Save Money on Your NYC Hotel Stay!

Pod Hotel is now open in Williamsburg Brooklyn! 

You might have heard of Pod Hotels. There are two in midtown and they recently opened in Williamsburg. We took a tour and yes, the rooms are small but they are new, very comfortable and certainly a great way to spend less on accommodations so you can spend more on activities, dining and shopping! Including taking a tour (or two) with us! 🙂

Rooms start at just $69 per night!

thepodhotel.com/pod-brooklyn/

2 for 1 tickets during NYC’s Must-See Week! & Broadway Week!

It may be impossible to do it all in New York City — but trying is the fun part. During NYC Must-See Week, enjoy 2-for-1 tickets to many of the iconic experiences right in our backyard, like museums, attractions, tours and performing arts. First-time visitors and lifelong locals agree: there’s never been a better time to conquer your NYC bucket list.

Tickets go on sale this Thursday, January 18th and the program runs from January 29th–February 11th.

The program code is: MUSTSEE18

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

www.nycgo.com 

What to do in NYC this winter

Don’t let the cold deter you! NYC still has lots of great activities to offer. Here’s what’s on our to do list:

Our favorite exhibits going on this winter are:

Laura Owens at the Whitney

Brooklyn Museum has Francisco Goya, Sergei Eisenstein, Robert Longo and Judy Chicago’s incredible “The Dinner Party”

The Met: David Hockney

MOMA: Louise Bourgeois

 

Central Park:

Thousands of New Yorkers and tourists from across the globe enjoy ice skating in Central Park each winter. After all, there’s nothing more serene than gliding across the ice with the city skyline in the background. Ice skating is fun, family-friendly, and could also be the perfect way to spend a romantic winter day or night. So grab your skates (or rent some) and enjoy! There are two rinks located in Central Park:

Wollman Rink: The Wollman Rink is located on the east side, very close to the Central Park Zoo. It offers ice hockey, a skating school, party facilities, skate rentals, and lockers

Website: http://www.wollmanskatingrink.com/ — Location: MAP | Enter the Park at 59th and 6th Avenue, or 59th and 5th Avenue

Lasker Rink: The Lasker Rink is located mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets and converts from a swimming pool in the summer to an ice-skating rink during the winter months. It hosts skating, adult and youth hockey, lessons for all ages and abilities, skate rentals, and lockers.

Website: http://www.laskerrink.com/ — Location: MAP | Enter the Park at 110th and Lenox Avenue

 

Winter Village at Bryant Park: 

The Rink at Winter Village is New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink, which is made possible by partner Bank of America. More information on skate rental, other pricing, and Winter Village programs and events can be found here.

The observation deck, located on the second floor of the Skating Pavilion, is the perfect place to warm up and watch the skating below. While you sit, enjoy a selection of games, chess, and art supplies, all for free! Overlook may be closed to the public on certain days for private events, so please click here to check hours before visiting. No purchase is necessary to enter Overlook. Learn more about Overlook.

 

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS: February 25: The parade makes its way through the main streets of Little Italy and Chinatown starting at 1pm. February 16: the Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival, takes place on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Festivities start at 11am. Fireworks are scheduled for noon.

<MORE INFO HERE> // Photo by NYC & Co

 

Celebrate Black History Month in NYC. Take a walking tour with the Black Gotham Experience, visit The Studio Museum, Harlem Fine Arts Show, or visit Brooklyn Historical Society’s website for special programming.

 

Nitehawk Cinema

136 Metropolitan Ave., near Berry St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn // www.nitehawkcinema.com 

Nitehawk has been and still remains our favorite cinema to enjoy dinner and drinks DURING a movie. It’s very popular though so plan to make your reservation well in advance. They opened in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, in 2011 and that same year, they successfully lobbied Gov. Cuomo to overturn a state law that barred booze in movie theaters. True story!

 

Alamo Drafthouse

445 Albee Square West, nrear Willoughby St., Downtown Brooklyn // https://drafthouse.com/theater/downtown-brooklyn 

With plush armchairs and the ability to pick out your seats online, despite the fact that Alamo Drafthouse is part of a chain, we love it. The chain’s roots are in Austin though so we like how they keep it weird with hand-picked indie films, a series of musicals, and weekly themed nights. Their menu is also quite extensive with 16 different varieties of shakes and floats, most of which have an alcoholic option, over three dozen beers on tap, cocktails, wines, and unique soft drinks. The bar is also a nice surprise. You’ll have to see it for yourself. 

 

iPic Theaters

11 Fulton St., near Front Street, South Street Seaport, Manhattan // www.ipictheaters.com 

Review from GrubStreet: One of the city’s latest options for dine-in cinema, iPic is a plush and polished experience in the South Street Seaport. When you reserve your seats online, pay for the “Premium Plus” seating ($60 per couple) and you get a pillow, a blanket, and table service in a cozy viewing pod built for two, with seats that recline at the push of a button and a waiter who appears at the push of another. Two other seating options — cushy recliners, or sculpturally swoopy chaise longues in the front row — have tables but no table service; you have to order the food from the lobby and bring it in yourself. The menu, from James Beard Award–winning chef Sherry Yard, skews rich and soft and saucy and includes shrimp tacos, lobster rolls, and filet mignon sliders. IPic is about as far from a hip art-house cinema experience as you could get, but it’s the right choice for a splurgy, pampered viewing of the latest Hollywood blockbuster.

 

Syndicated

40 Bogart St., near Thames St., Bushwick, Brooklyn // http://syndicatedbk.com/ 

Cheap! Sit at the bar and catch free movies and sporting events or buy a ticket for one of their theaters.

 

Cozy up at the glorious Winter Garden at The Standard, East Village. Enjoy fondue and warm cocktails in heated alpine yurts. Booking a yurt requires 8-10 people for fondue at $60 per head. Sausage or veggie fondue, a salad and apple strudel. The drink package is an additional $32 per person, which includes a pot of hot cider or mulled red wine, as well as wine carafes and Aquavit shots. (photo above)

Sit in a rooftop igloo at 230 Fifth in Flatiron or Bar 54 in Times Square. Reservations recommended.

Sit in front of the fire at the always chic Bowery Hotel. 

The Gallow Green Rooftop has a real firepit! With blankets as well of course.

Go to Camp on Smith Street in Boerum Hill: Camp brings Brooklyn urbanites a little taste of the country. Relive summer memories while making your own smores, escape from the cold by cozying up to our fireplace, bag a deer on Big Buck Hunter, and grab some friends for a classic board game competition. All while listening to hand-picked indie rock. Welcome to Camp. http://www.camp-brooklyn.com/&nbsp;

Sit around the fire pit at Hotbird in Clinton Hill! Lots of craft beers from a cash-only bar in a former auto shop, with patio picnic tables & fire pit. 546 Clinton Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Like A Local Tours: Our Top Ten Favorite NYC Restaurants Right Now

 

Birds of a Feather, 鸳鸯 in Chinese, is a Chinese restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It is the brainchild of Yiming and Xian, the Michelin-starred duo behind Cafe China. They hav spent countless hours ruminating on the details of everything that meets the eye and behind the scenes in th new restaurant. Yiming as the interior designer and architect of Birds of a Feather, designed the space that is modern and timeless, welcoming and personal. The cuisine is Sichuan, but with new ideas and new dishes.

WHAT TO ORDER: Thousand Year Old Egg and Tofu Rolls (JUST GO FOR IT!)

Photo by Zagat

“Sunday in Brooklyn is a neighborhood restaurant that cares deeply about what and who we serve, offering breakfast, brunch, and dinner 7 days a week. The three-story sun-drenched corner building offers a multitude of experiences for each season and time of day. In the warmer months, guests bask in the rooftop garden, sidewalk cafe or the open-air kitchen which extends the outdoors throughout the ground floor. In the cooler months, wood-burning ovens in each dining space, provide warmth and social gathering places.”

WHAT TO ORDER: Black Cod Pastrami, Rye Sour Cream, Garden Pickles. Most people go for brunch but it’s way to crowded for our taste, so we go for dinner.

PHOTO BY EATER

Very chic, trendy and upscale. The New York Times gave them a rare 3 stars out of 4. Everything on the menu is delicious and the service is top notch. Pricing is also upscale so check the menu before you make that reservation.

WHAT TO ORDER: Leeks, Lobster stuffed squash blossoms

We are cheating a little because this is around the corner but it’s a great go to! The tantalizing smell from the wood burning oven is worth the price of admission. 

WHAT TO ORDER: cured sardines on grilled crostini. All of the pasta dishes are amazing.

We love spicy Sichuan and this trendy spot does not disappoint! “At the revamped New York outpost of the San Francisco cult favorite, Chef Danny Bowien delivers his fiery, creative dishes with Asian-American flavors. The menu showcases a blend of Sichuan heat and spice, served up in a chic Lower East Side space decked out with a roomy bar, communal tables and red banquettes.”

WHAT TO ORDER: try the green papaya and banana blossom salad. and honestly, everything else is fantastic as well.

Photo by NYC & Co

Yes, this is unfortunately a member’s only restaurant, part of the Soho House. But every time we’ve been the food and drinks are stellar and heading one floor below for dancing after dinner doesn’t suck.

WHAT TO ORDER: carrot curry dumplings. they specialize in duck so if you’re a meat eater, order one of those.

This headline from Eater tells you everything you need to know: Vegetarian Superiority Burger Sells One of NYC’s Best Chicken Sandwiches

GO NOW AND ORDER ONE OF EVERYTHING!

“Olmsted is a neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Prospect Heights from chef-owner Greg Baxtrom. We offer a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu, some of which comes straight from our backyard garden (yes, you’re welcome to sit there for a drink and a bite). We built the entire 50-seat restaurant with a living wall and lush garden ourselves, and named it after Frederick Law Olmsted, the famed architect behind nearby Prospect Park.”

NY TIMES CRITICS PICK (2 stars)

WHAT TO ORDER: beer battered squash rings and rutabaga tagliatelle with black truffle and brown butter

According to Eater, this is New York’s best BBQ. 

WHAT TO ORDER: we think you should take our Brooklyn BBQ Tour to find out!

The NoMad Bar radiates the conviviality and warmth of a classic New York City tavern. The casual menu, which draws inspiration from traditional pub fare, is rooted in the style and foundation of The NoMad and Eleven Madison Park. Here, for example, the NoMad’s famed chicken for two is re-introduced as a chicken pot pie, with black truffles and foie gras. PS – The NoMad bar has a separate entrance at 10 West 28th Street, just east of Broadway.

Family in Town (or visiting NYC)? Here’s our go to list!

We asked some friends of Like A Local Tours for their go to spots when family or friends are in town. Some great recommendations!

Locanda Vini e Olii
Locanda Vini e Olii

Manish Engineer, Project Director at MOMA.

I like to take people to Roberta’s Pizza in Bushwick (obvious one), and by us (in Clinton Hill) there’s Locanda Vini e Olii. It’s like an old apothecary Italian spot.

We just took some out of towners to the two new Grant Achatz cocktail bars, The Aviary and The Office. Both were awful. Service was bad to horrendous and The Office was nothing special. Aviary had some fancy cocktails that were in a plastic bag filled with smoke or some weird frozen thing. But overpriced and nothing tasty.

The mecca of South Indian food is Saravana Bhavan, that’s where legit Indians go for dosa: https://www.yelp.com/biz/saravana-bhavan-new-york-2

I usually try to go to Vegetarian Dim Sum House or Buddha Bodai (also has vegetarian dim sum and is kosher! Fun to see a mix of Orthodox, Buddhist East Asians, and Indians there.). Both are in Chinatown.

There’s also a lot of great Nepalese (Nepali?) food in Jackson Heights we’ve been hitting up lately. I think Anthony Bourdain did a whole episode there. Some of the spiciest food ever (even for an Indian.)

Liz Teich, Stylist

lizteich.com / blog = thebrooklynstylist.com

The Highline — always my go-to. My favorite thing to do with out of towners is walk around nyc all day!

Also love my usual spots like Clover Club (great cocktails or dinner), The Wayland (brunch), or The Wild Son (breakfast/lunch). 

Emily Kammeyer, Accessories Designer.

www.ekammeyer.com

-Dyker Heights for Christmas decoration madness

-High tea at the Plaza Hotel

-Windows at Saks and down 5th Avenue

-Tree lighting at Washington Square Park

Balthazar
Balthazar

Lauren Beebe, Founder, Like A Local Tours

Breakfast or lunch at Balthazar then Artists & Fleas in Soho

Whitney Museum + High Line + West Chelsea Art Galleries — then visit Story for shopping, High Line Hotel for coffee or hot chocolate and Cookshop restaurant if we are hungry

Bryant Park Ice Skating (or sip hot chocolate and watch!)

Rolf’s (see photo below. go early to avoid the crowds!)

 

Rolf's // Photo by 6sqft
Rolf’s // Photo by 6sqft

Walter Hoffman, Actor and Like A Local Tour Guide

I love to take people to places that aren’t overrun with people during the busy holiday season. The Cooper Hewitt Museum, The Bronx Botanical Gardens, The Brooklyn Museum, The Schomburg, and the Coney Island Boardwalk are some faves that always make people happy. Also, the Cloisters!

10… 9… 8… here’s where we think you should celebrate NYE in NYC!

William Vale = Great spot to see the fireworks over the Manhattan skyline. Specialty cocktails, passed canapes, and live music from The Broadway Project. Tickets starting at $275.

TICKETS

Brooklyn Brewery = $115 open beer bar, live DJ, food and a special midnight toast: “At midnight we’ll kick off 2018 with a toast of an unreleased Ghost Bottle, fresh from our Barrel Aging Facility. New Year, new beer, as the old saying goes (we think.)”

TICKETS

 

Public = Several venues within the hotel to choose from. Rooftop features music by Holy Ghost. Or enjoy dinner with a special menu by Jean Georges at Public Kitchen with a champagne toast at midnight. 

TICKETS

 

House of Yes = Tickets start at $35. Dress for the Past, Dress for the Future! 90’s Styles or Futuristic Looks required for entry.

Or, choose their Grand Ball. Tickets start at $85. Entrance to The Grand Ball requires Black, White, Gold or Silver styles and costumes. Opulence, elegance, extravagance. 

MORE INFO AND TICKETS.

Not Your Average Day and Night in Brooklyn

We recently put together an itinerary that somehow manages to cover much of the Best of Brooklyn, which is no easy feat! In the spirit of the holiday season, we are sharing it with you!

PS – we have contacts at many of the establishments listed in this itinerary so contact us if you would like help executing this itinerary!

 

These first three stops are in Red Hook (all walkable) and if you’re looking for food, we suggest Brooklyn Crab or Hometown BBQ and Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies for dessert! PS – when Six Point Brewery opens their tap room, sometime in 2018, that will definitely be on this list. 

RED HOOK WINERY
RED HOOK WINERY

From here, take the ferry (from Red Hook) to the Brooklyn Bridge (30 minutes) or take the F train (45 minutes). 

Hop on a citi bike and head to Williamsburg! Or enjoy the 45 minute walk or jump in a taxi.

What to do this weekend in NYC!

We are so excited for the first snowfall of the year this weekend and these 10 things:

Bulletin Market Pop-up in Flatiron
Bulletin Market Pop-up in Flatiron

1. GIFTS BY ARTISTS AT GROUND FLOOR GALLERY IN PARK SLOPE.

WHY? Original gifts for $100 or less made by over 50 artists. http://groundfloorbk.com

2. BULLETIN MINI MALL POP UP IN FLATIRON:

WHY? For women, by women. “We celebrate women with every inch of our stores, through our design, shopping experience, product selection and programming. Each item we sell was dreamed up by a female entrepreneur.” https://bulletin.co 

3. WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP AT GREENWOOD-CEMETARY.

WHY? Because wreath making workshop at Greenwood-Cemetary! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wreath-making-workshop-tickets-40791797364

4. NERD NITE AT LITTLEFIELD, DECEMBER 8

WHY? Because it’s cheap, fun and HILARIOUS! The three funny-yet-smart presentations will discuss the love life of Jim Henson, becoming Batman, and music videos from the 1980s.  And trivia is back too, so bring some pals, form a team, and win pretty darn good prizes. Oh..and Matt’s DAD is back in town to ask some of his hilarious/squirm-inducing sex questions.  Watch Matt blush! https://nyc.nerdnite.com

5. Santa Suit 5K & Pub Crawl in the Rockaways!

http://www.rockapulcorun.com

6. BUST CRAFTACULAR at BROOKLYN EXPO CENTER

An award-winning celebration of DIY culture, featuring a wide array of eclectic handmade and vintage vendors from all over the United States, as well as amazing DJs, delicious food, creative cocktails, fantastic prizes, and DIY activities for all ages. http://bust.com/craftacular/bust-craftacular-home.html

7. This Party DOES Impress You Much! A Night of All Shania Everything at BROOKLYN BOWL

WHY? It’s Shania and tickets are $10! https://www.brooklynbowl.com/event/1568518-this-party-does-impress-you-brooklyn/

8. GO SEE VESSEL AT HUDSON YARDS (after walking the High Line of course).

WHY? It’s a 15-story, $200 million sculpture that topped out this week. It contains 154 interconnecting flights of stairs, 2,500 individual steps and 80 landings. Eventually it will be surrounded by a public square and garden space. Completion is set for 2019.

9. A John Waters Christmas, December 10

WHY? In a world where some people feel threatened by the cheery anodyne inclusivity of saying Happy Holidays and decorating coffee cups with snowflakes and woolen mittens, it’s pretty thrilling to see John Waters, the self-proclaimed Pope of Trash and People’s Pervert stake his claim on Christmas. And it’s at City Winery! If the show is sold out, head to City Winery during the day and hopefully snag a ticket and enjoy some wine!

10. SONY SQUARE NYC:

WHY? Test out their latest products including VR! https://www.sony.com/square-nyc&nbsp;

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