If you’re like me and you like hotdogs with unique combinations of toppings and a laid-back, youthful atmosphere, Crif Dogs on St Marks Place is the place to go. The restaurant is easy enough to find due to the giant hotdog that reads “eat me” on the front of the building. Once inside, you’ll see a few arcade games, as well as tables made from old arcade games. The seating area is small, and usually pretty busy, but well worth standing for your food.
At the counter, you can order hotdogs and burgers, as well as fries, tots, shakes, and beer. You have the option to choose items with set toppings---the Tsunami (pictured) is my personal favorite---or to choose your own. No combination is unheard of here, so feel free to try something crazy! Not to mention the fact that there’s an entrance to a speakeasy in the telephone booth against the wall. The prices are great, the food is better, and no matter what you try, you’ll be glad you did.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.
Fotografiska’s self-described raison d'être is to "… showcase the greatest photographers, whether they’re emerging artists or already established internationally.
By
When you step into "Rainey Park" in New York City, it feels like you have been welcomed into the shared backyard of Astoria residents. Compact & sunny!
By
"Queens Bakehouse" in NYC was an instant hit with me. Their inventive twists on classics are what really stole my heart - the croissant loaf, for example.
By
"Utopia" is my neighborhood go-to breakfast joint. It's a real old-school kind of place; I go with my newspaper and am always served well and fast.
By
"Malachy's Donegal Inn" is an Irish bar in New York city that's a survivor. There's an ingrained (or ingrown) sense of comfort, 'cares abandoned'...
By
"Central Park Benches" in NYC (apart from their comfort) are known for their commemorative plaques. One of them is dedicated by the citizens of Liverpool...
By
You can find "BANKSY in New York" in the Upper West Side. 'Boy With a Hammer' is the only one of his pieces that hasn't been 'repurposed'...
By
"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
By
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
By
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
By
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
By
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
By
299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters