Neapolitan Food in New York

A few years back, my mom and I visited Southern Italy. It was my first time there. Not hers. She lived in Florence in the eighties and spoke the language. It came in handy when ordering at cafes and yelling at motorists, both of which we did quite often. We rented a little apartment in Naples and took day trips to Sorrento, Pompeii and Capri. In all their glory, these tourist destinations had nothing on the fresh, cheap food we ate on the busy streets of Naples every evening. In addition to a suitcase full of olive oil and cheese, I brought home a newfound appreciation for Italian food. I learned rather quickly that it’s more than just a meal, it’s a lifestyle.

It sounds extremely cliche and I will try my best to avoid the American abroad routine. But there is something so special about shopping for fresh produce and cheap wine every day. In an effort to bring the a taste of the dolce vita back to home, I created this restaurant guide. Join me today as I uncover Naples in New York.

Porto Rico Importing Co.

Starting off strong (literally), we’re heading to Porto Rico Importing Co. Run by the Longo family for over three generations, they have been a staple of the Village since 1906.

Walking in, you’re greeted by bags upon bags of coffee beans and the warm smell of espresso. The small shop operates as both a retail and a made-to-order location. You can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. I opted for a cappuccino on this visit. But they strike a great balance between Italian classics and American alternatives.

While sipping, you can browse their impressive selection of bulk beans, loose leaf teas and other imported goods. They have a few locations across Lower Manhattan, but their original spot on Bleecker Street is a real institution.

Olio e Più

In an unpopular take, pasta is rarely my first choice at an Italian restaurant. Fresh antipasti and a brick oven pizza will always have my heart. Luckily, Olio e Più does it all quite well. 

Danilo Galati, the executive chef behind this trattoria grew up cooking with his grandma in their coastal town of Imperia. It’s clear these cherished moments are incorporated into every dish at Olio e Più. 

On this cool night, I shared a table of spaghetti carbonara, a beautifully cooked ribeye and two pizzas: bufalina and san daniele. Family style of course. Conversations flowed like wine. And of course wine flowed like wine. What more could you ask for? 

Dessert.

Ferrara Bakery

Arguably the best dessert item I had in Naples came in a jar. The rum baba. It’s a tricky little thing to find in New York, especially at a sit down restaurant. Enter Ferrara Bakery.

Nestled amongst the inevitable tourist traps of Little Italy, this spot is the ideal distance to walk off dinner and re-button your jeans. Ferrara is another family owned addition to the city’s rich pastry scene. They are still running the same Grand Street location they opened in 1892 and boy do they deck the halls during the holidays.

If you try anything in this guide, let it be their rum baba and sfogliatella. Brioche soaked in rum and pastry shell filled with ricotta and candied fruit, respectively. Don’t fret, they also have the other classics like tiramisu, cannoli and a lovely selection of gelato.

Now, it’s worth noting that there is no shortage of incredible Italian food in New York City. My choices today barely scratch the surface.

The Bronx’s Little Italy deserves its own guide. Neapolitan pizza alone deserves its own guide. And these are coming as soon as my wallet and waistline can afford it. Until then, let’s take the time to sit and sip and savor together.

Sincerely, the Itinerary New York Team

Sleepy Hollow Day Trip

In quite the unoriginal take, there's something truly exceptional about the first crisp morning of fall. It’s both an invitation to reflect and to refresh. To open your windows and trade stale air for cool breezes. To bring your light jackets out of storage. The ones you can only reasonably wear a month out of the year.

On this particular morning, it was not light jacket weather. It was, instead, an unseasonably warm Sunday in September. It was fall in nothing but the name. I left my apartment; dog and boyfriend in tow. We were trying our very best to catch the 9AM train out of Grand Central. There are few things that will get me out of bed this early on a weekend. A day trip to Sleepy Hollow, New York's famously haunted suburb, is one of them. For the past three years, when the trees begin to blush copper and yellow, we make the pilgrimage north. It has become somewhat of a tradition at this point.

Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are neighboring villages nestled along the Hudson River. During the off season, they're quaint commuter towns. Nothing more. But come fall, something shifts. Perhaps it’s the Headless Horseman making his ghastly return. Or Washington Irving running his annual PR campaign from beyond the grave - located conveniently in the nearby cemetery. Either way, these two local celebrities have kept The Legend of Sleepy Hollow alive and well since its inception over two hundred years ago.

Across the Hudson Valley, tourism has soared to new, post-pandemic heights. Sleepy Hollow is one of many nearby enclaves to grapple with an influx of visitors. Like us, many are coming directly up from the city, but others still are flocking from out of state. New York City's crackdown on Airbnb listings and the subsequent surge in hotel prices are redirecting some tourists to look for cheaper lodging in New Jersey and Westchester County. Local economies are loving the extra money; locals themselves not so much. This conundrum is hitting autumnal towns hard as crowds come to a peak during the cooler months. Across the Northeast, hubs like Salem, Massachusetts and Mystic, Connecticut share in the struggle. It puts an entirely new spin on spooky season.

We arrived at Tarrytown Station. It’s an hour trip on MetroNorth, with scenic views of the river and an almost guaranteed row all to yourself. Exiting the train, we huffed it up the hill to Main Street. Right on cue, the air began to chill. 

Main Street is lined with trees and seasonal decor, a fitting blend of florals and foliage. Offset by historic buildings, it’s home to a range of shops and restaurants. Thrifts, antiques, bookstores, bistros, and of course, coffee. I’ve experimented with a few different cafes in Tarrytown and keep coming back to Coffee Labs Roasters. Expect a line out the door.

Coffee Labs Roasters

Coffee Labs Roasters is eclectic and cozy. It features all the things you like to see in a local coffee shop: exposed brick, funky art on the walls, and a few themed drinks. I ordered an iced Great Pumpkin. From my understanding, it was just iced coffee with pumpkin spice and the milk of your choice. Marco got an iced chai with some flavored syrup. Both were massive; indulgence in surplus. Something for the coffee drinker and the boyfriend of the coffee drinker. Perfect. Done.

Founded by Mike and Alecia Love, the award winning shop has been around since 2003. The Loves work to ethically source their beans, partnering directly with farmers in El Salvador, Honduras and Hawaii, to name a few. They frequently visit such coffee projects, welcoming growers back to share the production cycle with New York communities. They just opened a second location this year in Eastchester.

24 ounces of sugar and caffeine was a prerequisite for what was to come next. Every September, Sleepy Hollow kicks off the season with a massive street fair. Beekman Avenue is overtaken by food vendors, artisans, entertainment and games, attracting crowds upwards of 20,000 (almost double the town's population).

A left on Broadway takes you directly over to the festival, past even more storefronts, the library and the high school. All beautiful, old buildings. The school's mascot is the Headless Horseman. You really can't beat that. Jack-o'-lanterns and giant skeletons line the street, the best display by far being in front of the local funeral home. The entire town has truly bought into its namesake. They are in on the joke.

We bobbed and weaved our way through the street fair, stopping every so often to peruse homemade wares and ogle the odd headless impersonator. Devoid of such festivities, Beekman is still more than worth a stroll. The streets of Sleepy Hollow proper are older than Tarrytown. Gritty and charming.

October and November offer a host of activities, like guided cemetery tours, weekly farmers markets, haunted hay rides and more. Their events calendar has everything covered. The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is at the top of my list for next year. Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins are illuminated against a backdrop of the Van-Cortland Manor.

Today, our sights were set on Bridge View Tavern, a local institution. No reservation, we hopped on line thirty minutes before their noon opening time - a tip I got after calling to see if they allow dogs. They do, by the way.

Bridge View Tavern

Bridge View Tavern sits atop a hill, overlooking the Tappan Zee, the nearby walking bridge spanning the Hudson. Sweeping views from the dining room highlight the Palisades Cliffs and the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse. It's an American standby. A stone inlaid exterior gives way to wooden paneling. They have a great, big, old bar with local beers on draft. Marco opted for a sour IPA with hints of apple cider donut. Very on brand.

We were seated in their covered patio section and served promptly. The Harvest Salad came out first, a festive assortment of candied walnuts, cranberries, goat cheese and walnut mint dressing, served atop mixed greens. Then came the entrees. Panko Chicken Scampi and a Bacon Jam Chicken Sandwich, a recommendation from the server. It was all delicious, a blend of hearty and tangy with a hint of spice. That said, I would’ve mixed things up with an order of French Onion Soup or a burger. Their bison and elk burgers did catch my eye. Next time.

Bridge View doesn’t rest on its laurels, despite being deserving of them. It’s to the point, no-nonsense in the best sort of way.

From start to finish, the service was phenomenal. Everything came out promptly despite how busy they were. We, and the hundred or so others on line, got the full spiel on the tavern’s history and how they’ve been adjusting to the recent uptick in visitors. As a business, very well. As a town, not so much. Some residents avoid getting prescriptions the entire month of October. Others have to "get in line" to enter their homes. Others still are looking to move altogether. Mounting concerns of safety and wellbeing beg the question, are tourists always worth their tourist dollars?

After lunch, the three of us meandered along the waterfront; something I strongly suggest. Walking towards Philipsburg Manor, you pass the aforementioned lighthouse and Kingsland Point Park, a beautiful green space flanking the river. It's also a great opportunity to see some of the neighborhoods. Be warned, this is a long walk, about two miles all said and done. This was the first year I ditched a fall getup, heeled boots and all, and finally accepted my inevitable fate of embracing athleisure. Especially for day trips.

Philipsburg Manor and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery are located within blocks of each other. Both mentioned in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, they are two of the town's most prominent attractions. The must-sees, if you will.

Phillipsburg Manor was, at one point, the heart of Sleepy Hollow. Prominent Dutch settlers during the eighteenth century, the Phillipse family established the manor's mill and trading post. These promoted regional farming and commerce, growing the town into what it is today. Visitors can opt for a paid tour, but walking the grounds and exploring the nearby Rockefeller State Park Preserve are completely free. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop.

Also free, the cemetery is hallowed, yet oddly inviting. It's sprawling: the hills dappled with old-growth trees and crumbling gravestones. Elaborate mausoleums are home to notable families like the Chryslers and the Rockefellers. I like to think they were fond of Washington Irving's work and chose their final resting places accordingly. Big fans.

Now comes a fork in the road. You have two choices ahead of you. If you’re spent and cannot fathom another fall-themed excursion, the nearby Philipse Manor station serves MetroNorth back to the city. On the other hand, if you could go for a seasonal scoop of ice cream, I have one more suggestion on your way out of town.

Main Street Sweets

I know ice cream isn't top of mind for autumnal desserts. Most would gravitate instead towards something fruity and fresh out of the oven. Just trust me. It's the perfect way to close out a day. Especially a day spent walking around in sweaters, scarves and seventy degree weather. The new standard of fall temperatures, so it seems.

We stopped at Main Street Sweets on our walk back to Tarrytown Station. As the name implies, it's situated right on Main. You really can't miss it. The shop is classic, with just enough space for a line of people and a few tables in the back. Opened in 2000, it's owned and operated by a mother and her two daughters. They serve a variety of sweets, everything from baked goods to milkshakes, and of course homemade ice cream. I tried their Sweet Cream Apple in a waffle cone and Marco their Mint Chip. It was some of the best ice cream I've had in a while. Something about the same familiar combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and apple, but in frozen form, was the perfect way to close out the day. I barely had time to snap a few pictures before booking it to the station.

Maybe it was the heat. Or the exhaustion. But 20,000 steps and two scoops of ice cream later, I was destined for a fantastic nap on the ride home. The true mark of a good day trip.

That's exactly what Sleepy Hollow offers: a good day trip. It's affordable and accessible. Cultured and just the right amount of campy. Like a Gilmore Girls, Tim Burton crossover episode. You walk a lot and eat a lot and take a lot of pictures and can still make it home at a reasonable hour. The same can't always be said for TikTok's "Top Fall Getaways Outside NYC." Don't get me wrong, I love apple picking and pumpkin patching as much as the next gal. But, too often they require a friend with a car or a friend with a trust fund. Or both.

For all Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow bring to the table, and amidst their ongoing and warranted city-slicker strife, I think being a responsible tourist is important. Shop locally. Tip well. Be nice and aware of your surroundings. Maybe let someone cut in front of you at the pharmacy or to get back into their home. I don't know. Just try not to lose your head.

• Transit

  Out of the city, you can catch the MetroNorth Hudson Line from Grand Central Station, with a few additional stops in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. You can either stop at Tarrytown or Philipse Manor station. Assuming you’re traveling on the weekend, off-peak tickets are $11.25 per-person, each way. I recommend downloading the TrainTime app to view schedules and buy tickets.

• Pricing

  Train tickets and restaurants aside, this is a no-spend day trip. The landmarks are largely free to visit and the entire town is decked out so it can be fun to walk around and window shop. There are certainly paid options, like guided tours or souvenirs, but these are extras. Paid guided tours and Ubers are there for you, but for the most part unneeded.

• Bathrooms

  Warner Library
  These are usually a little busy, but are located in the center of town.

  Phillipsburg Manor
  There are two bathrooms inside the gift shop. I suggest going downstairs, there is rarely a line.

  DeCicco & Sons
  Bathrooms are located upstairs on their second level. It’s a cool space overall with lots of snacks and seasonal treats.

  Kingsland Point Park
  Will do in a pinch.

• Back Up Restaurants

  To start your morning, another great option is Muddy Water Coffee & Cafe, located on Main Street in Tarrytown. Like Coffee Labs, they too have some pretty solid seasonal items and a line out the door. Their food menu also looked more expansive.

  If you can’t snag a seat at Bridge View Tavern, I absolutely loved Mint Premium Foods. The Mediterranean inspired restaurant served a mean squash and truffle burrata and a cozy cup of butternut squash soup. Right across Main, I also liked Sweet Grass Grill. On Broadway, I’ve been meaning to try Horsefeathers and Lefteris Gyro.

  For something sweet that’s not ice cream, Noble Pies is another solid option. As you can see, Tarrytown seems to be the culinary center here.

Sincerely, the Itinerary New York Team

NYC Restaurant Week

I walked into Vallata, a little bistro off Union Square, and sat down at the bar. Defeated. The usual suspects of New York in August had gotten to me. The train. The heat. The hustle. It felt as if everyone and their mothers were in the midst of a Euro summer. They were beachfront in Portugal indulging in tinned fish while I was packed in like a sardine on the subway. Same thing, right?

The closest I was getting to a Euro summer was the watermelon spritz and plate of delicate aperitivo bites that arrived in front of me at the bar. A few sips in and my mood began to soften. The chatter of loved ones reuniting after work filled the room. One by one, my friends trickled in off the street to do the same.

We were guided to a large table and welcomed with complementary champagne and a prix fixe menu. A three course meal was usually off the table, but not today. It was Restaurant Week in the city. And besides, we were celebrating. My dearest friend was newly engaged.

Restaurant Week is an unsung hero of New York’s culinary scene. For a few weeks every summer and winter, the five boroughs are graced with curated lunch and dinner menus. I admittedly hadn’t partaken prior to this year. It felt a little too rich for my blood. Come to find out it’s an incredibly good deal. We’re talking multiple courses for $30, $45 and $60 a head.

Hundreds of locations participate in the bi-annual tradition. Big players like Delmonico’s Steakhouse and Gramercy Tavern are definitely worth checking out, but naturally, they’re on the pricier side. The real beauty of Restaurant Week is in the understated. Itinerary New York has put together our favorite high end, low spend spots to visit this year.

Maison Pickle

$30 Three Course Lunch • $45 Three Course Dinner

What

Maison Pickle (and their sister restaurant Jacob's Pickles) have made quite a name for themselves on the Upper West Side. A corny name, sure, but a name nonetheless. They are doing American food right. Huge portions, strong drinks and decadent desserts. Maison Pickle has deviated from the southern comfort style of their sister location and opted for something a little more French. Their starters were fresh and innovative, with d'olived eggs and a chilled watermelon salad. While they're known for their French dip sandwiches, the nicoise salad was almost more satisfying with huge slices of seared ahi tuna atop fingerling potatoes and a bed of greens. They save the best for last here, though. The 24 layer cakes, chocolate or vanilla confetti, are made in-house and are well worth the up-charge, a phrase you won't here me say often. Prepare to leave with a to-go box.

Where

Maison Pickle is a standout in Upper Manhattan. They're located on the corner of 84th Street and Broadway, just a block away from the 1 train. It's the perfect meal after a day at Central Park or the Natural History Museum. Bring a date, bring your family, either way bring your appetite.

When

This deal is only running through tomorrow, August 17th. If you can't catch them this weekend, don't fret. Maison Pickle hosts Mini Martini hour weekdays with drink flights and cheap eats.

Palo Santo

$45 Three Course Dinner

What

Tucked away on a side street in Brooklyn, Palo Santo is a hidden gem through and through. The pan-latin restaurant takes up the first floor of a quaint brownstone. Ushered in through the lush front entry, it almost feels like you're stopping by a friend's place for a home-cooked meal. Their limited menu is printed daily; each dish full of warmth and spice. The ceviche and zucchini salad started the meal off on a refreshing note. But the real star of the show were the entrees. The pato en mole poblano served duck two ways, roasted and braised. The grass-fed skirt steak was simple yet tender and perfectly seasoned. For dessert, it was a toss up between the coconut tres leches cake and the chocolate pecan bread pudding. Each in their own way capture the blend of established and experimental that Palo Santo is going for.

Where

Palo Santo is located in the charming neighborhood of Park Slope. While you're there, visit the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens in Prospect Park or spend the day window shopping up and down Fifth Avenue. For easy transit, catch the R train at the nearby Union Street Station or head to Atlantic Barclays for any line under the sun.

When

Their Restaurant Week deal is running through August 31st. Their prix fixe menu isn't going anywhere at the end of the month, though. They also serve a three course dinner for only $49 nightly.

Vallata

$30 Two Course Lunch • $45 Three Course Dinner

What

Dining at Vallata was most definitely the highlight of my Restaurant Week experience. From the moment I stepped inside, champagne and hospitality were flowing. There was an exquisite attention to detail throughout the entire evening. The simple plate of olives and cheese were a lovely addition to my drink at the bar. An the genuine and attentive nature of the entire staff was so evident. Since we were such a large group, I had the opportunity to sample a good range of their Restaurant Week menu. The top contenders were the whipped ricotta with peaches and lemon verbana, the skirt steak, the campanelle pasta with n'duja sausage, and finally the olive oil cake for dessert, topped with vanilla ice cream and flaky sea salt. Celebrating with friends will always make for a fun night, but Vallata made it electric.

Where

Centrally located in Manhattan, Vallata sits on 19th Street between Broadway and Park. The unassuming exterior is easy is miss, but step inside and you're whisked away by soft music and romantic lighting. From great shopping to laid back bars, there are no shortage of nearby recommendations. Just head to Union Square when you're ready to catch the train home.

When

This deal is also running until the end of the month, August 30th. Their regularly scheduled programming is also exceptional, with $12 drinks and complementary bites during aperitivo hour.

For most of us, the prospects of a Euro-summer are dwindling fast. Hell, the closest we might get is a prix fixe menu in one hand and a spritz of some sorts in the other. We're stuck, instead, with the flash flood warnings and non air-conditioned subway cars of New York City in August. It can feel daunting to battle the trains and the heat and the hustle for a meal out with loved ones. Especially a meal with multiple courses. But maybe this is exactly why Restaurant Week comes in the dead of summer. To remind us to slow down and indulge, to find a little taste luxury in everyday life.

Sincerely, the Itinerary New York Team

Long Island City Speakeasies

The speakeasy is a funny thing. The city is littered with them. Just a rotary phone call away, hidden behind false doors and bodega fridges. As a concept, they sit precariously between gimmick and whimsy. But, the best dining experiences are just that. An experience. The speakeasy has this down to an art.

At first thought, Long Island City doesn’t scream nightlife. As of late, however, the waterfront neighborhood in Queens has become a bit of a socialite. It’s making a name for itself in the niche bar scene, with a handful of proper speakeasies within walking distance.

This evening, we’ll be heading to three of them. These spots all have something in common, besides a low profile. They share the central theme of music. I’m not talking about a DJ booth and a vibey playlist set to shuffle. We can sample Japanese pop hits at one bar and enjoy hip-hop greats at another. Join me for a taste of culture and your drink of choice in Long Island City.

The Infamous

As dusk hits, a single door opens on the bustling corner of the Court Square Station. A stop away from Manhattan, this hole-in-the-wall is easy to walk right past. Never mind the oddly hype-beast nature of it’s retail counterpart Extra Butter, the Infamous is a classic dive. Sticky floors, good deals and a total of five tables. Exactly as it should be.

We’re here early to take advantage of the Infamous Hour. Monday through Thursday from four to seven, drinks are reasonably priced. Think New York ten years ago. Their cocktails are each named after hip-hop and R&B tracks from the nineties and early oughts.

A few friends and I shared great conversation and one too many rounds of La Schmoove – rum, rosemary, passionfruit, and blood orange – with some regulars.

The entire bar is an homage to Mobb Deep’s album The Infamous. Their cover art was originally photographed less than a mile away in Queensbridge Houses, the country’s largest housing projects. It’s painted front and center across the outside of the bar as you walk in.

56709

If I’m going to spend $19 on a singular cocktail, it better be hidden behind a fried chicken shop. And, that’s exactly where we’re heading next. A short walk brings you to Japanese pop bar, 56709NYC. They opened this month, inheriting the intimate space behind Gulp, a Taiwanese counter-serve restaurant.

Step inside and head for the door in the back. Velvet curtains and bright, electric music quickly transport you to another world. This is a speakeasy done well. Magenta mood lighting reveals strong drinks and an even stronger vision. 56709NYC is bringing Japanese city pop to New York. The genre perfectly represents a blend of cultures, incorporating western influences like jazz and rock.

Their drink menu freestyles a range of classic cocktails. The Kaoru is an espresso martini of sorts, with vodka, hojicha and dark beer. The Pika Pika caught my eye as well – a rum base with tomato and mango.

The owners of 56709NYC noted anime and convenience store snacks as inspiring factors for the space. Naturally, we had to stop at the local Teso Life for potato chips before the last speakeasy of the night.

Record Room

A visit to Long Island City is never complete without a walk along the waterfront. Hunters Point offers clear views of the East Side and Roosevelt Island. It’s a refreshing nightcap. Alongside a real nightcap, of course.

Record Room is easily the liveliest bar of the bunch. Coffee shop by day, nightclub by night, it’s the real deal. They card, they pat you down, they recommend reserving a table. Otherwise its standing (or dancing) room only.

You’ll find all the usual suspects on the menu. Cocktails in the form of their “latest hits” and a few “hip hops” on draft. They too lean heavily into the musical theme, promoting themselves as an all-vinyl listening lounge. Rows upon rows of records line the walls. It feels alive with hazy red hues and happy people.

They also offer food until ten, a non-negotiable for the final stop on a bar crawl. And when you’re ready to call it a night, Grand Central is a stop away by the seven train.

Record Room is a quintessential speakeasy: swanky and experimental with rules and reservations. But in reality, a hidden bar can be just that. A dive you’ve walked past a dozen times before. Each in their own way, they offer a sense of inclusion and novelty. Something to spice up an average weekend.

It’s really this feeling of mystery we look for. Or at the very least, the allusion of mystery with a public Instagram and detailed instructions on how to get in.

Sincerely, the Itinerary New York Team

Mexican Happy Hours

Growing up, my dad and I were regulars at the little Mexican restaurant down the street from my house. Twenty-odd years later, I can still remember the pure joy I felt when a giant plate of chicken enchiladas, yellow rice and refried beans arrived at our table.

My hometown’s Mexican fare can’t compete with the Michelin stars and street vendors of New York. But these hidden gems often live up to their name. In a city of twenty-dollar margaritas and veritable tourist traps, I have struggled to find the rich food and rich moments I cherished so much as a kid.

Then, on one sunny afternoon this spring, a few friends and I discovered the trifecta. The East Village is home to a walking tour of three uniquely nostalgic Mexican restaurants. Located within blocks of each other, you can easily hop from one happy hour to another. Or settle into a cozy booth with pitchers and plates to share.

La Palapa

$6 Marg Tuesdays • $38 Pitchers Daily • $10 Happy Hour (4–7) • $42 Boozy Brunch

I’m always hesitant to suggest a bottomless brunch. So often, the food is subpar with the assumption you’ll be too drunk on cheap mimosas to notice. La Palapa is different.

Don’t get me wrong, they have mimosas. They also have margaritas – frozen or on the rocks – delivered promptly and generously to your table for ninety incredible minutes. Then coffee and bowls a fresh fruit.

On my most recent visit, I opted for an open-faced torta with queso fresco and pinto beans. My friends sampled everything from French toast made with bolillo bread and cinnamon syrup to classics like huevos a la Mexicana. Everything was solid, with big portions and patient service. To me, the mark of a good boozy brunch is a full glass at all times.

Brunch isn’t all that’s on the table at La Palapa. Enjoy street style tacos, indulgent mole dishes and a variety of seafood and vegetarian options.

Despite its trendy St. Marks location, this self-proclaimed cantina hails all the way from Mexico City. Owner Barbara Sibley was born and raised there. Inspired by her travels across the country, she has incorporated traditional Mexican flavors into every aspect of the menu.

Taqueria St. Marks Place

Drinks under $10 • Tacos under $5 • All the time

Quite literally one door down, Taqueria St. Marks is a time machine to LA in the early aughts. Prices and all. The cash only bar and restaurant is no frills in the best way possible. Festive string lights illuminate two floors of Lakers memorabilia and Dodgers games on TV. This might be a hard sell for some New Yorkers, but it’s nothing an $8 marg can’t fix.

There is admittedly no proper happy hour here. Instead, they make up for it by serving cheap food and drinks at all hours of the day. A few exceptional tacos and a beer will run you about $20. It’s the perfect place for a post-work drink or an actually fun group dinner.

St. Marks has seen a shift recently. Dive bars and tattoo parlors are gradually being replaced by al-fresco dining and niche dessert places. Yes, I’m talking about the churro shop that is most definitely a front for something.

There are still a few holdouts on the block, though. Taqueria St. Marks is one of them. At one point, their menus featured los diez mandamientos: the ten commandments. My favorites among them are “no strawberry-kiwi margaritas” and “no fancy menus with a history lesson on Mexico.” It captures a sense of modest authenticity I find so refreshing. In restaurants and otherwise.

Yellow Rose

Happy Hour (4-6, Mon-Thurs) • $5 Beers, $10 Cocktails and Cheap Bar Snacks

This wouldn’t be a nostalgic happy hour tour without some good, old fashioned Tex-Mex. As much as I love the real thing, sometimes there is nothing better than a mountain of nachos or a sizzling plate of fajitas. Don’t tell Taqueria St. Marks – three of their ten commandments were “no fajitas.”

It’s about a ten minute walk to Yellow Rose, just enough to work up what’s left of your appetite. The East Village newcomer was founded in 2020 by Dave and Krystiana Rizo. In a nod to their San Antonio roots, the couple blends South Texas recipes with local New York ingredients. It’s one hell of a combo.

To start, I like their smoked avocado dip and Shiner Bock beer queso. The Spanish rice arancini is also great, with a side of cilantro cashew crema. A few fan favorites among the tacos are the carne guisada and the humble bean and cheese. Each taco is served on a warm flour tortilla, made in house daily. It almost feels like gourmet Taco Bell; my sincerest compliments to the chef. 

Yellow Rose has created a really welcoming dining experience. We sat at a booth, under floral wallpaper and a collection of eclectic posters and photographs. The entire space feels warm and inviting, like you’re a part of the family.

Before you get the check, put in an order of the Texas sheet cake. Enjoy it in house or from your sofa in a drunken stupor.

There are plenty of happy hours across the city. The East Village alone is riddled with them. You can easily find a cheap beer and a deep fried basket of something or other. At its core, the concept is really about taking some time to unwind and be happy. A few friends and a few margaritas can’t hurt though. Take a shot every time I mention margs; it’ll make this a lot more entertaining.

Some restaurants in the city may transport you to the beaches of Tulum or the valleys of Oaxaca. There is a time and place for this, of course. To impress out-of-towners or celebrate a big moment. 

But let’s be honest, we’d all much rather be transported to the little strip mall Mexican restaurant a few blocks from home. 

Sincerely, the Itinerary New York Team