With the abundance of local and unique coffee shops New York City has to offer, I always wonder why anyone would choose to go to Starbucks. Almost everywhere you turn in the city, there is a local coffee joint just waiting to be tried. My personal favorite so far is probably OK Café in Astoria. Though slightly farther away than the average traveler roams, there’s plenty to do nearby (and fewer tourists!)
The coffee alone is worth a trip to Queens. Of course, they have regular hot and iced coffees, cappuccinos, etc. They also have a decent list of carefully crafted coffee and tea-based beverages. One of my personal favorites is called the Lavender London Fog, made with Earl Grey, foamed milk, and lavender and vanilla simple syrups. They even have an espresso soda, which is my favorite summer pick me up! This is my favorite place to stop and grab a coffee on my way into town or on my way just down the street to visit Astoria Park and walk along the river!
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
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Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
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"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
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"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
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"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
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The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
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At the "American Legion Post 398" in New York City I get to hear jazz played the old fashioned way, Harlem in the '30s, '40s and '50s...
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"A Great Day in Harlem" is an important photo of 58 jazz greats taken in 1958 in NYC. The building on 126th Street where it was taken is still there...
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The 13-mile Hudson River Greenway in NYC, which begins at the George Washington Bridge, is the most heavily used bike trail in the USA...
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"New Plaza Cinema" in NYC has one mission: to show independent, foreign and classic films. It is run by a grassroots group; how long will it survive?
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"Manny's Bistro" is a French bistro in my neighborhood in New York. Susan & I prefer to sit at the bar, which makes us belong & contribute to the scene...
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