makes an it restaurant an it restaurant? Usually, it’s a combination of things: culinary heavy-hitters behind it, excellent food and drinks, even more excellent service, a subtle air of secrecy tucked inside a beautiful setting, good timing (when we’re cooped up indoors as snowstorm after snowstorm hits, there’s something about trying a new NYC restaurant that feels especially electric) and, let’s admit it, a bit of luck. Photograph: Courtesy of Or'esh Or’esh, a new Levantine spot that just opened at 450 West Broadway in SoHo, nails that formula. Let’s start with the team: the restaurant comes courtesy of the folks behind The Corner Store—still one of the hardest reservations to snag in town. It’s also helmed by Michelin-starred chef Nadav Greenberg, formerly of Eyal Shani’s Israeli concept Shmoné in Greenwich Village, which is also perennially packed. That brings us to the food. Or’esh translates to “light” and “fire” in Hebrew, and that duality defines the menu: a coal-fired kitchen and custom charcoal grill turn out handcrafted Jerusalem bagels (those elongated, baked breads you see all over the Middle East) served with house-made dips, a curated selection of market fish, a Wagyu New York strip and more. Bonus points: everything is free of seed oils and refined sugars (we do, after all, live in the age of wellness). Photograph: Courtesy of Or'esh The space is just as considered as the menu. Dining here feels like a quick trip across the Atlantic, transportive in b

You’d be excused for not noticing Hue House while walking down a midtown Manhattan street. After all, as ambitious as the idea behind this new four-story cultural club showcasing Asian culture may be, the building itself is fairly nondescript, tucked into 56 East 41st Street near Madison Avenue. Step inside, though, and it becomes immediately clear just how much thought has gone into the project. Photograph: Courtesy of Hue HouseGulp Although the space calls back to Hue House’s first New York location—the one that opened in Long Island City in May 2023—the Manhattan iteration doesn't really look or feel the same. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by Gulp, a to-go Taiwanese spot serving bento boxes, bubble tea and grab-and-go meals. Just beyond it, a striking contraption demands attention. At first glance, it resembles a frozen yogurt dispenser with nearly ten different faucets. But don’t expect anything sweet to come out of it. This vending machine—available only to guests 21 and over—dispenses cocktails inspired by Taiwanese flavors. The drinks are divided into categories, each denoted by color: green labels feature hard spirits mixed with Taiwanese teas; red labels offer low-alcohol options inspired by Taiwanese bubble tea; and yellow labels highlight cocktails made with Taiwanese spirits. Each shot costs $8. Photograph: Courtesy of Hue HouseTraveler According to co-owner Haoran Chen, who gave Time Out a tour of the space earlier this month, train stations in Japan—anoth