last year when i was new to the city i wrote a post each month detailing all of the new places i visited and new things i did. while i didn’t keep that up this year, i figured i could instead do a roundup of some of the standout discoveries of 2023*

rintintin — maggie introduced us to this lovely restaurant and cocktail bar on katie and terrance’s final night in town in january and we had a great time chatting with the bartender and requesting specialty cocktails. i’ve been back a few times and can vouch for the food as well // nolita, manhattan.

dumpling man — this was a request from katie and it was a big hit for the buda bestie trio. the dumplings were delicious, and i especially loved getting to watch the process while we waited and ate // pro tips: be prepared to wait in line on the sidewalk [i think we stood in line for about half an hour? totally worth it]; they only take cash or zelle** // east village, manhattan.

the cliffs at gowanus — arjune has become a regular at this climbing gym and invited maggie and me to join him one weekend. we had a great time and the facility is beautiful // gowanus, brooklyn [with additional nyc locations in long island city and harlem]

mcnally jackson seaport — during a dog sitting stint with logan i worked a few days at the cafe at mcnally jackson’s seaport location and used my breaks to peruse the shop. i’ve been to three of their locations around the city and this one is hands down my favorite // seaport, manhattan

brooklyn high low — we did a fancy tea for our friend gina’s birthday, and it was so lovely. we each got to select a pot of tea from an extensive list, and then we got to enjoy all of the delicious snacks, from scones to an assortment of sandwiches to chocolate-dipped strawberries. it was all very good and also a fun experience // prospect heights, brooklyn

ida’s nearabout — because we spend so much time at the lowery i sometimes forget there are other great bars in maggie’s neighborhood, but one saturday alexa, maggie, and i went to ida’s for a drink and snacks and it was really nice. great drinks, friendly bartenders, and cool decor // sunnyside, queens

poster house — they had an exhibit at the beginning of the year featuring old air india advertisements and it was a lot of fun to wander through it and reminisce // pro tip: it’s always free on friday // chelsea, manhattan

yu & me books — just a truly wonderful, relaxing space. you can’t help but be at peace in there. one of my favorites // chinatown, manhattan***

sweet pickle books — a used bookstore that also sells homemade pickles? truly what could be better. and on certain days you can donate a book in exchange for pickles // lower east side, manhattan

housing works — housing works is a great nonprofit that works with people who have or who have been impacted by hiv/aids, and their bookstore and thrift shops support their mission. all of their stock is donated and their staff are volunteers, so everything they earn goes directly back into the organization. the bookstore is a great place to wander and discover hidden gems, and the cafe is a great spot to work and people watch // soho, manhattan

vatan — my friend priyamvada introduced me to this fantastic restaurant, and i am a big fan. they serve a prixe-fixe three course fully vegetarian gujarati thali that is so good and so beautifully presented. i took my parents there for my birthday dinner, and maggie, molly, and i were so full we had to walk home from long island city to sunnyside // kips bay, manhattan

jackson diner — this low-key indian restaurant is both delicious and affordable and i love it a lot. it’s also a great place for a big group because they have a lot of space // jackson heights, queens

p&t knitwear — i hadn’t been to this bookstore and event space and then had two different author signings there in the month of march // lower east side, manhattan

taqueria ramirez — i wish i could remember exactly which tacos rochelle and i each had, but needless to say it was very delicious // pro tip: it gets busy and seating is limited so go at off-peak times to not feel rushed through your meal // greenpoint, brooklyn

comfortland — i’m not sure how to categorize comfortland: it’s part coffee shop, part fast casual burger spot, part milkshake place. but the wifi works, the food is good, and it’s super close to my apartment // astoria, queens

brooklyn farmacy and soda fountain — if you’re in carroll gardens and want a fancy milkshake or sundae, this is your place // pro tip: there’s likely going to be a wait at the weekend // carroll gardens, brooklyn

mexicue — maggie and i kind of discovered this place by chance and it was great. the burritos are particularly delicious // nomad, manhattan [one other location in midtown]

beacon theatre — my first visit to the beacon was for the cyndi lauper documentary premiere, and it was awesome. we had a great time celebrating maggie’s hard work and rocking out with cyndi in this beautiful space // upper west side, manhattan

jack’s fire department — this place boasts good, cheap drinks and the best dang jalapeño grilled cheese i’ve ever had // sunnyside, queens

masalawala & sons — the latest addition to the unapologetic foods family, and it does not disappoint. first place in nyc where i’ve been able to have sabudana vada, so i’m happy // park slope, brooklyn

chama mama — this is the place if you want some authentic georgian food. that khachapuri is phenomenal // chelsea, manhattan [other location uws]

museum of the moving image — this very cool museum [in my neighborhood!] has a lot of great exhibits about the history of images and video as well as an ongoing exhibit about jim henson and his legacy // astoria, queens

spicy moon — we managed to squeeze in a cousin dinner at this delicious vegetarian szechuan restaurant before sarita moved, and it was incredible. everything we had was great, and i will definitely be back // bowery, manhattan [other locations east village and west village]

gantry plaza state park — great spot along the east river to spend a weekend afternoon. good for lounging, reading, picnicking, and people watching // long island city, queens

cacao bar by mariebelle — in back of mariebelle, a lovely chocolate shop, is a beautiful café that serves a delicious afternoon tea. maggie and i treated ourselves to a best friend date and indulged in yummy scones, sandwiches, and sweets and then spent some time perusing all the offerings in the shop // soho, manhattan

the roxy cinema — downstairs in the roxy hotel is a movie theater, and i was lucky enough to accompany maggie to a film screening there one evening. the outdoor patio is perfect for reading and people-watching, and the lobby bar also looks like a lovely spot to spend an evening. and believe me when i say that the women’s restroom downstairs has the best lighting of any bathroom in the world // tribeca, manhattan

little island — this new-ish park is a cool space to wander through and enjoy being in nature while still being in the city. it’s small and easily walkable, offers great views of the hudson, and would make a great place from which to watch the sunset // pier 55, manhattan

el barrista cafe — one day in october i had a school visit in the bronx and a zoom call shortly thereafter and was in need of a coffee shop close to the 6 train in harlem to use as a base. a quick google search led me to this lovely space where i was able to enjoy a hot chocolate, finish my call, and get some other work done before heading back home. i will definitely be there again soon // harlem, manhattan

pioneer works — pioneer works is a really cool cultural center that hosts a rotation of exhibits, performances, and installations. the second sunday of each month features food pop-ups and experiential activities and is a great place to spend the day // pro tip: admission is free but there is a suggested donation of $10 // red hook, brooklyn

batsu! — one of the most bizarre experiences of my life and also one of the most unforgettable, batsu is a combo japanese improv show / live video game, and i am waiting for the right friend to visit so i can go again // east village, manhattan

it was a great year of exploration and adventure, and i am excited for what discoveries are in store for 2024!

*all are places i visited for the first time in 2023

**all information is as of my most recent visit

***due to a fire yu & me has had to temporarily close their physical location for repairs, but in the meantime you can visit their temporary space, donate to their gofundme, or support them by ordering books through their bookshop page