I (still) live in New York City - Ask Me Anything

[allfurcoatnoknickers]

I did an AMA four years ago and thought it might be fun to do another one since I'm seeing more and NYC advice threads popping up on the Holiday board.
Anyone got any questions for a current Manhattanite? I love to play tour guide 😊.

I'm also married to a born and raised New Yorker, and we have a four year old in elementary school and a 5 month old baby, so feel free to ask away and pregnancy, birth, maternity leave and schools in the US. I see a lot of misconceptions on here I'd be happy to chat about.

@Newyearhwre Subway is by far the best way to get around. You can buy an unlimited metro card or use Apple Pay/google pay and do a contactless payment on your phone to pay per ride.

Use Google maps for subway directions. Put in your start and end address and select the public transport option and you'll get step by step instructions. I've lived here almost a decade and I still use Google maps all the time.

Can I ask about subway travel? You mentioned OMNY- do you need this to be able to tap Apple/ Google pay and for it to be capped or does it cap automatically without it?
Also- would you know anything about which city passes are the best? We were thinking of a Go city pass but have heard that you end up having to queue to get the pass activated ant each venue and then queue again to get into the venue. Really looking for one that included a hop on/off bus tour! Thank you.

I am coming in August with DH and DD (11) - it's DD's first time in the states and she is really looking forward to it. We're staying in LIC (booked before I read this thread, but it's good to hear the positive reviews here!)

My question is: can you recommend some good quality "affordable" restaurants (and yes, I totally realise that nowhere will be really affordable and am totally prepared for the expense!) Anywhere in the NYC area - we're very happy to travel (live in London, so very used to travelling on public transport). I've seen the time out review posted up thread, but I'd be interested in hearing some specific recommendations from a local.

I can suggest loads! In LIC you need to go to Casa Enrique. I also like M.Wells, but it is a steakhouse so spendy by nature. I also like TukTuk Thai, Blend, Skinny's Cantina and Cafe Henri. The food hall (Jax & Co?) is also very good and reasonable.

In Manhattan: Rosa Mexicana, PJ Clarke's, Community Food and Juice, The Grey Dog, Los Tacos #1, Empire Diner, Pecora Bianca, Bubby's, Jack's Wife Freida, Miznon,Cowgirl, CowGirl Seahorse, Extra Virgin, Momofuku, the restaurants in Nordstrom - Jeannie and Bistro Verde are good too. You can also find some good fast-casual chains like sweetgreen or Cava where you can pick up a salad and dine in.

You don't need anything special. You can just tap Apple or Google pay and it automatically tallies for you. It's really easy.

I live here, so don't really know about the passes I'm afraid. I'd skip the hop on hop off bus though. You'll spend the whole time stuck in traffic.

Seconding Jax & Co in LIC! We ate there a couple of times. There are a few vendors with a shared seating area and bar. It's a really nice venue though and not too pricey. Great place to grab a quick bite but it didn't seem to be open in the mornings when we were there which was a shame as it would have been good for breakfast.
Paris Baguette was amazing for breakfast though, they do the most amazing pastries and buns.

Thanks all - fortunately we are sorted for breakfast as it's included in our hotel rate, but I will look forward to checking out the recommended restaurants!

@BlackLambAndGreyFalcon Food halls are always a good bet. Popular with locals as well as tourists. I really like OllyOlly Market, Mercado Little Spain and UrbanSpace Vanderbilt and Market 57 on Pier 57.

Also totally forgot to mention Spanish Diner at Mercado Little Spain in my first post. Amazing value - you get so much food.

@allfurcoatnoknickers I'm going to NY for the very first time with DD, SIL (who'll be seconded there for a few weeks) and 2 DGC early April for a week, so your thread is really helpful thank you. I'm beyond excited!

@measureofmydreams Have a wonderful time! Early April is the perfect time to visit.

Hi! We're going for February half term. Any recommendations for a vey scientific-minded 12-year old? I know it's likely to be very cold 🥶

Museum of Natural History, New York Hall of Science and the Liberty Science Center would probably be my go-tos. Last two are a bit of a schlep, but easy to get to on public transport.

He might also like the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria (easy to get to, great dining nearby) and the Intrepid Museum which is an old battle ship - you can go right in the bowels of the ship and see the old switchboards, radar etc.

The Museum of Mathematics is good too, but it's small. However, it's right on Madison Square Park, so lots of other things to do within walking distance.

Thank you 🙏

Are you still around, op? @allfurcoatnoknickers

I am watching Owning Manhattan and i am just obsessed with life in New York

What's the best skyscraper to live in, iyo? (Dreaming here 😄) 🥰