Carissa Chesanek

If you like hearty, home-cooked meals that are consistently good (who doesn't?), then Pappardella is your jam. Located on the Upper West Side close to the Museum of Natural History, this Italian hotspot has been going strong for 40 years, serving its local clientele and tourists, too. 

Siting inside Flatiron’s The New York EDITION hotel, the Lobby Bar is pure elegance. Matching the overall stylish and historic feel of the building itself, which dates back to 1909 with its iconic clocktower, this upscale watering hole is one worth checking out.

In the middle of the hustle and bustle, you’ll find PHD Terrace sitting high atop Dream Midtown. It’s a tourist destination for sure, due to its prime location and overlooking Times Square, but one a local can also get behind. 

In between the hustle and bustle of Midtown and the large crowds spilling out of Penn Station, you’ll find Alligator Pear. The charming new restaurant is tucked away from the chaos of the area and offers a relaxing but hip getaway that'll take you far away from the city.

As a comedienne, matchmaker, writer, and fitness instructor, Olivia Atwood is pretty busy. Her latest project, Liv, LIVE, is Atwood's Off-Broadway debut and set to run at the SoHo Playhouse in July. We sat down with Atwood to discuss her unique background, her love for comedy, and her upcoming show we can't wait to check out. 

If you’ve been to odo in Flatiron, you know the place is legit. The 14-seat chef’s counter serving up kaiseki cuisine created by chef Hiroki Odo is not a Michelin-starred restaurant for nothing. Now there is a new bar behind the chef’s counter that is definitely worth checking out. Meet odo lounge, your new go-to for everything Japanese whisky.

Nestled along bustling Eighth Street in Greenwich Village, you’ll find Shmoné, a brand-new concept from Israeli chef Eyal Shani. The chef who brought some of the best contemporary Israeli food to New York City with restaurants that include HaSalon, Miznon, North and Naked Tomato, Shmoné (pronounced “shmo-neh” which translates to ‘eight’ in Hebrew) is a welcomed newcomer to the area, as it’s already been nominated for a Michelin in the New York Guide for good reason. 

Located on the corner of W 105th Street and Broadway, you'll find The Ellington, a charming neighborhood joint serving contemporary American fare. Bustling with locals, the vibe is welcoming while the atmosphere is pleasing with warm lighting and brown tones providing a down-to-earth tavern feel.

Benjamin Prelvukaj and Benjamin Sinanaj both came to New York from Europe and began working as waiters at Brooklyn’s Peter Luger Steakhouse. It was there that they met and learned the ins and outs of running a successful steakhouse, driving them to join forces and eventually open their own. We sat down with Prelvukaj and Sinanaj to chat about their restaurants, steak, and how they got to where they are today.

Located at the Fox Tower in Foxwoods Resort Casino, you'll find the fun and enticing Red Lantern. Enter through the large red doors as you make your way inside a darkly lit space in black leather and dark wood with 66 red lanterns hanging above.

Over the weekend, Jamaican rapper and singer Sean Paul wowed the audience at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Premier Theater in Mashantucket, CT.

GG Toyko is a trendy Japanese cocktail lounge and restaurant nestled between Nomad and Murray Hill serving up innovative drinks and dishes in an art-splashed space. We got a chance to chat with Papic about his career and GG Toyko for our 'Master Mixologist' feature.

The Highlight Room recently opened atop the Lower East Side Moxy Hotel where it sits 16 stories above the city.

The Silver Lining Lounge recently opened at the Moxy Lower East Side bringing with it an alluring cocktail lounge and piano bar in an intimate setting.

Inside the luxurious Soho Grand Hotel, you’ll find the equally stunning Grand Bar and Salon. This bar and lounge is nestled right off the lobby near check-in and makes for the perfect spot to grab drinks whether you’re a hotel guest or not.

Inside the stylish Roxy Hotel New York in TriBeCa, you’ll find its signature bar and restaurant, featuring an interior of impeccable design paired with a bustling atmosphere. Roxy Bar is open for weekday breakfast, dinner, happy hour, and weekend brunch. No matter when you go, you're going to have a good time.

Tucked away from the bustling street on the Lower East Side, you'll find the newly opened Yo+Shoku, a cozy nook that blends traditional Yoshoku cuisine with hints of Eastern European flavors and techniques.

Des Moines is the final play written by the late Denis Johnson, a legendary author, and playwright, and recently opened at Polonsky Shakespeare Center in Brooklyn. We spoke with Heather Alicia Simms, who plays Mrs. Drinkwater, about what it's like to be in this show, the challenges that came up, and why it's important that this play is out right now.

Gail Tierney recently produced the sketch show Nearly Dying with co-writer (and best friend) Paola Sanchez Abreu on the mainstage at Brooklyn Comedy Collective. Now, the two will be holding an hour-long sketch show in January, bringing more laughs during a much longer set.

Inside Washington Height’s brand-new Radio Hotel, you’ll find Jalao NYC, a vibrant Dominican restaurant serving traditional cuisine.