Discover Midtown's Hidden Gems: Local Hotspots & Secrets
Noel Y. Calingasan
Washington Square Park DOG HALLOWEEN today in New York City 👻 🐕 The beloved Halloween event in NYC Washington Square Park is back! I went to see the event today and it was a lot of fun! The parade and costume contest are bigger and better than ever.
Anonym
All New Yorkers will defend the city, and the way of life. However, everyone has their “I hate NY” moment. I hate New York because there’s no space. Can’t breathe without something in your face. What’s yours?
1
Milien
Since East Orange I'm here to make friends with the ones I'm interested in, I only need friends in New Jersey, okay?
Anonym
IMHO seeing the statue from the water is a much better experience than going to the island.
Food Baby
Go to Time and Tide for an amazing meal of seafood in all forms! The menu has sections for Raw Fish, Small Fish and Big Fish, with great dishes in each one, and you obviously need to start with that giant Goldfish cracker. 👶🏽🐠 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽
NYC Tourism
Hundreds of Uber, Lyft drivers block Manhattan traffic to protest lockouts by apps
newyorkcity.explore
i’m a woman in my mid 20s. i live in a city of 700k in the south. when i go out at night i always have at least one weapon on me to protect myself (usually a keychain knife and sometimes a stun gun). i have been a victim of stalking in the past so having these things on me makes me feel more comfortable. how can i do the same in nyc? ill be flying. i know there’s different rules there especially regarding things like pepper spray. i can ship items to my friend’s house but i know there’s rules on that too. thanks!
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Dining in South Beach Near NYC: Local Insights on Trending Spots & Foodie Favorites
Secret NYC
How about some weird parties?.. Hosted by Teksupport and el studio, Black Lotus is an immersive theatrical event initiative that transforms an undisclosed NYC location into an extravagant soirée, soundtracked by some of the world’s most noteworthy house and techno talent. This year’s lineup includes Crosstown Rebels and Day Zero founder Damian Lazarus, multi-instrumentalist DJ and producer Mita Gami, Miami-based Tiffy Vera, and a special surprise act TBA on 10/24 and Guy Gerber, Kaz James, Nick Morgan, and Michael Malih on Halloween night. Learn more about how to grab tickets here. When: October 24 & 31 Where: Manhattan TBA
Storytime NYC
NiuKee Shumai. Trying this new shumai spot on Broome st! You have to check out NiuKee Shumai, a new shumai spot in SoHo. They serve delicious shumai, fluffy buns and a flavorful bone broth soup! Each shumai dish comes with 6 pieces for $6.95 and you can choose from beef & onion, pork & shrimp, chicken, or vegetarian. The cutest buns are made fresh to order, with red bean & ube, and are so soft and fluffy.
Daytrip NYC
What the hell is going on in NYC with the hotel prices tomorrow? I just need one night!
Noel Y. Calingasan
PIER 97 is NOW OPEN at Hudson River Park: New York City’s newest recreational and lounging green space!!! Designed by !melk, Pier 97 features a playground with water spray features, a synthetic turf field, a sloping sun lawn, sculptural shade structures, an elevated walkway with seating, an “all-ages” slide and a sunset deck complete with bistro tables, chaise lounges and two-tiered walls with seating. The pier also features flexible gathering areas surrounded by flowers and plants to provide space for organized or impromptu events. History: Hudson River Park’s northernmost pier was built between 1921 and 1934, and then served for decades as the hub for the Swedish America Line. While it remained an active dock through the 1970s, Pier 97 was used as a parking lot by the City of New York Department of Sanitation until 2011. Hours: Open daily 6 AM - 1 AM 📍 Access through West 57th Street in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan, New York City
Cheryl
If you’re a fan of black sesame, you must try the black sesame soft serve from Matcha Cafe Maiko NYC! love how strong the black sesame flavor is. every bite makes you crave for more! it’s only here for a limited time, so don’t miss out! • black sesame soft swerve • black sesame frappe • maiko special (ube/matcha) 📍Matcha Cafe Maiko
Foodie_NYC
🍦 My Treat 🍦 Butterfield Market is now serving soft serve frozen yogurt that comes in 4 flavors; plain, chocolate, peanut butter and coffee. I had the Coffee loaded up and it was amazing❗️ Yummmmmmelicious . 🥳
Cheryl
What do you think about vegan sushi? And did you know there’s a vegan sushi spot located inside canal street market? I honestly didn’t know what to expect since it was my first time having vegan sushi, but it was SOOO good. each dish was so unique and had such a burst of flavor. • crispy broccoli tempura • dahon chkn fried mushroom • dahon signature roll • avocado truffle oshizushi • miso truffle eggplant nigiri • poke ku 📍DAHON VEGAN
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Foodie_NYC
I had a great dinner at Kalye (“Street” in Tagalog). It’s an amazing, affordable Filipino restaurant on Broome Street specializing in Filipino street food. Kalye, a small, unassuming restaurant, delivered an amazing parade of unique, delicious food based on the owner’s chef heritage, as seen on the restaurant’s page. “Our menu is full of Rob’s cherished family recipes, offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes that will make you feel like you’ve traveled straight to the Philippines. From our famous Ube Sliders to other traditional Filipino favorites, every bite is a celebration of our culture and love for good food. Whether you’re here to dine in, taking food to go, or having it delivered to your doorstep, Kalye makes enjoying Filipino food easy and convenient.” Totally enjoyable unique experience. Salamat, Chef 💖🙏🏼💖
Melanie Yu
My “NYC Must Try” 🥳 Double Chicken Please! The Double Chicken Portrait Studio & Gallery experience came full circle through a 3-part portrait studio activation, where photographers Moe Aljaff, Damien Guichard & GN Chan captured small group portraits in their own distinct styles!
megan li
Get ready for incoming NYC spam… I’m not the biggest fan of BBQ pork buns, but these from Mei Lai Wah changed my mind. I want to take home an entire suitcase full of pineapple BBQ pork buns 🤩 You can get all their signature buns like their baked pork buns and pineapple custard buns - they are seriously so good. Plus new options like popcorn chicken, rice rolls, and skewers after 7pm!
2
Time Out New York
Grand Central Terminal gains a massive French brasserie! However, this historic landmark has given us plenty of reasons to bide our time there... This month, the terminal gained another tenant, sure to ease the trials of traveling with its Parisian charms. Grand Brasserie took over the former City Winery space on October 8. Designed by the Rockwell Group, it seamlessly blends into the historic architecture of Vanderbilt Hall and mimics the various sidewalk cafes found in Paris—the front of the restaurant welcomes with towering greenery and black and white bistro chairs. Passing through the wrought iron bar entryway, the main dining room houses red leather banquettes and enough chairs to seat a staggering 300 souls. As if that wasn’t enough, the 100-seat Green Room is decorated with black and white photos of New York’s past and features a grand marble bar with bottles that climb up to the ceiling.
Dallas fun fam
Pumpkin patch Any good pumpkin patches with kid activities?
New York Locals
The Commodore I and Commodore II are iconic spots known for serving up some of the best crispy fried chicken and refreshing piña coladas in Williamsburg. 🍍✨ Founded by Chris Young and Taylor Dow, their success led to Commodore II’s opening in Manhattan’s East Village, bringing their famous menu to a whole new crowd. 🙌 With a strong focus on community and nightlife, Commodore II is already becoming a local favorite for both food lovers and partygoers alike. 🪩 🍽️ Stop by for a lively atmosphere, great eats, and a taste of what made The Commodore a Brooklyn staple! 🎉
Natasha Surti
Sundays are for Brunch 🥂 🍽Where I went: Bubby’s ✔️What I got: Fried Chicken & Pancakes 💰What I paid: $25 ⠀ 🤔What I think: A group of us happened to stumble upon Bubby’s while walking to the pier on the west side last summer and we knew we wanted to go here for brunch when we walked past someone eating this very dish! The chicken was seasoned perfectly and had just the right amount of breading on the outside so the batter on the outside wasn’t too heavy. The pancakes were cooked to perfection as well and the sweetness of them with the maple syrup complemented the fried chicken.
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Cheryl
this szechuan spot just opened in the lower east side, nyc. right by delancey you can satisfy your szechuan cravings with their gorgeous interior. each dish was delicious and had strong flavor. • thin sliced pork belly with chill garlic sauce • egg custard bun • tradition stewed pork belly cubes • superior dry fried crab szechuan style • stir-fried string beans with minced cabbage and garlic • wagyu beef black truffle fried rice • handmade brown sugar glutinous rice cake 📍Fan Szechuan 大宅门
Noel Y. Calingasan
Halloween House in Dyker Heights This house in Brooklyn is all decked out for Halloween. The best house in Brooklyn so far.
Foodie_NYC
For my birthday dinner, I chose to go to Momokawa, my favorite Japanese restaurant in the city. While somewhat hidden from the city’s sushi limelight, Momokawa provides a top-notch, holistic Japanese culinary experience. Led by its owner, Chef Mie Okuda, a Japanese holistic nutritionist, the restaurant follows her philosophy as stated on its website: “A great meal is not one that just fills you up. A great meal is a journey that returns you to sources of pleasure you may have forgotten, taking you to places you haven’t been before.” — Mie Okuda, Chef/Owner I had the sushi Omakase dinner and couldn’t be happier. The welcoming, warm hospitality, the great vibe, and the amazing food left me more than satisfied. Thanks, Chef Okuda. 💖🙏🏼💖
Time Out New York
Halloween revelers of all ages—and all species—will descend upon the Meatpacking District on Saturday, for the area's annual Halloween celebration, Treats in the Streets. From 11am to 6pm, the west side neighborhood will offer all treats and no tricks at participating restaurants and businesses, including pumpkin ring toss, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, cornhole, pumpkin painting Halloween mask making, spooky storytime readings and plenty of sweet treats, including mini dipped croissants from Maman, Petrossian chocolates and signature tea, Halloween cookies from RIVIAN, mini apple cider donuts at The Standard, High Line and more. And, of course, Treats in the Streets' headlining event will return: the Meatpacking District’s 6th Annual Doggie Costume Contest, taking place on Gansevoort Street and Ninth Avenue. After both pups and their owners strut down the runway showing off their costumed best, a panel of judges will decide the top three looks of the day. The winner will receive an overnight stay at The Standard, High Line, while all three finalists will take home a personalized pet portrait by artist Laura Baran.
Secret NYC
Elsewhere Halloween Our favorite Bushwick club Elsewhere is throwing down a massive party for Halloween this year. This year’s festive celebration will take over the entire venue, featuring artists like Soichi Terada (live), Aurora Halal, Analog Soul, Lauren Lo Sung, and many more! Follow Elsewhere’s Instagram for more upcoming shows this fall! When: Oct 26
Noel Y. Calingasan
Autumn is a season that can be a powerful reminder of the transience of all things... Today, I strolled the grounds of the historic Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. Once a Revolutionary War battlefield, this sprawling, 478-acre cemetery is home to notable figures.
1
Time Out New York
Are you ready for such a beauty?? Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition New Yorkers itching to see the Sistine Chapel's ceiling painted by Michelangelo usually have to embark on an eight-and-a-half hour flight to Rome before finding their way to the Vatican City. But the special slice of history is going to land in Brooklyn in an immersive exhibit. Michalangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is touching down in Industry City through January 5, 2025, after stints in London, Shanghai, Toronto, Chicago, Vienna and other cities around the world. The exhibition features 34 of the famous frescoes reproduced in precise detail with bold color and enhanced details to give visitors a fuller experience than they would get if they visited the Vatican, where the artwork towers a staggering 66 feet above the main floor and where details can get lost if you don't have hawk-like vision. Tickets range from $22 to $26.
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Infatuation
Do you like to go out with your pup?) Habana Outpost has a huge fenced-in patio. This Fort Greene spot also serves perfectly serviceable sandwiches, tacos, and quesadillas, and nothing on the menu costs more than $16. If you're looking for reasonably-priced food and outdoor seating, and you don't want people to get mad at you when your kids or dogs start acting up, you're going to appreciate this place.
Infatuation
ICONYC Long Island City The plaza at this Long Island City brewery is filled with picnic tables, and you can bring your own food. So think of this place as a paved public park that just happens to serve IPAs and coconut pale ales that are brewed on site. During the winter, some of the outdoor seating is heated.
Discover Local Hotspots in Midtown Near NYC
Midtown Manhattan, often regarded as the heart of New York City, offers a plethora of experiences that go beyond famous tourist attractions. To truly maximize your visit to this vibrant area, it's essential to uncover its hidden gems and local hotspots. From cozy cafes to exclusive clubs, we have curated some local favorite spots that make Midtown a thrilling destination for exploration and adventure.
Unwind at Serenity Café
One of the best-kept secrets in Midtown, Serenity Café offers a tranquil spot to unwind and enjoy a perfect cup of coffee. Tucked away on a quiet street, this café is famous for its aromatic coffee blends and artisan pastries. Its chic yet cozy ambiance makes it a favorite among locals and a perfect spot for some afternoon relaxation or a casual meeting. Anonymous insights from Kikihub users highlight Serenity Café's vanilla lattes and comfy seating as top draws.
Explore the Historical Morgan Library
While not completely unknown, the Morgan Library & Museum often gets overshadowed by more famous museums in the city. This historical site houses priceless manuscripts, early printed books, and rare artifacts. A visit here is like stepping back in time, and it offers a quieter and more intimate alternative to the bustling museum scene. Many users on Kikihub recommend the library's rotating exhibits and the chance to stumble upon rare literary treasures as an enriching experience.
Dine at Joe’s Shanghai - Local Favorite
Joe’s Shanghai, a staple in the community, is another hidden culinary hotspot in Midtown that you must discover. Known primarily for its soup dumplings, this bustling eatery consistently draws both locals and savvy tourists. Regular patrons on Kikihub chat about their favorite dishes, including the scallion pancakes and spicy shredded chicken, making it clear that this is a go-to spot for authentic Shanghainese cuisine. Not many casual visitors may know this, but request a seat at the shared dining table for a more social and engaging experience.
Embark on Adventure at the Escape Room NYC Midtown
If you're in the mood for some thrilling adventure, the Escape Room NYC in Midtown offers intricate puzzles and immersive experiences that put your problem-solving skills to the test. A popular trend since its opening, participants talk highly about the professionalism of the staff and the creativity of the challenges. For an overwhelming number of Kikihub users, participating in the Templar Tailspin or Alien Attack rooms has been an exhilarating way to spend an afternoon or evening in the city.
Shop at Local Market - Urbanspace Vanderbilt
For those who like to explore offbeat shopping destinations, Urbanspace Vanderbilt is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed. Located near Grand Central Terminal, this vibrant market features diverse food stalls and artisanal vendors. It’s an ideal place to discover local goodies, from gourmet sandwiches to handcrafted jewelry. Many Kikihub locals share their love for this spot’s bustling atmosphere and its wide range of culinary delights, recommending the Nutella-covered crepes from Mille Feuille Bakery as a must-try.
Hidden Speak-Easy: Please Don't Tell (PDT)
For a unique nightlife experience, head over to Please Don't Tell, a secret speakeasy that requires entry through an unassuming phone booth inside Crif Dogs. This retro yet classy bar offers an exclusive range of craft cocktails that are sure to make your night unforgettable. Regulars on Kikihub rave about the ambiance and personalized drink recommendations from expert mixologists. It's a hidden gem that perfectly captures the allure of Prohibition-era secrecy with a modern twist.
Embarking on a journey through Midtown Manhattan is an invitation to explore and engage with the city's multifaceted personality. Utilizing platforms like Kikihub, where real opinions and anonymous insights abound, allows you to stumble upon these hidden gems, making your adventure nothing short of extraordinary. So, if you're looking to discover local hotspots in Midtown near NYC, trust the wisdom of the locals, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
