New York City can be daunting. There is an endless array of dining, shopping and hotel choices, plus more. AI whittled it down to this list, filled with insider-approved finds like rustic sandwich shops close to ENKNYC or flea markets filled with artisanal food vendors and vintage treasures. Discover a new designer at one of the boutiques, stroll above the city on the High Line, or indulge in one of the many culinary hot spots. Below are our recommendations:
WHERE TO PLAY
Governor’s Island
Jump on the water taxi and take it across the East River to Governor’s Island on the Southern tip of Manhattan. Have a picnic and ride a bike through the former United States Coast Guard Base and catch a concert or admire glassmakers at work in the Corning Museum’s GlassLab.
New York, NY
www.govisland.com
Far Rockaway Beach
Hop on the A and head to Far Rockaway Beach, where the boardwalk doubles as a runway. New York’s hippest denizens come here to catch waves, cool down, and nosh on one of the delicious bites from the numerous vendors in the area.
Queens, NY
www.nycgovparks.org/parks/rockawaybeach
High Line Park
Marvel at the many art installations, lush landscaping and views of the Manhattan skyline in this elevated park, which was once a railway line.
New York, NY
212-206-9922
www.thehighline.org
MoMA PS1
Wander through “Wendy,” a temporary outdoor urban landscape by HWKN in the courtyard before viewing the summer exhibitions, which include Edgardo Aragón’s video, “Efectos de Familia,” and Caitlin Keogh’s fashion-inspired drawings. Be sure to check out the weekly Saturday dance party, Warm-up, which showcases musical acts guaranteed to make you move.
22-25 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, NY
718-784-2084
www.momaps1.org
FLEA MARKETS
Dekalb Market
Dekalb Market vendors offer cute knick knacks for the home, fashionable pieces to wear, and local beers to drink after a day of shopping.
138 Willoughby Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
212-529-9262
www.dekalbmarket.com
Fort Greene Flea
Situated in one of Brooklyn’s most charming neighborhoods, delightful treasures abound, from artisanal popsicles to vintage garments to old issues of Interview magazine.
Saturdays
176 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
www.brooklynflea.com
Williamsburg Flea
Head towards the water and find an interesting mix of food, trinkets, and clothing. Discover worn-in t-shirts, gorgeous trinkets, and eclectic dresses, and grab a bite to eat by the East River after.
East River Waterfront
Brooklyn, NY
www.brooklynflea.com
SHOPPING
Steven Alan Annex
This store offers a wide selection of its namesake brand’s preppy cool must-have basics, including its signature reverse seam shirts, but that’s not all — it also carries Rachel Comey, Isabel Marant, and A.P.C.
103 Franklin Street
New York, NY
212-343-0692
www.stevenalan.com
Gargyle
This tiny Lower East Side boutique has a carefully curated selection of the most stylish labels, think Acne boots, Illesteva sunglasses and Billykirk briefcases.
16 Orchard Street
New York, NY
918-470-9367
www.gargyle.com
Maison Kitsuné
Known for its hip music compilations and its refined-yet-cool French aesthetic, Kitsuné’s first American outpost, located on the ground floor of the NoMad Hotel, brings that effortlessly chic look stateside with an offering of colorful loafers, dandyish jackets easygoing dresses and more
1170 Broadway
New York, NY
212-481-6010
www.kitsune.fr
Opening Ceremony
This New York fashion staple just keeps on knocking out hit after hit since 2002. Look out for its collaboration with Adidas for the 2012 London Olympics and Proenza Schouler’s pre-fall handbags.
35 Howard Street
New York, NY
212-219-2688
www.openingceremony.us
Nicholas Kirkwood
Watch out Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo, there’s a new kid in town, and his first New York boutique has a wide selection of his artfully-crafted footwear, from surrealist ponytail booties to pearl-embellished peeptoe slingback heels.
807 Washington Street
New York, NY
646-599-5239
www.nicholaskirkwood.com
Grand Street Bakery
No, this isn’t a bakery as the name implies, but rather a boutique shelling out vintage goods from heritage pieces like Carhartt jackets to chunky baubles and more.
602 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY
718-387-2390
Creatures of Comfort
Snag a piece from the shop’s up-and-coming line of women’s clothing, and look for edgy brands like Suno, Henrik Vibskov and Rick Owens as well.
205 Mulberry Street
212-925-1005
New York, NY
www.creaturesofcomfort.us
Treasure & Bond
This charity concept store hawks clothing, jewelry, housewares, and designer items from labels like Bliss Lau, Surface to Air and Edun.
350 West Broadway
646-669-9049
New York, NY
www.treasureandbond.com
Saturdays Surf NYC
Before you stop by the beach, head to Saturdays Surf NYC for stylish board shorts, t-shirts, and wetsuits. Grab a latte from the store’s espresso bar and browse through its selection of art books.
31 Crosby Street
New York, NY
212-966-7875
www.saturdaysnyc.com
EAT
Super Linda
Four New York nightlife and restaurant mavens opened this two-level Tribeca Latin American eatery with a cool, festive vibe in mind. Start with a selection shared plates, like the charred beets with valdeon, cress, candied pecans and bacon mayo before trying out one of the specialties from the restaurant’s grill, which includes mouth-watering pork ribs served with fried Brussels sprouts, pickled chilis and mint.
109 West Broadway
New York, NY
212-227-8998
www.superlindanyc.com
Gastro Market
Only a few blocks from ENKNYC, this intimate spot is a great place to grab breakfast or lunch in between browsing through the trade show’s immense selection. Go for one of the decadent sandwiches like the Turkey Petit — juicy oven-roasted turkey served with apricot fruit spread, French Brie, avocado and mixed greens — and dine in the tranquil garden for a relaxing break.
315 10th Avenue
New York, NY
917-688-3054
www.gastromarketny.com
Xi’an Famous Foods
We promise you’ve never tasted Chinese food like this before. A mix of Middle Eastern and Chinese flavors are infused in pork, lamb, oxtail or chicken and mixed with hand-pulled noodles or in between warm buns for a spicy experience that will leave you fully satisfied.
Various locations, including:
81 St. Mark’s Place
New York, NY
www.xianfoods.com
ACME
Don’t be fooled by the old façade of this restaurant; there’s no Southern food here. Soak in the scene while eating the locally sourced contemporary Nordic fare at this dining establishment, which attracts a glamorous mix of creatives from the worlds of fashion, art, and entertainment.
9 Great Jones Street
New York, NY
212-203-2121
The Smile
If you want to sip coffee and nibble on freshly-baked pastries while surrounded by beautiful stylish people, The Smile is the place to be. The food, conceived by art-world progeny Melia Marden, is both inviting and flavorful, with items like a Manouri cheese and fig sandwich — with truffle oil, pear and arugula on toasted sourdough — and roasted sardines with grape gremolata.
26 Bond Street
New York, NY
646-329-5836
www.thesmilenyc.com
The Bedford
Inspired by 1990s London gastropubs, The Bedford focuses on New American Tavern cuisine made with fresh greenmarket ingredients. Start with crispy risotto balls with country bacon gravy and ricotta salata before indulging in entrées like the truffled mac & cheese or Long Island duck confit.
110 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
718-302-1002
www.thebedfordonbedford.com
Mission Chinese Food
There may be a wait at the New York branch of this popular San Francisco restaurant, but that’s okay, complimentary cups of beer are there to keep customers happy. Once you’re seated, try out the thrice cooked bacon with Shanghainese rice cakes, tofu skin, bitter melon and chili oil, or the Westlake rice porridge with sweet shrimp, braised beef, egg and cilantro.
154 Orchard Street
New York, NY
212-529-8800
www.missionchinesefood.com
Rocket Pig
The star of this Trestle on Tenth offshoot does indeed have something to do with a pig — it’s a $14 sandwich filled with smoked and roasted pork, red onion jam, pickles, mustard sauce and served with a side of the house made hot sauce. But there are other things too — slurp on oysters or try its selection of charcuterie and cheeses.
463 West 24th Street
New York, NY
212-654-5660
Fette Sau
There’s a reason why the lines are always long at this Williamsburg barbecue joint — the succulent pork ribs and tender beef brisket are that good. Round out your meal with some potato salad and baked beans, and you’re set.
354 Metropolitan Avenue
718-963-3404
Brooklyn, NY
www.fettesaubbq.com
Miss Lily’s
Meant to evoke the feel of humble patty bakeries and take-out restaurants of New York’s West Indian Diaspora in Crown Heights and the Bronx, this stylish Serge Becker eatery serves up a tasty selection of classic Caribbean dishes like cod fish fritters, jerk chicken, and curry goat.
132 West Houston Street
New York, NY
646-588-5375
www.misslilysnyc.com
Bars and Clubs
Frying Pan
Head aboard the Frying Pan, an old lightship that’s only a block away from ENKNYC for lunch or even better, a nice cool drink, and feel the breeze as the waves gently rock you back and forth.
Pier 66 Maritime (at 26th Street)
New York, NY
212-989-6363
www.fryingpan.com
Ovest
The brick oven pizza at this laid back pizzoteca and bar is tasty, but happy hour from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. is the best time to visit, thanks to the complimentary spread of pizza, antipasti, sfizi and insalate — so order a beer or glass of wine and enjoy.
513 West 27th Street
New York, NY
212-967-4392
www.ovestnyc.com
Le Bain
Bring your bathing suit and hop in the pool at Le Bain, a nightclub located on the 18th floor of The Standard. Or, if you’re not up for taking a dip, sip on a cocktail while admiring the stunning views from the outdoor area.
848 Washington Street
New York, NY
212-645-4646
www.standardculture.com/lebain
Westway
Dance the night away at this former strip club, where the vibe is gentleman’s club meets dive bar. Unfortunately, while the stripper poles and platforms still remain, there are no naked ladies here. But the consolation prize — plenty of models and other gorgeous creatures who regularly frequent the venue — is a good substitute.
75 Clarkson Street
New York, NY
212-620-0101
www.westwaynyc.com
Le Baron
The three-story New York outpost of André Saraiva’s famed Parisian hot spot finally opened earlier this year, and the Far East bordello decor provides an exotic backdrop for lounging with the pretty people who go there — if you can get past the tight door.
32 Mulberry
New York, NY
STAY
Mondrian SoHo
Transport yourself to a magical world at the Mondrian SoHo, where the interiors are inspired by Jean Cocteau’s “La Belle et la Bête.” Relax in one of the hotel’s 270 rooms and then enjoy the scenic views before heading out into the city.
9 Crosby Street
New York, NY
212-389-1000
Nolitan Hotel
Feel right at home at this intimate 55-room boutique hotel, located in one of Manhattan’s most convenient and enjoyable neighborhoods. Lounge on your private balcony or on the roof deck or check out a bike or skateboard to explore the city.
30 Kenmare Street
New York, NY
212-925-2555
www.nolitanhotel.com
NoMad Hotel
Named after its location — just north of Madison Park — this hotel is filled with luxurious amenities, like freestanding clawfoot tubs, handmade vintage Heriz rugs and mahogany writing desks in each room. Dine on rustic summer fare on the Rooftop or have a cocktail in the Library after a day at the trade show.
1170 Broadway
New York, NY
212-796-1500
www.thenomadhotel.com
Hôtel Americano
Adjacent to the High Line park in Chelsea, Hôtel Americano is only steps away from a plethora of galleries — and ENKNYC. Design and fashion elements—from Alessi Optic alarm clocks to Loden Dager denim bathrobes—are plentiful throughout. After a long day at the trade show, guests can lounge by the rooftop pool, sip cocktails at Bar Americano, or simply order in bento boxes from room service.
518 West 27th Street
New York, NY
212-216-0000
www.hotel-americano.com
The Standard East Village
Hotelier Andre Balazs is taking over the Big Apple with a second Manhattan location of the Standard in the East Village complete with 145 rooms and suites. Seek solace from the bustling city in its garden courtyard or pick up the latest fashion magazines and a pair of sunglasses at Warby Parker X The Standard kiosk, The Reader.
25 Cooper Square
New York, NY
212-475-5700
www.standardhotels.com/EastVillageNY/
The Dream Downtown
Located right at the epicenter of New York’s vibrant nightlife scene in the Meatpacking District, this hotel is a virtual playground in itself; spend a late night in the see-and-be-seen Electric Room or look out at the lights from PH-D, its penthouse bar. Chrome and teak furniture adorn the rooms for a rustic, yet contemporary look
355 West 16th Street
New York, NY
212-229-2559
www.dreamdowntown.com
Tribeca Grand
Wrap yourself in the hotel’s Egyptian cotton sheets for a good night’s sleep, and freshen up with the complimentary Malin and Goetz toiletries before a day at ENKNYC, and then stumble upon one of the many parties held in this luxury hotel’s Church Bar and Lounge on your way in.
2 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY
212-519-6600
www.tribecagrand.com
Ace Hotel
Sip your morning coffee and read the newspaper in the bustling hotel lobby, where the people watching can keep you busy all day. Rooms are decorated with custom wall murals, vintage furniture and turntables, so you can get your day going with some good tunes.
20 West 29th Street
New York, NY
212-679-2222
www.acehotel.com
Hotel Andaz 5th Avenue
Enjoy the space in one of Hotel Andaz’s loft-style apartments and check out its art collection on your way out the door. The hotel is conveniently located near to New York gems: Bryant Park and the New York Public Library.
485 5th Avenue
New York, NY
212-601-1234
www.newyork.5thavenue.andaz.hyatt.com
– Ann Binlot
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