I just discovered this Lower East Side gem a few days ago. Think old fashioned ice cream parlor… but new. Reinvented. The flavors are crazy unique (When we went we tried and loved the Salted Caramel Pretzel, Raw Milk, Salt and Pepper Pinenut, and Angel Food Vanilla). The toppings, stored in glass apothecary jars (way cool), are equally amazing. The caramel was some of the best I’ve tasted.

I don’t like using the world “cute”, but this Greenwich Village cupcake shop totally is. You can enjoy your cupcake on one of the few swings they have lining their counter, or grab a board game and sit at a table to relax. The cupcakes are totally legit as well. I’m a fan of their peach cobbler, ron bennington (chocolate pb), and… oh gosh, they are all amazing!

three guys that worked at Iron Chef Marc Forgione’s restaurant branched off to create this lower east side gem. It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially after a few drinks. All the fillings are really fantastic (and they even have a vegan black bean option that is legit), and definitely top it cheesy (cheese sauce, sour cream, and pickled jalapeno relish).

you wouldn’t think a Jew from Long Island would end up becoming one of the world’s leading experts on ramen. After his creative and unique ramen blew up big time in Tokyo, Ivan Orkin brought his ramen to NYC in two locations. It’s darn good. And looking for something different? Try one of his mazemens, which is less brothy than the traditional ramen.

a more classic, traditional approach to ramen, Ippudo serves up perfect bowls of the stuff every time. I love the spicy one. There are two locations, one in the East Village and right in the Times Square area.

home to the best falafel in NYC, Taim has an incredible falafel sandwich. It’s my buddy Tyler’s favorite sandwich in the city. There are a few locations scattered around the city.

a NYC icon, this fast food joint (with many locations) is a must for locals and tourists. Get the Shack Stack, which is a burger topped with a cheese-stuffed fried mushroom. And don’t you dare even try to leave without getting a Concrete, which is made with their super thick, creamy, and rich custard. Just do yourself a favor and skip the shakes… they are mediocre at best.

Snug stop for hand-rolled bagels with smoked fish & cream cheese toppings, plus coffee & sandwiches.

the bagels are actually just okay, but you are here for their lox sandwiches (with scallion cream cheese)… and they are legendary. Russ & Daughters is a super famous Lower East Side establishment that’s been in business for 100 years. That’s a long time to be on the top in NYC. And expect a line… there is always a well-deserved wait for these sandwiches.

Quirky little restaurants hidden inside of Bushwick's art district

A quick Google search will indicate the nearest $1 pizza joint. New York is littered with them, and they are amazing.

These days, the city is littered with a wealth of pork buns -- but the often imitated, never duplicated OG bun is surprisingly simple: steamed bao, roasted pork belly, cucumbers, and scallions. The proportions are perfect; it’s savory and sweet; and it puts food market copycats to shame.

April Bloomfield’s first nose-to-tail gastropub is essential for serious carnivores. Renowned for its hefty cuts of tasty, local meat, this place is trading in the best of the best -- like the beer-and-apple-braised pork shoulder with roasted mashed potatoes

Forget artisanal bacon and farm-fresh eggs -- the real-deal NYC breakfast is a greasy bodega bacon, egg & cheese. There is no hangover it can’t cure.

Every Thursday night (Every night of the week, but Thursday/Friday are the busiest nights), galleries in New York throw opening receptions for various new shows. These events are great for meeting new people and experiencing upcoming artists and different mediums. Go gallery hopping and discover the art critic in yourself! (Pro tip: they never ID for the free wine.)

Described on their website as, “Part circus, part astrological mysticism, and part quirky homestead”, this venue is the perfect place to go to see some of the best live bands in Brooklyn. Check their calendar for varying show age restrictions and ticket sales

Located right in Greenwich Village, Gonzalez y Gonzalez is the perfect place for salsa dancing and guacamole eating (and has an inexpensive cover charge).

Caravan of Dreams is a romantic bohemian style cafe in East Village that serves as the perfect place to experience delicious vegan cuisine in an intimate environment full of live music every night.

Ellen's Stardust Diner is a classic dining experience where the waitstaff takes dinner and a show to a whole new level. This place is perfect for groups who can't help but sing along to their favorite show tunes.

Bowlmor Lanes provides clients with the chicest bowling experience possible. The Manhattan locations are at Chelsea Piers and in Times Square. Go to Bowlmor with a group for a guaranteed good time at any age

Get your culture on at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe with live works of literature, music, theater, performance art, poetry slam, hip hop, and visual art presented by people of all backgrounds. This is the perfect place to go if you're looking to fall in love with a handsome, brooding poet over a fresh cappuccino.

The cafe directly above the Brooklyn Academy of Music lobby hosts a weekly performance series featuring everything from Spoken Word and Jazz to Afro-pop and Experimental music. Join in on Thursdays and Fridays for live music, and Saturdays for the dance parties.

The Hell's Kitchen venue hosts EDM parties every weekend for those 18+ and is known for having huge DJs, so be prepared to dance.

What was originally a nightclub, is now owned and operated by The Bowery Presents and serves as one of New York's best music venues.

doubles as home to a top notch 19+ nightclub and host of concerts for all ages, making it one of the most popular venues for the underage masses to find a good party.

The venue serves as a concert hall, dance club, and lounge allowing for a diverse schedule of events.

This basement speakeasy has an elegant 1920s feel, and if you can reserve a table, it’s perfect date-night material. Candlelight lends a sexy glow to the cozy, leather-lined booths, and if you order the “Bartender’s Choice,” the bartender will make a custom cocktail based on your tastes. Get there late and you’ll likely find a jazz trio stationed at the piano.

The thin-crusted bar pizzas at this beloved Staten Island tavern may be its best-known feature, but it’s much more of a neighborhood bar than a pizzeria. Now nearly 80 years old, Lee’s remains family owned, and on any given day you'll find the bar filled with longtime regulars. There’s no sign outside because no one needs it, everyone knows this is Lee’s.

Employees Only was one of the city’s first not-so-secret, super-popular NYC speakeasies, and it’s a favorite among bartenders and other industry folks, thanks to a kitchen that’s open ‘til 3:30am. It’s the sort of place that inspires devotion: Every bartender here has the Employees Only logo tattooed on them, and even barbacking is a coveted position.

This sprawling Astoria spot is not only the city’s oldest beer garden, it’s also one of the biggest with friendly crowds, affordable drinks, and a great outdoor space. The grilled brats, schnitzel, and $18 pitchers of beer are great year-round, but the bar really hits its peak when the weather is warm and you can settle in for an afternoon at one of the many picnic tables outside.

might not quite accurately describe the vibe at this Nolita bar, which is a hot spot for online entrepreneurs and biz folks. It has hosted the Obliterati Internet Week party for three years running and is known for being a new media hub.

If you’re looking for a more casual and relaxed bar in the upscale Meatpacking District, home of Google’s New York offices, look no further than the Gaslight Lounge. You can get everything here from a classy cocktail to a slice of pizza, and with multiple lounges and a dance club, you can rub elbows with New York’s finest in whatever setting you choose.

is a trendy spot right in Midtown, where you’re just as likely to see a celebrity as you are to bump into an entrepreneur. It’s a great place to grab a networking drink or set up shop with your laptop and some Stumptown Coffee, and if you’re feeling like striking up a conversation with a stranger, you just never know who you’ll meet.

These openings are a great way to meet NYC locals. You will meet everyone from gallery owners to portfolio managers