Morgan Carter

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 neighborhood favorite might all occupy top spots on your personal best list in spite of their disparate qualities.  Our list of NYC’s 34 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’ve been to and want to return to again and again, and that we think that you will, too.  RECOMMENDED: NYC’s best bars right now June 2025: We did another overhaul of the best restaurants list, shaving it down from 50 to a cool 34. We added Sam Yoo’s subterranean steakhouse, NY Kimchi. We removed Astoria Seafood, Bo Ky, Com Tam Ninh Kieu, Crown Shy, Dhamaka, Dirt Candy, Hometown BBQ, Lillio, Los Mariscos, Los Tacos No. 1, Olmstead, Taverna Kyclades, Usha Foods, Rangoon and Rezdôra.  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.

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—leaps above what you try to craft 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. Updated June 2025: We did another overhaul of the best bars list, shaving it down from 50 to a round 30. We removed BierWax, The Bronx Beer Hall, Brooklyn Brewery, The Campbell, Clemente Bar, Dante, Dutch Kills, Experimental Cocktail Club, Fraunces Tavern, The Honey Well, Julius, Marie’s Crisis Cafe, NR, Old Town Bar, Overstory, PDT, Pete’s Tavern, Russian Vodka Room, Saint Tuesday and Sunny’s. We added Bar Blondeau.   Time Out has instituted a sitewide policy change. For more on our new policies, feel free to check out how we review at Time Out. 

The hot dog is right up there with a slice of pizza as one of NYC’s most iconic street foods. Traditionally served along the beach in Coney Island and from late-night street vendors to seekers of cheap eats, the humble frankfurter has increasingly been found on high-end menus across the city. It’s also been reimagined by chefs at Mexican restaurants and cocktail bars, where they add exciting ingredients to the traditional snack. Here in New York, you can find chili cheese dogs, Chicago dogs with spicy sport peppers and, of course, the classic New York dog you’re craving. Whether you’re looking to try the newest fad or want a taste of tradition, we’ve rounded up the 25 very best hot dogs in NYC.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Finding the best hotel in NYC to stay at, whether on a trip here or a staycation, is paramount. Yes, you’ll likely be out and about and the hotel simply serves as a place to lay your head, but a good hotel can make or break your time in the city. New York prides itself on its hospitality and that is pretty clearly evidenced by its best hotels. Every kind of traveler can find their perfect holiday haven in this glorious city, from sleek boutique hotels in the city’s trendiest neighborhoods to opulent luxury stays near the top NYC attractions. You’ll even find some of the best spas and restaurants tucked inside their lobbies. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the Big Apple or a local craving an inner-city staycation, these properties take the cake when it comes to hospitality and hotel perks. Cue room service. June 2025 update: We have completely revamped our list by visiting dozens of hotels across NYC, most recently, The Rockaway Hotel + Spa. So know that when you’re reading this list, you’re getting the most up-to-date information. 🇺🇸 Click here to view our full guide to the best things to do in NYC🏨 Discover the best cheap hotels in NYC🌉 Explore the coolest Airbnbs in Brooklyn💗 Book one of the best boutique hotels in NYC Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities, and in-depth research to find you the bes

We love ice cream in any form—and every season. Though we’ll happily partake in a sweet cone even in the glacial New York winter, ice cream—like music festivals, park-set picnics and outdoor dining—is a joyful, delicious harbinger of warmer weather. Just try to be grumpy with a great big ice cream cone on a sunny day—it's physically impossible. New York City has an abundance of options for when you can’t catch the Mister Softee truck, from old-school scoops to newfangled soft serve. These are our favorite ice cream shops in NYC—including the classic, offbeat, unique and traditional frozen offerings this season. June 2025: We added Caffè Panna and Salt & Straw. We removed Il Laboratorio Gelato, Davey's Ice Cream, Sundaes and Cones and Soft Swerve. 

It's time to celebrate Juneteenth 2025! Juneteenth has been celebrated by Black Americans since the late 1800s, but in 2020, the holiday garnered renewed attention as Black Lives Matter demonstrators called (and still call) for meaningful policy changes following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. NYC and New York recently made Juneteenth an official holiday, and it's now a federal holiday also.  When is Juneteenth? June 19 is on a Thursday this year. Some celebrations take place on the actual holiday, while others take place in the weeks before and after. What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated? Juneteenth is the celebration and commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers brought news to Galveston, Texas that the war was over and enslaved people were free (this was two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.) The celebration was coined "Juneteenth" and became a time for praying and for gathering with family. It became massively celebrated in Texas decades later, with many of the formerly enslaved and their descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date, according to Juneteenth.com. How will Juneteenth be celebrated this year? The day has been celebrated more in Southern states with rodeos, fishing, barbecuing and baseball, with a focus on education and self-improvement. New York City has so many ways to celebrate this year. We'll be updating this list as e

Time Out Market New York is buzzing with activity, from phenomenal food and drinks to fun parties to keep you rolling through the cooler months. The market has  Bottomless Brunch!  For $50, you’ll receive a $30 TOM Card toward the meal of your choice from the market’s concessions and you can choose from Bottomless mimosas and bellinis from noon to 3pm on weekends. Below is the current schedule of events at Time Out Market New York!

The best brunch in NYC can be found every day of the week. Saturday brunch is the best time to gear up for the night ahead, Sundays are perfect for relaxing and a weekday brunch is a rarefied treat designated for ad hoc time off—we would know. We make brunch our business. It doesn’t matter so much when you do it, but where you do it. And whether you skew more toward the breakfast or lunch ends of the portmanteau’s spectrum, toward coffee or mimosas, these are the best brunch destinations in NYC.  RECOMMENDED: The best boozy brunches in NYC June 2025: This year, we did a massive overhaul of our brunch. We removed Ed’s Lobster Bar and Sidney’s Five as they have since closed. We also removed All & Sundry, Alma, Baar Baar, Bubby’s, Cookshop, Dago, Don Don, Ed’s Lobster Bar, Fairfax, Five Leaves, Freeman’s, The Fulton, Henry Public, Inga’s Bar, Jack’s Wife Freda, La Mercerie, Le Crocodile, Le Gratin, Milady, Peaches, Raoul’s, Stoaway, Tre and The Queensboro. We added Bar Mercer, Bunna Cafe, Miss Ada, Melba’s, Win Son Bakery and Ursula.  For more on our editorial policies and ethics, feel free to check out How we review at Time Out. Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

A New York summer is often a hot one, and prime outdoor dining season is sizzling, too. Throughout NYC, rooftop bars, restaurants with amazing views and lovely waterfront destinations are shining in their annual turn in the sun. The best outdoor setups at these all-day cafes, Michelin-starred stunners, cozy dives, neighborhood favorites and city newcomers all have picturesque settings to get your attention. And even after the season for outdoor dining in NYC has passed, you'll find great food and drinks to keep you coming back from now through next fall.      RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in NYC May 2025: This year, we did a massive overhaul of our outdoor dining list as various restaurants around town have closed or had to shutter their street eateries. We removed Gallow Green, Pinto Garden and Silver Apricot as they have since closed. We removed Pilot and Grand Banks (but don’t worry, you can find them under our boat bars list). We also removed Bandits, Bar Primi, Brooklyn Ice House, Broken Shaker, Cookshop, Dagon, Henry Public, June, Laudree Soho, Lilia, Maracuja, Milk and Roses, Nabila, Palma and Zaab Zaab. We added Baba on Withers, Cafe Mado, LaRina Pastificio & Vino, Sailor and Saishin. For more on our editorial policies and ethics, feel free to check out How we review at Time Out.

Like most New York City neighborhoods, Chelsea, on Manhattan’s west side between about Sixth and 11th Avenues and 14th and 34th Streets (though those boundaries are sometimes called into question!) has changed over the years in myriad ways. For one, restaurants come and go. But one thing is certain, Chelsea still has many excellent places to eat and drink. The next time you’re strolling the High Line or checking out art galleries in the famed nabe, check out Chelsea's best restaurants for a quality meal.  Updated May 2025: We added Cafe Chelsea, Hav & Mar and Zaab Zaab. We removed La Noxe, Miznon and Sid's Gold Request Room.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Chelsea, New York

I often get the question: What's your new favorite restaurant on the scene? And oftentimes, that question alone is enough to make my head spin. Not for lack of trying, but attempting to stay up-to-date with the rotating door of restaurants that make their debut, month after month after month, can be quite the endeavor. So, we've decided to collect some of the latest and greatest on this list of the best new restaurants in New York, for my peace of mind, and so that you, the reader, can get out there and try it yourself. And who knows, maybe a few of these might make it to our best restaurants list by the end of the year. May 2025: As of this month, the current list of the best new restaurants in NYC includes a kimchi tasting menu, an all-day cafe from a master of the baking scene and an Italian supper club that reopened for its second act. So get out there and eat!

The only places that offer even better views than New York City’s best waterfront restaurants are our water-top restaurants: yes, we're talking about those scenic boat bars and floating eateries that give off that breezy yachting lifestyle—but without the high price and pesky barnacles that stow away on an actual watercraft. Mostly only open seasonally, they’re peak spring and summer destinations with the warm-weather menus to match, all with a side of real-deal seafaring. So ahoy! New York's best boat bars will rise the tide for all your going-out plans this season.  RECOMMENDED: The 27 best outdoor bars in NYC Updated May 2025: We removed North River Lobster Company and La Barca as the company permanently closed in 2024. We also removed Pilot as the boat is currently undergoing renovations. 

There hasn't been a time that I've dipped down into lower levels of Sauced and it wasn't perennially packed with a pack of twenty and thirty-somethings commandeering corners and tables, swirling stubby glasses of red, white and orange. But this is for good reason—Sauced is the type of bar that welcomes any and all over good wine and good times. There are no menus here, all that is needed is a chat with the knowledgeable staff behind the handsome wooden bar. After sussing out your preferences of the day, the barkeep will pluck a few bottles from the bucket of ice before you, pouring a few tastes until you narrow on the glass that's just right. With the "hardest" part out of the way, the next is deciding whether to find a corner of the bar and attempt conversation over the tunes or wait until a group of good timers finally leave the patio for that coveted spot under the shade of the tree. The vibe: Every time, it feels like you found the cool kid party. Luckily, there is less stuffiness here compared to other wine bars around town. The bar staff is conversational and will help you weed through any potential wine woes. The food: While the early days of the bar had small plates for snacking, most of that has been 69'd. However, the bar happily welcomes pop-ups of all kind, just check their IG to see who is serving snacks along with sips. The drinks: Natty wines only. Join the club. Time Out tip: The closer you get to the evening times, the more packed it gets (same goes for the

When Sam Yoo of Golden Diner took over his parents’ lease across from Rockefeller Center, he decided his next act would pay homage to them and their heritage. Inside the 6,500-square-foot space sits two concepts of his own making: Korean pub Golden Hof and Korean raw bar and steakhouse NY Kimchi. Compared to the lively drinking den up above, NY Kimchi acts as a calming sanctuary. Upon descending the stairs, the eye is immediately drawn to the massive rock wall that lines the back wall, with tufts of green and yellow moss sprouting from the edges and cracks. Successfully evoking the idea of a rock garden, the sound structure is softened with rows of bamboo and round paper lanterns that hang from the ceiling. And yet, among such Zen-like interiors, each table houses a fire.  With barbecues built right into wooden tables, incredibly friendly staff come around to converse, take your order and expertly cook your food right in front of you. Yes, of course, you can go for the 30-day, dry-aged porterhouse for $140, but Yoo has made it a point to keep affordability in mind, serving soy-marinated short rib priced at $44, while ssamjang-slicked lamb chops come in at $46. Served alongside are all manner of banchan—cubes of pickled radish, marinated cucumbers, and a round of potato salad, to name a few. You could easily eat like a purist, but the steaks do come with perilla-soy and kimchi-heavy dipping sauces, so we do recommend a quick dip. But before you go all in on steak, know that Yo

As our contributing writer Melissa Kravitz Hoffner says, “The best lesbian bars in NYC are, in fact, the only lesbian bars in NYC, as there are unfortunately not many remaining that identify as such.” Cubbyhole remains in the category and is great in its own regard. The friendly neighborhood dive in the West Village certainly keeps it colorful with a chaotically wonderful display of glittering disco balls, paper flowers, rainbow string lights and even a few pinatas that are strung up on the ceiling. But don’t crane your neck for too long—connect with others over cheap drinks and dance-heavy tunes that carry well into the early hours of the morning. As one of the few remaining lesbian hideaways in the city, this corner dive gets mighty packed on the weekends, especially when the weather grows warm. So arrive early or be prepared to line block for a chance to get in. 

For the past five years, Ilegal Mezcal has been supporting the LGBTQ+ community with its initiative, "celebratingYOU." In partnership with wayOUT, a national non-profit organization committed to empowering LGBTQ+ individuals, the cocktail campaign has raised critical funds for folks across the country, raising $80,000 since its inception in 2021. So, how can you help out this year? All you have to do is order a drink. In support of the campaign, four bars across Manhattan and Brooklyn are shaking up specialty mezcal cocktails from now until the end of June to benefit the cause. Harlemites can head to Angel of Harlem and cool off with the Mezcal Mule, while Upper East Siders can sip on the Cha Cha Chica at Tiki Chick, made with chipotle-infused Ilegal joven, pisco acholado, acidified tamarind nectar and a mango brandy spritz. If you are Brooklyn livin', the Arlo Williamsburg has the mezcal and ginger beer-based number, Oaxaca Sunset. But if you'd rather a round of golf while you give back, then reserve a spot at X-Golf Brooklyn and knock back the In Repo Fashion cocktail, made with Ilegal reposado, luxardo cherry juice, muddled orange and orange bitters. Cheers!

Where do queer people, community and soup all come together? Queer Soup Night, of course! The Brooklyn-born pop-up has been serving soup with a side of social justice since 2017, and now operates in 13 cities across the nation. To wrap up Pride month, the NYC-based chapter hosts an evening of music, food and fun.  For its fourth year in a row, Queer Soup Night heads to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on June 25 for Pride Night. Starting at 6pm, the evening event features activations for all to enjoy. Want to learn more about the grounds? Join plant influencer and author Christopher Griffin of Plant Kween on a tour of the Aquatic House and Tropical Pavilion. Looking for a bit of family fun? Grab a seat at Drag Story Hour NYC with the kiddos or head to the Plant Family Collection lawn for a family-friendly activity led by the Discover Garden team. If dancing is more your speed, New York's all-women orchestra, The Lulada Club, will turn the vibe with live salsa music and dancing well into the evening. But when you need a break from all that spinning, sustenance can be found courtesy of chef Surbhi Sahni of Tagmo. Served on a first-come, first-served basis, chef Sahni will provide free bites to keep you fueled. It all goes down at the Garden's Cherry Esplanade lawn. So bring a basket and a blanket and come celebrate! Tickets are free for members and $10 for non-members. Click here to get the access code for tickets. 

Nearly everything chef Sungchul Shim touches turns to gold. Or, in this case, Michelin gold, as Mari and Kochi have consistently ranked in the Guide (as well as achieving high marks on ours). He hopes his latest, Gui Steakhouse, will follow suit. Debuting in the Theater District in February of 2025, Gui Steakhouse feels like a classic steakhouse imbued with chef Shim's Korean heritage. The experience starts on the ground floor with Bar 92. With its oolong-infused and baijiu-based cocktail menu, the bar serves as its own standalone hang, pre- or post-theater, or an adequate middle ground if members of your party are running late. The host will shoot you up to the second floor via elevator once your entire party has arrived, and then, once the bell dings, the doors will open to a row of fridges that glow with steaks of various ages—signaling your arrival to the main event. The interior channels sophistication over stuffiness, pleasing the eye with curved blue-ish green leather banquettes, shoji screens and a soft glow of hovering globe lights. Found in touches around the main room and a fixture of the bar downstairs, the iridescent mother-of-pearl inlays sourced from Korea add an elegance to it all. If you happen to sit near the open kitchen, it's easy to catch the steady figure of chef Shim in the stark white light, hard at work.  Classic fixtures of the steakhouse experience remain here, be it oyster towers, caviar service and, naturally, steak. But unlike the others who sim

With a name that translates to “The Head of Gold," La Tête d’Or by Daniel Boulud is truly something to discover. The deep-red entryway with soft glowing amber fixtures leads you to the bar, a sultry corner of bronze mirrors and velvet armchairs. It all pours into the soaring, high-ceiling dining room with elements of dark woods, leather and plush banquettes and elegant bouquets that sit above them. The 120-seat dining room is framed by the open kitchen with its opulent hood that calls to the Art Deco era.  Seafaring adventurers can dip their toes in Scallop Crudo and Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, an import from his eponymous restaurant, Daniel. But naturally, the meat is the draw. Eleven steaks grace the menu, from Bavette to a 45-day aged Rib-Eye to Prime Rib Trolley that wheels right up to the table. Playing to Boulud’s love of American ice cream shops, desserts include swirls of soft-serve served with a plate of goodies—sprinkles, coca nibs and cranberry meringue kisses—to make your own sweet treat.

Since the 1970s, this family-run Chinatown institution has stood on Bayard Street, serving ice cream to a steady crowd that still queues up at the door. A one-in-and-one-out kind of situation, this small slip of a shop still manages to keep it cute with paper lanterns on the ceiling and drawings of its mascot: an ice cream-eating green dragon. You can find all manner of homemade ice cream offerings written on various whiteboards behind the counter, from pints and scoops to go. Shop originals include Black Sesame dotted with sesame seeds, the neon green Pandan and the Almond Cookie that folds in cookies from Famous Fung Wong Bakery. Meanwhile, cheekily named exotics include Chocolate, Cherry Vanilla and Chocolate Chip. Plus, asking for multiple samples is perfectly acceptable, just to try to keep it speedy to keep the line moving. Once scoops are in hand, spooning ice cream on the sidewalk is perfectly acceptable as is trekking it to one of Chinatow's various parks

Wayla was already poised for stardom shortly after first opening its doors on the Lower East Side in 2019, when seemingly everyone in NYC was salivating over its street food-inspired dishes, clamoring for tables and snapping selfies. Even now, years later, prime-time reservations for this home-style Thai food still aren’t easy to come by. Their attention to ingredients, focus on fresh flavors and market-inspired menus have folks filling up Wayla’s table night after night. Fortunately for you, there’s a seat with your name on it.

Starting from a humble cart in Portland to 42 locations around the nation, Salt & Straw has become the little ice cream shop that could. But back in 2011, it all started with a single scoop. Inspired by the community-minded Portland scene around her, Kim Malek envisioned an ice cream shop that could bring people together. She recruited her cousin Tyler Malek, who, armed with a culinary degree and a blender from Goodwill, was tasked with creating the scoops for it. Over a decade and a staggering 600 ice cream flavors later, Salt & Straw has become a darling in the ice cream world. And after scouting New York and teasing us via pop-ups, the company finally brought its scoops to the Big Apple with two locations—one in West Village and the other in the Upper West Side. With an interior that looks like an ice cream cone, the Portland-based import brought all of its signature scoops to the East Coast: Honey Lavender, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons and Basque Cheesecake. But much like its other shops, there are exclusive flavors only found in NYC. Making friends with fellow restaurants in the city, the ice cream shop scoops Cinnamon Raisin Bagels & Schmear with chunks of candied cinnamon bagels sourced from PopUpBagels, while the Chocolate Babka with Hazelnut Fudge incorporates loaves from the iconic Breads Bakery. But for a scoop you have to eat to believe is the Pastrami on Rye. Using a butterscotch ice cream as a base, this ice cream folds in smoky pastrami from Carnegie Deli ble

While Hallie Meyer grew up in Gramercy, she found her calling in Rome. With a love for all things ice cream (and restaurants—her father is Danny Meyer, after all), Meyer spent five months living in Italy, working her way through kitchens and gelaterias across the capital. When she returned to NYC, she brought her love of gelato with her, opening Caffè Panna in 2019. New Yorkers quickly caught on, and even to this day, lines remain out the door for just a taste of her Italian-inspired ice cream. In 2024, Meyer brought her famous ice cream to Brooklyn with a second outpost landing in Greenpoint.  The tan brick building that houses Caffè Panna is relatively easy to spot, with a constant line wrapped around the corner. While you wait, it's common for a staff member to greet you, allowing you to plan your order before approaching the window. Every sundae starts with a base of your choice, from house classics such as the Vanilla to coffee bean-infused stracciatella. You can find rotating varieties of the day here too, from Marshmallow Croissant to swirls of Blackberry Cheesecake. Dress it up with a drizzle of fudge, strawberry or even a few glugs of olive oil, and get a little crunchy with a topper of homemade Oreo brittle or flaky sea salt. No matter how you mix and match, each creation receives a dollop of the airy, whipped panna on top made with ingredients imported from the motherland. The newest location also serves granita, a middle ground between Italian ice and sorbet. Surp

Saturday and Sunday mornings on the corner of Kenmare and Mott Streets are perpetually packed with hungry hopefuls waiting for a table at Thai Diner. The culinary mash-up of Thai flavors and American fare is thanks to Ann Redding and Matt Danzer. Previously of the beloved Uncle Boons and Uncle Boons Sister, both now closed, Redding decided to channel her Thai and American upbringing into a diner that spins the classics. Five years and one pandemic later, the all-day diner is still calling crowds well into the late afternoon. Daytime hits include a homemade Thai tea babka french toast, drizzled with condensed milk and served with a Thai tea-infused butter while soft-boiled eggs get complimented with chili jam and scallion roti. Not sure where to start? The Thai Disco Fries with a fragrant massaman curry are always a good call. 

If you were a '90s kid who grew up in America like I was, it's highly likely that you too fought your parents for the remote to catch SNICK or Saturday Night Nickelodeon. A golden era of programming for kids and pre-teens, the two-hour block was filled with hit after hit, from the sarcastic and funny Melissa Hart in Clarissa Explains It All, to the semi-legit scary tales of Are You Afraid of the Dark? But a favorite in my house? The pint-sized version of Saturday Night Live but for kids: All That. Breakout stars of the show, Ken Thompson and Kel Mitchell received a spin-off sitcom of their own in 1996, Ken & Kel, following up with the movie, Good Burger, inspired by their skit on the sketch comedy show. And this summer, one of the beloved actors will be heading to NYC this Labor Day weekend, bringing us together for all the nostalgic feels and tons of burgers.  RECOMMENDED: The 17 best burgers in NYC right now On Saturday, August 30, Kel Mitchell is bringing his first-ever Kel’s Burger Fest to Brooklyn. Teaming up with Bucket Listers, the one-day fest held at Williamsburg's BK Backyard Bar will bring music, games and some of the best burgers from across the country, New York included. While the burger lineup has yet to be officially announced, the all-out extravaganza will feature over-the-top creations, smashburgers and even a few vegan patties thrown in the mix.  "This is more than a food festival—it’s a full-on burger bonanza,” said Mitchell in a press release. “We’re bri

Chef Dhanapol "Oak" Marprasert has had quite the culinary history. Born in Washington D.C., chef Marprasert moved to the Samsen neighborhood of Bangkok as a child. Growing up around the historical transit hub with its swirl of street eateries, Marprasert developed an interest in Thai cuisine. But it was his mother who instilled a passion to push it further.  "My passion for cooking started by watching my mother,” said Marprasert. “Growing up, I saw how she used food to bring our family together and care for everyone.”  RECOMMENDED: The 18 best Thai restaurants in New York City He formerly attended culinary school in Bangkok, eventually making his way to the States in 2014. Landing in Tennessee, he found a job at a Thai restaurant as a pot washer, working his way up to the kitchen where he began cooking traditional Thai cuisine. Along the way, he also gained a new love: barbecue. Drawn in by the “smoky aroma” and “the unique cooking process” found in the Tennessee scene, Marprasert entered his first barbecue competition.  Photography courtesy of Samsaen| Grilled River Prawn Pad Cha Ready to bring his cuisine to a global stage, he moved to New York and opened the affordable Thai eatery, Makin, in 2020, following up the contemporary Thai restaurant, Kam Rai Thai, in 2023. His love of BBQ followed, participating in Brisket King NYC. He even clinched the number three spot at the National BBQ Festival this year for his slow-roasted BBQ pork belly. His latest restaurant seemingly

Five years and one pandemic later, Ann Redding and Matt Danzer’s Thai-inspired diner—aptly named Thai Diner—continues to thrive. Most days, the street corner on Kenmare and Mott Streets spots a steady crowd, with diners vying for brunches of Thai tea French toast and disco fries. RECOMMENDED: The 18 best Thai restaurants in NYC for curries, skewers and more But that’s not to say that the husband-and-wife team hasn’t experienced the ups and downs of owning a restaurant in NYC: After running one of the most acclaimed Thai restaurants in the city for seven years running, Uncle Boons became a pandemic casualty, closing in 2020. The spirit of Boons—one of creative Thai cooking paired with all-American comfort—stayed alive, though, through their follow-up restaurant, Uncle Boons Sister, a casual, dine-in locale that not only helped with overflow but became its own hub for curry dishes and laab. But after transitioning to takeout and delivery only, the restaurant also shuttered its doors in 2020. All these years later, however, it seems as though Redding and Danzer have retained the keys to that very front door, as the couple is reportedly dropping a brand-new concept in the old storefront.  Come this summer, Mommy Pai’s will open in the 203 Mott Street location. As reported by Eater NY, the new takeout-only spot will be a “Thai chicken fingers and tropical fruit drinks concept,” according to a spokesperson of the restaurant. It seems as though the restaurant idea has quietly been i

The weather isn’t our favorite pastime to talk about, but we can’t help but notice that it is seriously scorching outside. Last Friday marked the first day of the summer season, and boy, she certainly came out of the gate screaming hot, greeting us with 100-degree temps that even broke a 140-year-old record heat. But once again, I don’t need to tell you that it is hot—the bead running down your back already has. However, I can tell you that this summertime deal in Dumbo is here to cool you off when high temps rear their ugly head.  RECOMMENDED: Fun ways to stay cool during NYC’s heat wave this week All summer long, Time Out Market is offering a deal to chill you out. When the weather hits 90 degrees or above, the market hall offers discounted deals on its frozen drink menu, priced from $10-12. Available on both floors including the fifth-floor rooftop, this boozy good deal is guaranteed to keep you cool all summer long.   Photograph courtesy of Time Out| Frozen cocktails Ice cream lovers will love the Boozy Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream Float ($12). Made with Stoli vanilla vodka, a few scoops of vanilla ice cream, Fanta soda and a swirl of whipped cream, this grown-up twist on a childhood favorite blends creamy indulgence with a splash of spirits. If your idea of summer revolves around having a glass of rose in hand, then Peach Frosé ($10) is for you. Made with Juliette Heirloom Peach liqueur, rosé and a blend of fresh strawberry purée, this frozen keeps things light and fru

We know that we are preaching to the choir here, but it bears repeating: it is hot AF outside. Sure, only a few months ago we collectively threw our hands up to the gray skies, wishing for warmer days. But this? Two showers a day, hot? A transportation system that doubles as a sauna, hot? Tying a 140-year-old heat record, hot? It’s a no for me dawg.  But seeing as how complaining alone can’t lower the temp in the air (or else, there would be a winter freeze by now), New York City is offering ways to keep cool, activating citywide cooling centers and reopening 60 plus outdoor public pools come this Friday. But the best way we know how to cool off? Ice cream. Yes, the combo of dairy, cream and sugar by the scoop, sundae and the pint is just the cure even the hottest of heads. Just in time for this heatwave, we recently updated our list of best ice cream shops in NYC. And this year, an Italian-inspired spot was crowned the number one spot.   Photograph: Liz Clayman| The seasonal Sungold Sundae Caffè Panna made our number one top spot for all things swirled and scooped in 2025. Hallie Meyer is the owner behind the shop, powered by a lifelong love for all things ice cream. And we aren't just saying that—Meyer's love for cream and sugar goes deep, like a five-month residency working in gelaterias across Rome, deep. Cleary inspired by the silky scoops she found abroad, she returned stateside, scooping ice cream in the South Bronx before opening a brick-and-mortar in Gramercy in 20

Summer is officially here, so you have little excuse not to get outside and experience New York’s best in food and drink. But, as we all know, not all of the city's best cuisines can be confined to just four walls. Rather, some of the finest can be found right outside, popping up in wine bars, cooking under the Brooklyn Bridge and steadily parked on street corners. Heck, the buzz generated from these outdoor cook-offs has led to real-deal operations, from Anthony Ha and Sadie Mae Burns's roving Vietnamese snack operation turned LES wine bar Ha’s Snack Bar, to Jorge Aguilar's breakfast taco operation Border Town, which is heading to Greenpoint later this year.  With all that said, we think it's best to become a loyal follower now so you can say “you knew them when.” And while we don't mind crisscrossing the city to see what’s up-and-coming, for those of you who’d like to save a little coin on the train, a FiDi restaurant will be hosting several foodie pop-ups under its roof all summer. Even better? Superstar chef Marcus Samuelsson is hosting.  This summer, Samuelsson and executive chef Sherry Cardoso of Metropolis by Marcus Samuelsson are celebrating the season with their first-ever "Subway Series." Kicking off this month until August 27, the summertime pop-up series is giving BIPOC chefs without a physical restaurant space a chance to showcase their fare on a larger stage. Six chefs from around the way will be taking over the restaurant’s outdoor terrace, introducing the like

“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, Food & Drink Editor Morgan Carter talked about the growing trend of steak frites found in bars around the city.  When the clock strikes midnight on June 1st, various corporations throw up a Bat-Signal to the queer community, albeit a yassified one. Allegedly, all in the name of Pride, several big-named brands hawk gaudy, colorful suits in the retail space and slap on some variation of “Yes Queen!” on beer cans at the bar. But every year, the issue remains—companies go hard on the rainbow-colored scheme and not much else. As this year’s Pride approaches, it’s becoming increasingly clear whose allyship is genuine and whose support is merely a superficial show.   RECOMMENDED: NYC Pride 2025: guide, themes and dates As of late, the queer community has faced an onslaught of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and hate due to the Trump administration, much of it targeting transgender individuals. As a result, many of the corporations and businesses that proudly waved their Pride flags just a few years ago have quietly stuck them back in their corporate closets. According to The New York Times, about "25 percent of corporate donors to New York Pride have canceled or scaled back their support, citing economic uncertainty and fear of retribution from th

Bed-Stuy’s latest wine bar hopes to introduce a space where the wine is accessible, the vibe is French and the oysters are freshly shucked on the half shell.   A combination of the French words sel (salt) and lune (moon), Selune opened its doors on June 17, taking space in a 100-year-old brownstone. The wine and oyster bar is a labor of love from couple Marc Lioussanne and Bilen Gaga, who lean on their shared passions to bring it to life. Owner of Bistro Général & Mabel in Paris and previous beverage director of Eden Rock in St. Barths, Lioussanne brings the hospitality angle, while Gaga’s hand touches the interior, with an eye that is shaped by her fashion background and her Ethiopian roots.  Photograph: Jovani Demetrie| Interior of Selune Salvaged from the previous tenant, a long, hand-stained walnut bar runs the length of the 50-seat wine bar, illuminated with globe lights. Across it, you can find two-seater tables and chairs plus a singular booth that's pushed up against the exposed brick walls painted white. Among a palette of tan leather, brushed gold and deep green accents, including live greenery, a single portrait hangs on the wall. Found near the rear of the restaurant, the painting depicts a scene of African women preparing a shared meal, nodding to Gaga’s Ethiopian heritage.   Photograph: Jovani Demetrie| The back booth at Selune is framed by an art piece chosen by Bilen Gaga Naturally, wine is on order and there is plenty of it thanks to Lioussanne. Curating

While we lay in wait for the new and improved $7 billion dollar Penn Station, developers have already spun up a new neighborhood around the transportation hub. The emerging locale dubbed the Penn District has begun to welcome everyday travelers and loads of tourists with retail, bars and eateries that trump the last-standing Sbarro in Manhattan.  Among Moynihan Train Hall’s bevy of businesses, including Alidoro, E.A.K Ramen and Jacob’s Pickles, you can get a solid Guinness pour and then some at The Irish Exit from the team behind The Dead Rabbit. Joining Los Tacos No. 1 on the pedestrian-only plaza on 33rd Street, Roberta’s opened a standalone location in Manhattan last year, replete with a grab-and-go slice shop and a rooftop that streams basketball games from the neighboring Madison Square Garden. And while casual, to-go restaurants make perfect sense in the transit-heavy area, the minds behind Sunday Hospitality (of Sunday in Brooklyn, Rule of Thirds and all of the F&B concepts inside Hotel Chelsea including the recently opened Teruko) figured that the concertgoers of Madison Square Garden deserved a nice sit-down something as well. Tapping into New York's steakhouses of yesteryear backed by some serious chef talent, the team opened The Dynamo Room on May 31st.  Photograph: Gentl & HyersThe interior of The Dynamo Room Modern steakhouse it may be, The Dynamo Room is quick to hit us with all the nostalgic feels. Referencing iconic eras from the atomic age to the space race

“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, Food & Drink Editor Morgan Carter went to a rave in a sauna.  Back in 2021, TikTok discovered the $28 never-ending skirt steak and fries deal at Skirt Steak. Banking on the single item with a few supporting characters (the aforementioned fries and a side of greens), the Nomad restaurant achieved viral status, generating a steady line of influencers and those who had been influenced. A few years later, the price climbed to $45 (thanks, inflation)—and much like anything else that achieves buzz on TikTok, the hype died down as we moved on to the next. But now the steak frites craze is back, this time reemerging at bars across the city. While taprooms and lounges that solely specialize in nuts and pretzels in bowls certainly have their place, some of New York’s best food can be found bellied up to the bar. Chinatown’s Sunn’s draws crowds for Sunny Lee’s take on banchan just as much as it does for its wines curated by Parcelle. Williamburg’s Bar Madonna (our Best New Bar pick for Best of the City Awards in 2024) keeps us properly boozed with amari and grappa and fed with osso buco croquettes and the appropriately meaty and cheesy smashed meatball parm. Yet, several emerging bars are leaning into American comfort food: meat and potatoes. P

It's the newest holiday in New York City and a very important one: Juneteenth is here for 2025, so it's time to celebrate! Events across the city will commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Black Americans have been marking the day since the late 1800s, but in 2020, the holiday garnered renewed attention as Black Lives Matter demonstrators called (and still call) for meaningful policy changes following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers. Juneteenth events in NYC this year include festivals, musical performances, comedy shows and family-friendly activities. Many festivities take place on the actual day—Thursday, June 19—but other events will run throughout the weekend, so you can keep the party going. Read on for our top Juneteenth picks and catch our full guide to the holiday here. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Juneteenth in NYC Photograph: Black Owned Brooklyn| Juneteenth Food Festival Parades and festivals  1. Juneteenth Family Festival Where: Lewis Latimer House | Flushing, QueensWhen: Saturday, June 20How much: Free to attend The Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Lewis Latimer House features live performances, hands-on activities and powerful tributes to Black innovation, creativity and resilience. Inspired by Latimer's legacy, this immersive event brings history to life through interactive S.T.E.A.M. activities exploring light, sound, flight and invention. 2. Juneteenth Food Festival Where: Weeksville Heritage Center | Crown Height

You know the old adage—you scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream? But a scoop of ice cream sandwiched between sesame tahini cookies? Well, don't mind us if we start yelling. Destined to cool us off this summer, Heap’s Ice Cream is scooping up something special. Today, June 18, the Park Slope creamery is kicking off its ice cream sandwich series: Sandwiched! With a tagline of “Scooped by us. Baked by them. Enjoyed by you,” the shop will be collaborating with some of their favorite friends around the city, doling out exclusive ice-cream creations all season long.   RECOMMENDED: The 13 best ice cream shops in NYC, from modern parlors to old faves Kicking off the series is Williamsburg’s beloved Taiwanese bakery (and, as of March, a favorite to the East Village), Win Son Bakery. For the collab, the bakery brought its gluten-free Sesame Tahini cookies to the table—with notes of caramelized honey and sesame seeds, the cookies are matched with a thick scoop of Heap’s Mango Sticky Rice ice cream. Dropping today, this handheld ice sammie will be available while supplies last. But if you happen to miss out, worry not; there will be more ice cream sandwiches in the future. Coming down the line, fellow Park Slope neighbor and Lebanese eatery Sawa, as well as Chinatown’s Jewish-American bakery Elbow Bread, will be popping up behind the counter.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Heap’s Ice Cream (@heaps.icecream) Of course, this isn’t the first time