So here are wih the second chapter of my ultimate guide to NYC life! I decided to write multiple chapters as I have too many things to suggest about New York City. Hope you enjoy the saga!
Previously on my NYC guide: Part 1: getting there, sleeping and eating
Today I’m going through the best places for breakfast, brunch and drinks. Feel free to ask me for more information about the City, I’ll be happy to help!
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- Breakfast
NYC’s Best Cappuccino, in the Greenwich Village: Sant Ambroeus. Pricey, but delicious.
Coffee, Cappuccino, Croissant, Pastries in the East Village: Tarallucci e Vino. They are next to Union Square. Everything is delicious, especially pastries. They even serve focaccia bread (which I love, being from Genova – it’s the only place in New York City where I found something similar to our typical focaccia).
Starbucks lovers? You will find a Starbucks pretty much on each block. Don’t miss the plain Ttall Latte and the Caramel Frappuccino with whipped cream… Reach heaven for less than 5 bucks!
If you’re looking for real fruit shakes, choose Jamba Juice (dealers scattered everywhere around the City). I often found that in other places they use awful flavoured powders instead of real fruit. Ewww…
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- Brunch
There are so many places for brunch, but I just want to suggest my favourite one ever: The Park, in Chelsea. It feels like you’re in a real garden, it’s so relaxing, and you’re next to the beautifiul Meatpacking District, the Highline, Chelsea Market and Chelsea Peers. What else do you need on a perfect sunday morning?

Chelsea Market
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The High Line
- Drinks: Lounges etc
Penthouse808 (Ravel Hotel Lounge): my favourite lounge ever, in Queens. Breathtaking view over Manhattan skyline and Queensboro bridge. No cover, not overpriced. Just don’t go in the weekends or it will be packed.

View from Ravel lounge
Ava Lounge: in Midtown, it’s the lounge of the Dream Hotel. Go on the outside terrace and enjoy the beautiful view over Broadway by night.
Rise bar at Ritz Carlton, Battery Park: view on Lady Liberty by night. Priceless.
The View – a revolving restaurant and lounge right in Times Square. You can see all the Midtown skyscrapers, and the way up itself, by glass elevators, is breathtaking.
Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Columbus Circle: this is my second favourite one, with an amazing view over Columbus Circle and Central Park.

The view from Mandarin Oriental
Hudson Bar (at Hudson Hotel, Columbus Circle) – just one word: DESIGN.
Gansevoort rooftop – pricey, unpleasant waiters. But they have a pool up there and sunsets over the Hudson are worth it!
Explore the Lower East Side with its trendy bars and clubs. For instance, The Pink Pony in Ludlow Street (literary cafe and cineclub) and Schillers in Rivington Street – as they state on their homepage:
The wine list consists of 3 wines: CHEAP, DECENT and GOOD. CHEAP is the best.
Don’t miss the Meatpacking District – I totally love that area. Most of my favourite clubs are right there. Buddha Bar (aka Ajna Bar), Buddakan, Spice Market if you are into ethnic style. Son Cubano if you prefer to dance to the Caribbean rythm!

Son Cubano
Last but not least, give yourself up to pleasure in the decadent style of The Bourgeois Pig, in the East Village – their chocolate fondue comes with a selection of fruit and cakes. Pair it with champagne and enjoy!
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So it seems like that’s all for today! Have you ever tried one of these places? If so, let me know what you think, or if there’s more you’d add to my list!
NEXT on Giuliadventures’ NYC life guide: shopping, museums, photography courses.
Stay tuned!
See also: NYC life Part 1 – getting there, sleeping, eating.
2 Comments
helpppppppp
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That’s just the information I needed. Thanks for posting!!!