Dreaming of New York City
The C&W team reminisces on past weekends living in New York City for the past four years.
We don’t often like to play favorites, but New York holds a special place in our hearts at C&W. As you may or may not know, our three founders and senior editor graduated this past spring from Fordham University. Over the past four years they have held several internships in Manhattan and become very familiar with the city’s landscape. Going to school in New York City, you learn a thing or two about great nightlife and the best hangout spots, so while we’re on the topic of socializing, we couldn’t pass this one up. See the list of their favorite places and pastimes below!
For Boozy Brunch
Agave - Kips Bay, Greenwich Village
Agave’s bottomless brunch is pretty much unmatched. Their drink options include mimosas and sangria, but it’s basically an unspoken rule that you have to choose the bottomless frozen margaritas. They are really tasty, super strong, and get refilled the second you empty your glass. I wish I could tell you how the food is at Agave, but I don’t really remember tasting anything but the margs the multiple times I’ve dined there.
Palma - West Village
Although I wouldn’t consider this a particularly “boozy” brunch, you definitely could make it one! The food and atmosphere here is just too good to pass up. With a dining room filled with roses, Palma is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful spots in Manhattan. Make sure to get the french toast!
For an Active Morning
Barry’s Bootcamp may be one of the hardest workout classes on the planet, but believe me when I tell you this class is worth the price. Be ready to sweat with this high intensity interval workout that combines running and weights to tone muscle and maximize fat loss. With studios in most Manhattan neighborhoods, you should be able to find a Barry’s that is walkable, no problem!
Warning: you may become addicted. This cult-favorite workout class has become famous for a reason. Not only is cycling an incredible workout in itself, SoulCycle classes take things one step further by dimming down the lights, turning up the music, and constantly motivating every single person in the class. Finding a SoulCycle studio in Manhattan is just about as easy as finding a Starbucks, they’re everywhere. Strap on those cycling shoes and be ready to tap it back!
For a Day of Shopping
Bleecker Street - West Village
If you’re looking for the least stressful New York City shopping experience, I recommend heading to the cobblestone streets of the West Village for a day of shopping on Bleecker Street. Some boutiques I love to visit on Bleecker Street include LoveShackFancy, Intermix, Bookmarc, Diptyque, and Naadam. Be sure to grab a cupcake or banana pudding at Magnolia Bakery while you’re there!
The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards
If it’s a particularly chilly or rainy day in the city, head to The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, a newly developed luxury mall at 33rd Street and Tenth Avenue. If you’re in need of anything from Lululemon, Zara, Aritzia, or Sephora, this mall makes shopping in the city so much easier. Get tickets online to climb the top of The Vessel, a new NYC landmark.
SoHo
We all love shopping in SoHo as much as the next girl, but it is very important that you go at the right time. Weekends are pretty much a nightmare on Broadway, so I recommend visiting during the week if possible.
For Happy Hour
Papatzul - SoHo
$6 margaritas and $5 beer and sangria every single day from 5pm to 8pm? Say no more. Papatzul in SoHo is a hidden gem located on Grand Street between W Broadway and Wooster Street. You must try the La Chamoyda margarita with the chile rim.
El Mitote - Upper West Side
Another amazing margarita happy hour, but this one’s uptown! The Frozen Lime Margarita with a salt rim seriously might be the best (and strongest) marg I’ve ever tasted. The guacamole is fantastic as well.
Pizza Beach - Lower East Side
A C&W team favorite, Pizza Beach has it all: delicious pizza, a fun atmosphere, and spicy jalapeño margarita pitchers. Even though we can’t be there right now, we have a Spicy Jalapeño Margarita Recipe for anyone to enjoy, anytime and anywhere.
Public Hotel Rooftop - Lower East Side
This is easily our favorite LES rooftop because of its chill vibes and beautiful views. Unlike other downtown rooftops (looking at you Mr. Purple), The Rooftop at the Public Hotel is usually less crowded, making it easier to find somewhere to sit and enjoy the views.
For a Day at the Park
Bluestone Lane - Upper East Side
Stroll through Central Park and make your way to the 5th Ave side at 90th Street. There, you will find Australian coffee shop, Bluestone Lane, which is the perfect pit-stop for refreshments after a walk through Central Park. The cafe is in an old church, and is gorgeous. Plus, they have amazing lattes, avocado toast, and banana bread topped with ricotta and fresh berries. This is the perfect spot to take a break while still having views of the park.
For a Night Out with Friends
Kind Regards - Lower East Side
If you’re looking for a place to dance on the weekends, Kind Regards in the Lower East Side is the place to be after 11pm. Upon entry, Kind Regards looks like a bright, classy cocktail bar. And don’t get me wrong, it totally is. However, the downstairs lounge disco-themed decor is absolutely to die for, and makes for a great time with friends. If you arrive after 11:30pm, be prepared to wait in line as this bar is known to get super crowded on Friday and Saturday nights.
Hair of the Dog - Lower East Side
If you’re looking to have a night reminiscent of your college years, Hair of the Dog is the bar for you and your friends. This dive bar is filled with twenty-somethings (cue the frat boys). Although I wouldn’t recommend spending an entire night here, it’s a great place to go for cheap drinks and hilarious conversations with random people.
Sing Sing Ave A - East Village
Sing Sing Ave A, AKA the most fun hour (or two if you pay extra) of your life. Inexpensive, hilarious, and overall a great time. One day, we hope to be singing our hearts our in a private room at this karaoke bar again!
Now, we know that it might be a little bit nerve-wracking to pack your bags and head to the city right away, considering how it had been impacted by COVID-19, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and if you’re anything like us, that light looks strikingly similar to the New York skyline.
Name a better place to spend a weekend with friends, we’ll wait.