Midtown Insider Reviews: Unfiltered Local Secrets
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?
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Dana Edwards
where is cntrl mt?
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
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! 🎉
Storytime NYC
Bronx Music Hall's grand opening The Bronx Music Hall, a $15.4 million venue in Melrose, is now open. It's the first newly constructed independent music performance venue in the borough in more than 50 years. Located at 438 East 163rd Street, the spanking new 14,000 square-foot Bronx Music Hall hosts a 250-capacity theater, a lobby and exhibition hall, a dance studio, a recording studio, an amphitheater for outdoor performances, and more. Special events are being held all weekend to honor the opening. Visit the Bronx Music Hall's website for more information and updates on programming.
New York Locals
Lately Cafe Bar & Bistro has quickly become a Long Island City favorite since opening in April 2023. Founded by Eric Lee, this cozy neighborhood spot is known for its expertly brewed coffee and mouthwatering egg sandwiches. 🍳☕ But Lately is more than just a cafe—it’s a vibrant community hub that celebrates art, culture, and music, hosting events that bring neighbors together. 🎶✨ In May, they expanded with a new dinner menu and downstairs bar, offering a fresh take on seasonal ingredients and creative dishes. Join them for a memorable evening of great food, drinks, and local vibes. 🍽️
New York Locals
NYC art lovers, this one’s for you! The Other Art Fair Brooklyn is back from October 17–20, and 120 talented emerging artists will showcase their original works just for you! 🎨✨ Don’t miss out on new and exciting features, including: - Danny Cortes’ Tiny Streets, Big Stories: The Essence of NYC exhibit, featuring captivating miniature dioramas of New York City - Get your misfortunes told by the world’s most pessimistic fortune teller, The Misfortuneteller - Live DJ sets on Thursday & Friday, catch DJ Sunny Cheeba on opening night - A replica New York subway car including electrifying dance performances by It’s Showtime NYC and an installation by popular Instagram Artist Poster Journal - A flowing fair bar, including hand-crafted whiskey cocktails - Original artworks priced at $100+
See also
Dining in South Beach Near NYC: Local Insights on Trending Spots & Foodie Favorites
Infatuation
Shrine Bar Harlem A few of Harlem’s storied jazz spots are still around, but there are also some exciting spaces in the neighborhood where new artists are keeping the genre interesting. At the Shrine, you can listen to jazz and funk in a vibey purple room almost every night, and most of it is more danceable than the stuff at your dad’s favorite jazz club. This is a low-key spot where you’ll discover stray records in the crevices and mingle with a fun, younger crowd.
Melanie Yu
NYC Must Try: Okatte Tanto This spot is a traditional and authentic Japanese joint serving fresh sushi and a variety of elevated cold and hot Japanese dishes. I really enjoyed their popular pork katsu sando, mentai udon, and fried oysters that they make right in front of you. Their drinks are also fantastic - I’d recommend getting the Shochu Woolong and the Summer Orange! Pro tip: If you want to get the $34 hidden menu item tuna bone, call ahead to make a reservation - they only serve the tuna bone from 5-6:45pm and it’s first reserved, first served with their limited stock per day. What I Ordered: - Tuna Bone [must-try] - Mentai Udon [must-try] - Pork Katsu Sando - Fried Oysters - Octopus marinated with wasabi - Shochu Woolong - drink - Summer Orange - drink
Infatuation
Tabú didn’t have to make their food delicious. The Tulum-themed Williamsburg spot could have just relied on their huge outdoor area covered with parasols, a DJ stand with its own water-feature as a backdrop, and their excellent cocktails to bring people in the door. But the food is good, bordering on great—making this a clubstaurant that’s as exciting on a Wednesday as it is on Saturday. On any of those evenings, you’ll find dancers in flowy costumes flitting between the fronded plants and two stone bars. And while we wouldn’t be surprised if the owners seriously considered filling the courtyard in with white sand at some point, there’s plenty of attention to detail in the seafood-oriented kitchen too. Tabú serves mostly smaller portioned food, so order a bunch of things, including a couple of tacos, a raw fish dish or two, and some stellar chips and guacamole.
Secret NYC
Souvlaki GR actually made our list of best Greek restaurants in NYC, so when they take their delicious food on the road, you know it’s worth it. The Souvlaki GR Truck is a two-time Vendy winner and winner of the New York Food and Wine Festival’s People’s Choice Award, meaning it’s been given some authoritative thumbs up. If you go, order a pork or chicken souvlaki, Greek fries or Greek salad.
Time Out New York
Find Little Paris on Centre Street, between Broome and Grand Street. Even the stars of Emily in Paris have hung out in this neighborhood, and if it's Chef Gabriel-endorsed, you know it's legit. Interestingly, the lack of a specified space for Francophiles in Manhattan wasn't always the case. In the late 19th Century, Soho had its own French Quarter, as chronicled in an 1879 issue of Scribner's Monthly: "The people are nearly all French. French too is the language of the signs over the doors and in the windows." Ready to dive into the Paris-within-Manhattan? Here are a few French businesses in Little Paris to check out whether you're celebrating the Paris Olympics or just saying "oui" to a French experience without crossing the pond.
Secret NYC
Take advantage of free museum days in NYC! It’s no secret that NYC is home to many museums–and some specifically just for kids–and they’re a great place to spend hours or even a whole day exploring with the little ones. Many of them even offer free admission days, allowing visitors of all ages complimentary access to exhibits across the city. Check out some of our favorite free museum days we recommend taking your kids to: Children’s Museum of the Arts: Free admission on Thursdays from 4 – 6 pm Brooklyn Children’s Museum: Free admission on Thursdays from 2 – 5 pm American Museum of Natural History: Suggested donation for entry at all times New York Hall of Science: Free admission on Fridays from 2 – 5 pm Museum of the Moving Image: Free admission on Thursdays from 2 – 6 pm
NYC Tourism
Dubbed “one of the greatest urban experiences in New York” by The New York Times, the Brooklyn Flea has a little bit of everything. Good for: Furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, antiques and one-of-a-kind artwork. Locals and tourists alike flock to the outdoor market, located under the picturesque and historic Manhattan Bridge, for its eclectic assortment of vintage furniture, handmade jewelry, plants and other knickknacks. When you’ve finished shopping, walk over to the Time Out Market New York, situated in a former warehouse on the waterfront, with more than 20 of the City’s best eateries under one roof. April through December, Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Community in South Beach Near NYC: Local Discussions, Networking & Events
Eater
Win Son Bakery summer pop-up, which means way more diners have access to their scallion pancake egg sandwiches, pastries, and coffee concoctions! The service is casual — order at the counter, grab any available seat indoors or outdoors — but expect a wait. Food and drinks can be ordered in advance via DoorDash if you prefer to skip the line. Nothing better baconeggandcheese on a scallion pancake at Win Son Bakery !! Also featuring the mortadella scallion pancake breakfast sandwich!
Natasha Husein
A night out in Chelsea: - visit the art galleries - walk the High Line - dinner at Pepe e Gallo - Italian bistro known for simple authentic Italian food. Outdoor dining, private events, delivery, catering. Pizza, pasta & desserts.
Secret NYC
Hop Aboard NYC’s first-ever floating Mexican restaurant! NYC’s First & Only Floating Mexican Restaurant Is Open On The Hudson. All aboard for some tequila and Mexican-inspired street food! La Barca Cantina has returned on the Hudson for another season. La Barca Cantina offers Mexican fare and delicious cocktails afloat! Hop onboard the three-story boat at Pier 81 on the Hudson River and sail around the city for incredible skyline and sunset views with New York Cruise Lines. And it has officially set sail! The boat offers custom artwork by Tlisza Jaurique, the first Mexican-American woman to exhibit at the Met, an incredible top deck for guests to take in the scenery, and most notably, an expansive agave-based spirits menu.
Infatuation
The Best Late Night Food In NYC: Love Korean BBQ Is it lame to say that the name of this Koreatown restaurant is exactly how we feel about it? Yeah, but it’s too late now. Open until 4am on Friday and Saturday, this fun three-story place has spinning rainbow-colored lights, a bar in the basement, and DJs every weekend after 6pm. They have several combos ($109 to $229) to choose from, which come with a cornucopia of vegetables to throw on the grill. Our favorite is the one with both beef and pork. Add some smoky, peppery japchae and their custardy truffled steamed egg—we’d come here just for those two things.
Infatuation
Where To Eat Hot Dogs In NYC? Plentiful, relatively cheap, and easy to eat as you jaywalk or wait for a bus, hot dogs are an essential part of New York City cuisine. And Chicago Dogs are officially part of New York City’s hot dog ecosystem, and the ones at Dog Day Afternoon in Windsor Terrace are some of the best. This kitschy little shop keeps a Vienna Beef diagram next to the register, so you can cross-check your dog and make sure it matches up. The poppyseed bun is especially soft and flavorful, and the combination of a Chicago dog with an orange whip on the sidewalk outside the restaurant is one of our favorite meals on a warm day.
Crown | NYC
Movie night at Bryant Park. See 2024 movie lineup below: 🍿 July 8 - Old School (2003) 🍿 July 15 - Funny Face (1957) 🍿 July 22 - Cinema Paradiso (1988) 🍿 July 29 - How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) 🍿 August 5 - Arrival (2016) 🍿 August 12 - Titanic (1997) Bring a blanket, invite a friend, and snag your spot on the lawn to watch a feature film on the big screen under the stars. Lawn opens at 5pm and movie starts at 8pm.
Mingomatic
🏮 Explore the Vibrant Chinatown in Manhattan! 🏮 Step into a world of rich culture, history, and amazing flavors in Chinatown, Manhattan. From bustling markets and colorful storefronts to delicious dim sum and traditional tea houses, there's something magical around every corner. 🏙️✨ Stroll through the vibrant streets, visit unique shops, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this iconic neighborhood. Don’t forget to check out landmarks like the Mahayana Buddhist Temple and Columbus Park! 🕍🌳
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Discover the Best Local Reviews in Midtown NYC
When it comes to finding the most reliable local reviews in Midtown NYC, Kikihub is your go-to platform. Delve into anonymous opinions, trending discussions, and get the lowdown on everything from restaurants to nightlife and events. This bustling neighborhood is teeming with secrets and insights that only the locals know, and Kikihub serves as your guide.
Top Restaurants According to Local Reviews
If you're a foodie exploring Midtown, one of the first places you must visit is Le Bernardin. Renowned for its exquisite French cuisine, this restaurant consistently ranks high in anonymous local reviews. Try their Chef's Tasting Menu for an unforgettable culinary experience. If you're in the mood for some authentic Italian, Da Marino is a hidden gem. Known for its romantic atmosphere and delicious pasta, this spot offers a cozy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Locals rave about Sushi Yasuda, calling it the best sushi spot in Midtown. Known for its attention to detail and fresh ingredients, Sushi Yasuda is a must-visit. For something more laid-back but equally delightful, Shake Shack at Madison Square Park remains the go-to spot for an iconic NYC burger experience, often enjoying favorable mentions in anonymous reviews.
Uncover the Nightlife Hotspots
Midtown is well-known for its vibrant nightlife, and Kikihub's trending discussions reveal the best spots to check out. The Campbell is a must-visit for its historic ambiance and classy cocktails. Located in Grand Central Terminal, this bar offers a nostalgic backdrop perfect for an intimate evening. Those looking for a more modern vibe should visit 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Empire State Building.
Hidden away in an unassuming building, Raines Law Room is a speakeasy-style bar that receives enthusiastic reviews for its extensive cocktail menu and chic décor. Another favorite among locals is PJ Clarke's, a historic watering hole that has been serving Midtown since 1884. Known for its friendly atmosphere and classic pub fare, it's a staple in the Midtown nightlife scene.
Must-See Events You're Missing Out On
Midtown boasts a variety of events that are often highlighted in local reviews. For theater enthusiasts, a visit to the Theater District is a no-brainer. Catch a Broadway show and experience theatrical magic. During the holidays, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is a must-see event, attracting both locals and tourists for its grandeur and festive atmosphere.
Those with a taste for jazz should head to Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, where you can enjoy live jazz performances against the stunning backdrop of Central Park and the NYC skyline. Another event that garners rave reviews is the New York City Marathon, which starts in Staten Island and makes its way through all five boroughs, offering an electric atmosphere right in Midtown.
Local Recommendations and Hidden Gems
For something off the beaten path, locals highly recommend visiting Bryant Park. This green oasis in the heart of Midtown offers numerous activities, ranging from ice skating in the winter to movie nights in the summer. The adjacent New York Public Library is a treasure trove of knowledge and architecture, often cited in Kikihub discussions as a must-visit spot.
Anonymous opinions frequently highlight Tudor City Greens as a quiet escape. This hidden gem is less crowded than other parks and offers a serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Another recommendation is the Morgan Library & Museum, an underrated attraction that showcases a stunning collection of manuscripts and art pieces, often mentioned in local reviews for its historic significance.
Trending Discussions You Won't Want to Miss
Stay updated with Kikihub's trending discussions to catch up on the latest in Midtown. Whether it's a new restaurant opening or an underground event, our platform ensures you're always in the loop. Discussions about The High Line reveal that it's a favored spot for leisurely walks and beautiful views of the city. Local opinions also highlight the best times to visit to avoid the crowds.
Find out what locals are saying about recent art installations at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and discover if they live up to the hype. Anonymous discussions about food festivals and street fairs in Midtown offer detailed reviews, from best food stall recommendations to insider tips for navigating the crowds.
Enhance your Midtown NYC experience by diving into the secret insights and real opinions shared on Kikihub. Our platform is the key to unlocking local passions, so you never miss out on the hidden beauty of this vibrant neighborhood.
