Girls weekend out in NYC

[neeter]

I'm going to NYC for a weekend without DH or DS to visit an old friend, and I'm soooo excited! Anyone have any suggestions on not-to-miss things? I'd like fancy cocktails, a nice dinner, and maybe a broadway show and a nice brunch, oh and maybe visiting a fun museum...(not necessarily all in the same day!!) :)

I already know that I will also pick up some H&H bagels, probably go out for John's Pizza and grab noodles at Ollies. :)

TIA for any suggestions!

[boolady]

I went to dinner with my sisters & some friends in NYC a few months ago, and we went to Bar Americain. It is one of Bobby Flay's restaurants, but has an American/bistro atmosphere and menu rather than the Southwest and Spanish menus/influences at his other 2 restaurants, which are also very good. I think Bar Americain is best suited to a fancy drinks, girls night out kind of night-- lots of specialty cocktails, big padded booths, etc. Food was also excellent.

Regarding Broadway shows, the last thing I saw is gone, but I have heard great things from friends about the Putnam County Spelling Bee, History Boys (a play, not a musical), and Dirty, Rotten Scoundrels. I don't know, though, how easy tickets are going to be to get to them, so you might need to order as soon as you make a decision.

Good luck and have fun!

[deenass]

The BEST breakfast I have ever had in MY LIFE is at Norma's at Le Meridien in NYC. It is expensive ($60+ for DH & I) but SO WORTH IT!!!!

Make a reservation though b/c they fill up quickly.

There are some fun shows on the TKTS line (discounted Broadway tickets) but again, you have to wait in line so if time is important it might be worth it to just pre-buy tickets and pay full price.

[neeter]

Thanks for these fabulous suggestions! Anyone else have others? I will def check out Bar Americain, and Norma's...both sound amazing. Esp Norma's with all-day breakfast -- maybe that will have to be a dinner event. hahahah.

[AmyZ]

Mmmmmm... I used to work next door to Norma's and occasionally we would eat there!!! They had this waffle topped fruit thing that was awesome!!

If you love Mexican food (chicken fajitas are the best at this place) I love Maz Mezcal on East 86th close to 1st Ave. - they might have a web site these days. They make fresh delicious salsas and the chips are the best (free refills!). This is not a chain - everything fresh cooked to order and great drinks!

Have fun!

Amy Z

"Ma!" to Eliana 2/04 - She's 2!
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[Jo..]

You might want to swing by this in the afternoon and check it out just for fun. Don't fill up or you'll miss out on your fancy cocktails and nice dinner ;)

"Taste of Chinatown - Spring 2006
April 22, 2006, 1:00 - 6:00 pm
Rain or Shine (there will be some tents)
Back by overwhelming demand, over 50 restaurants, tea houses, bakeries and specialty food shops will offer $1 or $2 tasting plates throughout tasting corridors on Mott, Mulberry, Baxter, Bayard, Pell, Doyers and Mosco Streets in Chinatown, NYC."

http://www.explorechinatown.com/Gui/Special.aspx?Page=TOC2006A

ETA: I just realized you said you are going for A weekend, not THIS weekend. My bad. If you happen to be going this weekend, it's worth checking out!

[neeter]

Thanks! :) Jo - hee hee -- yes, I'm going in May. But I'm going to forward this information to my friend who lives there, because it looks really fun and tasty! Thanks!

[jhrabosk]

I've been pondering your post all day...so many possibilities!

John's Pizza is a perfect thing to go with your theater outing...it's right in the middle of all the theaters. FWIW, I personally think there are plenty of better places than Ollie's. I find it kind of typical Chinese.

The pp's suggestion of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a good one, as long as you're not easily offended. If you're interested in silly fun, some other good ones are Avenue Q and Hairspray. I think that Chicago is always a good choice, too.

I haven't been to Bar American, but I've heard it's great. One of my favorite brunch places is Sarabeth's...there are several of them. I don't believe they take reservations though.

One of my favorite cocktail places is Flute...there's one in midtown and another in the 20s. Lot of yummy champagne! http://www.flutebar.com/

Oh, and since the weather will be nice, another fun thing is the Shake Shack! It's in Madison Square Park. There's always a long line, but it's SO worth it! http://www.shakeshacknyc.com/

Have so much fun!

[Queensgirl]

Do you like musicals or drama?
A few musicals are: Avenue Q, Rent, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Spamalot, The Producers, & The Wedding Singer (starts 5/02/06).
A few plays are: Barefoot in the Park, Bridge and Tunnel, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, & Well.
Off-Broadway: Blue Man Group (always fun), Stomp, Slava's Snowshow, The Awesome 80s Prom, & Drumstruck.
In Chinatown: Chinatown Ice Cream Factory and Pearl River Mart (not in Chinatown anymore but still cool): http://www.pearlriver.com/v2/index.html
Pick up a copy of Time Out NY-good reviews on museums,plays,restaurants,shops, and everything else NY related. It's a weekly magazine & runs about $2.99. You can pick it up @ any newstand: http://www.timeout.com/newyork/ I'm a NYer and use it all the time.
I fully endorse your pizza pick-John's, great pizza. Also, stop at Beard Papa's for the most AMAZING sweet treat- delicious, out of this world cream puffs. You won't be disappointed! http://www.muginohousa.com/
Oh, and for an "interesting", museum check out http://www.museumofsex.com/
It is a girls weekend in NYC, right? ;-)
Also, use the Citysearch site. The editorial reviews and descriptions are good (although I tend to disagree w/the reviews most people post).
Have Fun!

-Karina

[neeter]

OooOOO thanks for these fabulous suggestions! Its always great to get tips from a NY insider!! Thanks, now I wish I had more than 3 days in NYC!! :)