When You’re Broke as a Joke
Literally everything here is $2. Don’t ask me how they do it. Espresso? $2. Italian hot chocolate? $2. Chocolate chip cookie? $2. Soup of the day? $2!!!!

This authentic Yemenite and Middle Eastern restaurant serves up some of THE most explosive flavors. A husband and wife team run the shop and blend up their own “secret” spices daily and make an incredible homemade hot sauce called S’chug (click to hear pronunciation). Go for the Yemenite Soup, Kibbeh, Hummus with Shwarma, Moroccan Cigars and Kofta. BEST HUMMUS & FALAFEL I’VE EVER HAD.  BUT there are Israeli drinks in the cooler here that are a must try! Including the Malted Beer. PS- tell Ricky we sent you, and she’ll take care of you!

When You’re Digging Some Sweets
The original location was on the same street Edgar Allen Poe wrote “The Raven” for 25 years before it moved here. Something about the ambience here is kitschy meets adorable. The ravens above the door. The massive painting of Edgar Allen Poe. The cracked ceiling and brick walls. It’s a great spot for a date or wine with friends- definitely recommend coming here for dessert and drinks. The cheesecake is DI-VINE.

The lines get long, so be wary, but it moves fast. The shop stretches back but you might have to wait a bit to get seating. It’s a good spot to meet friends to begin your adventure!

Tchotchkes and knick-knacks, there are all sorts of random things to buy here for pretty cheap. Kitchenware, Halloween fish masks, art supplies, it’s like a junk drawer at grandma’s house. Quality might not be the best, but hey, you get what you pay for.

This book shop has “blind dates with a book” where the books are wrapped in brown paper. You don’t know what you get until you open it! There’s a note with similar book titles on the cover, and each book is similar in style to the suggestions listed on the cover.

This grocery store has brie cheese for $1.99!! Way cheaper (and smaller) than Zabar’s, but if you’re going for the experience, or to find something special, hit up Zabar’s.

The Spanish Portuguese synagogue is the oldest congregation in the US, and the building is beautiful. You can book and attend a free tour on their site.

Most tourists go to Central Park, but locals also hit this one and I love the views. Plus in the summer time it’s a bar!

Most people go to Broadway (42nd st.), but this place is so far uptown people don’t even realize it’s up here. Tickets are $21 for ages 30 and under and $24 for regular tickets.