Besides Chinatown and Little Italy, NYC also boasts Little Tokyo, a compact area in East Village that houses several Japanese tea rooms, restaurants, and bars. Unlike its Italian and Chinese counterparts, Little Tokyo is less well-known and more authentic.
My favorite place, Sake Bar Decibel, is hidden down a nondescript flight of stairs. You can find over a hundred varieties of sake to choose from such as sparkling, hot etc. from different areas of Japan, as well as regional food specialties like okonomiyaki (which is a popular savory pancake from Osaka.)
Hipsters, students, and working professionals abound in this dark and quaint underground bar. Come early, but expect to wait a little, especially if you come over the weekend. In this neighborhood you can also find Angel’s Share, which is a popular Japanese speakeasy one block over, and Cha-An, a Japanese tea house with many varieties of tea and Japanese desserts.
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The American Folk Art Museum in New York hosts free live jazz and eclectic concerts, with thoughtful exhibits and a folksy gift shop worth browsing.
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"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
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"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
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In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
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The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
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"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
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"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!
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S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
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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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