NYC: Midtown East “Manhattan’s Musts”- Restaurant Edition
Manhattan is FILLED with so so many restaurants….How do you ever pick which one to go to?! Although my time living in NYC was short, I found some true New York City staples for any occasion. For all my Brads & Chads, aka my Murray Hill/Kips Bay lovers, I am breaking down my favorite NYC restaurants in Midtown East.
BANC CAFÉ
MUST HAVE: Goat Cheese Croquettes. You won’t regret it.
A 3rd Avenue staple. Right on the corner, Banc Cafe is an eye-catching neighborhood restaurant that is actually set in an old 1920 bank building. Banc gives off this unique, casual yet elegant vibe that gives you all the feels of NYC. Great for some weekday happy hours 5pm-8pm ($7-8 glasses of wine!) and live music on the weekends (pre-covid).
Cross streets: On the corner of 30th and 3rd
HANDCRAFT KITCHEN & COCKTAILS
MUST HAVE: Burrata. I’ll never say no to burrata.
Looking to pop in somewhere for a fun cocktail? Check out Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails… Their name says it all! Their drink menu is filled with fun intriguing cocktails and if you love craft beers, check out their selection. More of a shot lover? Try their Pineapple Express Shot – This shot is made from soaking pineapple in clementine vodka for 14 DAYS! With all these drinks available, they have a boozy brunch on weekends from 12pm- 4pm for $20 unlimited brunch drinks.
Cross streets: In between 26th / 27th and 3rd Ave
RUBY’S
CAFÉ
MUST HAVE: A Bloody Mary. Ruby’s serves a very classic Bloody Mary, in nothing other then a mason jar of course.
Ruby’s is a fabulous spot for brunch/lunch during the week. There are 3 locations in NYC – Soho, Murray Hill, and East Village as well as one in Santa Monica, California. Their one-of-a-kind dishes are comprised of really refreshing ingredients which sets them apart from all the other restaurants. It’s a perfect spot for meeting up with a friend for lunch!
Cross streets: In between 30th / 31st and 3rd Ave
MACCHINA
MUST HAVE: The Instagram famous burrata pizza. I told you, I will never say no to burrata.
After stumbling upon Macchina on Instagram from their Insta-famous burrata pizza, I knew I had to try it. It was indeed as delicious as it looks. This cute and cozy Italian restaurant makes you feel like you’re sitting in a wine cellar. The ambiance is perfect with dark oak wood and candle lite vibes. I actually spent Valentine’s day here with my boyfriend and it was the perfect mix of elegant but not over the top; it was just what we were looking for.
Cross streets: In between 26th / 27th and 3rd Ave
BROTHER JIMMY’S BBQ
MUST DO: Beat your significant other in basketball – and take a picture to show it off!
So to be honest, I’ve never actually eaten food here, although you can smell the southern BBQ right when you walk in. Bro Jo’s is your typical fun bar scene with basketball, shuffle board, and skeeball. In fact, a bunch of my friends and I joined a Skeeball league. Yes, you read that right… Skeeball LEAGUE. Every Thursday we played against other skeeball-ers… and let me tell you, it was FUN. (If you didn’t even know that was a thing until just now and you’re intrigued, check it out here: https://nycsocial.com/leagues/skeeball/).
Cross streets: In between 31st / 2nd and Lex Ave
THE HORNY RAM
MUST HAVE: Build your own burger. Plenty of toppings to choose from - avocado to bacon - you can’t go wrong.
Heading a bit more uptown, The Horny Ram is a brunch go-to. The menu satisfies your typical brunch cravings, even more so if you have a sweet tooth – with their M&M Pancakes and Peach Brioche Bread Pudding. I’ve been here a couple times for brunch and they make sure your glass is NEVER empty. Totally worth the bottomless brunch deal ($22 for 2 hours).
Cross streets: In between 50th / 51st and 2nd Ave
KURANT
MUST HAVE: The crispy artichokes. You’ll thank me later.
I hate to say I am saving the best for last, but I saved the best for last. Kurant has definitely become one of my all time favorite restaurants… well, ever. This adorable wine bar, has amazing food and amazing wine. It’s dark vibes makes this restaurant super cozy. They have a bunch of small plate options, perfect for sharing, and pasta dishes that are too die for. If you’re ever in Midtown East be sure to check this place out!
Cross streets: In between 58th / 57th on 2nd Ave
Like I said, there are TONS of restaurants in NYC. Here are just a few I’ve visited and fell in love with. Every spot is different and good for different occasions - so hopefully if you were looking for a recommendation in the area you found it!