zagat travelcapsule newyorkcity

8/7/2019 Zagat Travelcapsule NewYorkCity

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http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/zagat-travelcapsule-newyorkcity 2/15ZAGATSURVEY • www.zagat.com

Bouley120 W. Broadway (Duane St.),

212-964-2525; www.davidbouley.com

“Food heaven from the first glance to thelast dab of the napkin”, David Bouley's“rarefied” TriBeCa New French is “quintes-sential Manhattan dining”, pairing “sumptu-ous” cuisine with “memorably wonderful”wines; the “swank”, vaulted-ceiling setting“oozes romance”, the “mind-reading”staffers “serve with élan” and the offerings

are “so exquisite, they don't seem soexpensive.”

Jean GeorgesTrump Int’l Hotel, 1 Central Park W.

(bet. 60th & 61st Sts.), 212-299-3900;

www.jean-georges.com

An “absolutely ethereal” experience, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's New French flag-ship in Columbus Circle offers always“inventive” food in a “chicly understated”,

Adam Tihany–designed setting; repasts inthe prix fixe–only dining room are “heaven-ly”, prices included, but the “royal-treat-ment” service alone will make you “feelimportant just being there”, so “break the

piggy bank and go for it” – or try the $24lunch in the “more casual” NougatineRoom.

Gramercy Tavern

42 E. 20th St. (bet. B’way & Park Ave. S.), 212-477-0777;www.gramercytavern.com

Again voted No. 1 for Popularity, this Flatiron“standard bearer” via Danny Meyer “seems toget better every year”, offering an “extraordi-nary” New American menu, “comfortably ele-gant” surroundings and “impeccable service”;in short, it's a “fabulous place to spend abundle”, though regulars report you'll find the

“same quality” for less dough in the walk-in–friendly front room; N.B. Michael Anthony (exBlue Hill at Stone Barns) is now overseeingthe kitchen following the departure of found-ing chef Tom Colicchio.

Le Bernardin

155 W. 51st St. (bet. 6th & 7th Aves.),

212-554-1515; www.le-bernardin.com

“All superlatives are warranted” when it comesto the “celestial experiences” at MaguyLeCoze's French Midtown “temple toseafood”; the “stellar service” and “serene”,“luxurious” quarters alone place it in a “leagueof its own”, but chef Eric Ripert “approachesperfection” with his “stunningly well-executed”and “beautifully presented” cuisine that “takesyour breath away” (and is once again votedNo. 1 for Food in NYC); yes, it's “very expen-sive”, but if you can swing it “by all means,go”; P.S. the $57 prix fixe lunch is “a steal.”

Union Square Cafe

21 E. 16th St. (bet. 5th Ave. & Union Sq. W.), 212-243-4020; www.unionsquarecafe.com

The “granddaddy of Danny Meyer–ville” is thisUnion Square “classic” that remains at the“top of every NYer's list” thanks to its “winningformula” of Michael Romano’s “exemplary”New American cuisine, a “wonderful” wine list,“warm” decor and “welcoming” staffers who

“make the experience unforgettable”; gettinga reservation may be the only hard part inwhat's otherwise a “truly happy experience.”

CELEB CHEFS F D S C

Bar Americain

152 W. 52nd St. (bet. 6th & 7th Aves.),

212-265-9700; www.baramericain.com

“Bold flay-vors” emerge from the “open kitchen”of Bobby Flay’s “bustling” Midtown American;set in a grand, “soaring” space, it seamlesslyserves suits seeking a soigné business lunchor a smoothly flowing liquid soiree; no surprise,it’s best enjoyed “on the company dime.”

Ratings & Symbols

Hours: serves after 11PM

closed on Sunday

Credit Cards: no credit cards accepted

Ratings are on a scale of 0 to 30. Cost (C) reflectsour surveyors’ estimate of the price of dinner with

one drink and tip. Surveyor Comments are in quotes.

For newcomers or survey write-ins listed without

ratings, the price range is indicated as follows:

MOST POPULAR F D S C

Babbo110 Waverly Pl. (bet. MacDougal St. & 6th

Ave.), 212-777-0303; www.babbonyc.com“Every bit as fabulous as you've heard”,Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's “masterful”Village Italian is numero uno for pairing“inspired” food with an “encyclopedic” winelist; those snaring an “impossible” reservationfind the service “smart”, the carriage house

setting “surprisingly relaxed” and being “bom-barded with a big bill” bearable for a dinnerthat's “last-meal-on-earth good”; by the way,“upstairs is better if you want to talk.”

Daniel

60 E. 65th St. (bet. Madison & Park Aves.), 212-288-0033; www.danielnyc.com

A “total experience for the senses”, DanielBoulud's East Side “tour de force” (voted No.2 for Food and No. 1 for Decor) inspires“awe” with its “incomparable” New Frenchmenu, “exceptional wine list”, “read-your-mind” service and “opulent” room; epicureswho feel “like a million bucks” put theirmoney where their mouth is, trading in their“retirement savings” for the “phenomenaltasting menu.”

I $25 and below M $26 to $40

0-9 poor to fair

10-15 fair to good

20-25 very good to excel-lent

ZAGAT TRAVEL CAPSULE

27 23 25 $74

28 28 28 $112

28 26 27 $76

Courtesy of Bar Americain

Ratings & Symbols

Hours: serves after 11PM

closed on Sunday

closed on Monday


Ratings are on a scale of 0 to 30. Cost (C) reflectsour surveyors’ estimate of the price of dinner with

one drink and tip. Surveyor comments are in quotes.

For newcomers or survey write-ins listed withoutratings, the price range is indicated as follows:

New York’s stellar dining landscape offers something for every taste and price point – fromdim sum and then some in Chinatown, to scene-and-cuisine meccas in hot neighbor-hoods like the Meatpacking District, to the gastronomic citadels in Midtown’s TimeWarner Center. The following selection touches each of those bases. For top-of-the-

line restaurants, reserve as far in advance as possible. And consider visiting during thecity’s bi-annual Restaurant Weeks in January and June, when more than 200 top estab-lishments offer prix fixe meals at bargain prices. Regarding tipping, 15-20% is customary.

I $25 and belowM $26 to $40

E $41 to $65VE $66 or more

0-9 poor to fair

10-15 fair to good

16-19 good to very good

20-25 very good to excellent

26-30 extraordinary to perfectionlow response/less reliable

Restaurants

23 9 13 $15

Courtesy of Babbo

28 26 27 $98

23 23 21 $ 60

27 22 26 $63

28 26 27 $91

F Food D Decor S Service C Cost

28 27 28 $106

M



quarters, a quintessential “NY tableau” crowd(hey, there's Woody) and “mouthy”, “Ice Age”–era servers add up to a “must experience” that“never gets old.”

Lombardi’s

32 Spring St. (bet. Mott & Mulberry Sts.),

212-941-7994

A candidate for NYC’s “pizza hall of fame”,this “reasonable” NoLita “institution” remains abeloved provider of “perfectly charred” “coal-

fired” pies with “terrific toppings”; despite anexpansion of its “generic” digs not long ago,there’s “always a queue” of folks seeking their“slice of history.”

Oriental Garden

14 Elizabeth St. (bet. Bayard & Canal Sts.),

212-619-0085

You can’t do better for fresh fish than theseafood “from the tanks” at this taste of“Chinatown's high end”, a surefire source of“superior” “Cantonese-style seafood” thatalso features “top-notch” dim sum; if the“brusque” service and “institutional” settingis “standard”-issue, the high quality andmodest prices are anything but.

Pearl Oyster Bar

18 Cornelia St. (bet. Bleecker & W. 4th Sts.),

212-691-8211; www.pearloysterbar.com

Seafood so “fresh” you can “taste the salt air”“reels them in” to Rebecca Charles' “tiny”Village joint that pays ample tribute to the“coast of Maine” with “New England” classicslike the “must-try” lobster roll; despite “speedyservice”, “expect to wait” for a “no-frills” berthsince it's “famous” with the famished.

NEW YORK

CLASSICS F D S C

Four Seasons

99 E. 52nd St. (bet. Lexington & Park Aves.),

212-754-9494;

www.fourseasonsrestaurant.com

“Whatever the season”, there’s “unparalleled”cuisine and “sophisticated” service under theaegis of Alex von Bidder and Julian Niccoliniat this “superb” Midtown Continental, a “mod-ernist beauty” that’s the “epitome of luxuriousdecadence”; it's best in the Grill Room for thesuper “power-broker” lunch or the Pool Roomfor a simply “memorable occasion”, but theoverall “ambiance reminds you why you cameto NYC” – and why you brought all those “C-notes to burn.”

Keens Steakhouse72 W. 36th St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.),

212-947-3636; www.keens.com

“Meat and testosterone” collide at this“steeped-in-history” Midtown steakhousewhere 88,000 – yes 88,000 – “clay pipes linethe ceiling” and the “signature mutton chop”is the thing to order; “prompt” service and ahandsome setting filled with a museum’sworth of American memorabilia add to itsallure, while the upstairs private rooms areperfect for a party of any size.

ZAGATSURVEY • www.zagat.com


Oyster Bar

Grand Central, lower level (42nd St. &

Vanderbilt Ave.), 212-490-6650;

www.oysterbarny.com

“The one and only”, Grand Central's “cav-ernous” “underground” seafooder has been asource of “delectable” “bivalve beauties” (“whoneeds Viagra?”), pan roasts and “wonderfullyfresh” fish since 1913; never mind the “gruff”service and “echo chamber” “din”, it's a “quin-tessential NY” experience that would be a bar-

gain at any price.

P.J. Clarke’s

915 Third Ave. (55th St.),

212-317-1616

P.J. Clarke’s on the Hudson

4 World Financial Ctr. (Vesey St.),

212-285-1500

www.pjclarkes.com

“Go for the history, stay for the burger”should be the motto of this Midtown “senti-mental favorite”, a circa-1884 tavern wherethe “old-school bar” and “solid pub fare”still “hit the spot”; the Sidecar, its upstairsadjunct, offers a “white-tablecloth” alterna-

tive, while the “huge” new Financial Districtspin-off services the “banker crowd.”

21 Club

21 W. 52nd St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.),

212-582-7200; www.21club.com

“You can feel the history” at this “essential”Midtown American, a “legendary” formerspeakeasy that still attracts “captains of indus-try” with its solid “traditional” menu, “gracious”service and “old-money”, “country-club” airs;for maximum enjoyment, bring a “large wallet”,“wear a jacket and tie” (it’s required) andrequest a “tour of the hidden wine cellar down-stairs”; P.S. there are also plenty of privateparty rooms.”

SCENES F D S C

Balthazar80 Spring St. (bet. B’way & Crosby St.),

212-965-1414; www.balthazarny.com

The “never-ending bustle” is part of the“unflagging charm” of Keith McNally's“piping hot” SoHo brasserie where“delightful” French food is served by a“convivial” crew in a setting that accurate-ly recalls “Paris in the 1920s”; it's hard tobeat for “stargazing grazing” amid “fabu-lous” folk, “shoppers” and “tourists”, andhard to believe it's now celebrating its10th anniversary, without slowing down ormissing a beat.

Nobu105 Hudson St. (Franklin St.),

212-219-0500

Nobu, Next Door105 Hudson St. (bet. Franklin & N. Moore

Sts.), 212-334-4445

www.myriadrestaurantgroup.com

Nobu Matsuhisa’s “celebrity-gawker's para-dise” in TriBeCa remains a “true classic”where the “transcendent” Japanese fusionfare with Peruvian touches will “set you back

a month's rent” but is “well worth” the splurge– and the “monthlong wait for a reservation”;N.B. the “more accessible” Next Door adjunctoffers “equally compelling” dining at slightlylower rates, and is “easier to get into” sinceit’s first come, first served.

Per SeTime Warner Ctr., 10 Columbus Circle,

4th fl. (60th St. at B'way), 212-823-9335;

www.perseny.com

In a “life-altering” “league of its own”, ThomasKeller's “apex of dining” “never fails to thrill”via the “ethereal” “finesse” of its French–New

American tasting menus and “incomparable”service (voted No. 1 in NYC); the Time WarnerCenter setting affords “spectacular”

Columbus Circle and Central Park views from Adam Tihany's discreetly “opulent” space andsets the scene for “culinary bliss” that justifiesthe “overblown prices”, so per-se-vere withthe “all-time-headache” reservations routine –“you’re worth it.”

CASUAL F D S C

Blue Smoke116 E. 27th St. (bet. Lexington Ave. &

Park Ave. S.), 212-447-7733;

www.bluesmoke.com

Barbecue meets “industrial chic” at DannyMeyer's “high-energy” Gramercy smokehouseserving up “succulent” ribs, “outrageous”sides and “smooth grooves” in the downstairs

jazz club; though purists protest the “upscale-downscale” experience, true-blue types saythis proves “you don't need sawdust under-foot to get good ’cue.”

Carnegie Deli

854 Seventh Ave. (55th St.),

212-757-2245; www.carnegiedeli.com

You can “feel your arteries swell” simply byreading the menu at this “fabled” Midtowndeli where “jaw-dislocating sandwiches” makefor world-class “cholestofests”; “chaotic”

Courtesy of 21 Club

Courtesy of Nobu

27 22 23 $76

28 27 28 $ 2871

21 17 19 $39

21 8 12 $26

25 11 15 $21

26 14 19 $41

21 17 16 $45

17 16 17 $32

22 24 24 $69

23 23 19 $52

26 27 26 $ 86

24 11 16 $29

24 22 21 $60



At Shelly Fireman's “upscale” “diner-themeddiners”, patrons take “guilty pleasure” from“mountainous portions” of good-old “artery-clogging” American eats; the service is“folksy” enough, but some say it’s pure “NYCkitsch” that’s designed for “tourists” who can’tmake it to the real Brooklyn.

Carmine’s

2450 Broadway (bet. 90th & 91st Sts.),

212-362-2200

200 W. 44th St. (bet. B’way & 8th Ave.), 212-221-3800

www.carminesnyc.com

“Real eaters” participate in “gluttonousbinges” and still need doggy bags at these“brash”, low-budget Southern Italians famedfor “heaping”, family-style platters buried in“red sauce” and “garlic galore”; designed toreplicate circa-1900 Little Italy, they're filledwith “rowdy” groups who are “noisier than aYankees game.”

Ruby Foo’s

1626 Broadway (49th St.), 212-489-5600

2182 Broadway (77th St.), 212-724-6700

www.brguestrestaurants.com

“Over-the-top” “faux-Chinese” decor straightoff a “Broadway set” (think “Disney doesBeijing”) plus “crowd-pleasing” Pan-Asian eatsensure this “loud”, “festive” Times Square–UWS duo is a “sure bet” for “out-of-townguests” and “large groups”; since it's “alwayspacked”, “make a reservation.”

Serendipity 3

225 E. 60th St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Aves.),

212-838-3531; www.serendipity3.com

Long a “NY staple”, this “whimsical” East Side“dessert emporium”-cum–toy shop continuesto enchant tykes and tourists with famousfrozen hot chocolate and other “decadent”dishes; the only sour notes are “ludicrously”

long lines and “irritable” service.

Tavern on the Green

Central Park W. (bet. 66th & 67th Sts.),

212-873-3200; www.tavernonthegreen.com

It’s “a tourist trap, but who cares” when youcan revel in “the magic of Central Park” at thisWest Side “landmark”; “everyone should goonce” to experience the “spectacular” settingand “gorgeous” decor that's “like being insidea Fabergé egg”, but just “don’t expect much”from the “uninspiring” Traditional Americanfare; P.S. it’s “great for private parties.”

NotableMentionsMOST POPULAR F D S C

Aureole 27 26 26 $83

34 E. 61st St. (bet. Madison & Park Aves.),212-319-1660; www.charliepalmer.com

Blue Water Grill 23 22 20 $51

31 Union Sq. W. (16th St.), 212-675-9500;www.brguestrestaurants.com

Eleven Madison Park 26 26 25 $66

11 Madison Ave. (24th St.), 212-889-0905;www.elevenmadisonpark.com

Gotham Bar & Grill27 25 26 $70

12 E. 12th St. (bet. 5th Ave. & University Pl.),212-620-4020; www.gothambarandgrill.com

Peter Luger Steak House 28 14 19 $68

178 Broadway (Driggs Ave.), Brooklyn,718-387-7400; www.peterluger.com

CELEB CHEFSBLT Steak 24 21 21 $69

106 E. 57th St. (bet. Lexington & Park Aves.),212-752-7470; www.bltsteak.com

Café Gray 25 23 23 $78

Time Warner Ctr., 10 Columbus Circle,3rd fl. (60th St. at B’way), 212-823-6338;www.cafegray.com

Craft 26 24 24 $72

43 E. 19th St. (bet. B’way & Park Ave. S.),212-780-0880; www.craftrestaurant.com

Gordon Ramsay – – – VE

The London NYC, 151 W. 54th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Aves.),212-468-8888; www.thelondonnyc.com

CASUAL

Corner Bistro 23 9 11 $15

331 W. Fourth St. (Jane St.), 212-242-9502

Red Cat 24 20 22 $51

227 10th Ave. (bet. 23rd & 24th Sts.), 212-242-1122;www.theredcat.com

Shake Shack 23 14 12 $13

Madison Square Park (23rd St.), 212-889-6600;www.shakeshacknyc.com

Tía Pol 23 15 18 $37

205 10th Ave. (bet. 22nd & 23rd Sts.), 212-675-8805;www.tiapol.com

FAMILY FRIENDLY Boathouse 16 26 16 $50

Central Park, enter on E. 72nd St. (Central Park Dr. N.),212-517-2233; www.thecentralparkboathouse.com

Cowgirl 16 18 16 $25

519 Hudson St. (W. 10th St.), 212-633-1133;www.cowgirlnyc.com

Peanut Butter & Co. 20 12 16 $12

240 Sullivan St. (bet. Bleecker & W. 3rd Sts.),212-677-3995; www.ilovepeanutbutter.com

Virgil’s Real Barbecue 20 13 16 $32

152 W. 44th St. (bet. B’way & 6th Ave.), 212-921-9494;www.virgilsbbq.com

NEW YORK CLASSICSBarbetta 20 23 21 $58

321 W. 46th St. (bet. 8th & 9th Aves.), 212-246-9171;www.barbettarestaurant.com

Café des Artistes 22 26 23 $66

1 W. 67th St. (bet. Columbus Ave. & CPW),212-877-3500; www.cafenyc.com

One if by Land, Two if by Sea 23 27 24 $73

17 Barrow St. (bet. 7th Ave. S. & W. 4th St.),

212-228-0822; www.oneifbyland.com

Palm 24 17 21 $64

837 Second Ave. (bet. 44th & 45th Sts.), 212-687-2953840 Second Ave. (bet. 44th & 45th Sts.), 212-697-5198250 W. 50th St. (bet. B’way & 8th Ave.), 212-333-7256www.thepalm.com

SCENES

Cookshop 23 20 21 $52

156 10th Ave. (20th St.), 212-924-4440;www.cookshopny.com

La Esquina 21 20 16 $38

106 Kenmare St. (Lafayette St.), 646-613-7100;www.esquinanyc.com

Morimoto 23 25 22 $88

88 10th Ave. (16th St.), 212-989-8883;www.morimotonyc.com

Thor 21 22 19 $61

The Hotel on Rivington, 107 Rivington St. (bet. Essex &Ludlow Sts.), 212-796-8040; www.hotelonrivington.com



Buddakan

75 Ninth Ave. (16th St.), 212-989-6699;

www.buddakannyc.com

Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr's“huge”, “happening” contender in ChelseaMarket purveys a “delicious” Asian fusionmenu served by a “precise, helpful” team;still, as good as it is, the food is outshoneby the “incredible”, “goes-on-forever” the-atrical setting that's centered around a“jaw-dropping” main dining hall.

Freemans

Freeman Alley (off Rivington St., bet.

Bowery & Chrystie St.), 212-420-0012;

www.freemansrestaurant.com

Finding this “clandestine” LES New American hidden “down an alley” is “halfthe fun”, though its “hipster” crowdcomes back for the “solid home cooking”and “European hunting lodge” look; arecent expansion hopefully will ease the“long waits.”

Spice Market

403 W. 13th St. (9th Ave.),

212-675-2322; www.jean-georges.com

“Hanging lanterns and diaphanous curtains”play a role in the “spectacular”, “exotic”,“transporting” decor scheme at Jean-GeorgesVongerichten's “spicy hot” SE Asian duplex inthe Meatpacking District that serves “elevat-ed” Thai-Malay-Vietnamese street food to a“pretty-people” clientele; portions may be as“skimpy” as the staff's “pajama”-like uniforms,but most agree that the prices, while “notcheap”, represent a “relative bargain” for a fab“JGV” venture; N.B. the private rooms down-

stairs are spicy too.

Spotted Pig

314 W. 11th St. (Greenwich St.),

212-620-0393; www.thespottedpig.com

They’ve “added space upstairs” but this “fan-tastic” Italian-accented West Village Britishgastropub is still “perma-packed” with “A-list”“hipsters” who “squeeze” in for chef AprilBloomfield's cooking savored in “stylishlydownscale” digs; a “great beer selection”helps make the “horrible waits” and “spot-ty”service easier to digest.

FAMILY FRIENDLY F D S C

Brooklyn Diner USA

212 W. 57th St. (bet. B’way & 7th Ave.),

212-977-2280

155 W. 43rd St. (bet. B'way & 6th Ave.),

212-265-5400

www.brooklyndiner.com

Courtesy of Spice Market

Courtesy of Tavern on the Green

23 27 22 $63

21 21 17 $40

22 26 19 $57

20 15 17 $37

19 21 17 $41

18 19 14 $27

14 24 16 $61

22 16 16 $41

16 14 15 $30



Ratings & Symbols


Ratings are on a scale of 0 to 30. Cost (C) reflectsour surveyors’ estimated price of a typical single

drink. Surveyor comments are in quotes.

I below $5M $5 to $10

E $11 to $14VE $15 or more

0-9 poor to fair10-15 fair to good16-19 good to very good

20-25 very good to excellent26-30 extraordinary to perfection

low response/less reliable

Nightlife



F Food D Decor S Service C Cost

23 9 13 $15

Courtesy of Pegu Club

The trendiest bars and clubs are almost all Downtown. For Sex and the City types wholike to dress up and toss down pricey cocktails, there’s the Meatpacking District andWay West Chelsea. More bohemian nightcrawlers prefer the East and West Villages,

the Lower East Side, SoHo and TriBeCa. Midtown tends to attract more matureimbibers, while Uptown bars are more informal and neighborhoody.

LIVE MUSIC A D S C

Birdland

315 W. 44th St. (bet. 8th & 9th Aves.),

212-581-3080; www.birdlandjazz.com

“Top talent”, “good sightlines” and “greatsound” make for a “first-rate” experienceat this “spacious” Theater District “jazz-and-gin” joint that's “civilized, not downand dirty”; given the “large tabs”, a “table

will cost you”, so economizers opt to catchthe show from a barstool.

Bowery Ballroom

6 Delancey St. (bet. Bowery & Chrystie St.),

212-533-2111; www.boweryballroom.com

A Lower East Side concert hall with “grit”,featuring “all the best aspects of IrvingPlaza in miniature”: an “excellent soundsystem” and “perfect sightlines” in an “inti-mate” setting with “no long trek from thestage to the bar”; maybe the “drink quality”could use some work, but “who cares?”given the chance to see bands “on thecusp of greatness” at a “fraction of theprice of larger venues.”

Oak Room

Algonquin Hotel, 59 W. 44th St.

(bet. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-840-6800;

www.algonquinhotel.com

“So old, so fabulous”, the AlgonquinHotel’s “elegant”, “wood-paneled” retreatoozes “total class” both as a “nostalgic”preserve of “round-table history” and as ashowcase for “excellent cabaret”; admit-tedly “pricey” and “a little snooty”, it prom-ises a “romantic evening made to order”for those “of a certain age”, so “bring the

Amex” and “enjoy the show.”

LOUNGES A D S C

Bungalow 8


212-629-3333

“Harder to get into than Harvard”, this WayWest Chelsea “fortress” of cool from clubqueen Amy Sacco “hasn’t gotten stale yet”,drawing a late-night mix of “the rich, thepretty” and the “who’s who of the celebrityscene”; those who “only see it from theoutside” moan about its “snobby door poli-cy”, but smug insiders call it the “last bas-tion for avoiding the B&T” and report it’s “stillthe place to be no matter what night it is.”

40/40

6 W. 25th St. (bet. B’way & 6th Ave.),

212-832-4040; www.the4040club.com

“ESPN Zone meets Bungalow 8” at this“hotter than hot” Chelsea “sports bar witha DJ”, where “sightings of owner Jay-Z”give “groupies and Lil’ Kim wannabes” athrill; recently expanded to nearly doubleits size, it features “floating orb chairs”,“weird unisex bathrooms” and a new Cigar

Room; “high prices”, “intimidating lines”and “door guys in need of a chill pill” arethe downsides.

Pegu Club

77 W. Houston St., 2nd fl.

(bet. W. B’way & Wooster St.),

212-473-7348; www.peguclub.com

Manhattan’s “cocktail renaissance” is in fullswing at Audrey Saunders’ “gorgeous”, “grown-

DANCING A D S C

Cielo

18 Little W. 12th St. (bet. 9th Ave. &

Washington St.), 212-645-5700;

www.cieloclub.com

Banquettes ring the petite “sunken dancefloor” at this “minimalistic”, “smallerscale” Meatpacking District “jewel” where“full-bodied sound” and a “great DJ line-up” enthrall a “crowd that just wants to

dance”; outsiders gripe about the “snobbydoor scene” overseen by “strict”, “power-drunk” bouncers.

Copacabana

560 W. 34th St. (11th Ave.), 212-239-2672;

www.copacabanany.com

So “huge” you should “bring a map”, this“lively” double-decker club with “twodance floors” features “big-name” Latinbands upstairs and a “cool hip-hop room”below; sure, it's on the “expensive” sideand the way-out location near the JavitsCenter “could be better”, but the “salsa-loving”, “ready-to-party” crowd sportingtheir “finest threads” is having too much“fun” to care.

Crobar


212-629-9000; www.crobar.com

As “explosive dance clubs” go, this WayWest Chelsea “behemoth” takes the cake,hosting the “most popular DJs on theworld circuit” in a “cavernous”, “Ibiza-size” space where the “sweaty, cruisingcrowd” ranges from “suits to sweatsuits”;there's also a “tight” hip-hop room and a“mellow” VIP area, but you should expect“very diverse crowds” since “they letanyone in.”

Courtesy of Crobar

Courtesy of 40/40 Club

For newcomers or survey write-ins listed withoutratings, the price range is indicated as follows:

22 22 16 $12

23 20 18 $12

20 22 17 $12

25 19 21 $ 11

24 19 18 $8

24 23 22 $13

22 22 16 $14

21 23 18 $12

25 25 22 $14



White Horse

567 Hudson St. (11th St.), 212-989-3956

An “enduring” fave on any “Village tour”,this circa-1880 “landmark” “where DylanThomas drank his last drink” corrals“throngs” drawn to its “bohemian history”and “streetside picnic tables”; maybe thepatrons “wish they were back in college”,but all that “dirty charm” ensures “it’snever empty.”

COMEDY AND MORE A D S C

Carolines

1626 Broadway (bet. 49th & 50th Sts.),

212-757-4100; www.carolines.com

“Laugh till you cry” at this “legendary”Times Square comedy club where the “topacts” range from “major headliners” to“superb” though “relatively unknown” new-comers; their “R-rated-and-beyond” mate-rial is funny, but the “pricey” cover chargesand two-drink minimums are no joke.

Remote Lounge

327 Bowery (2nd St.), 212-228-0228;

www.remotelounge.com

“Scoping” assumes “new meaning” at this“futuristic” East Villager where a “TV andcamera at every table” allow “PeepingToms” to zoom in on their quarry and thenphone over their “pickup lines”; the blend

of “video game” and “dating trend” for the“socially inept” is “cool” enough, but trend-sters say the “novelty gets old” fast.

Slate

54 W. 21st St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.),

212-989-0096; www.slate-ny.com

Way “nicer than regular pool rooms”, this“upscale” Flatiron billiards parlor is an“airy”, split-level affair boasting “plenty oftables” plus a “happening” bar that’s“appealing to both sexes”; it’s a “neat con-cept” for shooting stick or just sticking to“people-watching”, though a spell on thefelt will rack up a “pricey” bill.



NotableMentionsDANCING A D S C

Element — — — E

225 E. Houston St. (Essex St.), 212-254-2200;www.elementny.com

Love — — — M

179 MacDougal St. (8th St.), 212-477-5683;www.musicislove.net

Pacha — — — E618 W. 46th St. (bet. 11th & 12th Aves.),212-209-7500; www.pachanyc.com

LIVE MUSIC

Blue Note 23 16 15 $ 13

131 W. Third St. (6th Ave.), 212-475-8592;www.bluenotejazz.com

Fat Baby 19 16 17 $8

112 Rivington St. (bet. Essex & Ludlow Sts.),212-533-1888; www.fatbabynyc.com

Joe’s Pub 23 21 18 $11

Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St. (bet. Astor Pl.& E. 4th St.), 212-539-8770; www.joespub.com

LOUNGES

Back Room 23 23 20 $10

102 Norfolk St. (bet. Delancey & Rivington Sts.),212-228-5098

Cain 24 24 19 $13

544 W. 27th St. (bet. 10th & 11th Aves.),212-947-8000; www.cainnyc.com

Frederick’s 19 18 19 $16

8 W. 58th St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.),212-752-6200; www.fredericksnyc.com

OLD NEW YORK

Bill’s Gay 90’s 18 17 19 $9

57 E. 54th St. (bet. Madison & Park Aves.),212-355-0243

Chumley’s24 19 18 $7

86 Bedford St. (bet. Barrow & Grove Sts.),212-675-4449

Old Town Bar 22 15 17 $7

45 E. 18th St. (bet. B’way & Park Ave. S.),212-529-6732

COMEDY AND MORE

Bowlmor Lanes 22 17 15 $9

110 University Pl. (bet. 12th & 13th Sts.),212-255-8188; www.bowlmor.com

Planet Rose 21 16 19 $8

219 Ave. A (bet. 13th & 14th Sts.),212-353-9500; www.planetrose.com

Scores 23 17 20 $14

333 E. 60th St. (bet. 1st & 2nd Aves.),212-421-3600536 W. 28th St. (bet. 10th & 11th Aves.),212-868-4900www.scoresnewyork.com

Pegu Club (cont.)

up” SoHo lounge that “transports you to anoth-er era” (it’s named after an old British officers'club in Rangoon); given its penchant for “metic-ulously crafted” gin concoctions, it’s “not for thevodka-cranberry crowd”, nor for the cost-con-scious: all that “precision comes at a price.”

OLD NEW YORK A D S C

Campbell Apartment

Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Ave.

(bet. 42nd & 43rd Sts.), 212-953-0409;

www.hospitalityholdings.com

Savor a “Manhattan moment” at this “civi-lized” Grand Central “time warp” set in aformer “railroad baron’s drawing room” andspecializing in “serious drinks for sophisti-cated drinkers”; despite a “hard-to-find”location and “hefty” tabs, it’s “extremelycrowded after work”, so insiders suggestyou “show up after seven to avoid the

commuters”; P.S. a “top hat and monocle”isn’t mandatory, but “dress appropriately”(i.e. no sneakers, caps or T-shirts).

McSorley’s

15 E. Seventh St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Aves.),

212-254-2570

“Not for the faint of heart”, this “manly”,“noisy” Irish bar offers a basic choice of“light or dark” ale served by “uncouth” wait-ers who appear to “have been there since itopened” in 1854; a “last outpost” of a “longbygone NY”, it’s become a “right of passage”for “beer-chugging” young “meatheads.”

Courtesy of Pegu Club

Courtesy of Remote Lounge

Courtesy of Noah Kalina

25 27 21 $13

22 16 17 $6

21 14 17 $7

22 16 17 $12

20 19 19 $10

11 17 14 $8



Ratings & Symbols

Hours: usually open after 7PMopen on Sunday


Locations: For chains with more than 10 locations inNYC, only the flagship address is listed.

Ratings are on a scale of 0 to 30. Newcomers orwrite-ins are listed without ratings. Cost (C) reflectsour surveyors’ estimate of the store’s price range.Surveyor comments are in quotes.

Despite the invasion of chain outlets, New York is home to some of the world’s mostcelebrated specialty stores. For tony apparel, housewares and more, stroll Fifth Avenuebetween 50th and 58th Streets, Madison Avenue between 57th and 79th Streets or theTime Warner Center in Columbus Circle. Hip boutiques are clustered on NoLita’s

Elizabeth Street and Greenwich Village’s Bleecker Street, as well as in trendy neighbor-hoods like the East Village, Meatpacking District, SoHo and the Lower East Side. Anda stop at Macy’s, Bloomies or Saks is practically de rigueur.

I InexpensiveM Moderate

E ExpensiveVE Very Expensive




Shopping



Courtesy of Dylan’s Candy Bar

the most open-minded” offices) and“seductive” jewelry; malcontents moan theMeatpacking District locale is “out-of-the-way”, but “if you’re sufficiently thin andadventurous”, it’s worth it for what con-verts call “the best-curated clothing col-lection in the city.”

Kirna Zabête

96 Greene St. (bet. Prince & Spring Sts.),

212-941-9656; www.kirnazabete.comStylesetters hungering for “lovely, trendy”clothing “priced in the outer limits” needlook no further than SoHo’s candy-col-ored, Nick Dine–designed double-deckerdestination that “pioneered the boutiqueas interior-design-mecca” concept; with-itowners Beth Buccini and Sarah Easley“sway” tastemakers with an “amazing”,“well-edited selection” of “high-end”European and American designers includ-ing Chloé, Lanvin, Narciso Rodriguez,Proenza Schouler and Rick Owens leadingsybarites to sigh “wish my closet lookedlike this”; if a few quibble that the staffdoesn’t “go out of its way” to help, others

applaud the “no-pressure” service.

Prada

575 Broadway (Prince St.), 212-334-8888

45 E. 57th St. (bet. Madison & Park Aves.),

212-308-2332

724 Fifth Ave. (bet. 56th & 57th Sts.),

212-664-0010

841 Madison Ave. (70th St.), 212-327-4200

www.prada.com

“Alluring”, “artful” and “A+” are some ofthe adjectives awarded these showcasesfor Miuccia Prada’s “impossibly chic andpolished” Italian mens- and wom-enswear, “sexy shoes” and “adorableaccessories”; it’s “the first place” to take

“fashion-forward” touristas, especiallythe Rem Koolhaas–designed SoHo flag-ship, which feels “more like a gallerythan a store”; the savvy head to “theless-touristy Madison Avenue branch”where the service is “shockingly good”as opposed to “semi-friendly” elsewhere;wherever you go, though, get ready forprices that “make your wallet bleed”;N.B. 45 E. 57th Street sells shoes andbags only.

DEPARTMENT

STORES Q D S C

Bloomingdale’s

1000 Third Ave. (bet. 59th & 60th Sts.),

212-705-2000; 800-232-1854

504 Broadway (bet. Broome & Spring Sts.),

212-729-5900

www.bloomingdales.com

“What can you say about a Manhattan

institution?” – “from moderately pricedmerchandise to chic couture”, “you canfind everything you need” – except “knowl-edgeable sales help” perhaps – at this East50s “mother ship” and its “boutique”-likeSoHo satellite; the “venerable” original is a“bridal shower mecca” for housewares,with clothing “to satisfy all” ages,“baubles, bangles and beads”, plus “good-quality furniture”; true, it’s “overcrowded”and teems with “tourists”, but despite itssometimes “discombobulated state”, it’sstill one of NYC’s most popular departmentstores.

Century 21

22 Cortlandt St. (bet. B’way & Church St.), 212-227-9092

www.c21stores.com

This “Downtown discount destination” is “afinancially strapped fashionista’s dream”,with “designer duds” “at pauper prices”,“plus undies and accessories galore”,“orgasmic discoveries” in shoes and “averitable cornucopia” of cosmetics, house

APPAREL Q D S C

Barneys New York

660 Madison Ave. (61st St.),

212-826-8900; 888-822-7639;

www.barneys.com

Walking into this elite East 60s emporiumis like “entering a cocktail party – full ofexcitement and the possibilityof naughty encounters” amid the “desir-able goods and beautiful displays”; fash-

ionistas confirm it’s like a “microcosm ofthe NY dream lifestyle”, with “the edgieststyles from the best-known designers”,“new” “pampering” cosmetics and “luxuri-ous” accessories galore; some drool overthe “slice of heaven” shoe floor, otherskneel for the “newly redone home furnish-ings department”, and once “you con-vince the help that you’re worthy, theservice can be quite good.”

Bergdorf Goodman


212-753-7300; 800-558-1855;

www.bergdorfgoodman.com

“There are department stores and thenthere’s Bergdorf’s”, the “extravagant”emporium opposite The Plaza that’s“every woman’s” shopping “dream”; “theaura” “may seem intimidating”,but “there’s always someone to assistyou” and a “wealth of riches” await,including “old-world and au courant” “topdesigners” “arranged in boutique-y sec-tions”, an “awe-inspiring shoe salon” forthose “who can’t live without the latestLouboutins” and jewelry that’s “eleganceunder glass”; “heaven must buy its linens”in the newly redone home department,whose wares now range from Leontinesheets to Deyrolle stuffed birds, while the

cosmetics “basement is a must-do, if youwant to be beautiful.”

Jeffrey New York


212-206-1272

“La crème de la crème” of his-and-hers“high fashion, with an accent on the high”is hosted by this “shopping heaven” with“too-chic-to-be-chic atmosphere” (barefloors, “noisy” music) and an “eager”,slightly “intrusive” staff; it “shines inshoes”, with “unique models” from all thenames, but the wares also include “edgy”threads (bound to “raise eyebrows at even

The price range is indicated by the following symbols:

27 26 20 VE

29 27 24 VE

27 26 15 VE

26 26 21 VE

23 20 17 E

28 23 22 VE

22 10 9 M

Q Quality D Display S Service C Cost

23 9 13 I



premises promise the sweet-toothed and“chocoholics every conceivable fix”, from“your favorite childhood bar” to “the latestcraze”, from “hard-to-find flavors” to“ordinary” brands in bulk; some get atoothache from the prices (it “costs howmuch”?), but most agree “this is what’s atthe end of the rainbow”; N.B. there’s nowa line of candy-colored and -themed cloth-ing and accessories.

FAO Schwarz767 Fifth Ave. (58th St.), 212-644-9400;

www.fao.com

Still the “ultimate playground” for “touristsand NYers alike” following a face-lift, this“rare” Fifth Avenue “treat” “brings out thelittle kid in everyone” with its “magical”,“overwhelming” assortment; “live out yourBig fantasy” with spectacles like the 22-ft.floor piano and the “pricey ice cream par-lor that must be tried”, then “be preparedto knock over Ft. Knox to pay for” “out-of-this-world” “specialty toys” from the new-born doll nursery and Hot Wheels customcar factory; still, the price-sensitive snipe “niceplace to visit, wouldn’t want to buy here.”

OTHER Q D S C

ABC Carpet & Home

888 Broadway (19th St.), 212-473-3000;

www.abchome.com

Flatiron “fantasyland for fancy furnish-ings” that’s a “quintessential NY shoppingexperience” for “fashionable” homegoods “no matter whether you love theRenaissance or Wright”; an “eclectic mixof old and new” that includes carpets,chandeliers, linens, “rich fabrics” and“unique furniture” from all over the worldlike carved Chinese marriage beds and

chairs upholstered in vintage suzani tap-estries is displayed over seven “sprawl-

NotableMentions APPAREL Q D S C

Henri Bendel 26 25 21 VE

712 Fifth Ave. (bet. 55th & 56th Sts.),212-247-1100; 800-423-6335

Scoop NYC 23 22 16 E

532 Broadway (bet. Prince & Spring Sts.),212-925-28861273-1277 Third Ave. (bet. 73rd & 74th Sts.),212-535-5577861 Washington St. (bet. 13th & 14th Sts.),212-691-1905877-726-6777; www.scoopnyc.com

DEPARTMENT STORES

Pearl River Mart 16 17 12 I

477 Broadway (bet. Broome & Grand Sts.),212-431-4770; 800-878-2446; www.pearlriver.com

Takashimaya 28 28 23 VE

693 Fifth Ave. (bet. 54th & 55th Sts.),212-350-0100; 800-753-2038

CHILDREN

Niketown New York 24 25 17 E6 E. 57th St. (bet. 5th & Madison Aves.),212-891-6453; www.niketown.com

Toys R Us 20 20 14 M

1514 Broadway (44th St.), 646-366-8800;800-869-7787; www.toysrus.com

OTHER

Kiehl’s 27 23 25 M

154 Columbus Ave. (bet. 66th & 67th Sts.),212-799-3438109 Third Ave. (13th St.), 212-677-3171800-543-4571; www.kiehls.com

MoMA Design and Book Store 25 24 18 E

81 Spring St. (Crosby St.), 646-613-136744 W. 53rd St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.), 212-708-966911 W. 53rd St. (5th Ave.), 212-708-9700800-793-3167; www.momastore.org



Century 21 (cont.)wares and electronics; get ready to “dosome hunting” – “shoving when neces-sary” – and “be in a patient, forgivingmood” with the “infuriatingly disorgan-ized” displays, “tight, open fitting rooms”,“busloads of tourists” and near-“uselessstaff”, because “when you find a treasure,you’ll be bragging for years.”

Macy’s

151 W. 34th St. (bet. B’way & 7th Ave.), 212-695-4400; 800-343-0121;

www.macys.com

You can do “all your shopping under oneroof” at this block-long “Herald Squarelandmark”, “riding the old wooden escala-tors” to peruse the “affordable acces-sories”, “a corridor of cool” cookware, “anice variety” of cosmetics and clothingand “good bets in beds and mattresses”;“if you can’t find it here, you’re not look-ing hard enough” – but look hard you will,given “too many tourists”, “mostly non-helpful help” and “chaotic” aisles; cynicssigh “if only Macy’s ran its store like itruns the Thanksgiving Day parade” – still,

even though it’s “often maddening”, NYC“couldn’t live without it.”

Saks Fifth Avenue

611 Fifth Ave. (50th St.), 212-753-4000;

877-551-7257; www.saks.com

An “essential stop on any shoppingspree”, this Midtown mainstay “sets thestandard” for “elegant” emporia becauseit’s “not as pompous” as some, but “has-n’t lost its sophistication”, either; you’llsee tourists, “trendy teens and socialites,side by side” savoring the “selection ofmid- and upper-end fashion” for her andhim, accessories and jewelry sections“reminiscent of a museum” and “lots toplay with” in cosmetics; and though thestaff could “lower the pushiness factor abit”, “they’ll check the computer for anitem in your size and ship it to you.”

CHILDREN Q D S C

American Girl Place

609 Fifth Ave. (49th St.), 212-371-2220;

877-247-5223; www.americangirl.com

Truly a “little girl’s fantasy come true”,this “over-the-top” Midtown “experience”,based on the Chicago original, offers“entertainment” for “hordes of 10-and-unders” who “have a ball” shopping fordolls with “enough of an educational bentto keep parents happy”; take your tykeand her toy to the hair salon for a new’do, then treat them to a “lovely lunch”and a “delightful show” in the theater; ifcynics snarl those dollies should “do mylaundry” for such “big bucks”, enthusiastsrejoin it’s “worth it” to “see such smiles.”

Dylan’s Candy Bar

1011 Third Ave. (60th St.),

646-735-0078; www.dylanscandybar.com

Devotees drool over this East 60s “sugarywonderland” whose colorful, “chaotic”

ing” floors of “sensory overload”; counton “beautiful creations”, “boggling costs”

and a “fairly invisible staff.”

Tiffany & Co.

727 Fifth Ave. (57th St.), 212-755-8000;

800-843-3269; www.tiffany.com

“Any child, adult or ancient would lovesomething” from this “American icon”on Fifth Avenue, whether it’s “classic andtasteful” silver, diamond or gold jewelry –

including signature Jean Schlumberger,Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso pieces –sterling, china and crystal for “memorable”wedding presents or the “best baby gifts”;despite “hordes of tourists” and mixedcomments on service (“tops” vs. “unlessyou’re dressed to impress get ready toanswer your own questions”), “who does-n’t covet the little blue box?”

Zabar’s

2245 Broadway (80th St.), 212-787-2000;

800-697-6301; www.zabars.com

“If you can get past the foodies down-stairs” at this “legendary” gourmet store

and “mainstay of the Upper West Side”,you’ll be privy to “the best-known secretin NY”, which is that “the best selection”of “the cheapest cookware, gadgets”,appliances and utensils is found on itsmezzanine; it can be “crowded”,“cramped” and “chaotic” and “if your feel-ings get hurt easily don’t ask for help”, butbeaming bargain-hunters shrug that just“adds to the charm” of the experience.

Courtesy of Kiehl’s

22 26 16 M

28 27 24 VE

27 24 21 VE

24 27 22 E

26 17 17 M

25 24 17 VE

19 15 12 M

Courtesy of ABC Carpet & Home

25 26 20 E



Attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building are so iconic that youmay feel you already know them, but nothing matches the impact of seeing them inperson. The following attractions are all must-sees. Fortunately, many are groupedtogether in a few areas – i.e. Uptown’s Museum Mile (5th Avenue between 82nd and

104th Streets), Midtown’s Times Square and the Harbor area around the South StreetSeaport and Battery Park – making it easy to explore several in one day.

Attractions



Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

Guggenheim Museum

(aka Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum)


212-423-3500; www.guggenheim.org

“A piece of art in itself”, this “architec-turally fascinating”, Frank LloydWright–designed East Side museum islaid out around a “giant spiral” ramp anddisplays “mostly 20th-century” works;“start at the top and work your waydown” (it’s “less tiring” that way) and fin-ish up with a stroll “right across thestreet” in Central Park.

Metropolitan

Museum of Art

1000 Fifth Ave. (82nd St.), 212-535-7710;

www.metmuseum.org

A “lifetime of visits is not enough” to seeeverything at this “world-class” East Sidemuseum that is itself a “masterpiece”;with arguably the “greatest permanent artcollection in the world” (over two millionworks), it’s a “feast for the eyes” and has“something for everyone” – from paintingsand sculpture to “arms and armor, jewelryand costumes”; for best results, get a

map, “watch for special exhibits” and“don’t try to do it all in one day.”

Whitney Museum

of American Art

945 Madison Ave. (75th St.), 212-570-3600;

www.whitney.org

Specializing in American art of the 20th and21st centuries, this East Side museum man-ages the neat trick of being “intimate andworld-class at the same time” given its “perfectsize” and “distinctive” permanent collection;some of its “avant-garde” work can be “puz-zling” and even “shocking”, but most agree it’s“required viewing for a modern art lover.”

MIDTOWN A P S $

Museum of Modern Art

11 W. 53rd St. (bet. 5th & 6th Aves.),

212-708-9400; www.moma.org

The “best modern art anywhere” hasreturned to Midtown in a brand-new,much bigger building that offers the mostextensive display of the museum’s hold-ings ever; in addition to six floors ofexceptional art arranged around a mam-moth atrium, there’s also a much-belovedsculpture garden, gift shops purveyingsome of the city’s most “unique” items, afirst-rate restaurant, The Modern, and twopleasing cafes.

Rockefeller Center

47th to 51st Sts. (bet. 5th & 7th Aves.),

212-632-3975; www.rockefellercenter.com

Arguably the country’s “quintessential hol-iday attraction”, this mega Midtown com-plex is famed for its “towering Christmastree” and “appealing ice rink”, thoughyear-round you can enjoy its “grand”architecture, “open-air dining” and “sub-

terranean shopping” options, as well assweeping city views from the new 70th-floor Observation Deck at 30 RockefellerPlaza; if you “go early”, you can “catch aglimpse of Matt on the Today show”,which broadcasts live on-site.

THE PARK AND

MUSEUM MILE A P S $

American Museum

of Natural History

Central Park West (79th St.),

212-769-5000; www.amnh.org

It’s no surprise that this West Side mega-museum ranks as NYC’s most popularattraction: since its founding in 1869 it

has amassed an “astounding” collectionof some 32 million artifacts spanningeverything “from evolution to planets”,with “awe-inspiring” dinosaur displays,wildlife dioramas akin to “capsulesafaris” and “stellar space shows” in theremarkably renovated HaydenPlanetarium; the “knowledgeable staff”leads guided tours that quickly hit thehighlights – otherwise, you could “spenddays here” without seeing everything.

Central Park

59th to 110th Sts., 5th Ave.

to Central Park West, 212-360-3456;

www.centralparknyc.org

A “piece of heaven” in Manhattan sums

up this “843-acre paradise” designed byFrederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vauxsome 150 years ago; it’s “hard to believeyou’re in NY” when you’re “escaping” onits miles of tranquil trails, boating on thelake, admiring Bethesda Fountain or vis-iting attractions such as Wollman Rink;there are free activities in summer(Philharmonic concerts, Shakespeare inthe Park, Summerstage shows), and forsustenance there’s Tavern on the Green,the Boathouse Cafe or a good ol’ hotdog vendor – it’s truly a “haven in themiddle of Stressville” and can be asexciting as the circus on weekends.

Courtesy of American Museum of Natural History

View from Rockefeller C enter,

Courtesy of Tishman Speyer

27 25 21 M

26 25 21 M

— — — M

24 21 17 $0

29 27 24 M

27 20 15 $0

25 22 20 M

Ratings & Symbols

Ratings are on a scale of 0 to 30. Newcomers or

write-ins are listed without ratings. Cost (C) reflects

the attraction’s high-season price for one adult.

Surveyor comments are in quotes.

$0 Free

I $10 or less

M $11 to $25

E $26 to $40

VE $41 or more

0-9 poor to fair

10-15 fair to good

16-19 good to very good

20-25 very good to excellent

26-30 extraordinary to perfection


The price range is indicated by the following symbols:

A Appeal P Public S Service $ CostFacilities

23 9 13 I



NotableMentions

THE PARK ANDTHE MUSEUM MILE A P S $

Central Park Zoo 22 20 8 I

Central Park, 830 Fifth Ave. (64th St.); 212-439-6500; www.centralparkzoo.com

Lincoln Center 27 26 23 E

Broadway (bet. 62nd & 66th Sts.); 212-875-5000;www.lincolncenter.org

Museum of the City 24 19 20 I

of New York

1220 Fifth Ave. (103rd St.); 212-534-1672;www.mcny.org

MIDTOWN

Carnegie Hall 27 25 22 E

154 W. 57th St. (bet. 6th & 7th Aves.); 212-247-7800; www.carnegiehall.org

Grand Central Terminal 22 2 2 17 $0

Lexington Ave. (bet. 42nd & 44th Sts.); 212-340-2210; www.grandcentralterminal.com

New York Public Library 24 24 21 $0

(Main Branch)

Fifth Ave. (42nd St.); 212-930-0830;www.nypl.org

WALL STREET AREA

Battery Park 22 15 — $0

Bordered by Battery Pl. & State St; 212-344-3491; www.bpcparks.org

Staten Island Ferry 23 14 13 $0

1 South St. (Whitehall St.); 718-727-2508;www.siferry.com

St. Paul’s Chapel 23 1 9 19 $0

209 Broadway (Fulton St.); 212-602-0874;www.saintpaulschapel.org

Trinity Church and Cemetery 23 1 8 15 $0

Broadway (Wall St.); 212-602-0872;www.trinitywallstreet.org



St. Patrick’s CathedralFifth Ave. (50th St.), 212-753-2261;

www.saintpatrickscathedral.org

A “wonder to behold”, this “awe-inspiring”circa-1879 Catholic cathedral oppositeRockefeller Center is a “place of calm inthe frantic city” with its “magnificentstained-glass windows”, “beautiful altar”and “amazing” organ; as the seat of thecountry’s most important bishopric, it hasalso been the site of a great deal of churchand political history; “regardless of one’sreligion”, this “beautiful refuge” is an idealplace to “light a candle and say a prayer.”

Times Square

W. 42nd to W. 47th Sts. (B’way),

212-768-1560; www.timessquarebid.org

“It’s certainly bright lights, big city” atthe “center of the world” – a Midtownextravaganza that’s “overwhelming, tackyand absolutely mad – but that’s part ofthe charm”; with “wonderful theater,shopping and restaurants” as well as“blinking lights, animated ads”, newstickers and giant-screen TVs, it’s “full of

life” and “energy.”

United Nations

First Ave. (46th St.), 212-963-8687;

www.un.org/tours

Touring this “hot seat of foreign affairsand international relations” on the EastRiver is “more interesting than you’dthink”, especially when supplemented bylunch in the Delegates’ Dining Room; theonly discordant notes are the sobering“high security” and facilities that are“starting to look a bit worn” at the age offiftysomething.

WALL STREET AREA A P S $

Brooklyn Bridge

Entrances opposite City Hall, Manhattan

& at Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn, NY

Completed in 1883, this NYC architectur-al and historical icon connects LowerManhattan to “posh” Brooklyn Heights;its “impressive”, “more-beautiful-than-any-cathedral” design by John Roeblingincludes a “walkway safely separatedfrom the traffic” – “perfect” for “roman-tic” strolls that allow you to savor the“breathtaking” skyline and harbor views.

Ellis Island

Immigration Museum

Ellis Island (New York Harbor),

212-363-3206; www.ellisisland.com

You’ll “feel the ghosts of immigrants past” atthis “touching tribute” to the 12 million of ourforebearers who passed through here from1892 to 1954; there’s no better place to appre-ciate “how different cultures came together”to create the patchwork of NY and the country,and you can even “look up your own ances-tors” via the interactive displays; it’s reachedby an $11.50 ferry ride from Battery Park.

25 22 18 $0

23 21 19 M

23 — — $0

27 23 21 $0

24 16 — $0

South Street

Seaport/Museum

Visitor Ctr., 12 Fulton St. (bet. Front &

South Sts.), 212-748-8600;

www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org

“NY’s own little bit of Fisherman’s Wharf”allows fanatics to experience “maritimehistory” on the East River along with aplethora of other activities; the 12-square-block landmarked area blends “surprising-ly good food”, “upscale shops” and “gal-leries in old wharfside buildings” (datingback to the late 18th century) with a

museum, “tours of old sailboats” andunobstructed harbor views.

Statue of Liberty

Liberty Island (New York Harbor),

212-363-3200; www.nps.gov/stli

“Shining” tall in the harbor, this “Americanicon” – and “heartstring tugger” – hasreopened its base museum and nowsports a new glass ceiling featuring aview of the statue’s interior; while you“can’t climb to the top”, you can ascend10 stories to the observation deck, sobring “comfortable shoes” and be pre-pared for “long lines”; N.B. though admis-sion is free, the roundtrip ferry ride costs$11.50 for adults.

World Trade Center Site

Liberty St. (Church St.), 212-484-1222;

www.wtc.com

Visiting the former Twin Towers sitesparks sharp debate among surveyors:some say a trip to this “moving” “PearlHarbor of the 21st century” is a “must” inorder to “pay respects to those lost”, butothers counter “who needs to be remind-ed?” – especially by “ghoulish” vendorsand “grinning tourists.”

22 20 17 $0

27 19 18 $0

— — — $0

Courtesy of South Street Seaport

View from Rockefeller Center,

Courtesy of Tishman Speyer

Courtesy of South Street Seaport



Ratings & Symbols

The total number of rooms per hotel is followed bythe number of suites, villas, etc., e.g. 20 rooms, 2suites. Surveyor comments are in quotes.

Ratings are on a scale of 0 to 30.

Cost ($) reflects the hotel’s high-season rack rate, i.e. itsasking price, for a standard double room. It does not

reflect frequent seasonal price changes and special rates.

NY hotel rates are famously steep, but choose right and you can get a lotof style, luxury and character for your dollar – if not always a lot of space.While many of the renowned names are clustered in Midtown, good choices

can be found all over town, as this selection illustrates. Given that occupan-cy rates are currently high, getting a room at prime times may be difficult.

Hotels



Courtesy of Gansevoort Hotel

Pierre

New York

2 E. 61st St.; 212-838-8000;

fax 212-940-8109; 800-223-6800;

www.tajhotels.com; 150 rooms, 51 suites

Loyalists love this “landmark” hotel in a “fan-tastic location” “right across from CentralPark” that's “as classy as they come”, with“sensational service” (“nothing is too muchfor the staff”) and “elegant” styling; while afew say this “grand old dame” is looking a“bit saggy”, she's about to get a shot of“needed Botox” via renovations by new man-agers, the Taj Group – “after that, look out”,she may become “the hottest” chick in town.

Regency

540 Park Ave.; 212-759-4100;

fax 212-826-5674; 800-233-2356;

www.loewshotels.com; 266 rooms, 85 suites

“Everyone gets the superstar treatment” atthis Upper East Side “clubby” “classic” onPark Avenue; with its “famous power break-fasts”, afternoon wine in the Library,“accommodating staff” and “perfect”,“wish-fulfillment address”, it's particularly“impressive for out-of-town business”clients; just a few nitpickers natter about

some rooms needing “refurbishing”; N.B.don't miss pop-vocalist Michael Feinsteinat his namesake cabaret five nights a week.

MIDTOWN R S D P $

Algonquin

59 W. 44th St.; 212-840-6800;

fax 212-944-1419; 888-304-2047;

www.algonquinhotel.com; 150 rooms, 24 suites

“New Yorker readers” listening for the“echoes of [Dorothy Parker's] Round Table”and Broadway buffs who know that “My Fair

Lady was written here” flock to this “leg-endary” centenarian in the Theater District

that still embodies “character” and “charm”;service is “friendly as all get-out”, and thoughthe “small” rooms are a bit “drab” and youmay suss out “better values in Midtown”, oneof the city’s “best cabarets” (the Oak Room)is just off the “great lobby bar”, and besides,“how many hotels have a house cat?”

Bryant Park

40 W. 40th St.; 212-869-0100;

fax 212-869-4446; 877-640-9300;

www.bryantparkhotel.com; 112 rooms, 16 suites

“Right across from charming Bryant Park”(and a quick walk to Times Square), thisMidtown “gem” caters to a “super-coolclientele” with “understated”, “ultramod-ern” rooms offering flat-screen HDTVs,Bose Wave radios and park views, plus“friendly” service from an equally “cool”staff; “hip” restaurant Koi and a “rocking”bar scene in the basement add to its “styl-ish” status, so fans affirm “you can’t picka better boutique in New York.”

Four

Seasons

57 E. 57th St.; 212-758-5700;fax 212-758-5711; 800-332-3442;

www.fourseasons.com; 305 rooms, 63 suites

“The best of the best” in NYC, this Midtown“modern work of art” courtesy of I.M. Pei “setsthe standard” from the “dramatic lobby” to the“extraordinary”, “luxurious” rooms featuring“great soaking tubs” to the “unmatched levelof service” from a staff that fulfills your “every

UPTOWN R S D P $

Carlyle

35 E. 76th St.; 212-744-1600;

fax 212-717-4682; 888-767-3966;

www.thecarlyle.com; 122 rooms, 57 suites

“Kings, queens, presidents, celebrities” –and you – can be “spoiled” by the “wonder-ful” staff at this Upper East Side “grandedame” that epitomizes “old New York at itsfinest”; the decor's “glamorous”, the rooms

are “elegant” and there's “nothing moresumptuous than a night at the CaféCarlyle”, which showcases “fantastic” per-formers like Elaine Stritch; admittedly, you'll“spend a fortune”, but its many “repeat”

guests prove it’s “worth the bucks.”

Mandarin

Oriental

80 Columbus Circle; 212-805-8800; fax

212-805-8882; 866-801-8880;

www.mandarinoriental.com; 200 rooms, 48 suites

You may “say ‘sayonara’” to the competi-tion after being “spoiled” at this “world-class”, “luxury” property in the TimeWarner Center on Columbus Circle; the“gorgeous” rooms offer the “best technol-ogy and home entertainment”, “excep-tional amenities” and “panoramic” vistas,the service is “incomparable” and the“top-notch spa and fitness facilities”include a “beautiful” pool; even thoughyou'll pay “astronomical prices”, especial-ly at the “amazing” restaurant, Asiate, it’s“the place to splurge in NYC.”

Courtesy of Carlyle

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental




R Rooms S Service D Dining P Public Spaces/

Facilities18 5 4 22

= Children’s programs= Exceptional dining= Historic interest= Kitchens= Allows pets

= Views= Golf courses= Notable spa facilities= Downhill skiing= Tennis

24 27 24 23 $ 650

28 27 26 28 $ 725

22 23 21 20 $ 329

17 20 19 18 $ 599

23 26 23 23 $ 610

22 21 21 20 $ 325

28 28 26 27 $ 675



Four Seasons (cont.)

wish”; an “excellent” spa, “wonderful” barand “lovely” views of Central Park are otherreasons you'll see celebrities and “swanky”folks “wandering through” – it’s a “must-stay” for some, “cost be damned”; N.B. thepost-Survey opening of restaurant L’Atelierde Joël Robuchon is not reflected in theabove Dining score.

Maritime363 W. 16th St.; 212-242-4300;

fax 212-242-1188;

www.themaritimehotel.com;

125 rooms, 4 suites

Scenesters dock at this “shipshape”Chelsea spot known for its “cool”nightlife and first-class “people-watch-ing”, whether in the outdoor garden, therooftop lounges, the lobby bars, the“fantastic” downstairs club, Hiro, or the“superb” Japanese restaurant, Matsuri;while the 1960s yacht look strikes somemates as “a little kitschy”, most salutethe “effortless elegance” in a design fea-turing porthole windows, teak furnishings

and ocean-themed fabrics.

New YorkPalace 455 Madison Ave.; 212-888-7000;

fax 212-303-6000; 800-697-2522;

www.newyorkpalace.com;

825 rooms, 73 suites

“Luxurious without being fussy”, thisMidtown art deco palace earns kudos forits “beyond fantastic” concierge desk anda staff that makes “you feel like you're themost important guest they've had all day”;further notice goes to the “lovely” commonareas and the “golden” Gilt restaurant (inthe Villard Mansion space that formerly

housed Le Cirque); though some quibbleover “nothing special” standard rooms,the “superb” “tower rooms are borderlineluxurious” and “well worth” the price.

Peninsula700 Fifth Ave.; 212-956-2888;

fax 212-903-3949; 800-262-9467;

www.peninsula.com; 185 rooms, 54 suites

Offering “everything you’d expect from a five-star establishment in a five-star city”, this“quiet” Midtown choice is “practical for busi-ness travelers and shoppers” who love itscentral Fifth Avenue location (high-end shops,St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Central Park withinwalking distance), “fabulous” rooftop bar and

“very attentive”, “everyone-knows-your-name” service; though some tout the“extremely well-appointed rooms” boasting“large baths” and bedside consoles that oper-ate TVs and lights, others say the “luxurious”spa and rooftop indoor pool (“a dreamyescape”) definitely outshine the quarters.

Waldorf-Astoria& Towers301 Park Ave.; 212-355-3000; fax 212-

872-7272; 800-925-3673;

www.waldorfastoria.com;

1175 rooms, 250 suites

This “classic” Midtown art deco “treasure” is

“still the one” say its many fans who take a“graceful, elegant” “walk back in time” whenev-er they stay here; with “exceptional service”,“truly outstanding public areas” and “historicambiance”, there's “no other hotel like it”, buteven admirers admit the rooms “have seen bet-ter days” (the separate Towers gets higherpraise) and complain that the “lobby loadedwith tourists” is “busier than nearby GrandCentral Station” – so “don't expect too much”from this “dowager”, just “love it for what it is.”

DOWNTOWN R S D P $

Gansevoort18 Ninth Ave.; 212-206-6700;

fax 212-255-5858; 877-426-7386;

www.hotelgansevoort.com; 166 rooms,

20 suites, 1 duplex

“Young, beautiful and hip” describes boththis “trendy” hotel in the “hot zone” of theMeatpacking District and its patrons who“feel like rock stars” at the “excellentpenthouse bar”, guests-only rooftop pooland “subterranean spa that doubles as anightspot”; also appealing are the “sleek”,“chic” (if “small”) rooms with plasma, flat-screen TVs and “top-quality restaurant”Ono, but the “MTV attitude” from the staffand “excessive street noise” turn off some

who find “too much of a scene” here.

Mercer147 Mercer St.; 212-966-6060;

fax 212-965-3838; 888-918-6060;

www.mercerhotel.com; 60 rooms, 15 suites

“Everything a chic SoHo hotel should be”,this “celebrity” stronghold offers “elegant”rooms “tastefully decorated” by ChristianLiaigre as well as “lovely” dining at Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Mercer Kitchen

and a guests-only lounge accessorizedwith “great-looking people” (“you mayspot” a celebrity or two); though a fewdetect a “bit of attitude” from the staff,more maintain “if you can afford to stayhere, all your needs will be met.”

Ritz-Carlton,Battery Park 2 West St.; 212-344-0800;

fax 212-344-3801; 800-241-3333;

www.ritzcarlton.com; 259 rooms, 39 suites

You have to travel pretty far south for “thebest view in the world”, but this “excep-tional” Battery Park bastion at the tip ofManhattan is so “fabulous in every way”

it’s “worth it”; from the “impeccable” serv-ice (especially on the club level) to the“fantastic” 14th-floor Rise bar to the“large and luxurious rooms” (Liberty Viewones come “with a telescope to scan NYHarbor”), this is “the place to stay” “ifyou have business Downtown”; just bewarned, although it’s convenient to a fewmajor Downtown attractions (Ellis Island,the former World Trade Center site), it’s a“$20 taxi ride to Midtown” – and “goodluck getting a cab after hours”; N.B. lookfor weekend bargain rates.

NotableMentionsBOUTIQUE HOTELS R S D P $

Alex 22 19 19 18 $800

205 E. 45th St.; 212-867-5100;fax 212-867-7878; www.thealexhotel.com

Blakely 23 22 18 18 $385

136 W. 55th St.; 212-245-1800;fax 212-582-8332; 800-735-0710;www.blakelynewyork.com

Chambers 21 21 24 21 $450

15 W. 56th St.; 212-974-5656;fax 212-974-5657; 866-204-5656;www.chambersnyc.com

Elysee 19 25 20 19 $445

60 E. 54th St.; 212-753-1066; fax 212-980-9278;800-535-9733; www.elyseehotel.com

Inn at Irving Place 23 24 19 18 $325

56 Irving Pl.; 212-533-4600; fax 212-533-4611;800-685-1447; www.innatirving.com

Iroquois 20 24 20 19 $459

49 W. 44th St.; 212-840-3080; fax 212-398-1754;800-332-7220; www.iroquoisny.com

Library 23 23 18 24 $335299 Madison Ave.; 212-983-4500; fax: 212-499-9099;877-793-7323; www.libraryhotel.com

Lowell 27 26 23 22 $495

28 E. 63rd St.; 212-838-1400; fax 212-319-4230;800-221-4444; www.lowellhotel.com

60 Thompson 21 20 22 21 $539

60 Thompson St.; 212-431-0400;fax 212-431-0200; 877-431-0400;www.thompsonhotels.com



21 21 23 21 $ 385

23 19 20 22 $ 510

25 25 21 24 $ 720

23 20 23 20 $ 440

28 26 24 25 $ 550

26 26 23 25 $ 725

21 23 21 22 $ 599

Courtesy of Gansevoort Hotel

-




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