New York info

[Peter Mackin]

I arrive in New York early morning 3rd August,,crossing on Queen Mary 2,,can anyone give me some info on great places to eat & drink,any place playing blues,,and looking to pick up a m65 jacket from army navy store if possible ,,thanks guys.

 

[Carlos840]

Can't really help with food, drinks or blues, but the last timei was in NYC (2013 i think) i bought my Schott 644 from Kaufman's army navy store. Great little surplus store in Hell's kitchen, the owner was really nice and sent one of his guys to pick up two 644 (which he didn't even stock) at the Schott factory for me to try on because i was unsure of sizing.

 

[handymike]

I lived ther a few years back, but the last time I visited (2 months ago) everything I remembered was gone, and replaced by tall glass buildings.
Brooklyn has really grown big time too...Juniors is still there- the greatest cheesecake!
Grimaldi's Pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge, and Peter Luger for steak.

 

[EmergencyIan]

One would think that Manhattan would have great military surplus stores, but it really doesn’t, anymore. Most that I’ve been in have very few actual surplus items at all.

As far as where to eat and drink, it’s Manhattan...so, you have thousands of choices all over the island. I think your best bet is to do searches on cuisine that you’re interested in. I live in the city, but it’s tough for me to tell you where to eat and drink. The way I find new places or decide where to eat is by doing research online. I listen to people’s recommendations, as well, but you won’t necessarily have that opportunity. You’ll be fine, though. Have a great time!

- Ian

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Make sure to have pastrami and/or corned beef while you're there. I love Katz's, but NYC natives have told me there are much better delis in Manhattan. I am certain they are right, but I don't live there. Either way, it's my favorite thing to get there even above pizza.

The hot dogs are overrated. Go to Chicago if you want good ones. However, there is excellent italian food, Indian food, deli meats, and so much more there. Whenever I go I just ask the locals where to go or look up menus on my phone and I always have an amazing food experience.

As for stores, the ones I know of that are worth visiting are Self Edge and Blue in Green. They're mostly denim, but they have quite a selection in general. Honestly, LA is better for this sort of thing, though NYC is a vastly superior city in just about every other way.

As for blues, again, I just asked locals what the good places are. You really just need to ask them and explore. My dad and I stumbled upon an absolutely incredible blues bar when we went 6 years ago and heard some of the best live music we ever experienced. However, we walked into at least 3 or 4 disappointments before that. You have to put the effort in, but it's worth it.

You're really making me miss Manhattan right now. Along with Tokyo, it's my favorite place in the world.

 

[Lebowski]

Grimaldi's Pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge

+1 for Grimaldi's under the Brooklyn Bridge!) One of the best paces in NYC to me too, very like it)

I'd also add Max Brenner chocolate restaurant which is near the Union Square (chocolate by the Bald Man, yeah!)
I love their melted hot chocolate, served in hug mug ("Italian thick" if I remember correct). It's absolutely delicious!))
Enjoy!)

 

[handymike]

Yes, Max Brenner is great...AND...it is across from the Best bookstore in NYC- The Strand!

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Yes, Max Brenner is great...AND...it is across from the Best bookstore in NYC- The Strand!

Yes!!! The Strand is absolutely incredible.

 

[Lebowski]

Yes, Max Brenner is great...AND...it is across from the Best bookstore in NYC- The Strand!

I love it!)

 

[BlueWallpaper]

One would think that Manhattan would have great military surplus stores, but it really doesn’t, anymore. Most that I’ve been in have very few actual surplus items at all.

As far as where to eat and drink, it’s Manhattan...so, you have thousands of choices all over the island. I think your best bet is to do searches on cuisine that you’re interested in. I live in the city, but it’s tough for me to tell you where to eat and drink. The way I find new places or decide where to eat is by doing research online. I listen to people’s recommendations, as well, but you won’t necessarily have that opportunity. You’ll be fine, though. Have a great time!

- Ian

Have to agree. You've got to keep in mind that rents are extremely high here so forget about things like an army navy store. I actually think commercial rents must be untenable. I'm constantly amazed how many seemingly very popular restaurants close due to 5-20 year leases expiring and the spaces often sit empty for years afterwards. It's often said that if you eat at a different restaurant everyday you could go on forever in NY (a commentary on closures per day). Anecdotally the only constant sustainable business as far as I can tell is coffee shops.

As Ian says, it depends on what cuisine you're looking for as well as where you're staying while here. To throw out a few suggestions I'd say Sarabeth's for brunch, Spuyten Duyvil for a few beers and Paulie Gee's for pizza.

 

[lina]

Katz’s pastrami. A must.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I was recently at Katz's for the first time in like 30 years... and I couldn't believe the huge crowds and wait times. The food's still great, but the old school Jewish deli ambiance that was part of the attraction is long gone. Like much else in NYC, a victim of its own success.

 

[handymike]

Eggshop in Nolita (bowery/ broome)- great egg sandwich! When I lived there we used to grab them in the corner bodega. Also, I believe Ess-a-Bagel is still there. Best in the city IMHO (1st & 18th-ish)

 

[Feraud]

All this talk about pastrami and no mention of the awesome Sarge's Deli!
Conveniently located on 3rd avenue between 36th & 37th streets. I find the food is as good as Katz but without the long lines and circus like atmosphere. Wanna eat pastrami and corned beef like a local? Go to Sarge's!
https://sargesdeli.com/

The Oyster Bar located in Grand Central Terminal is a gorgeous place for seafood.

As for thrifting, try-
Church Street Surplus- 327 Church Street. One block south of Canal Street. This is probably one of the few remaining actual Army Navy shops in the city and definitely worth a visit.
Metropolis Vintage- 43 3rd Avenue between 9th & 10th street

The RRL shop on West Broadway is worth browsing too. The prices are high but the clothing is inspirational.

 

[dan_t]

+1 for Katz’s Deli, but it really is a tourist attraction.

 

[ProteinNerd]

+1 for Katz’s Deli, but it really is a tourist attraction.
View attachment 129154

It was great to visit there when I as in NY and the pastrami sandwich was HUGE and delicious. The queue was ridiculous and it was packed but being huge fans of When Sally met Harry we put up with it and are glad we did but I couldn’t imagine being a local and fighting that crowd on a regular basis!

 

[dan_t]

I doubt any local would pay the prices they ask for a sandwich.
This is 100% tourist.
But well worth the trip!

 

[EmergencyIan]

^ I have a famous deli, but not a tourist attraction, two blocks from me. In fact, about three years ago Anthony Bourdain featured on his Parts Unknown Bronx episode. Anyhow, the pastrami on rye sandwiches there are $15. It’s nit that New Yokrers wouldn’t pay the price for the sandwich, it’s that we wouldn’t want to deal with the zoo that is Katz, not on a regular basis, at least. Price?...We are nickle and dined for everything. Lol

- Ian

 

[Feraud]

Stock Vintage on east 13th street carries cool gear too. You may find that m65 there.
Enjoy your visit!

 

[Peacoat]

^ I have a famous deli, but not a tourist attraction, two blocks from me. In fact, about three years ago Anthony Bourdain featured on his Parts Unknown Bronx episode. Anyhow, the pastrami on rye sandwiches there are $15. It’s nit that New Yokrers wouldn’t pay the price for the sandwich, it’s that we wouldn’t want to deal with the zoo that is Katz, not on a regular basis, at least. Price?...We are nickle and dined for everything. Lol

- Ian

What's the name of this deli and what street?