Tag: nyc

travel

Underrated NYC Waterfronts You Should Be Visiting in All 5 Boroughs

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NYC is gorgeous. Period. Its skyscrapers, bridges, islands, and rivers are in leagues of their own, and for a so-called concrete jungle, there’s a shocking amount of green space where you can take it all in. Central Park and Prospect Park are the most obvious options for an outdoor day, but nothing beats a park along the water, where cool breezes and skyline views complete the experience.

With 520 miles of shore, the city has seemingly endless waterfronts to explore in every borough, yet people still fall back on spots like Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO, and Riverside Park in the UWS, and Domino Park in Williamsburg — and don’t even get us started on the chaos that is Pier 45 in the West Village.

Luckily there are plenty of lesser-known NYC waterfront areas worthy of your attention. If you’re not adding these underappreciated — and, frankly, under-respected — waterfront parks to your destination rotation, it’s time to diversify your outdoor routine. And that’s the tea.

The Hills

Governors Island
The artificial hills on this artificial chunk of island are genuinely amazing. Spanning only 10 acres, the expertly engineered outdoor space makes for a remarkable day trip. Roam Discovery Hill, a 40-foot-tall mound with trees, shrubs, and a permanent art installation; climb Outlook Hill, a 70-foot-tall lookout spot with unbridled views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Verrazzano Bridge; and ride NYC’s longest slide (57 feet long and three stories high!) on Slide Hill. When you’re ready to get off your feet, lie out on Grassy Hill, a slightly smaller hump with an equally breathtaking vantage point.

Socrates Sculpture Park

Astoria
Rotating art installations transform this ordinary neighborhood park into an alluring spectacle in Queens by the East River and near the north end of Roosevelt Island. Even without the sculptures, though, the one-block-long landfill-turned-green space is worthy of a visit. There’s a grove of trees, pockets of plants, and open lawn space that make circling the perimeter of the park a pleasant experience. Plus, it sits between a Costco and a miniature beach. Talk about range.

Hell Gate Wildflower Meadow & Picnic Area

Randall’s Island
You probably associate Randall’s and Wards Islands with athletic fields and music festivals, but you don’t need an event to make visiting worth your while. The island’s gardens dress up an already scenic chunk of land, and one of its best is the 14,000-square-foot meadow beside the Hell Gate Bridge that’s known for its several species of native Northeast plants. Look out at Astoria beyond the East River as you breathe in fresh oxygen, and think about all the sorry New Yorkers who will never experience such serenity.

WNYC Transmitter Park

Greenpoint
North Brooklyn knows it well, but to people who don’t frequent the area, the former radio transmitter site makes a stellar first impression as an urban oasis tucked behind an unsuspecting fence at the end of Greenpoint Avenue. Walk out on the dock to look out at Manhattan, claim a bench to read on, take a picture in front of the mural, or pop a squat on the ground along the East River shore. The space isn’t huge, but it’s big enough, and it fosters a neighborly feel that’ll make every fellow park-goer seem like an old friend.

Gantry Plaza State Park

Long Island City
Easily one of NYC’s best waterfronts, Gantry Plaza (and it’s neighbor, Hunter’s Point South) boasts unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline — and plenty of spots to enjoy them, including benches of every shape and size, built-in lounge chairs that double as a lovers’ lane at dusk, and picnic tables beside the park restaurant. The famed Pepsi-Cola sign and restored gantries that read “Long Island” tastefully nod to the neighborhood’s industrial past. It’s a beautiful reading place, a romantic date spot, a calming breakup spot, and the perfect area for a grassy picnic, whether that’s in the mid-afternoon or after dark.

Fort Washington Park

Washington Heights
The fun doesn’t stop where Riverside Park ends; just north is a whole new territory to explore. Of course, there are the usual sports fields typical of most hotspots along the Hudson River Greenway, but there are also some unique sights that only Fort Washington Park can offer. Beneath the George Washington Bridge rests Manhattan’s only surviving lighthouse, and the fan-favorite Sisyphus Stones by artist Uliks Gryka provide peaceful environs to meditate and look out at the scenic bluffs of the Palisades.

North Shore Esplanade

St. George
You should know by now that Staten Island has beautiful beaches, but if you don’t want to venture too far down the island, there’s a plaza near the ferry with stellar views of the New York Harbor and One World Trade. The best lookout point is at the Staten Island 9/11 Memorial (aka “Postcards”), which was intentionally positioned to frame the piece of NYC’s skyline where the Twin Towers once stood. The North Shore Esplanade is a little more gray and a little less green than some other local waterfronts, but it’s no less serene.

Astoria Park

Astoria
This enormous waterfront area isn’t exactly Queens’ best-kept secret, but it is a place that other boroughs foolishly overlook. Astoria Park has everything you’d hope for in an NYC gathering place: wide-open lawns, skyline views, a track and field, fourteen tennis courts, bocce courts, basketball courts, a skatepark, a mixed-use path, the city’s largest swimming pool, public restrooms, and not one but two photogenic bridges — the Triborough and the Hell Gate. It spans nearly 60 acres along the East River in northern Astoria, leaving plenty of space for visitors to sprawl.

Four Freedoms Park

Roosevelt Island
Remember Roosevelt Island? You know, that mysterious sliver of land between Manhattan and Queens that you visited for like three minutes when you first moved to NYC because your coworker lied and told you that riding the aerial tram is a rite of passage? Well this state park, located at the base of Roosevelt Island, gives you a good reason to return. Honoring Franklin D. Roosevelt, the tree-lined lawn points to a granite memorial, and the often-photographed staircase at the park’s entrance doubles as a canvas for periodic political exhibits.

Pelham Bay Park

East Bronx
You thought Central Park was massive? Pelham Bay Park comes in at over three times the size of its Manhattan equivalent, making it NYC’s largest park. Its nearly 2,800 acres include just about everything you can imagine: hiking trails, barbecue areas, playgrounds, every type of athletic field/court/course/track, a historic mansion, a dog run, and 13 miles of shoreline primarily along the Eastchester and Pelham bays. Orchard Beach is the most notable waterfront area — and for good reason — but you don’t need sand to enjoy the area’s many waterways. Just about any of the park’s edges will tickle your fancy, but Hunter Island (which is actually a peninsula) steals the show.

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food and drink

Be Queer Right Here at NYC’s Best LGBTQ Bars

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Published on Thrillist on March 6, 2020

Unlike so many others around the globe, New York City queers aren’t limited to two gauche options when planning a Gay Night Out. Here in the birthplace of Pride, we can hop from dive to nightclub to karaoke bar without ever stepping foot in a str**ght establishment. But with so many LGBTQ+ bars around town, each offering a wildly different experience, a simple night of drinking becomes an overwhelming, choose-your-own-adventure ordeal.

In the spirit of gay rights, I bravely squeezed into my tightest pants, chapsticked my lips, and dragged my whiskey sour-drinking ass to as many self-identifying queer bars as one lightweight gay boy can. I wanted to make going out easier for you, dear queer, by ruling out the spots with watery well drinks, exorbitant cover charges, and predatory creeps. My research involved hunting for happy hours and testing each bathroom’s mirror selfie potential. I even learned how to write my phone number on a napkin without breaking eye contact, which isn’t relevant to my findings, but impressive nonetheless. Also impressive? Each one of the 18 best LGBTQ+ bars in NYC.

The Rosemont

Williamsburg
Late-night dancing on a quiet Brooklyn street
In a neighborhood once dominated by Metropolitan, The Rosemont sprouted as a trendier alternative for Brooklynites to get their freak on. The bar doesn’t fully come to life till late in the night, and its spacious back patio serves as the perfect cool-down area after dancing to your heart’s content. The Rosemont creates a welcome environment for all queer people — enough so that their occasional Peggy parties have become a favorite in the lesbian community.

Pieces

West Village
The unassuming Village haunt that knows a good time
The source of Pieces’ power is its winning personality. On the surface, it’s little more than a dive bar with tacky decorations and a makeshift stage, but stick around for a while and you’ll see why its masterful playlists, affable drag queens, and cheap drinks pull rank on the competition and draw crowds. It’s the place you take your posse to build up energy for the night ahead, and oftentimes, the night passes by before you ever make it to stop number two… but who’s complaining?

The Vault

East Williamsburg
Budding basement bar highlights Brooklyn’s thriving nightlife
The Vault is still a relative newcomer to Brooklyn’s club scene, occupying the bi-level space once home to Tilt BK. There’s a small bar on the ground floor — cool — but it’s the seductive basement floor that quickly threw The Vault on the map. The underground parties are known to get rowdy, often featuring alt drag performers, reputable DJs, and a dance floor full of welcoming LGBTQ+ people all looking for a new safe space to drop it low.

Playhouse

West Village
Manhattan’s latest club takes the party underground
The people behind Pieces and Hardware struck gold again with their newest nightlife concept, Playhouse. Just steps from other Village hotspots, the bar brings crowds below street level, where a technicolor dance floor and stage area already play host to some of the hottest events in the city. Whether they’re in it for the lights, music, drinks, or queens, one thing’s for certain: There aren’t any dull boys here.

Cubbyhole

West Village
Beloved lesbian dive knows no strangers
One of the city’s last surviving lesbian bars, Cubbyhole holds far more customers than square feet without losing its local feel. The ladies are friendly at this long-standing dive, and if you’re new to the scene, you’ll get to know everyone pretty damn quick. The beauty of Cubbyhole transcends its gaudy ceiling decor; it’s a multigenerational playground where strangers become friends, King Princess rules the jukebox, and straight men enter at their own risk.

Friend’s Tavern

Jackson Heights
An alternative to the whitewashed Village scene
When Eddie Valentin opened Friend’s in 1989, one objective was “…giving people in a very gay Latino community, which is Jackson Heights, a safe haven where they could go without being ridiculed or attacked…” he told Get Out! magazine last spring. That goal is still as critical as ever, as many of the city’s POC-focused bars have been forced to close their doors. Jackson Heights is home to a concentration of LGBTQ+ establishments, and a naughty night on Roosevelt Avenue should make every queer’s bucket list. Friend’s is the venue that started it all, and today the place frequently runs specials, brings in DJs, and hosts exotic male dancers.

Club Cumming

East Village
Shoebox event space gives queer comedy a platform
Alan Cumming’s brainchild expertly fosters community — in part because the cramped walls force people together, but more so because it offers a queer space for comedians, musicians, and fans of comedy and music to get to know one another through intimate shows and performances. On a lucky night, you might catch a glimpse of Alan passing through, but despite his celeb status, he’s far from the only reason to stop in for a drink.

Flaming Saddles Saloon

Hell’s Kitchen
Coyote Ugly for queer boys
Rural gays get their due at HK’s unapologetically Western saloon, where outfitted bartenders serve more than just drinks. Every so often, the dancing drink-makers clack their boots across the counter to the sounds of Dixie Chicks, Shania, Dolly, and the like. The bartop choreography is a former farm boy’s wet dream; catch the attention of a dancer and you might earn a free shot during the show. After Texas two-stepping your way through the night, who knows whose bed your boots will end up under.

Julius’

West Village
Yes, it’s still open
This decades-old favorite never stopped being fun. The cash-only dive that’s widely considered the oldest gay bar in NYC has been slinging drinks to a mostly male crowd since the 1860s, and in the 1960s, the clientele began skewing queer after a “Sip-In” led to the state Supreme Court declaring that “well-behaved homosexuals” could not be denied service. Today, the jukebox blares as gay forefathers and Gen Z twinks slam down Stellas and fried foods in perfect harmony.

ICON

Astoria
Queens’ queens can hang
Of course there’s no wrong way to gay, but if you’re still writing off the outer boroughs, you sure as hell aren’t right. ICON is Astoria’s modern gay sanctuary, worshiping great music and raw talent. Each week, the stage curtains open on some of drag’s fiercest icons — like Jan Sport, a Season 12 Ru Girl and host of Fabulous Fridays. When queens aren’t dominating the room, the bar’s no less righteous; any night of the week, you’ll be bathed in good vibes.

Ginger’s

Park Slope
The locals’ hideout that feels like home
This vaguely lesbian lair attracts more gender diversity than its Manhattan counterparts, primarily because it’s marketed as a space for all LGBTQ+ folks, not just the ladies. Nestled in South Brooklyn’s gayborhood, Ginger’s also draws fewer tourists and college students than, say, the bars near Christopher Park, making it locals’ preferred choice for low-key meet-ups. There’s pool, a jukebox, and in the warmer months, a back patio you can spend the whole evening on.

Suite

Manhattan Valley
Uptown pub where weeknight karaoke shines
Suite’s the kind of low-frills pub where one beer turns to two, which turns to three, which turns to you sidling up to the bar until closing time, at which point you’ll be dr**k and feeling the inexplicable need to slap down a $10 bill in exchange for one of their brown, branded v-neck tees before calling it a night. There’s a karaoke party every Sunday-Thursday night and drag shows on weekends, keeping the energy high seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.

Therapy

Hell’s Kitchen
One session will lift your spirits
Two types of gays dominate NYC: those who seek treatment from medical professionals, and those who seek treatment from more traditional sources of healing (i.e., dancing to forget). Neither is necessarily better than the other — or cheaper — but if you’re the latter, Therapy’s your spot. Its claims to fame are the 5x weekly drag shows and Sunday Service drag brunch, led by queens that you already know and love. Best of all, you can put your family at ease by letting them know you’re going to Therapy.

The Stonewall Inn

West Village
Landmark rendezvous where Pride was born
It’s no coincidence that this bar shares a name with the 1969 Stonewall Riots; The Stonewall Inn is where the gay liberation movement began over 50 years ago, securing its place as the most significant LGBTQ+ bar in the world. Now a National Historic Landmark, Stonewall continues bringing queer people together with regular drag shows, dance parties, karaoke nights, and Pride-themed events. It’s a tourist favorite, but you’d be foolish to let that deter you.

3 Dollar Bill

East Williamsburg
A massive, jack-of-all-trades venue
Elbow room is precious in NYC, which explains how one of the city’s newer LGBTQ+ bars established itself as a nightlife destination so damn fast. Touted as the largest queer venue in Brooklyn, 3 Dollar Bill has a bar room, a performance area and dance floor, an outdoor space, and a full Mexican kitchen. It’s home to more than a few types of events, including circuit parties, flea markets, comedy shows, and TV watch parties.

Henrietta Hudson

West Village
Cubbyhole’s rebellious sister
Cubby is for cheap drinks and socializing; Henrietta Hudson is for disco balls and grinding. Since 1991, Henrietta’s lured ladies in with her colorful lights, dance cages, and near-deafening beats. On weekend nights, you’re likely to find celesbian DJs on the turntables, and if you’re looking to save a dime, you can start the night early enough to catch their daily happy hour deals. If you thought you were in for a tame night out, Henrietta will set you straight (figuratively speaking, of course).

Albatross

Astoria
A cozy piece of history that’s become a neighborhood staple
Albatross doesn’t need renovations or craft beers to hold its place as Queens’ most delightful queer bar; their free board games and $8, 16-ounce “cock-tails” prove that sometimes cheaper is better. Albatross once catered specifically to lesbians, but later shifted its focus to the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Throughout the week, you’re likely to stumble upon karaoke, bingo, drag performances, and screenings of can’t-miss TV events, like major awards shows and Drag Race.

Macri Park

Williamsburg
Small space with big personality
When a bar crawl lands you in the ‘Burg, work Macri Park into the route. They’re not afraid to charge a cover, but for a few dollars’ admission, you’ll gain access to a friendly back patio and a drag-loving crowd that’s ready to stuff bills where the sun don’t shine. The energy at Macri slaps, and the limited space forces bonding among fellow boozers. This shouldn’t be your first stop — or your only stop — but it’s deserving of a stop on your journey to seeing stars.

Tags food and drink, guides, LGBTQ, nyc, queer

food and drink

Grow Your Plant-Based Dining Options at NYC’s Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants

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Published on Thrillist on January 13, 2020

I’m no stranger to navigating people’s confusion with my diet. No thank you, I don’t eat meat. Haha yeah, white meat still counts as meat. Ah, I generally avoid eating fish too since it’s an animal. Well no that doesn’t make me vegan. I was raised a vegetarian, and between happy hours, dinner parties, and nights out with friends, I find myself answering questions about my diet on an almost-daily basis. If you’ve ever dabbled with vegetarianism — or, God bless, veganism — you know exactly what I’m talking about.

There’s no way to fully avoid those awkward moments when turning down an hors d’oeuvre leads to a group discussion about your picky lifestyle, but thankfully in New York City, there are numerous places where vegans and vegetarians can order freely off a menu without fear of judgment; places where substitutions aren’t necessary and options abound; places catered to you, and not your meat-eating friends. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or somewhere in between, these are the meat-free restaurants you need to try. Because we deserve gluttony, too.

Blossom

Chelsea & Upper West Side
Dairy-free dining on the left side of the island
Blossom puts its care for animals in the foreground, and the opening of an Upper West Side location demonstrated a commitment to spreading the sustainable health message a little farther and a little wider. The menu spans several categories of cuisine, the atmosphere leans toward classy, and, although it isn’t cheap, you’ll find yourself craving a return visit dangerously soon after leaving.

Champs Diner

Williamsburg
A diner that vegans can actually enjoy
Gone are the days when vegans begrudgingly followed their friends to a diner only to order a sad Sprite and a side of tots for supper. Champs fills a major gap in the herbivore community, offering meatless takes on traditional diner fare — and unlike some vegan substitutes, Champs’ food satisfies. The shop opens in time for breakfast and stays active till midnight for around-the-clock fulfillment.

Delice & Sarrasin

West Village
Little slice of Paris in the heart of the Village
Traditional French cuisine relies heavily on animal products, making Delice & Sarrasin such an important addition to the city’s culinary scene. The entirely vegan restaurant serves all sorts of dishes in a charming Christopher Street space that could very well pass for a Parisian cafe. They’ve mastered brunch — crepes, waffles, French toast, salads — but their vegan renditions of steak, tartare, escargot, scallops, coq au vin, and the like give animal-averse eaters a rare chance to truly experience French cooking.

Ginger Root Vegan

Lenox Hill
Fast, fresh, and flavorful Asian fare
There’s nothing fancy about Ginger Root Vegan’s appearance, but you won’t mind when you bite into one of their consistently high-quality dishes. The ingredients are fresh, the service is quick, and it’s a great candidate for takeout if you’re in the mood to eat at home. Ginger Root’s menu finds inspiration from a handful of places: Japan, Korea, China, and Thailand among them.

Hartbreakers

Bushwick
‘70s-themed eatery flipping killer burgers
Its beet-based Rah Rah Burger is among the best vegetarian patties in NYC, but the fast-casual menu doesn’t end there: Dressed-up waffle fries, striking salads, breakfast burritos, and other sandwiches share the spotlight. Everything’s vegan, and just about everything’s made in-house. The colorful dining room mimics a 1970s-era cafe — brought to life by the creative team behind Champs — and casual as it may be, you’ll be tempted to hang for a while (or at least until you’ve snapped the perfect photo).

Jajaja

Various locations
Meatless Mexican concept that’s cute as hell
This plant-based venture is anything but funny. Come for the beautifully plated Mexican street food (tacos, nachos, empanadas, and lighter eats that vary by location), stay for the ambience. The Lower East Side and West Village locations also craft delicious Latin cocktails, like the Pineapple y Mezcal, Pomegranate y Jalapeno, Matcha y Coconut, and Frozen Agave Margarita. And the liquor options? Extensive.

Ladybird

East Village
Classy evening tapas bar guaranteed to impress
Ladybird makes vegetables — dare we say — fun? Steamed bao buns get a maitake mushroom makeover, ceviche trades seafood for beet and avocado, and potatoes are loaded with cashew sour cream and mushroom bacon. The vegetarian hotspot charges a pretty penny for its (slightly less) guilty pleasures, so save it for special occasions. You’re better off making a reservation than dropping in due to limited seating.

Le Botaniste

Various locations
Sustainable veggie bowls complemented by organic wines
Le Botaniste champions the cause to save Planet Earth with responsible dishes that cater to nearly every dietary restriction. Everything’s safe for celiacs, options are plentiful for vegans, and for the people who refuse to eat anything that’s not organic, 99% of the menu is on-limits. In addition to the entirely botanical bowls, Le Botaniste’s three Manhattan locations offer healthy dessert options, detox juice, and a selection of natural wines.

Little Choc Apothecary

Williamsburg
A romantic creperie for animal-free indulging
Bring a date to the upper floor of this charming, two-story creperie where healthy ingredients morph into indulgent creations both savory and sweet, vegan and gluten-free. The dolled-up dining area feels reminiscent of a small-town tea parlor, which makes sense considering the Apothecary serves a large variety of teas in addition to their elaborate coffee, smoothie, juice, wine, beer, crepe, and dessert menus.

Modern Love

Williamsburg
Instagrammable comfort food
The finer things in life involve “mozz sticks,” “cheese” fondue, and garlic bread. Oh, and fried tofu & waffles, Buffalo tempeh wings, and some oyster mushroom calamari. Plus maybe a cannoli for dessert and a cocktail for good measure? Long story short, Modern Love knows a thing or two about the finer things, and even better, they know how to translate the finer things into vegan-friendly dishes that brighten the table. You asked the universe for romance, and here it is — your modern love affair.

Nix

Greenwich Village
Michelin-starred bites worth the splurge
Chefs John Fraser and James Truman didn’t slog away to earn veggies a Michelin star just for you to order another round of takeout from by CHLOE. Nix brandishes an eclectic, seasonally changing menu of vegetarian shareables, and its energetic cocktails mirror the lively atmosphere that diners help to create. It’s open for dinner seven days a week, and serves equally adored brunch provisions on Saturdays and Sundays.

Peacefood Cafe

Upper West Side & Greenwich Village
Queen of the health food scene
Before plant-based diets became a cultural fad, two vegans opened Peacefood on the UWS to promote personal health, environmental sustainability, and non-violence with farm animals. Since its founding in 2009, Peacefood opened a slightly trendier downtown location that dishes up the same vegan meals and attracts the same social crowd. Their food definitely tastes healthy, and when you’re looking for a guilt-free bite, it hits the spot.

Screamer’s Pizzeria

Greenpoint & Crown Heights
Because sometimes vegans crave a slice too…
Vegan pizza is too often synonymous with disappointment: While everyone else grabs thick, gooey slices of their favorite pies, vegans are left with a sad sauce-and-mushroom option, or worse — nothing at all. Thankfully, the people behind Screamer’s Pizza understand the dilemma and swooped in with “cheesy” creations that vegans can devour, whether a full pie for your apartment movie night or a quick slice to satisfy a case of the drunchies.

Spicy Moon

East Village
Flavorful vegan Szechuan
Spicy Moon works with all the same vegetables and seasonings found in typical Chinese restaurants, simply excluding the animal products. Vegetable dumplings, wontons, and spring rolls cover the basics, while more inventive bites like General Tso’s mushrooms and Beyond Beef meatballs in mala sauce show off Spicy Moon’s individuality. Still, the spicy spring roll dipping sauce is the true seductress — taste for yourself and see.

Superiority Burger

East Village
Veggie burger haven where “a lot is accidentally vegan”
New York City’s superior veggie burger destination attracts people from all around town to nosh on creative meatless sandwiches. The shop is tiny — with only a few seats — but nobody stops in for the ambience. They go for an animal-free meal that’s just as good as the real thing, even if it means waiting in a long line just to scarf everything down on the curb.

Taïm

Various locations
Fast-casual ode to the chickpea
“Taïm” is Hebrew for “tasty,” and its chickpea-oriented menu is just that. What makes this local falafel chain so special? Even with affordable prices and multiple Manhattan locations, Taïm maintains a consistent level of quality that other modest lunch chains just can’t guarantee. The menu was designed for vegans and vegetarians, and makes for a perfect grab-and-go experience if you’re limited on time.

The Butcher’s Daughter

Various locations
Vegetable slaughterhouse, but make it chic
When The Butcher’s Daughter cut the ribbon on its flagship Nolita location in 2012, “chic” and “vegetarian” were less synonymous. Founder Heather Tierney brought her professional design experience to the project, creating a trendy, plant-based paradise with flavors bold enough to amass a cult following even among meat-eaters. A Butcher’s Daughter brunch should be on every New Yorker’s bucket list — it’s just that good.

V-SPOT

Park Slope & East Village
Colombian cuisine that knows how to satisfy
Next time you’re craving a Latin treat, make it easy on yourself and go where you can approximate cheese and sour cream, and incorporate solid protein into your restricted diet. Vegan empanadas and arepas bring the heat at V-SPOT, a Colombian outpost from Brooklyn so gratifying that it opened a second location in the Vegan Food Court on St. Marks. On the topic of vegan eateries, V-SPOT has earned a place in the canon.

Tags food and drink, guides, nyc

food and drink

Work From ‘Home’ at NYC’s Best Coffee Shops

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Published on Thrillist on December 10, 2019

New Yorkers live to hustle and hustle to live. Wolves of Wall Street get it, ivory tower academics get it, middle managers get it, and bleary-eyed commuters crowding into packed subway cars at rush hour get it. But not everyone who works hard is on that 9 to 5 grind. The much groused-about gig economy keeps growing, and freelancers, independent contractors, and entrepreneurs need somewhere to wheel and deal.

As luck would have it, the passing of the 40-hour work week has coincided with the baby boom of myriad charming coffee shops that cater to study sessions, meetings, and all manner of freelancing. Places with ample seating, working outlets, public printers, and reliable Wi-Fi. Places with enough caffeine to keep your heart rate up. Places where go-getters of all kinds are welcomed — even celebrated — as long as they follow the code of conduct.

I’ve spent a year scouring the city, laptop in hand, for the best espresso-infused workspaces where students, aspiring writers, established writers, and hustlers of all stripes can have a seat and get things done. I’ve battled feeble internet connections, dead outlets, wobbly chairs, and dreadful playlists in my quest to distinguish the serviceable spots from the cute facades. Here’s what I found — Starbucks and Gregorys not included.

Best for a Pinterest-perfect escape: Ludlow Coffee Supply

Lower East Side
It’s retro but sleek, busy but not overwhelming, and attracts the trendiest clientele known to the neighborhood. You’ll find an assortment of vintage cinema benches, cushioned armchairs, and loveseats in the back lounge, framed by cutesy letter boards and pegboard shelves; take a seat and let stereo sounds usher you into flow state. Between bursts of productivity, treat yourself to a fun game of Is The Person Next to Me Famous or Are They Just Dreamy and Well-Dressed?

Best for selective snackers: Brooklyn Kolache Co.

Bedford-Stuyvesant
You don’t have to know what a kolache is to know that ordering one of the filled pastries at this small-batch bakeshop is a good idea. Purportedly the only brick-and-mortar kolache bakery in NYC, Brooklyn Kolache Co. offers handmade, ethically sourced bites alongside Kitten Coffee bean espresso drinks. The cafe’s open seating areas and backyard garden provide a conducive work environment for students, freelancers, and bookworms, and its kolaches are some of the freshest treats in all of New York.

Best for tourist-weary students and uptowners: The Chipped Cup

Hamilton Heights
A few train stops north of the Columbia and City College buzz lives the community workspace that you’ve been wishing for. The Chipped Cup is a mystical space where “victuals” and “potions” fill the menus and creative energy fills the air. Leave the noises of Broadway behind and hunker down in this cozy, lower-level den. When you need to surface for fresh air, follow the twinkly lights to an adorable back garden that stays open year-round.

Best for night owls in need of a drink: The Local Bar and Cafe

Long Island City
Housed in a hostel lobby, The Local has everything you’d want in a workspace. There’s a front bar area with natural lighting and spaced out tables, a lounge with sofas and armchairs, and a back library with an outleted study table, public computers, and a printer. Coffee and light bites are served in the morning and afternoon, and alcoholic bevies are available till late at night.

Best for aesthetic offsite meetings: Brooklyn Roasting Company

DUMBO
BRC’s riverside roasting house has all the ingredients of a refreshing day away from the office: natural light, various seating options, and the invigorating aroma of freshly roasted beans. The company went all out to make its headquarters a welcoming work space for individuals and groups, replete with reclaimed furnishings that look like the successful execution of your Pinterest DIY fails. As if you needed another excuse to escape to DUMBO.

Best for hip-hop enthusiasts: Dear Mama Coffee

East Harlem
Named in a nod to legendary NYC-born rapper Tupac Shakur, this East 109th Street cafe treats northern Manhattanites right. Rotating works by area artists line the walls, fresh tracks ring out from the speakers, and drink options are more spirited than the requisite espresso: Beer, wine, and mimosa happy hour runs daily from 3-7pm. Grab a window-facing seat, and when you’ve hit a milestone on the day’s project, reward yourself with a hip-hop-inspired dish like the Cardi B-urrito or The Notorious BLT.

Best for energetic extroverts: Gossip Coffee

Astoria
Some tasks require deep focus and others, well, don’t. This lively coffee shop/cocktail bar concept is perfect for the times when you don’t need library-like environs to knock some things off your to-do list. The energy at Gossip is contagious: Catch up on emails while you bop to the beat, or hash out a zine with your artsiest pal. Retreat to the sunny back patio when the weather’s nice for a reminder of why you steered clear of Manhattan.

Best for shopaholics who believe in business before pleasure: Kávé Espresso Bar

East Williamsburg
Kávé’s main entrance sits back on Knickerbocker, marked with a dim neon sign and a long, green hallway veiling the espresso bar. The Bushwick-adjacent space has sufficient seating, a quiet ambience, a public printer, and inventive pastries and quiches on offer — offices don’t come this chic. Kávé also connects to a large outdoor courtyard, shops in The Loom, and sits across the way from thrift store darlings L Train Vintage and Urban Jungle for when you’ve finished your work.

Best for prisoners of Midtown: Ground Central Coffee Company

Midtown East
The original Ground Central location, just a quick walk from apparent namesake Grand Central, looks like a New York-themed coffee shop you’d find in a lesser metropolis. The train station departure board-styled logo and throwback rock ‘n’ roll tunes seem to hark back to an idealized Gotham — one with friendly faces and affordable housing. Set up shop at a table in the front room or plop on a leather couch in the cozy back library — the subway rats can’t reach you here.

Best for socially conscious sippers: Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

SoHo
New York, New York: The city so self-centered, they couldn’t only name it once. Housing Works’ mission, however, is about helping others — its spacious bookstore cafe is run by volunteers, and proceeds benefit those affected by the HIV/AIDS and homelessness crises. Peruse the book selection and find something to read, or head straight to a table with your own work materials; it’s pretty quiet when they aren’t hosting events.

Best for coffee bean connoisseurs: Devoción

Williamsburg
Devoción is one of the most beautiful coffee shops in… maybe the world? The Colombian founder identified New Yorkers’ greatest kinks — exposed brick, live plants, massive skylights — and created a home away from home that you’ll never want to leave. It’s true that the Williamsburg location only offers Wi-Fi on weekdays, but with some forethought (or a hotspot), you’ll get by. Bring a laptop Monday through Friday, and come on the weekend to read, study, or write a chapter of that novel you meant to finish last year.

Best for being almost as comfy as working from bed: Black Cat

Lower East Side
If you’re going to sit on your butt all day, at least leave your apartment first. Black Cat brings a cozy, cabin-like quality to Lower Manhattan’s coffee scene, where visitors can borrow board games, flip through a selection of books, print the latest version of their resumes, and — most importantly for freelancers, study groups, and anyone else needing a work-conducive hideaway — sink into comfortable sofas for as long as they need.

Best for after-work side hustlers: Kinship Coffee

Astoria
Can anyone actually live off one income in the metastasizing gig economy? Kinship’s warm lighting provides the perfect evening atmosphere for part-time freelancers to crank out content after a long day at their demanding Midtown office jobs. The modern shop stays open till 9pm on weekdays, so you’ll have time to get things done even after enduring daily Queens-bound train delays.

Best for laid-back locals: Grounded

West Village
When you step into Grounded, you’ll instantly feel like a regular. It has a community garden vibe, with live plants and mismatched tables and benches throughout. A quick glance at their menu amplifies the local feel: fresh bagels from Murray’s, loose-leaf tea from Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Co., small-batch cookies from This Chick Bakes, and cheese straight from Amish Country. Just beware, Wi-Fi’s only available on weekdays and the shop has a 1 1/2-hour table limit, so don’t plan a whole remote day here.

Best for those who care more about their work than their drink: Coffee Tossy

Sunnyside
Coffee Tossy isn’t like the posh espresso bars offering CBD-infused matcha-honey-lavender-cardamom lattes, and it’s not trying to be. The Queens cafe is a one-stop shop that can keep you satiated from morning till night. There’s coffee, of course, but there are also smoothies, shakes, cakes, ice cream, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. It’s less pretentious than a roastery, more pretentious than a deli, and more laptop-friendly than the average dessert shop; it’s a space that Sunnysiders are lucky to claim.

Best for creatives who prefer carrying cash: Swallow Cafe

East Williamsburg
What’s the most “North Brooklyn” thing about Swallow Cafe? Perhaps the cash-only policy? Or the exposed Edison bulbs. Or the muraled exterior or the exposed brick or the wood furnishings or the old-fashioned chairs or the artsy customers with handlebar mustaches and charcoal sketch kits. It doesn’t really matter. The point is, Swallow Cafe fits right in off the Morgan L stop, and if you’re OK handling paper money, it warrants a visit.

Tags coffee, food and drink, guides, nyc

events

The Thanksgiving Day Parade Sneak Peek You Really Shouldn’t Miss

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Published on Thrillist on November 22, 2019

You’d be hard-pressed to find an American who’s not familiar with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Every fourth Thursday of November, droves of folks and quite a few floats parade through Manhattan, ringing in the start of the holiday season for IRL spectators and at-home viewers around the globe. And while the singing celebs and costumed dancers bring plenty of excitement to the day’s festivities, the larger-than-life, unlike-anything-else-you’ve-seen balloons hovering overhead earn the most oohs and aahs.

Thursday’s famous parade is a beloved tradition, but few realize that the best opportunity to see the helium-filled balloons up close actually happens on Thanksgiving Eve. The Macy’s Balloon Inflation takes place in the shadows of the American Museum of Natural History on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. From 1-8pm on Wednesday, November 27, you can snap photos in front of the grounded polyurethane giants as they come to life in preparation for the main event.

We’ve answered the most burning questions about Thanksgiving’s most underrated celebration below, including which new balloons are joining the lineup this year.

Macy's Balloon Inflation — PHIL ROEDER/FLICKR

How does the Balloon Inflation work?

Every year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons are transported from the Macy’s Parade Studio in Moonachie, New Jersey, and laid out in the Upper West Side. They’re ceremonially inflated on Thanksgiving Eve, when the public can get a front row sneak peek of the parade’s newest, biggest, and most beloved balloons. Guests will line up for the viewing at 73rd Street and Columbus Avenue, make their way through security, and be guided through the inflation area moving clockwise around the Natural History Museum, starting at 77th Street/Central Park West and ending at 81st Street/Central Park West.

How do I get there?

Subway is the fastest form of travel in NYC, and in this case, you’ll want to take the B or C lines to 72nd Street. You’ll be tempted to get off at the Museum of Natural History stop at 81st Street, but don’t! The lineup area is much closer to 72nd. You can also ride the 1, 2, or 3 lines to 72nd Street. If you’re coming from the east side of Central Park, you can take the 65th Street Transverse via bus or car.

What’s the best time to see the balloons?

If you’re looking for a less crowded viewing experience, arrive at the entry point earlier in the day. If you’re looking to see the balloons in their final stages of inflation, brave the crowds at night. The balloons begin taking their general form between 1 and 3pm, but by dark, they’ll look much more complete. If you’re leaning toward the later hours, just be sure to get in before 8pm or you’ll be turned away.

What should I bring?

November in NYC isn’t strikingly warm. The current forecast predicts occasional rain showers on Wednesday, with a high of 57 and a low of 43, so layer up, bring comfortable footwear, and grab a poncho to stay dry. Carrying a full camera might become a hassle, but make sure you have something to take photos with!

Note: Umbrellas, backpacks, large bags, alcohol, drones, and e-cigs will not be allowed through security, so plan accordingly.

What balloons are new this year?

This year’s parade will feature three new character balloons and two new heritage balloons. Get an early look at these five budding icons on Wednesday:

Astronaut Snoopy

The parade’s most prominent character got a redesign to commemorate 50 years since the moon landing.
Dimensions: 43L x 29W x 49H
# of handlers: 90

Green Eggs and Ham

A green “hammobile” the size of 4 million eggs, or 14,000 hams, joins the parade following the release of Netflix’s new Dr. Seuss-inspired show.
Dimensions: 51L x 27W x 46H
# of handlers: 90

Spongebob Squarepants and Gary — Spongebob Squarepants & Gary | COURTESY OF MACY’S, INC.

Spongebob Squarepants & Gary

Spongebob’s speechless sidekick joins the festivities with this newly designed character balloon honoring the iconic cartoon’s 20th anniversary.
Dimensions: 46L x 36W x 44H
# of handlers: 90

Love Flies Up to the Sky

The latest entry in the Blue Sky Gallery series recognizes the talent of renowned contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama.
Dimensions: 30L x 36W x 34H
# of handlers: 40

Smokey Bear

The star of America’s longest-running PSA returns for the first time since 1993 to celebrate his 75th birthday.
Dimensions: 16L x 25W x 51H
# of handlers: 40

Power Rangers Mighty Morphin Red Ranger | COURTESY OF MACY’S, INC.

What balloons are returning?

The new balloons might hog the spotlight, but there are plenty of other familiar characters you’ll catch a glimpse of on the Natural History Museum grounds, including The Elf on the Shelf, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, The Nutcracker, Olaf, Pikachu, Pillsbury Doughboy, and Ronald McDonald. And you won’t have to work hard to spot the tallest balloon, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, measuring 62 feet tall (5 stories high); the longest balloon, Power Rangers Mighty Morphin Red Ranger, measuring 77 feet long; and the widest balloon, Jett by Super Wings, spanning the width of an actual Learjet at 39 feet. See the full lineup of balloons, balloonicles, and trycaloons here.

Tags events, guides, holiday, nyc, thrillist

events

Your Complete Guide to This Year’s ‘Wild’ Village Halloween Parade

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Published on Thrillist on October 30, 2019

Some traditions never die, and after 45 years of keeping New York weird, the Village Halloween Parade seems to be one of them. The only nighttime parade in New York City returns to Sixth Avenue on Thursday, October 31, for a highly anticipated celebration of all things spooky.

This year’s theme — Wild Thing! — calls for an exploration of the natural world, a hard lean away from civilization, an inventive take on your inner beast. Expect antlers, expect fur, expect tails, nails, leaves, and straw. And like every other year, you’ll still find giant puppets, whimsical dancers, and thousands of costumed New Yorkers donning their wackiest creations.

For one night only, almost anything goes. So request Friday off work and get ready for the wildest weeknight of the year. Here’s everything you need to know about the 46th annual Village Halloween Parade (and where to celebrate afterward).

Where and when is the parade?

If you didn’t gather from its name, the parade happens in Greenwich Village. The mile-long route is simple: Participants step off at Spring Street and move up Sixth Avenue to 16th Street. Marching begins at 7pm and wraps up around 10:30pm.

Village Halloween Parade — COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE HALLOWEEN PARADE

How do I get there?

Traveling underground is always your safest bet for events like these — streets are closed, and buses and traffic are rerouted to avoid the parade area. Rally with your crew before you head to the scene, and brave the subway on Halloween together. You can take the B, D, F, or M lines to the 23rd, 14th, or West 4th Street stations; the 1, 2, or 3 lines to 23rd, 18th, 14th, Sheridan Square, or Houston Street stations; or the A, C, or E lines to West 4th Street, Spring Street, or Canal Street.

What’s the best viewing spot?

The biggest crowd builds at Sixth Avenue and 10th Street, where TV crews set up camp. Arrive extra early to claim a spot if you’re looking to get in on the action. Otherwise, any place along Sixth Avenue will get you a decent vantage point, with the exception of the Ruth E. Wittenberg Triangle, where logistical issues will prevent you from nabbing a view.

Can I march in the parade?

Yes, but with a catch: Only those in costume will be permitted to march. To join the procession, line up on Sixth Avenue between Spring and Broome streets. Much of Sixth Avenue will be closed off, so it’s best to approach the line-up area from the south (coming up from Canal Street) or the east (entering from Broome or Sullivan). Line-up begins 30 minutes before the parade, at 6:30pm, and lasts until 9pm.

What should I wear?

You don’t have to dress as a “wild thing” to march in the parade, and you aren’t required to wear a costume at all if you’re planning to watch from the sidelines, but what fun is that?

This is an opportunity to flex your creativity muscles and show off the outfit you’ve spent all year brainstorming, wild or not! Take advantage of it and express yourself in whatever costume you see fit. If you decide to march, you’ll automatically be considered for the annual costume contest, so whatever you do, don’t half-ass it.

Can I bring booze?

No. Sadly, even on the most sinful night of the year, open container laws still apply. And the parade isn’t any more forgiving than NYC government: Its zero tolerance policy for alcohol means you should keep the tallboys to your apartment pregame. You’ve got a long night ahead of you, so pacing yourself is probably for the best.

More: The Definitive West Village Bar Guide

Where should I party after the parade?

New Yorkers jump on every opportunity to turn up, and Halloween night is far from an exception. Webster Hell, the parade’s official after-party, returns to the East Village this year, bumping tunes from 8pm till 4am to catch any late-night stragglers. Tickets cost $39.95, and the partygoer whose costume steals the show will walk away with $5,000 cash.

If you’d rather turn up on your own terms, the city has plenty of bars with Halloween spirit. Hunt ghosts at historic haunts like White Horse Tavern and Ear Inn, enter the “Temple of Terror” at beloved rooftop bar Mr. Purple, or find an interactive theatre experience at the West Village’s Jekyll & Hyde Club. Check out our full guide here.

Where can I watch if I can’t make it?

NY1 will broadcast the Village Halloween Parade live from 8-10pm on Halloween night. Click over to channel 1 if you’re in NYC, or sign in with your TV provider and watch online.

Tags events, halloween, holiday, nyc, parade, thrillist

events

All the Best NYC Pride Month Events You Can Hit This June

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The countdown to the NYC Pride March on Sunday, June 30, has begun, with plenty of time to prepare for the main event. The combination of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the first-ever stateside WorldPride, and an entire month teeming with all manner of LGBTQIA+ events promises to make this June the greatest Pride month NYC has ever seen. New Yorkers and folks from all over the world are amped to commemorate the Stonewall Inn’s historic place in the modern Gay Rights Movement, celebrate WorldPride’s aim to bridge communities across cultures, and have an all-around excellent time.

WorldPride alone added dozens of new events to 2019’s already packed Pride month calendar, and those are just the tip of the iceberg. Theaters, gay bars, historical societies, libraries, and city parks all have additional educational, entertaining, and decadent plans of their own. So get out the glitter and gear up for the celebration of a lifetime: Here’s every NYC Pride month parade, party, screening, talk, performance, exhibit, ball, festival, and concert you can hit this June.

Queens Pride

Sunday, June 2
Jackson Heights
NYC’s biggest borough will host the season’s first Pride festival. The parade steps off on 37th Avenue at noon, followed by a block party at 75th Street and 37th Road till 6pm. Don your best ‘fit, get colorful, and make some noise for a shot at one of the coveted Queenie Awards.
Cost: Free to attend; bring cash for snacks and sips

NYC Pride Ride

Sunday, June 2
Concludes in Hamilton Heights
Cycle with pride on a 30-, 60-, 80-, or 100-mile ride through New Jersey and New York to benefit OutCycling’s youth program. Finish the journey with a BBQ festival on the Hudson Greenway.
Cost: $90

Transgender 201

Tuesday, June 4
Long Island City
Educate yourself on the most prominent issues facing the transgender community, and learn what you can do to create a more positive and supportive environment for transgender people today.
Cost: Free

Hot Mess: Drag Competition – PRIDE EDITION

Wednesday, June 5
Bushwick
Twelve drag stars will face off in what’s sure to be one of New York City’s fiercest Pride Month battles. Who will win your support?
Cost: Free

Brooklyn Pride Day

Saturday, June 8
Park Slope/Prospect Park
Close out Brooklyn Pride Week with a festivity-packed day. It all starts at 10am with a 5K run around Prospect Park, and continues through the evening with stage entertainment, family activities, a concert in the park, and the Twilight Parade at 7:30pm.
Cost: All events are free to attend; 5K participation costs $40

“Live Oak, With Moss”: Uncovering Walt Whitman’s Queer Private Life

Tuesday, June 11
Brooklyn Heights
Most people know Walt Whitman as the brain behind Leaves of Grass, but few have come across his unpublished poetry collection, Live Oak, with Moss, which fervently explores same-sex love. Learn about this little known work at the Brooklyn Historical Society’s moderated discussion.
Cost: $10 general admission; $5 for BHS members

Out to Climb

Wednesday, June 12
Long Island City
Brooklyn Boulders brings Pride to the rock wall with races, climbing instruction, and — check this out — a vertical drag show. It’s bringing in a DJ and providing drinks from Brooklyn Brewery to keep the one-of-a-kind Pride party going.
Cost: $15 event pass; $25 climbing + event pass; free for members

Criminal Queerness Festival

Thursday, June 13 – Saturday, July 6
West Village
The National Queer Theater is giving a censorship-free voice to four international playwrights whose stories of love, oppression, and injustice shed light on the paucity of civil rights progress made in other parts of the world. Each play runs five times at the IRT Theater.
Cost: $20 general admission; $17 youth tickets (ages 30 and below)

Discotechnique: Rainbow Disco

Friday, June 14
Bushwick
Express yourself in the most colorful way you know how at House of Yes’s disco-themed Pride party. Sparkle under rainbow lights and let your inner pride spill out onto the dancefloor.
Cost: $20-30

OutCinema

Monday, June 17 – Wednesday, June 19
Chelsea
WorldPride and LGBTQ film presenter NewFest will screen three queer films and one short over three days at SVA Theatre. Each full-length film centers on some facet of LGBTQ culture in NYC, and every screening is followed by a Q&A with key players who brought the stories to life.
Cost: $30 per screening; $100 for a three-day VIP pass; NewFest member discounts available

“But I’m A Cheerleader” Drink or Dare with Videology

Wednesday, June 19
Bushwick
This simple but effective party concept from Videology marries a drinking game with a film screening to delightfully buzzed effect. See Natasha Lyonne in the late ‘90s queer classic But I’m a Cheerleader and get jolly in the process.
Cost: $15 general admission; $60 for a VIP ticket with a bottle of sparkling and table service

Family Movie Night: “Coco” (2017)

Friday, June 21
West Village
Bring the kids along for an age-appropriate film screening event on Pier 45, hosted by drag star Miss Richfield. This year’s flick is the Academy Award-winning Disney/Pixar hit Coco.
Cost: Free to attend; VIP seating available for a pretty penny

The Library After Hours: Pride

Friday, June 21
Midtown
Dive into LGBTQ history at the NYPL’s after-hours Pride celebration. The night centers on the Love & Resistance: Stonewall 50 exhibit, and features plenty more entertainment from drag queens and special guests.
Cost: $15 for early admission at 7pm; pay-what-you-wish after 8pm (suggested donation $15)

CosPlay & Pride

Saturday, June 22
West Village
Beloved NYC drag queen Petra Fried hosts this year’s CosPlay event at Pier 40, with Drag Race alum Aja headlining the boat cruise’s talent. You’ve got almost the whole month to perfect your costume — don’t waste it!
Cost: Tickets start at $45

bronx pride march festival — 1 Bronx Pride March | ED GARCIA CONDE/WELCOME2THEBRONX

1 Bronx World Pride Rally, March, and Festival

Sunday, June 23
The Bronx
The northern borough’s bash is expected to attract an estimated 20,000 revelers. The day begins with an 11am rally and march, followed by an afternoon festival with street vendors and performers.
Cost: Free to enter

Pride Luminaries Brunch

Sunday, June 23
Midtown
Enjoy an open bar and brunch buffet on Moxy Hotel’s rooftop in honor of businesspeople who have been instrumental in promoting workplace equality for LGBTQIA+ people this year. Presented in partnership with Thrillist, the Pride Luminaries Brunch will be a morning to remember.
Cost: Tickets start at $85

S & M Ball

Sunday, June 23
Bushwick
Enter the final week of Pride with a hard lean into whips and chains, leather and latex at this ball-style bash celebrating both BDSM and the queer and trans people of color who’ve brought ballroom culture to life in New York City. Newbies and allies are welcome to attend, but encouraged to show enthusiasm from the sidelines out of respect for the participants.
Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door

The Tea on Brooklyn’s Prismatic LGBTQ Nightlife

Monday, June 24
Brooklyn Heights
Learn about Brooklyn’s history of serving marginalized communities with clips from the documentary We Came to Sweat and a panel discussion from experts on the borough’s queer nightlife scene.
Cost: $10 general admission; $5 for BHS members

Human Rights Conference

Monday, June 24 – Tuesday, June 25
Tribeca
Hear important conversations about global human rights with a range of experts and activists. This two-day conference features performances and presentations that will touch on policy, art, and justice.
Cost: $30 one-day admission; $50 two-day admission; student/senior discounts available

GameChangers

Tuesday, June 25
Chelsea
This panel discussion, Q&A, and networking opportunity focuses on LGBTQ+ movers and shakers in the entertainment industry. Star Trek legend George Takei and transgender actress Leyna Bloom lead the discussion at SVA Theatre.
Cost: $25+ general admission; $15 student admission

WorldPride Opening Ceremony

Wednesday, June 26
Prospect Heights
June may be nearing its end, but WorldPride is just ramping up. Pack into the Barclays Center for a benefit concert kickoff as Whoopi Goldberg, Cyndi Lauper, Ciara, Billy Porter, and Chaka Khan use their talents to raise money for three monumental LGBTQIA+ organizations.
Cost: Tickets start at $45

Getting the History of HIV/AIDS Right

Wednesday, June 26
Brooklyn Heights
Separate fact from fiction as two professors unpack the complexities of HIV/AIDS and explore how identity, history, science, and stigma factor into our understanding of the virus today.
Cost: $10 general admission; $5 for BHS members

nyc gay men's chorus — NYCGMC | MATTHEW RANEY

Quiet No More: A Choral Celebration of Stonewall50

Thursday, June 27
Midtown
The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and LGBTQ choruses from across the country will commemorate Stonewall’s 50th anniversary at Carnegie Hall. Their new choral piece celebrates the Stonewall Uprising’s ripple effect with over 500 participating voices.
Cost: Tickets start at $22.50

Dirty Thursday: Born This Way

Thursday, June 27
Bushwick
A gay dance party devoted to none other than queer icon Lady Gaga? House of Yes, please.
Cost: Free

Savor Pride

Friday, June 28
SoHo
Thrillist partnered with NYC Pride and meal-delivery non-profit God’s Love We Deliver for the return of this popular culinary experience and fundraiser. Enjoy cooking demonstrations by accomplished chefs and taste their creations on the GLWD terrace, all for a good cause.
Cost: Tickets start at $70

Stonewall 50th Commemoration Rally

Friday, June 28
West Village
Remember the Stonewall Uprising at a rally reminiscent of 1969’s. LGBTQIA+ rights have come a long way in the last five decades, but there’s still a long way to go. This call for change should rank high on your Pride month must-dos.
Cost: Free

Front Runners NY LGBT Pride Run

Saturday, June 29
Central Park
Start Pride Weekend with your best foot forward by running in (or watching) a 5-mile race through the park. The 38th annual event aims to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Pride charity run.
Cost: $37 per runner; discounts available for members, seniors, students, and youth

Teaze

Saturday, June 29
Lower East Side
Five NYC party collectives will band together for an ultra-queer night of fun. When the party’s over, you’ll have five new LGBTQ+ nightlife options to add to your agenda.
Cost: General admission is $30

PrideFest

Sunday, June 30
East Village
Join NYC Pride for an afternoon of music, activities, and all sorts of treats to go along with the neighboring Pride March.
Cost: Free to attend

NYC Pride March

Sunday, June 30
Manhattan
This is the Pride Month event, a tradition that began the year after the Stonewall Riots and has since grown to include millions of LGBTQ+ people and allies. Nab a spot on Fifth or Seventh avenues, celebrate all the progress that’s been made, and call for continued action.
Cost: Free

WorldPride Closing Ceremony

Sunday, June 30
Times Square
Squeeze in one more celebration before Pride Month wraps at WorldPride’s last hoorah, where Melissa Etheridge, Jake Shears, and fast-rising pop star MNEK will take the stage alongside a Broadway act and other talent.
Cost: Admission is free with registration

Tags events, guides, LGBTQ, nyc, pride, queer, thrillist

events

The Best Cinco de Mayo Celebrations in NYC

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Published on Thrillist on April 26, 2019

If Easter is the Christmas of spring, then Cinco de Mayo may be its New Year’s Eve: the peppy follow-up event characterized by booze, dance music, colorful streamers, and parties that rage on long after the sun folds into the Hudson. Every fifth of May, New Yorkers rally to celebrate Mexican culture through food, music, and — most notably — drinks. While mass intoxication isn’t exactly the reason for the season, it’s certainly enticing.

This year in NYC, May’s liveliest holiday takes flight with rooftop parties, taco-tasting competitions, a live donkey, and enough drink deals to keep you dancing through the weekend. So squeeze in a siesta before you fiesta, and maybe set aside some time to understand why you’re drinking in the first place. You’ve got a busy weekend ahead.

FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS

Infamous Bistro

Upper West Side
Stroll out of the park and onto a patio for open-air drinking at Infamous Bistro. All day long, they’re serving mezcal palomas for a painless $8. The featured cocktail pairs fresh grapefruit and chili salt with the smoky liquor to create a unique, warm weather concoction. It’s smoke and spice at an affordable price.
Cost: $8 per paloma

Clinton Hall

Williamsburg, Midtown, Midtown East, FiDi, and Belmont
Reward your appetite at any of Clinton Hill’s locations on Sunday. If you’re looking for discounts, get three tacos and three margaritas for $25 total, or order a bucket of Coronas for the same price. At 4pm, customers at the Williamsburg and 36th Street locations can also whack piñatas to score mini tequila bottles.
Cost: $25 taco and tequila flights; $25 buckets of Corona; standard menu prices vary

Bodega Negra

Chelsea
Dream Downtown’s resident Mexican hotspot vows to spice things up with the Habanero Hot Box, a pair of tacos packed with four types of chiles, four cheeses, and a smattering of salsas, habanero cream, jalapeno chorizo, and cotija on top. The flaming dish, available from May 1 through the summer, arrives in a smoke-filled glass dome, and until Cinco de Mayo, brave patrons can get the new, creamy El Medico cocktail at half-price to soften the blow.
Cost: The Habanero Hot Box (two tacos) costs $16; the El Medico is $8 from May 1-5

Bar Hugo

SoHo
Elevated drinking adds pizzazz to any boozy fiesta, so when Hotel Hugo’s classy rooftop bar promises Cinco de Mayo discounts on a whole roster of drinks, you know you’re in for a good time. All Sunday night, take in Lower Manhattan views and reasonably priced liquor at a beloved SoHo spot. May 5’s must-try is the El Tapatio, a tequila-based cocktail with flavors of orange, cucumber, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime.
Cost: Select beers are $6; house wine is $8; well cocktails are $9; specialty cocktails (including the El Tapatio) are $10

hummus and pita co tacos — Pita Tacos | COURTESY OF THE HUMMUS & PITA CO.

The Hummus & Pita Co.

Chelsea, Tribeca, and Midtown
For one week only, you’ll find Cinco-inspired pita tacos at all Hummus & Pita Co. locations. From Friday, May 3, to Friday, May 10, fill fried pita “taco shells” with any combination of their usual ingredients. Falafel? Toss it in the taco. Turkish meatballs? Go for it. Chicken tabun? It’s holiday chicken now. Top with veggies, salads, and a signature hummus for a well-rounded celebratory bite.
Cost: $9.95 for a set of three tacos

Brooklyn Cider House

Bushwick
When cideries and Mexican holidays overlap, amazing things happen. Brooklyn Cider House just reopened its outdoor deck, and Cinco de Mayo weekend offers the perfect excuse to break it in. On Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, you’ll find Cider-Ritas, chips & guac, and $2 tacos on the menu. BCH has plenty of other Cinco-friendly options, too, like the shareable Cider House Nachos, complete with your choice of pulled pork, chicken, or veggies.
Cost: $2 tacos; $10 Cider-Ritas; $9 chips & guac; prices for standard menu items vary

Ed’s Lobster

Nolita
Ed is keeping it simple this year, but when a seafood joint decides to take part in the fun at all, who’s to say it’s not enough? Cut to the chase with half-priced mojitos and margs between 3 and 7pm on May 5. It may not be the most traditional Cinco destination, but celebrations are what you make of them — plus, their fish tacos are plenty on-theme.
Cost: Cocktails normally run around $12-13; cut in half, you’re looking at less-than-$7 drinks

the flying cock beer bucket — Beer Bucket | COURTESY OF THE FLYING COCK

The Flying Cock & The Horny Ram

Kips Bay & Midtown East
On May 5, customers at sister bars The Flying Cock and The Horny Ram can expect ice cold beer buckets ($36) and regular happy hour specials from 4-7pm. The Horny Ram will also serve freshly made margaritas ($13) all day long, marked down to $7 at happy hour.
Cost: An ice bucket with six beers runs $36; margaritas at The Horny Ram are $13 for most of the day, $7 during happy hour

PARTIES AND EVENTS

Thrillist Taco Knockout

Thursday, May 2
Union Square
Help Thrillist find the best taco in town at this year’s Taco Knockout, where 15 taquerias will serve up their most prized recipes in an attempt to win your vote. Between sampling, stop by the Michelada bar for a custom drink, listen to live music, and snap a pic at the photo booth. That’s living life to the Thrillist.
Cost: $65

rochelle's nyc — One of five participating Lower Manhattan bars | ROCHELLE’S NYC

NYC Cinco de Mayo Bar Crawl

Saturday, May 4
Lower East Side
Slink between five watering holes at this holiday bar crawl. Register at Libation between 2 and 6pm and set on your way. Most spots have food and drink promotions until 10, but if it’s a mariachi band you seek, drop into Casa Mezcal before they pack up at 5. Consider tonight a pregame for Sunday’s main events.
Cost: $10 wristbands ($7.50 each for groups of four or more) get you discounted drinks at participating bars

Cinco de Mayo Penthouse Party

Saturday, May 4
NoMad
Take Cuatro de Mayo up 20 levels at one of NYC’s best rooftop bars, 230 Fifth. The 20th-floor penthouse comes to life at 8pm, and for the first hour, drinks are 2-for-1, and apps are free throughout the evening. Of course, no skyline-adjacent party’s complete without DJs and dancing, so come prepared to break a sweat as you ring in the month’s booziest day.
Cost: $20 admission; 2-for-1 drink specials for the first hour

Ghost Donkey’s Cinco de Mayo Party

Sunday, May 5
NoHo
Bleecker Street’s Ghost Donkey and Saxon + Parole are bringing extravagance this Cinco season. Their joint party begins at 1pm, when guests can feast at a whole roasted pig taco bar, order a variety of Mexican drinks, dance to a hip-hop mariachi band, see a pro nacho eating contest, and pose for a pic with a live donkey. It’ll be a celebration to remember, minus the hefty entrance fee.
Cost: No tickets necessary, but come prepared to pay standard menu prices for food and drinks; table reservations can be made for groups of 10+

Tequila 101

Sunday, May 5
Chelsea
Yeah it makes your clothes fall off, but like, what is it? Gain a deeper knowledge of your favorite agave spirit at Tequila 101 in the Chelsea Market. Learn what goes into making tequila and how to best use it while sampling four hand-crafted variations, plus its smoky sister spirit, mezcal. The afternoon course is a perfect precursor to your evening festivities, and an excellent day drinking justification.
Cost: $50

Vandal's Secret Garden — Vandal’s Secret Garden | TAO GROUP

Taco Celebration at Vandal

Sunday, May 5
Lower East Side
Open bar, all-you-can-eat tacos, margarita tastings, and guacamole? The Taco Celebration has it all. From 6-8:30pm, soak up the party in Vandal’s Secret Garden, an art-forward indoor/outdoor dining space perfect for celebrating.
Cost: $60

CINCO

Sunday, May 5
Bushwick
House of Yes shimmies the extra mile for holiday celebrations, and CINCO has all the markings of another successful Bushwick rager. Let tequila take control as two Brooklyn musicians set the dancefloor mood from 3pm till around 10. Unlike most HoY parties, CINCO is free to enter. Come ready to dance the day away — this just might be NYC’s wildest May 5 fiesta.
Cost: Free

Tags events, food and drink, nyc, thrillist