New in NYC
Ok, well not new in NYC, but new for me in NYC. I’ve been to NYC plenty of times. I love coming into the city, eating everything, and getting out. But I’ll be honest, I have my rituals. A bagel and shmear at Ess-a-bagel, pastrami sandwich at Katz’s, maybe a visit to Zabars. This time though has been mostly new spots. I’m not sure if it was because I was ready for something different, where I was, or the schedule. Either way it was fun.
The Muse hotel
This was not the hippest, or fanciest, or the anythingest spot. For me the best way to describe it was functional. I do love when things are functional.
The location was great. A block from time square, but not noticeably crazy. Two blocks to the subway, and so many other great things nearby.
There were no real amenities but so much available in the surrounding area. There was no coffee in room (or anywhere in the building that I could tell), however there was a hip spot across the street, Starbucks a block away, Blue bottle 3 blocks away, etc. There was no restaurant, bar or room service, but the Irish pub next door had good food (served late), good drinks and good service.
The room was far from the smallest I’ve been in in New York, in fact it was borderline spacious. The bed was comfortable, the shower had good pressure, and it was quiet. Too many New York rooms sound like you are sleeping outside so this last bit was huge.
Lastly the staff was super friendly and helpful.
If you want an experience, this is not the place. If you need somewhere to rest after a long NY day, this is a great spot.
Location 4.5/5
Room 4/5
Staff 4.5/5
Amenities 2.5/5
Overall 3.75/5
130 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
https://www.themusehotel.com/
Mitr Thai
I am often weary of Thai restaurants. Far too often they are bland and westernized and nothing like the real deal. However I love it and always go back. Mitr Thai was conveniently located around the corner from where we were working.
We went for lunch so the vibe was noticeably laid back but it had an upscale feel. They had a very nice lunch menu that was reasonably priced and included a tasty side salad. The real winner for me was they had my favorite dish that is not super common - Khao Soi - a curried noodle dish from northern Thailand. The food was tasty and the portion was just right for lunch.
Food 4/5
Ambiance 4/5
Staff 4/5
Overall 4/5
37 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
http://www.mitrthainyc.com/
Bunna Cafe
My sister has never taken me to the same place twice, which I suppose isn’t hard in New York. When she asked what I was in the mood for she shot down my first choice, so I suggested Ethiopian. Without hesitation she suggested Bunna Cafe.
Amazing. Ordering was simple because they had a platter for three. We each got a helping of every dish with a healthy portion of the delicious sour bread. The flavors were delicious, the portions were spot on, and the stomachs were happy. The space was very comfortable and the staff very friendly. 100% will go again.
Food 5/5
Ambiance 4/5
Staff 4/5
Overall 4.5/5
1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237, United States
https://bunnaethiopia.net/
Vital climbing gym
For a second I had to take a second look around to figure out if I was in a climbing gym or a tech startup. It felt very fitting for a bouldering gym in Brooklyn.
Once I got past the 4 mile long coworking table and the apple Genius Bar style front desk, the gym was awesome. It was spacious and bright. The terrain was carried and the route setting was solid. They use the vague color system similar to Austin bouldering project which I am not a fan of. Own your grading. Besides when I’m warming up I don’t want to get on a V2 that might also be a VB! Ok, rant over. They had an aerial class that took over part of the bouldering area which was a bummer, but there was plenty to pump out on. Unfortunately it was far too cold for me to try the rooftop outdoor bouldering.
The training area was legit. They had a tension board and a kilter board, along with a tread wall. The weight area was complete, and of course there was slack lining.
In my research for this piece I also discovered that they are open 24/7 to members, not that I want to climb at 3a but you do you. The other thing I found was that it shows real-time gym capacity. For me I love this. I avoid the gym when it’s crowded if possible, so this is huge! Only other thing I need is for gyms to say when they are setting so you know not to come and be disappointed that your favorite wall is closed.
Overall this was a legit gym and I will definitely visit again. At $35/day it is definitely a commitment, but mostly worth it. All they are missing is a barista. Get with it!
Walls and setting 4.5/5
Location 4/5
Staff 4/5
Amenities 4/5
Overall 4/5
221 N 14th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
https://www.vitalclimbinggym.com/
McCarthys pub
Our neighborhood pub. When I arrived at the hotel I was hungry after a long day of travel and asked about food. They explained that there was no restaurant or room service, however the pub next door had good food and the kitchen was open late. Enter McCarthy’s pub.
Let’s be clear this is no Michelin rated dining. The food is reliable, tasty irish fare. Good selection of dishes that don’t break the bank (at least by NY standards).
The staff was super friendly and started to recognize my team that I was with. They were attentive and funny and happy to help.
There was a decent selection of beers on tap and a full bar. Best of all it was a short walk back to the hotel.
Food and drink 4/5
Staff 5/5
Ambiance 4.5/5
Overall 4.5/5
Blue bottle coffee
Ok, blue bottle is nothing new. However it was nice that there were lots of locations serving consistently good quality coffee and pastries. Something I found unique was that one of the locations I visited the default was oat milk which was a fun change. It is nice to see places embracing alternative diets.
What grinds my gears, and not unique to the NY locations, is they need to stop trying to make Gibraltar a thing… it’s a Cortado!
Drinks 4.5/5
Food 4/5
Staff 4/5
Overall 4/5
Ten Thousand Coffee
Another NY coffee let down.
I stumbled on Ten Thousand Coffee while walking to the book store. This was another perfect example of don’t judge a book by its cover. The space was lovely with nice touches. Various seating options but nothing too comfy to keep you around. My hopes of a good coffee were quickly crushed. The coffee flavor was meh and the foam was clearly not made with love. I may as well have been at Starbucks.
The final straw, something that grinds my gears, is it is cashless! I can understand not accepting cards, but not accepting cash?! The icing on the cake is the cash tip jar. Hah! I won’t be going here again.
Coffee 1.5/5
Food
Staff 2/5
Ambiance 4/5
Overall 2/5
1410 Broadway Unit 105, New York, NY 10018, United States
https://10000coffeeus.com/
Rizzoli bookstore
I had been previously gifted a couple of gift cards to this bookstore and the original plan was to order online. While packing for this trip I found them and thought it would be a great activity.
Rizzoli was not the most extensive selection, it really is hard to compete with Powells, but everything they did have was very good. The space was nicely laid out and not overly claustrophobic like some book stores.
If you need a book and are in the area, this is a quality stop for some reading material.
Offerings 3.5/5
Staff 4/5
Ambiance 4/5
Overall 4/5
1133 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, United States
http://www.rizzolibookstore.com/
For Five Coffee
I had to stop at For Five as it was the most convenient coffee spot relative to the hotel. Not only was it close but it looked promising. It had all the makings of a good coffee shop. The decor was on point, the machines looked fancy, and the staff hipstery. Unfortunately it didn’t quite deliver. I’ll say it wasn’t bad just underwhelming. It felt like the staff didn’t quite take pride in there product.
The cookies looked really good, but I wasn’t in the mood at the time. The coffee was good and did the trick but if I went back it would be because I needed something quick.
Coffee 3/5
Food
Staff 3/5
Ambiance 3/5
Overall 3/5
117 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
There will be always be a never ending supply of new places to check out in New York, its part of what I love. I am always happy to visit, walk around and see what I find, and then go home and get away from the chaos. Until next time New York….
PS. Any spots I should check on the next visit comment below