Start in Chinatown at this fantastic roaster. Option B: If you prefer tea/no coffee, start at Paquita in the West Village for a curated tea experience before heading to the train.
Take the 7 train from 34th St-Hudson Yards, Times Sq-42 St, 5 Av/42 St, or Grand Central-42st to 74th St-Broadway / Jackson Heights.
Walk to this Jackson Heights staple. It won a James Beard award for its home-style cooking. Order the Jhol Momos (dumplings in spicy sesame broth) and Sel Roti.
Walk nearby to this truck on 69th St. It is a local favorite for tacos and tortas. A perfect, authentic alternative to the hype spots.
Walk nearby and get the Green Aguachile. It is spicy, acidic, fresh, and cuts through the richness of the morning's food.
Walk (or short Uber) to Corona. Tour the humble home where the jazz legend lived for decades. It is preserved exactly as he left it. (Book tickets in advance).
Icon. Walk nearby. Grab a paper cup of Italian Ice (Peanut Butter or Lemon). Itโs a neighborhood staple.
Walk into Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Visit the museum to see the Panorama of the City of New York, a massive scale model of the entire city. It puts your whole trip in perspective.
Take the train or walk to Flushing (Roosevelt Ave). Head to New York Food Court for a slightly grittier, hyper-authentic experience. Alternative: Just walk the surrounding blocks (Prince St & 40th Rd) for a DIY crawlโgrab skewers, duck buns, or tofu pudding from street vendors.
Feast. Walk nearby. This is the temple of soup dumplings. Order the Crab & Pork XLB and some scallion pancakes. Service is fastโyouโll be done in an hour.
Take the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) from Flushing Main St to Grand Central Madison. It is much faster and cleaner than the subway (approx. 20 mins).
Icon. You are already in the building. Head to the lower level. Sit at the U-shaped counters under the Guastavino tiled arches. Order a dozen oysters and a martini. It is pure Old New York.
Option A (Downtown Cool): Taxi/Uber to the Lower East Side. Knock on the door at 134 Eldridge. No menu. Tell them what you like. Itโs the perfect sophisticated end to the night.
Option B (Uptown Classic): Taxi/Uber up to the Upper East Side. Inside the Carlyle Hotel. Murals on the walls, waiters in white jackets, and live jazz. Expensive, magical, and iconic.
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