Comics Bakery guide of stuff to do in NYC
Dave says: I’m not the best person to tell you about the best-kept secrets of the city (I tend to go home and draw comics more than anything else), but the nice thing about NYC is you can walk around and find interesting stuff pretty much anywhere.
Quick tip: The N train goes up and down most of Broadway below Central Park, which is the center of a huge chunk of Manhattan. You can take it and then connect to pretty much any other subway line to get anywhere you need. If you take it south you will end up in Brooklyn. If you take it north you will end up in Astoria, Queens, the neighborhood we live in!
***Anything with two or more stars next to it means it is a personal favorite.
COMICS RELATED:
MoCCA: The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art
495 Broadway
http://www.moccany.com/
Basically a makeshift SoHo gallery dedicated to comics and cartoons. These are the same people who put on the big MoCCA Art Fest in the summer.
Good people. Every Monday evening they have some kind of panel discussion with cartoonists, or a party or get-together. The main gallery feature changes every few months so it’s always worth going back and seeing what is new.
Midtown Comics
7th Ave and 40th Street (2nd Floor, entrance is on 40th Street)
One of the biggest comic shops in NYC and right in the heart of Times Square. Huge collections of graphic novels, manga, toys, and random bootleg videos.
Recently renovated with wood floors and bookshelves that make it one of the more respectable shops in NY.
Jim Hanley’s Universe
West 33rd St., NYC
(212) 268-7088
http://www.jhuniverse.com/
Another really big comic shop that carries everything--Including mini-comics!
It’s a bit grungier and cluttered compared to Midtown Comics, but the staff is very friendly. They have lots of creator/artist signings there. It’s across the street from the Empire State Building.
Kinokuniya Bookstores
1073 Avenue of the Americas between 40th and 41st Streets
http://www.kinokuniya.com
The biggest Japanese bookstore outside of Japan. More manga than you’ve ever imagined. Cool Japanese clothes, knick knacks, cuteness and a little Japanese café on the second floor. The new store is store is located opposite Bryant Park which is also a great place to hang out and has various activities throughout the year like Fashion Week and the Pond ice skating rink.
***Rocketship
208 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 797-1348
rocketshipstore.blogspot.com
Owners: Alex and Mary (tell them we say hi!)
The coolest and coziest little comic shop in the world! Great selection of superhero and Independent/Small Press comics plus kids graphic novels. If you can make it to out to Brooklyn you need to check it out! It’s only a few stops from Manhattan to Cobble Hill (one of the coolest places around). And once you are in that neighborhood there are plenty of unique restaurants and stores to check out—especially if you are into breakfast or brunch (I recommend a place a few blocks away called Union Smith Café). Lots of vegetarian and vegan options around there too.
SHOWS:
Avenue Q
The only official Broadway show I’d recommend. Mostly because I love puppets. Even people who think they don’t like musicals will probably enjoy this one. The songs are actually well written and hilarious. There is lots of racy content (puppet sex!) but all in good fun! Getting tickets through the day-of discount place TKTS is the best bet if you want to pay less than $75 a person.
***Upright Citizens Brigade Theater
307 West 27th Street
212-366-9176
http://www.ucbtheatre.com/ny/
This is an underground mini-theater owned by Amy Poehler from SNL dedicated to sketch comedy and long-form improv (which is nowhere near as lame as Whose Line is it anyway?). Sometimes it can be just as entertaining to watch people crash and burn as it is to see them come up with darkly brilliant stream of conscious scenarios on the spot. Quality varies from night to night and the specific group of performers. But considering most shows are $5-$8 it’s the best deal in town for this kind of thing. WAY better than those crappy stand up comedy places in Times Square. Some of the performers are people from SNL, and Conan O’Brien and other famous comedians and cool people are known to make guest appearances.
FOOD:
LARGE GROUPS:
Midtown…
***Home on 8th
[Chinese/Vegetarian/Vegan]
391 8th Ave, New York10001
Between 29th & 30th Streets
(212) 947-1420
Most of our friends agree they have the best selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Chinese food in NYC. Affordable prices and casual atmosphere. It’s not a huge place but the staff is usually willing to accommodate big groups. Portions are large enough to do “family style” ordering. The only catch is that they close at 10PM and stop serving big groups after 9:15PM. Tell them Raina sent you!
Recommended: Veggie Moo Shu; Sweet and sour chicken.
Ruby Foo’s
[Pan Asian]
626 Broadway
(212) 489-5600
Beautiful, ambient décor with diverse Asian fusion and dim sum menu.
Definitely on the pricy side, but on par with most things in Times Square and usually worth it. A lot of the items on the menu are great for sharing. A great place for a romantic evening or impressing your out-of-town friends (who aren’t afraid of touristy places!)
Junior’s Times Square
[American/Desserts]
West 45th Street between Broadway & 8th Avenue
(212) 302-2000
Monday-Thursday 6:30am-12am,
Friday-Saturday until 1am, Sunday until 11pm
http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/
Classic American and Jewish deli food, with a focus on sandwiches and their world famous desserts. This is an offshoot of a Brooklyn institution that is world famous for it’s cheesecakes and other desserts. Usually plenty of space for large crowds, except when Broadway shows get out. But even then your chances are okay and the location is pretty convenient to everything.
Recommended: The Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake, Strawberry Shortcake.
**Spanky's BBQ
[BBQ, Sandwiches]
127 W. 43rd Street
Between 6th and 7th Avenues
New York, NY 10079
(212) 575-5848
www.spankysnyc.com
My current favorite BBQ place in the city (even more so than the famous Virgil’s). They have a lot of space for large groups and a casual atmosphere. Good prices for the Times Square area. Sometimes the music is a bit loud, but never the point of being obnoxious.
Recommended: The Pulled Pork Sandwich, their French Fries, and homemade root beer.
John’s Pizzaria
[Brick oven Pizza/Italian]
260 W 44th street
http://www.johnspizzerianyc.com/index2.htm
Built within a former cathedral, really cool architecture inside.
Usually long waits to get in, especially when Broadway shows get out. It can get loud if there is a big party of kids. The pizza is great, but go to Angelo’s or Patsy’s if you want to save time and a few bucks.
Angelo's Pizza
[Brick Oven Pizza/Italian Food]
1697 Broadway
Between 53rd & 54th Streets.
(212) 245-8811
http://www.angelospizzany.com/index.htm
Similar to John’s Pizzeria, except with almost no wait to get in. Crisp, charred, slightly smoky pies cooked very quickly in an oven fueled by coal. The pasta is great too. Right next door to the David Letterman show.
Recommended: Fried zucchini and eggplant appetizer.
Patsy's Pizzeria
[Brick Oven Pizza/Italian Food]
318 West 23rd St., New York, NY, 10011
Similar to Angelo’s, this thin, brick oven-style pizzeria has numerous locations - they all serve some of the best thin-crust pizza in New York. Other locations include: 1312 Second Avenue at 69th Street (212 639-1000); 61 West 74th Street (212 579-3000), and 67 University Place (212 533-3500).
Pasta Lovers
[Italian Food]
142 W 49th St., New York 10019
Between 6th & 7th Ave
(212) 819-1155
http://www.pastaloversnyc.com/
One of the better Italian restaurants in the Times Square area. Walks the line between feeling fancy and casual at the same time. They can usually accommodate big groups.
Skylight Diner
[Traditional Diner]
402 W 34th St. on the corner of 9th Ave
New York, NY 10001
(212) 244-0395
http://www.skylightdinernyc.com/
One of the better diners in proximity to the Jacob Javits Center (home of the NY Comic Con and NY Anime Fest). We’ve gone there with about 15 or more people and they seemed to have no problem. Average food, decent prices.
Osteria Al Doge
[Italian]
142 W 44th St. between 6th Ave & Broadway
(212) 944-3643
http://www.osteria-doge.com/
Upscale Italian restaurant with Times Square prices (although a bit better at lunch). Classy atmosphere and overall good to great food. Thin breadsticks on the table.
Recommended: Pesto Fettucini with chicken and string beans.
Lower East Side…
***Spring Street Natural
[A little bit of everything/Organic]
62 Spring St. (Corner of Lafayette)
(212) 966-0920
http://www.springstreetnatural.com/
Organic food with a wide selection that will please both vegetarians and meat eaters. We used to go here after the MoCCA Art Fest with really large groups and everyone was always happy. Lots of extremely tasty and sometimes unique dishes. Complimentary tea and bread basket.
Recommended: Free range chicken sandwich, French fries with their homemade ketchup, strawberry or watermelon lemonade.
**Cucina di Pesce
[Italian]
87 E 4th St
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7087360/
Best Italian food in the East Village. They have a back room that can fit a lot people. The prices are surprisingly low! Free garlic bread! One weird tidbit: they only take American Express credit cards. Otherwise it’s cash only.
Recommended: Pumpkin ravioli.
Uptown…
The Heidelburg
[German]
1648 2nd Avenue Between E 86th & E 85th Street
(212) 628-2332
http://www.heidelbergrestaurant.com/
German food and drink. You can be loud here and you’ll blend in just fine.
MEDIUM SIZED GROUPS:
Midtown…
***Georgio's Country Grill
[Upscale Diner]
801 9th Avenue between 53rd St & 54th St
New York, NY 10019
(212) 977-1150
http://www.georgioscountrygrill.com/
The menu is a cross between an upscale Greek Diner and an Italian Restaurant. It has very warm and cozy décor with consistently delicious food for prices that seem right. We go there often with small groups. I'd call and ask about anything over 10 people. They never seem too loud or too crowded but there isn’t tons of space. They usually have a lot of great specials that include many pasta dishes (like Manicotti!). Complimentary bread basket (with an eclectic assortment) and fresh olives.
Recommended: The Health Shake (way better than it sounds!), Norwegian grilled salmon, hamburgers, and vegetarians love the ‘Pumpernickel’ sandwich!
**Hakata Grill
[Japanese]
231 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 245-1020
www.hakatagrill.com
Intimate décor. Very tasty Japanese food and sushi.
Recommended: The Chicken Teriyaki.
***Note: We actually haven’t been here since they moved location. Hopefully it is still good!
**Uncle Nick’s
[Greek]
747 9th Ave, New York 10019. Btwn 50th & 51st St Phone: 212-245-7992
http://unclenicksgreekrestaurant.com/dinnermenu.php
The Best Greek Food outside of Astoria. I love their Chicken Soup and Pork Ribs!
Les Deux Gamins Le Gamin
(French/Bistro)
(212) 807-7357
132 W Houston St,
New York, NY 10012+2512
French-style bistro with wide variety of food. Dinner and dessert crepes, Steak Frites, burgers, all very tasty!
Chat n’ Chew
[American/Comfort Food]
10 E 16th St.
(212) 243-1616
This place used to be great and now is only okay. There are still some good items and the trailer park kitsch value makes it worth going to at least once.
Recommended: Crispy-topped macaroni and cheese, milkshakes.
Mars 2112
[American/Fusion/Touristy]
51st Street & Broadway
www.mars2112.com/
Pretty much the definition of a touristy restaurant, or "Multi-Sensory Dining."
You ride a flight simulator (like Star Tours) that supposedly takes you to Mars…which ends up being a huge, ambient underground cavern that feels like a movie set. Can’t really recommend the food but can’t deny the over the top uniqueness of it all. Especially great for kids and nerds.
Big Daddy’s Diner
[Traditional Diner with touristy atmosphere]
239 Park Ave South #2
(212) 388-0513
bigdaddysnyc.com
Traditional diner food for slightly more than you’d expect to pay. Mostly worth it for the 80s theme with tons of memorabilia including old-school lunch-boxes, cereal boxes and toys.
Ninja NY
[Themed Restaurant]
http://www.ninjanewyork.com/
25 Hudson Street
(212) 274-8500
I haven’t been there but basically this is a restaurant where you get served by ninjas. It might be awesome or stupid depending on whom you ask. I’ve heard good things but it’s way expensive, so I haven’t gone yet!
Ghenet
[Ethiopian]
284 Mulberry St
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7109137/
One of the few Ethiopian restaurants in town, if you’re feeling experimental.
Recommended: Veggie sampler platter, spiced tea.
Uptown…
Metro Diner
2641 Broadway at 100th St
(212) 866-0800
http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?neighborhoodid=0&restaurantid=1751
Classic diner with a good selection of food.
Recommended: Homemade veggie burger.
SMALL GROUP (2-5 people):
Midtown…
The Shake Shack
Madison Square Park, southeast corner.
Madison Ave and 23rd Street.
(212) 889-6600
http://www.shakeshacknyc.com/
Amazing thick shakes as well as hamburgers and other goodies.
Outdoor eating only. The website has a webcam so you can see if there is a long line. Cause sometimes there is!
Recommended: Valrhona chocolate shake.
Rice and Beans
[Latin Food]
744 9th Ave
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7143667/new_york_ny/rice_n_beans.html
One of my favorite Spanish food places.
Closest to my mom’s cooking growing up. Kind of a small place though, and they don’t have a restroom.
Bella Vita
[Pizza and Italian Food]
1501 Broadway, New York - (212) 730-1479
www.bellavitapizzeria.com
Great brick oven pizza at decent prices. If you sit down the’ll make you order an entire pie. But you can get slices to go and stand near the window ledge.
Petite Abeille
[French Sandwiches, Waffles]
44 West 17th St between 7th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas
(212) 727-2989
www.petiteabeille.com/
The interior is adorably decorated with Tin Tin comic art!
Recommended: The Belgian Waffles, Belgian hot chocolate.
City Bakery
18th St.
[Bakery, coffee, salad bar]
Delicious desserts and a pricey (yet wonderful) salad bar. Their hot chocolate is legendary!
Recommended: Mac and cheese, gazpacho (summertime), hot chocolate.