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!
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John's Pizza is situated inside a former tabernacle with a domed stain glass ceiling about 50 feet above, and ‘sliced’ into 8 sections, just like a pizza.
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On Broad Street stands a bronze sculpture named Fearless Girl which exudes bravery, pride and strength but not, according to the artist, 'defiance'...
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The space functions day to day as a bright and modern-looking upscale deli and on certain evenings, it doubles as a performance space for stand-up comics.
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It’s all free, on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll get a life jacket, a paddle, a 'kayak', and a locker, for a session of approximately 20 minutes.
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"Amsterdam Billiards" in New York has a nice bar, nice service and soft couches. It's a well-known place to play (and watch!) billiards, darts, foosball...
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The Cage in West Village is a chain link fenced, bagel-sized basketball court in New York. Here you can also find handball, a citywide spectacle...
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"TAP - NYC" makes Brazilian tapioca from yuca! I really love their Pão de Queijo, tangerine-sized, feather-weight bread-puffs with molten cheese...
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"The Seasoned Vegan" in New York is crowded (in a good way), energizing and really fun. I got the Harlem Chopped Cheeseburger, and I'd order it again...
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"Bethesda Terrace" in New York's Central Park is home to Bethesda Fountains, sculptural balustrades and breathtaking magical depictions of wild animals...
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"Bodegas" are NYC convenience stores that are as much an essential part of urban culture as are chippies in Whitley Bay or curry shops in London, England...
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You can see eight of the thirty-six paintings by "Johannes Vermeer" in New York City. There's a ninth one, but it's behind closed doors...
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"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
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299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 299 Insider Tips from our local Spotters