- Natalie Cardona
Hidden Restaurant Gems In NYC
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash
Want to eat like a New Yorker? With over 20 thousand restaurants, it can be hard to get an authentic New York experience. New York offers quality restaurants everywhere, but there are few spots tucked away. Previously, we mentioned some iconic restaurants that are historical to New York's culture. Now we get a closer look into some of New York's best that locals talk about. Here are 6 hidden gems to enjoy the New York experience.
1. Burger Joint
Burger Joint is the perfect place to get a classic burger and shake in New York. With three locations between Brooklyn and Manhattan, stopping and grabbing a seat is easy. The original location is hidden inside Thompson Central Park New York, But don't let the luxury exterior of the hotel deceive you. The interior is set with wood-paneled walls filled with graffiti, and movie posters. With original cardboard signage, it's a blast of the past hidden in Midtown. It can get hectic so know what you are ordering ahead of time and when in doubt a burger with "the Works" can never go wrong.
Hidden behind a pawn shop lies a beautiful restaurant. Walk past the vintage jewelry and a wall of guitars to enter the dining room with a one-story chandelier and a massive skylight. The interior isn't the only thing to amaze you. Beauty & Essex offers a globally inspired menu that tastes as good as it looks. Be sure to order many for the table as the restaurant carries itself as a tapas bar. Traveling with friends, this place offers the perfect lively and sociable environment.
3. Up Thai
Up Thai takes their own spin on classic Thai street food. Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan this restaurant is sure to blow you away with its upscale food and amazing lantern-filled interior. Looking to grab a casual lunch while exploring NYC, Up Thai has great specials. From the outside, it looks like a little quiet restaurant, but it comes to life as soon as you enter. The clay pot is one of their best on the menu and will have you wanting more.
4. Joe's Pizza
Nothing says being in New York City more than grabbing a slice of pizza. There are plenty of pizzerias in NYC but only a few offer quality slices at a reasonable price. Joe's Pizza has been serving New York for almost 50 years. This isn't a sit-down shop, so grab a slice and walk around like a true New Yorker.
5. Clinton Street Baking Company
Nothing says brunch more than pancakes on a Saturday. Clinton Street Baking Company offers everything you are looking for in a cozy brunch spot. They serve breakfast all day, if you want to skip the brunch crowd make reservations for after in the evening. The restaurant is small and a reservation is a must, but the food and vibes of this family-owned business make it worth it.
6. KoreanTown
Instead of choosing one restaurant from this small enclave in Midtown Manhattan, all of K-Town gets a shoutout. Located between Madison and 6th Ave, K-Town hosts a variety of options for everyone. Choose between one of the many Korean BBQ restaurants, or grab dessert at one of the cafés. If you don't want the party to stop, K-Town is open late with Karaoke Bars. K-Town may be just a few small blocks in NYC, but its history, and culture keep it lively year-round.
New York has so much to offer. Whether this is your first visit, or you are a frequent, these places will surprise you in the best way possible.
Natalie Cardona is a recent graduate of CUNY Baruch College. She has a BA in Digital Communications and Culture with a minor in law and policy.
She is currently pursuing a career in media and entertainment. She loves music, TV comedies, sports, and trying new cuisines and restaurants with friends.