If New York City specializes in just one thing, it may be the caliber of its after-work opportunities.
Providing a meal after a long day isn’t enough; in New York, that meal must push boundaries, maybe open the door to a different culture or reveal a new level of craft on familiar fare. Mixing a drink is insufficient; that drink must be inventive, playful, and maybe offer a skyscraper view to boot.
Here are recommendations for where to eat, drink, and seek out theater, art, and music in NYC.
Where to Eat and Drink
On first glance, it may appear that Midtown Manhattan is flush with chain restaurants and quick pizza slice joints, but there are food and drink treasures to be found in this neon neighborhood if you know where to look.
In Hudson Yards, those seeking a taste of New York will find an authentic version at Russ & Daughters 34th St. ($, 502 W. 34th St.). This outpost of the beloved Lower East Side appetizing shop delivers all the bagels, bialys, smoked fish, and caviar of its downtown stop in a convenient Midtown location.
To sample the food of a James Beard Award-nominated chef in an elegant setting, get cozy at Greywind ($$$, 451 10th Ave.), a sleek restaurant known for its green market-driven menu with plenty of options for vegetarians plus a memorable rotisserie chicken. Another downtown outpost in Midtown form, Dear Irving ($$, 310 W. 40th St.) brings its craft cocktails from Gramercy to the Hudson Rooftop at the Aliz Hotel. Come here for skyscraper views with your predinner cocktail.
Craving spicy fare in Midtown? Excellent Thai restaurants are found along Ninth Avenue. Squeeze into cozy tables at Zoob Zib Thai Authentic Noodle Bar ($$, 460 Ninth Ave.) or LumLum ($$, 404 W. 49th St.) to get a taste of the neighborhood’s range of authentic fare from Thailand.
Those willing to hop in a cab or utilize the subway to explore beyond Midtown may want to satisfy a seafood craving at Hav & Mar ($$, 245 11th Ave.) in Chelsea (don’t miss the raw bar), or sample one of Rome’s most famous pizzas in the West Village at Roscioli ($$,
43 MacDougal St.).
Where to Find Art, Theater, and Music
It’s a strong year for celebrities on stage, with several popular mainstream actors appearing on Broadway.
For a musical, head to the historic Hudson Theater to see Daniel Radcliffe (of “Harry Potter” fame) in a revival of the Stephen Sondheim play “Merrily We Roll Along” ($$, 141 W. 44th St.). Those who prefer drama may opt to admire the acting skills of Jeremy Strong—of “Succession”—and Michael Imperioli—of “The Sopranos”—in “An Enemy of the People” ($$, 235 W. 50th St.), a Henrik Ibsen play. A smash hit when it premiered in 2015, “Hamilton” ($$, 226 W. 26th St.), a musical based on the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, is now accessible without advance planning (or eye-watering ticket prices).
In the mood for art instead? Manhattan’s art scene is abuzz when the Whitney Biennial ($, 99 Gansevoort St.) opens. Museum members can access previews of this show of contemporary American art by younger or lesser-known artists from March 14-18; it opens to the general public on March 20.
For a touch of nostalgia, head to the Morgan Library ($, 225 Madison Ave.). This architectural landmark is worthy of a visit at any time of year, but the current exhibition of art, books, and manuscripts of beloved English author Beatrix Potter provides another reason to plan a visit. Impromptu entertainment can be found nightly at Winnie’s Jazz Bar ($$, 63 W. 38th St.), a cocktail bar and live music venue with nightly jazz performances and no cover charge. — Jessica Colley Clarke
