There’s no one way to explore New York; no definitive guide that allows you to tick everything off. One of the best things about this sprawling city is that you often come across its gems by accident, and there’s always something new to discover. But if you are in need of a few tips to get you started, we’ve got you.
The City List is Service95’s new series: our personal recs for places to stay, visit and dine in our favourite cities around the world. Think of this list as your jumping off point, with plenty of room for you to stumble across your own gems as you explore – because that’s how city life should be.
Read on for our guide to New York.
Hotels So Welcoming, You’ll Find It Hard To Leave
The Manner, SoHo
If you’re heading to New York for the rose-tinted life you’ve seen in the movies, check into The Manner. This hotel is exactly where you’ll want to be: a short walking distance from the boutiques of the West Village, the bustle of SoHo and the bars that line the streets of the Lower East Side, although the in-house bar Sloane’s also serves up crisp cocktails at the drop of a hat. As the weather warms up, head up to the (guest-only) rooftop for a picture-perfect view of the skyline, all to yourself. Plus, the interiors are so chic, you’ll want to pretend you live there. The giant beds and immaculate in-room mini (read: mega) bars might juts convince you to do so.
Ace Hotel Brooklyn, Boerum Hill
During the day, the atrium of the Ace Brooklyn is full of locals settling in for coffee on the sofas or perusing the latest art installation. By night, it’s a thriving cocktail bar with excellent programming from local artists and acts. The rooms are spacious (which is saying something in NYC) with a retro touch, and the bathrooms are stocked with Firsthand toiletries (with a conditioner that detangles even the coiliest curls – those with textured hair will understand why this is important). You’re just a short step from coffee shops, wine bars and independent stores, and a 10-minute ride on the subway from Manhattan. If you can tear yourself away, that is.
The Ludlow, Lower East Side
The Ludlow has been one of our go-to hotels on the LES since it opened in 2014. The rooms are full of light and, as any quick scroll through TikTok will reveal, its bathroom’s golden-tapped bathtubs offer views across NYC. The Lobby Lounge is a Proper New York Hotel Bar, filled with chandeliers, a grand fireplace, cosy nooks and chic people. Come by for a cocktail, even if you’re not staying.
Bars Serving Martinis As Crisp As The Old Days
The Vesper Martini From The Lobby Bar at Hotel Chelsea, Chelsea
There are martinis, and then there are Hotel Chelsea martini. In the historic Lobby Bar, XL pours are served tableside from bottles encased in a thick layer of ice, DIY garnishes of lemon twists, olives and vermouth – so you can customise them as you wish.
The Schmuck Martini At Schmuck, East Village
Can’t choose between a dirty martini or one with a twist? Head to Schmuck. Its namesake cocktail combines five sprits and is served dirty with a twist – an olive dropped in, with lemon-infused olive oil dotted on top. The best of both worlds.
The Dirty Martini From The Mulberry Bar, Nolita
In this decadent den, with mural-lined walls, you’ll find a martini so filthy, you’ll be glad for the subterranean setting to enjoy it in private. The blue cheese olive garnish is the best we’ve had – and the soundtrack is killer, too.
Coffee Shops Where The Caffeine Hit Is As Good As The Interiors
Sey, Bushwick
An airy, plant-filled micro roastery that takes coffee seriously. Stop in for a hand-brewed pour and be (happily) distracted by the team roasting away in the back.
Apartement Ra’el, Bed Stuy
Order an espresso at this design-led concept store and cafe, recline on a fluffy chair and pretend, for a blissful moment, that this is your living room.
Park at Kim’s, Nolita
A speciality Korean coffee shop with vinyl-lined walls and the most hospitable staff. The pour-over is excellent. As are the espresso-glazed doughnuts.
Restaurants Where You Can Perch At The Bar & Solo Dine With Pleasure
Ha’s Snack Bar, Lower East Side
This walk-in spot is tiny, in a good way. You might just brush elbows with your neighbour and start some friendly conversation over a small plate or six from the ever-changing menu. Or, you might be too focused on the food to notice anyone else. We wouldn’t blame you.
Entre Nous, Clinton Hill
The warm glow from the huge windows of this French restaurant will invite you in. The low-intervention wines and tartiflette croquettes will make you stay. The copper bar top is the perfect spot to sit and transport yourself to Paris, by way of Brooklyn.
Lei, Chinatown
This place never fails us. Build your perfect meal from its selectionof Chinese-American small plates, let the team guide your wine choices (they’re always spot on) and wiggle in your seat to the killer soundtrack as you eat.
Natural Wine Bars Where The Vibes Are As Immaculate As The Pours
Lai Rai, Chinatown
New wines arrive every week at this no-reservation Vietnamese spot, which you pair with an ice cream from its inventive list – we love the ‘sticky rice’ pet nat with kem ngô (corn) ice cream.
Stars, East Village
With just 12 seats, we suggest arriving early. Perch at the counter and be guided through the 1,000-strong wine list with a few blinis on the side. You won’t regret a sip.
Anaïs, Boerum Hill
Natural wine, coffee and books is Anaïs’ calling card (that’s why we hosted Book Tasting there recently). Swing by for a vintage read in the morning or a glass from its extensive French wine selection as the day goes on.
Bookshops To Get Lost In – & Come Out With Your New Favourite Read
Albertine Books, Upper East Side
Albertine is New York’s only French language bookstore (though you’ll find plenty of titles in English across its multiple floors). Be sure to save some time to gaze at (or, let’s be honest, photograph) the starry-ceilinged reading room, and check out the schedule for upcoming talks.
Sweet Pickle Books, Lower East Side
A second-hand bookstore full of treasures – literary and otherwise. Drop off some books to donate and you’ll receive a jar of housemade pickles in return. A precious (and tasty) nod to the area’s history of hosting pickle markets.
Café Con Libros, Crown Heights
A true community hub. Here, the the walls are lined (and we mean lined, stacked from floor to ceiling) with books by primarily women, girls, Trans, non-binary and folx. The selection is intentional and there’s always an event to attend. The coffee is great, too.
