Casual Eats
Rubirosa Rubirosa’s heavenly thin crust-style pizza comes from a 54-year-old family recipe -- it originated at proprietor AJ Pappalardo’s father’s Staten Island Pizzeria. What’s even better is that if you really can’t decide between toppings, you can order two different halves ... a rare thing for sit-down pizza joints. Rubirosa offers a full Italian menu in addition to pizza, so if lasagna and meatballs are more your thing, they’ve got you covered. Westville Westville’s tiny original location on Greenwich Village’s quaint W. 10th Street opened in 2003. The simple (and inexpensive) approach to fresh eats and classic comfort food earned the shop success, and there are now four locations in downtown Manhattan. Don’t miss the amazing fresh market sides like artichoke hearts with parmesan and roasted beets with goat cheese. If you want to indulge in local veggies this Autumn, choose four for $15 and make a meal out it. Nook Located in prime-time Hell’s Kitchen, Nook is a snug refuge from the bustle of 9th Avenue. The physical space is very small (you have to walk through the kitchen to use the bathroom), but it’s super cozy, and the Eastern European and French-influenced food is well-priced and delicious. Stop in for brunch and choose from a variety of delicious scrambles paired with mashed potatoes for a cozy comfort meal. And if you’re feeling frisky, you can BYOB, a rarity in the Big Apple. Ruby’s This casual Australian eatery tucked in the heart of Nolita is a local favorite when it comes to salads, pasta, paninis and perhaps most notably, burgers. The popular Bronte burger is topped with sweet chili, mayo and cheese, a surprisingly palate-pleasing combination. If lighter fare is what you desire, embrace autumn with the roast pumpkin salad. Num Pang Num Pang’s locations serve up an array of Cambodian bahn mi-style sandwiches dressed with homemade chili mayo on freshly baked baguettes. Pro tip: While there’s quite a crowd (and a corresponding wait) during lunch hour, Num Pang’s NoMad location is relatively quiet during the dinner hour. Stop by for happy hour and enjoy $2 cans of Tiger beer -- a steal, by New York standards -- and several discounted sandwich varieties, including the go-to pulled Duroc pork with spiced honey, a hearty option for fall. Agave On the barrier of the West Village’s non-gridded labyrinth of streets sits Agave. Southwestern fare is their specialty, and they do it expertly, without compromising the fun vibe. Stop in for happy hour and enjoy discounted tacos and margaritas (the prickly pear libation is particularly scrumptious). There’s quite the brunch scene -- Agave offers an bottomless drink pre-fixe option for $27.95 -- so book your reservations ahead of time. Melt Shop* What’s not to love about melted cheese, especially as the weather begins to chill? Melt Shop’s four New York City locations serve ooey gooey comforting cheese goodness in several forms. The menu includes classic grilled cheese on white bread as well as dolled-up versions featuring ingredients like fried chicken and maple bacon, as well as seasonal offerings. If you want to go all out, consider opting for a side of cheese-smothered tots and maybe even a Nutella-Fluff milkshake to appease your sweet tooth. Dig Inn Favorite lunch spot Dig Inn Seasonal Market is fresh food on a mission: “Democratizing the farm-to-table movement.” Locally sourced, seasonal items are a year-round priority, and ingredients like hearty root vegetables, brussels sprouts and roasted pumpkin make appearances on the menu as sweater weather approaches. Select from a changing assortment of market sides, main dishes, juices and more at Dig Inn’s eight locations throughout Manhattan -- fingers crossed that last year’s chipotle sweet potato soup will make a triumphant return in 2014. Many customers grab-and-go, but there are tables for those who wish to dine in.Sights
View the foliage in Central Park The concrete jungle isn’t all buildings and pavement. For a dose of fall foliage, look no further than Olmstead and Vaux’s masterpiece, Central Park. Take a walk around the reservoir, which spans from 85th to 96th Street on both the east and west sides. The loop is just over 1.5 miles, and the views are breathtaking. Bow Bridge, near the middle of the park around 74th Street offers another great vantage. If you’re the free-spirited type, follow one of Central Park’s many rambling paths and see what you discover along the way. Take a Ghost Tour in Washington Square Park New York City has its share of history, and as Ghosts of New York would have you believe, its fair share of ghosts. And what better time to hear about the Big Apple’s resident specters than leading up to Halloween? This guided ghost tour will appeal to believers and skeptics alike, as participants will learn about the not-always-so-quaint past of Greenwich Village. If you prefer to observe the living, Washington Square Park is a great place to people-watch, especially during the fall when NYU students are resuming their scholarly duties. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan with Brooklyn’s Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods. Cross on the dedicated pedestrian walkway (the walk is just over a mile) and enjoy the sweeping views and crisp weather while you’re at it. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the skyline. If you’re Brooklyn-bound, refuel after your journey at the expanding Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is teeming with scrumptious snack options, activities and attractions, like Jane’s Carousel. Watch the New York City Marathon November 2
The New York City Marathon is a spectator sport at its finest. Cheer on runners as they brave the 26.2 mile course through all five New York City boroughs. Have fun with it; make a sign, and consider taking the subway to encourage runners at different parts of the race. First Avenue is a popular vantage, as runners will travel north along it from 59th Street all the way past 125th until they reach the Willis Avenue Bridge to cross into the Bronx before turning back into Manhattan to finish the race in Central Park.
Shopping
Alter Fashion-forward ladies and gents should be sure to check out Greenpoint, Brooklyn’s Franklin Street. Of the many boutiques that line Franklin between Green and Oak, Alter is a must-visit. Alter Women and Alter Men are located across the street from each other and feature brands like Cheap Monday, Penfield and Minkpink. The aesthetic is edgy, yet minimal. Housing Works Visit Housing Works’ several thrift shop locations across the city and browse carefully curated secondhand items to find a treasure, whether it be a new-to-you blouse or a plush chair. If you’re the literary type, visit the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, a treasured spot on SoHo’s cobblestoned Crosby Street, and cozy up with a good read. These purchases come free of buyer’s remorse -- proceeds go to low-income and homeless individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This fall, consider attending Fashion for Action, an annual Housing Works event that benefits New York’s HIV/AIDS and LGBT community. Beacon’s Closet If thrifting is your thing, Beacon’s Closet -- clothing exchange where patrons can opt to buy or sell garments, shoes and other accessories -- should be on your list. Racks are color-coded and selections are carefully curated by Beacon’s selective buyers; they don’t take just anything. Come armed with patience, as there’s a lot to sort through, and it’s usually pretty busy, particularly the Greenpoint location. MoMA Design Store Take a piece of New York’s Museum of Modern Art home with you. Well, not exactly -- you won’t be leaving with any Pollocks -- but you can purchase some smartly designed, unique trinkets at MoMA Design Store. The two-story SoHo location (there are several MoMA shops throughout the city, including a bookstore), has everything from homeware trinkets to classic mid-century modern furniture. A&G Merch Your inner interior decorator (and your apartment) will thank you for stopping by A&G Merch. This funky home goods shop peddles furniture and playful accessories. From animal-shaped pillows to that modern sofa with sleek lines you’ve been coveting, you’re bound to find something to give your abode unique flair. Strand Bookstore Eighteen miles of books. Yes, you read that correctly. New York landmark The Strand boasts more than 2.5 million new, used and rare books of all sorts, crammed into twisting, maze-like shelves spanning multiple floors and zig-zagging through various rooms. It’s a unique must-see, as eclectic as the city itself, and with back-to-school in full swing, there’s no better time to stock up on books. This bookstore was founded in 1927, and moved to its current location -- on Printer’s Row just below lively Union Square -- in 1957. If you’re looking for a deal, be sure to browse the dollar racks on the sidewalk just outside. Pro tip: The Strand’s canvas tote bags and ceramic mugs, available in a variety of designs, make great gifts and souvenirs.Events
Union Square Greenmarket In the heart of busy downtown epicenter Union Square, a bustling farmers market is erected Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.. With ~140 farmers, fishers and bakers peddling their offerings, local, seasonal goodness is abundant. Grab a hot apple cider and a doughnut, indulge in freshly made goat cheese, pick up a pumpkin to carve, sample raw honey -- whatever floats your boat. Be prepared that the market gets busy, especially on Saturdays -- it’s a favorite of New Yorkers and tourists alike. Slice Out Hunger October 8 What’s better than pizza? A pizza party! What’s better than a pizza party? A pizza party for a good cause! Slice Out Hunger is New York City’s biggest pizza party on October 8th, and 100% of proceeds go to Food Bank for NYC. Tickets are a dollar a pop, and can be exchanged for a slice of ‘za. Buy multiple tickets and get multiple slices, which we’d recommend, as past pizza purveyors have included city favorites like Motorino, Forcella and Rubirosa. Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade October 25
Labradors and terriers and beagles, oh my! Halloween costumes aren’t so scary when they’re donned by dogs. From dachshunds disguised as hot dogs to more unconventional attire (2013’s parade saw a Great Dane dressed as Walter White), you’re bound to see some festive hounds at this entertaining annual event in the East Village.
Village Halloween Parade
October 31
The notoriously rowdy Village Halloween Parade has transformed this downtown Manhattan neighborhood into a festival of costumed shenanigans for 40 years. It starts at 7 p.m. and heads north up Sixth Avenue to 16th Street, featuring puppets, musical acts, dancers, artists … and you. That’s right, if you’re not content with being a bystander, you’re free to join in! Costumed participants can line up south of Spring Street and march north.
CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival
October 21-25
CMJ Music Marathon (October 21-25th), featuring emerging artists (mostly of the indie variety), started in 1980 in just a handful of venues around the city. Today, CMJ virtually takes over concert venues downtown and in Brooklyn. Those with badges can show-hop, but even if you don’t have a badge (which will cost you a pretty penny), you can opt to purchase tickets for shows a la carte -- some showcases are even free. It’s a unique opportunity to rub elbows with music industry heavy-hitters, up-and-coming artists and fellow music fans. And, who knows which of the acts you’ll see will be propelled to “next big thing” status in 2015. In 2004, a relatively unknown band played a CMJ showcase in the Lower East Side. They’re called Arcade Fire. Boom.
Celebrate Oktoberfest
Bohemian Hall
Radegast Hall & Biergarten
Zum Schneider
Studio Square
Spritzenhaus
With a plethora of beer gardens spread across its boroughs, it’s no surprise that New York does Oktoberfest right. Try Bohemian Hall in Long Island City, Queens, to experience New York’s oldest beer garden. Partake in the pig roast at Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s Radegast Hall and when you’re finished, walk 10 minutes north to sit by Spritzenhaus’ indoor fireplace. The Oktoberfest celebration starts on September 27th at East Village Bavarian beerhaus Zum Schneider, and it’s complete with giant pretzels and costumed waitstaff. Long Island City’s Studio Square, a 30,000 square-foot venue, will play host to a ticketed Oktoberfest celebration with drinking games and a live oompah band, among other perks.