There’s a restaurant in almost every category in this American city. For an unforgettable dining experience in NYC, you can head to any of these wonderful restaurants:

1. Gage & Tollner

Gage & Tollner already had a great reputation as one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn before it closed in 2004. The fame it enjoyed for more than a century was hard to let go. So, a group of three pros from the hospitality industry came together to revive it.

Finally, Gage & Tollner reopened in 2020, much to the delight of its patrons. This place is worth visiting for its decadent offerings. Another good feature of this restaurant is that the seats in its bar are reserved for walk-ins.

2. Dhamaka

Dhamaka is one of the best new Indian restaurants in New York City. It offers delicacies that you’ll rarely find on the local menus. A few such dishes include the Champaran Meat and Gurda Kapoora. The group that operates this restaurant continues to open new venues. One such restaurant is Rowdy Rooster, which serves NYC’s best new fried chicken sandwich.

3. Crown Shy

This restaurant has managed to retain its warm and inviting atmosphere ever since it first opened. Crown Shy began its operations in 2019, serving great cocktails and dishing out some mouth-watering treats. It has an elegant ambiance, which shows off its splendor without coming across as intimidating. Make sure you try gruyere fritters, garnished Crown cocktails, and roasted short rib when you visit this restaurant.

4. Kochi

Shortly after its opening in 2019, Kochi was awarded a Michelin star. The success of this restaurant led Chef Sungchul Shim to open a five-star restaurant called Mari in late 2021. The dishes prepared in the restaurant have been inspired by the cuisine of the Korean royal court.

A $75 meal at Kochi would give you the chance to try some lip-smacking items. They include rice cakes, baby-blowfish tempura, and pear and black sesame ice cream.

5. Rezdora

Dining at this restaurant would seem like a new culinary experience. Rezdora was created by chef Stefano Secchi in 2019 after his stint with Osteria Francescana in Italy. One of the most exciting aspects of this restaurant is a $98 regional pasta tasting. It’s quite tough to get a reservation during weekends at this restaurant. Instead, you must try a weekday lunch if you want to ease in and enjoy the delicious food.

6. Sushi Nakazawa

Sushi Nakazawa is one of the city’s best sushi restaurants. It offers an elegant environment for its customers with black leather swivel chairs and sommeliers in perfect dark suits. You’ll also hear the soundtrack of classical strings playing in the background. The 20 palate-changing courses include sea urchin, fatty tuna, and yellowtail. When you’re in the dining room, you’ll get to savor these treats along with sake pairings.

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Besides the best options in drinks, some of these bars have a pleasant ambiance. Apparently, there’s something for everyone in the bars of New York City. So, let’s explore some of the city’s bars where you can unwind with your favorite drinks:

1. The Long Island Bar

Many in the city like to come to this bar for its excellent selections of wine. The Long Island Bar has been operating for five decades under the same name. Such is the bar’s popularity that it tends to fill up fast with patrons. Even the outdoor seating is not enough to accommodate the overwhelming crowds.

You might have to wait for your turn as well. However, it’s worth it, considering the bar’s offerings of world-class gimlets, beers, and martinis.

2. Mace

This bar first opened in 2015 and then moved to West 8th Street. Ever since it first started serving its customers, Mace has become one of the favorites. It got a little more room after moving to the new location, facilitating outdoor dining. The bar has a 27-foot zinc bar and an elegant and cozy interior.

You can try the spice and botanical-forward cocktails during your time spent in Mace. They might be among the best frozen drinks you’ve ever had.

3. Sunny’s

You’ll love the booths and long bar that make up the environment inside Sunny’s. This much-favored bar is one of the most in-demand destinations in New York City. People arrive here to listen to some twangy live music in the back and side yard. Although there’s a full bar in Sunny’s, they’re also skilled in creating their own beer.

4. Bemelmans Bar

You’ll find the original murals of Ludwig Bemelman in this bar. He was a famous illustrator of novels and children’s books, best known for his illustrations in Madeline. Enjoying your favorite cocktails in this bar can be quite expensive. Those who’ve been frequenting this bar mostly like the JFK Daiquiri and Aviation cocktails.

5. Clover Club

One of the finest among the restaurants and bars of Smith Street, Clover Club has been operating since 2008. Whether you’re a regular of this bar or visiting it for the first time, you’ll love this place. It makes you feel comfortable with its elaborate cocktail menu and excellent seating arrangements.

It has a Victorian feel to it, with all those vintage sofas, intricately-crafted tiles, and a fireplace. At its center is a mahogany bar where you’ll be served the soothing drinks. Don’t forget to order some delectable items such as chips fried in duck fat.

6. Good Judy

Ever since this glossy bar opened in 2020, it has become a favorite of many from the queer community. They come together in groups and have an excellent time drinking cocktails and savoring the pretzels. Upon entering through the narrow facade, you can find half a dozen seats at the bar. You’ll also come across a patio in the back and a piano lounge upstairs.

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All these boroughs have their unique features and attractions. New York is also one of the cities that has a rich history and culture. Besides all such facts that most people are aware of, there are some that you probably never knew. Let’s go through them right here:

1. The Empire State Building gets over 23 lightning strikes annually

Among the world-famous landmarks of New York City is the Empire State Building. It is visited by millions of individuals annually. Did you ever know that it is struck at least 23 times by lightning each year? Well, that’s a fact. However, the building has not suffered considerable damages owing to these bolts of lightning. It was engineered in such a way that it can withstand all such lightning strikes. An engineering marvel, indeed!

2. There are more than 50 million books in the New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is the second-largest library system in the United States. Of course, the largest library system in the country is the Library of Congress. The last count of books in the New York Public Library was 55 million. Along with such vast number of literary collections and artifacts, it has several other astonishing things. Among them are locks of hair from some of the famous writers such as Walt Whitman.

3. New York City has more than a quarter of North American bird species

There are nearly 800 bird species in the North American region. About 230 of them are found across the five boroughs of New York City. Central Park is the place where most of these bird species can be spotted. This makes the park one of the best places for bird-watchers.

4. NYC Federal Reserve Bank has the largest gold storage in the world

There are huge quantities of gold in the New York City Federal Reserve Bank. It is located in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District. The amount of gold that New York City Federal Reserve Bank holds is the world’s largest gold storage. Held within the bank are more than 7,000 tons of gold bars.

Costing about $90 billion, they are stored in a vault 80 feet below the ground. The amount of gold stored here is equal to five percent of mined gold in the world.

5. New York City houses the first underground park in the world

Located on the West Side of Manhattan is the world’s first underground park. It has not been opened to the public yet, as it hasn’t been completed owing to lack of funds. This park is called Lowline, while the elevated park located in Manhattan is called Highline.

6. The Grand Central Terminal has a ‘whispering gallery’

This is yet another astonishing fact about New York City. The Grand Central Terminal features an area called ‘whispering gallery’. This is where people can stand on opposite diagonal corners and hear the words whispered to each other.

7. The New York City Subway system is the world’s largest

Featuring 472 stations, the New York City Subway is a quick and easily accessible public transport system. It is not only the country’s largest rapid transport system but also the largest in the world. This is the lifeline of most New Yorkers. Yet another interesting fact about this subway system is that it is also the Western hemisphere’s busiest rapid transport system.

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While making your plans, it would be a good idea to consider its most interesting annual events. Here, we’ve tried to include some of the best events that take place in this city every year:

1. The New Year’s Eve celebrations

Just like many other places in the world, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with great zest in NYC. However, the celebrations that take place in Times Square is perhaps the most spectacular. A million people or more come together at this square beneath a large ball. The dropping of this ball is watched by over a billion people across the world. This thrilling event also includes live performances and lots of confetti.

2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

This parade attracts more than three million spectators. It is also watched by over 20 million viewers on television. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features marching bands, floats, giant balloons, and even Santa Claus. In this city, the day of Thanksgiving is synonymous with the return of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. So, you can imagine how significant the parade has become over the years!

3. St Patrick’s Day Parade

New York City hosts the oldest and largest parade of St Patrick’s Day in the world. This event takes place annually on March 17. On this day, the Fifth Avenue of Manhattan comes alive with the chorus played by bagpipers. About two million people cheer in excitement and the green shades that they wear turn this event into a visual delight.

4. The US Open Tennis Championships

Nearly 700,000 people attend the US Open Tennis Championships every year. The fierce competition that ensues between the players is something that’s worth watching. For tennis lovers, this would be a great spectacle. It begins on the last Monday of August every year.

The US Open Tennis Championships is the biggest tennis tournament held in the United States. It is a more contemporary form of the US National Championship, founded in 1881.

5. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Every year, thousands of people gather to witness the lighting of New York City’s most magnificent Christmas Tree. This event is also watched by millions on television. It comes shortly after Thanksgiving and is truly a big occasion for the New Yorkers. The lighting remains until the New Year’s Day, so don’t worry if you miss the inaugural lighting.

6. New York City Pride

New York City is also home to the world’s biggest Pride celebration. All through July, the city hosts a series of special events that celebrate LGBTQ art, history, and activism. The event culminates in a spectacular parade, which is full of glitter, attractive wigs, and rainbow flags.

You can head to The Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village to enjoy a drink or two. This bar is considered to be the LGBT Center and the place where Pride was born.

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Today, the presence of these bands have taken the local jazz scene to greater heights. Here, we’ve made a list of a few such jazz bands you’ll get to see in New York City:

1. The Jazzlanders Band

The Jazzlanders Band specializes in several forms of jazz music, such as bossa nova, swing, and samba. It was founded by the professors and alumni from the Berklee College of Music. This band has given some fabulous performances and recorded with the greats of the music industry.

Some of the prominent musicians the band has recorded with include Quincy Jones, Tony Bennett, and Cassandra Wilson. The Jazzlanders Band can be found performing at some of the major venues across the United States. The band is originally from Boston, but they have now made Brooklyn their home.

2. Avalon Jazz Band

This band was formed by Tatiana Eva-Marie and Adrien Chevalier. These two musicians formed Avalon Jazz Band with the aim of sharing their love of French jazz with the Americans. Their music is largely inspired by the Parisian jazz scene of the 1940s.

Those were the days when Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt had popularized jazz in Paris. Today, you can find them performing at most popular venues in New York City. Some of the famous venues where they’ve performed are The Rum House and Le Cirque Cafe.

3. Oh La La!

The name of this band sounds quite interesting. They’re a traveling band, which features Marie Michele who has a sultry voice. She is one of the key members of this retro jazz and French band. While listening to their music, you’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time.

Oh La La! has been entertaining the jazz lovers in this city for many years. They can give some delightful performances in multiple genres, such as Blues, jazz, and Soul.

4. Unidos Latin Jazz

This is yet another band that can play music of multiple genres. However Unidos Latin Jazz specializes in reproducing and infusing music from some of the famous jazz icons. The band has reproduced the music of legends like Mongo Santamaria, Horace Silver, Tito Puente, and Cal Tjader.

A collaboration of professional musicians, Unidos Latin Jazz combines jazz standards with Latin rhythms. This provides some unique musical experiences for their listeners.

5. Ted Hefko and The Thousandaires

You’ll find Ted Hefko and The Thousandaires playing regularly at Brooklyn’s The Way Stations. They’re a jazz and blues band with a New Orleans funk. The lead performer of this band, Ted Hefko, is originally from Wisconsin. At the age of 18, he took a Greyhound bus to New Orleans to pursue his passion.

After a string of successes in the Big Easy, he made his way to New York City in 2003. This was the year when he formed the Ted Hefko and The Thousandaires band.

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One of the reasons is that the rising rents have pushed artists and independent venues towards these areas. Despite such latest developments, you’ll still find the legacy clubs and concert halls mostly in Manhattan. If you’re looking for the best venues for enjoying live music in the city, consider these options:

1. Bowery Ballroom

This venue would surely give you some classical vibes. The facade of Bowery Ballroom dates back to the early 20th century. Overlooking the floor is a wrought-iron balcony, while you’ll find a separate bar in the basement. This is an excellent venue to enjoy the major pop and rock acts. On most nights of the week, you’ll get to enjoy the performances of some talented upcoming artists.

2. Avant Gardner

Located in Brooklyn, this fascinating complex has an open-air dance floor called Brooklyn Mirage. This newly redesigned venue mostly comes alive during summers. You’ll be able to enjoy some of the biggest electronic music shows in Bushwick at the Avant Gardner complex.

3. Elsewhere

Elsewhere offers a variety of live events ranging from live music performances to DJ nights. The spaces where such events are hosted include the Hall and Zone One. Upon visiting this venue, you’ll find three stages spread out across three floors. It is also worth mentioning that the rooftop of Elsewhere becomes an exciting open-air venue each year starting in May.

4. Kings Theater

Kings Theater is one of the rare music venues in Brooklyn that hosts historic tours on Saturday afternoons. Today, it is a place where you can watch musicals, concerts, and several other shows. They mostly feature the indie bands belonging to the A-list.

This theater located in central Brooklyn was constructed in the 1920s. It draws some inspiration from the Paris Opera House and the Palace of Versailles. You’ll be impressed by the architecture of this place as it features an elegant terracotta facade, high-flown archways, and 80-foot ceilings.

5. Nebula

This would be an ideal venue for enjoying EDM parties. Nebula features 27-foot ceilings and a huge floor space. It is one of the latest clubs in the city with a major focus on the dance floor. Nevertheless, you’ll find some private rooms for rent in their basement. They have their own light displays and sound systems that are ideal for groups to party.

6. Sultan Room

Sultan Room is home to a carpeted mezzanine around a tight floor used for the dancing folks. It is a small but charming venue with a stage backed by a wall of stained glass. Also attached to the space is Turk’s Inn, which is a quaint-looking restaurant. The performances hosted in Sultan Room range from acts of rising R & B stars to the jazz bands.

7. Webster Hall

One of the official landmarks of NYC, Webster Hall has been around since the late 19th century. During those times, it was a venue for organizing rallies. In recent times, it has turned into a music venue. You’ll find an array of live music events being hosted in its spacious hall.

It will give you the feel of being inside a stately theater. Here, the parties go on well past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays with some fabulous DJ sets.

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You’ll come across many bars and restaurants that give you some immersive experiences. Every day of your tour would be an opportunity for you to discover something new. We’ve listed some of the exciting activities here, which you can try while you’re in NYC:

1. Take a helicopter tour of the city

One of the fun things you can indulge in while exploring New York City is a helicopter tour. It would be a thrilling way to witness NYC’s famous landmarks. You’ll also be delighted to see the awe-inspiring sights of Hudson River and its bay. Flying above the skyline in the helicopter would allow you to enjoy the panoramic views in a relaxed manner.

2. Experience indoor skydiving at iFly Westchester

Looking for some more thrills? Head straight to iFly Westchester to enjoy skydiving without any dangers. This indoor skydiving facility has a themed wind tunnel. It allows you to get a feel of skydiving minus the risks involved in the actual activity. You don’t need to do any jumping or be concerned about bad weather. It would also be an exhilarating experience for kids if you’re in the city with your family.

3. Get a ride on ‘The Beast‘

You can enjoy splendid views of lower and midtown areas of Manhattan with a ride on The Beast. This luxury jet boat will make you hold on to your hat as it zooms past the New York Bay. This is certainly one of the most unforgettable things you’ll get to do in New York City.

You’ll also appreciate the live music that plays during the boat’s journey. Don’t forget to keep your smartphone or digital camera ready. You’ll get to click some cool snaps of the Statue of Liberty from The Beast.

4. Watch a Broadway show

You’ll be missing something from your NYC tour if you don’t watch a Broadway show. After all, it is the heart of the performing arts scene in the city. It would be an experience like no other with a variety of worldwide musicals to choose from. Some of the popular shows include The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, and The Book of Mormon.

5. Access the catacombs of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral

You’ll get the right doses of thrills by exploring the catacombs of the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Upon buying a ticket for this spooky tour, you’ll get access to the off-limit areas of the cathedral. This 90-minute walking tour would take you deep into the cathedral’s underworld. The entire tour would be conducted with candlelight, which makes the experience even more chilling.

6. Enjoy a ride on the horse-drawn carriage at Central Park

A ride around Central Park on a horse-drawn carriage would truly be a mesmerizing experience. You’ll get to hear the clip-clopping of the horses’ hooves during the tour. You can either take this tour with your family or group of friends or the other like-minded travelers. Each of these carriages can accommodate four individuals. Among the attractions that you’ll pass by are the Dairy and Strawberry Fields.

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The licensing fee would cost $500 million. Additionally, a minimum investment of the same amount in the property would be needed. Among those in the race to get in on the action are billionaire sports team owners and celebrities.

The challenges

The applicants will need to present their vision, which has to be suitable to the state. They’ll also need to convince at least four of the six members in the advisory committee about its suitability. More importantly, their vision needs to meet all the environmental and zoning regulations. They’ll also be required to prove that they are capable of executing their plan.

Those who are a part of the gambling committees in the state legislature are optimistic about the plans. The gambling magnates and real estate developers want to bring the casino games to the five boroughs. They also want to bring them to the New York City’s northern suburbs and Long Island.

The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council has been pushing for this move since quite a long time. However, amid all the optimism there are fears that representatives of progressive neighborhoods in the boroughs might cause delays. They’re the ones who want to make sure that the voices of constituents are heard.

Besides, those seeking the licenses will need to go through an application process. They’ll be required to complete all the required formalities before they can begin constructing their gambling and leisure complexes.

What people are saying

Representatives of the people in New York City are of the opinion that casinos won’t be accepted by many. Some communities have opposed the proposed casino sites in key areas of the city. It is clear that some residents don’t want any potential issues related to casinos in their neighborhood. One also considers the fact that casino development plans have never received a wider community support.

Many kinds of gambling are legally approved in the state of New York. What most residents don’t want is the expansion in gambling activities. They’re concerned about issues such as addiction and its negative effects on the families. Those who support the expansion plans believe that the projects won’t suit the neighborhoods where they would be built.

They support such projects mainly because of their potential to create jobs for the local residents. Besides, the new casinos will also bring tax revenues in addition to the jobs. Since their opening, the upstate casinos have managed to bring in over $800 million in tax revenue.

The online casino scene in New York

The casinos in the state of New York currently offer online action through social casinos. They are totally legal in the state. While online casinos like Bovegas, are not legal in this part of the world, one can play social casinos online. They feature slots and table games for free and don’t involve real money. These casinos also give players the opportunity to win actual cash prizes through free entry tokens.

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When you begin exploring this city, you’ll find that it has an abundance of art and culture. When the sun goes down, it wakes up to the night sky with bright lights and an exciting nightlife. Here are some of the popular attractions you must never miss while getting around in NYC:

1. Statue of Liberty

This is the statue that has given New York City its identity. One of the most famous attractions in the world, it is a symbol of freedom. It was a gift to the United States of America from the French people. The statue is located on the Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It depicts the Roman goddess of liberty holding a torch in her right hand.

In her left hand is a tablet with dovetail handles. It has the date inscribed in Roman numerals as July 4, 1776. At her feet is a broken shackle with chains. Today, it has a greenish appearance owing to the oxidation of copper, which was used in its construction.

2. Central Park

Located in the heart of Manhattan borough is Central Park, one of New York City’s largest parks. More than 40 million people visit this beautiful urban park every year. This makes it one of the most visited parks in the world. It covers a vast area of 843 acres and is home to many attractions.

Some of them are of historical significance, such as the Belvedere Castle and Blockhouse. You’ll also find artificial lakes, wooded areas, and meadows in Central Park. After your busy sightseeing schedules, this park would give you the perfect atmosphere to unwind.

3. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Popularly called ‘The Met’, this is the world’s largest museum and an absolute delight for art lovers. It is also one of the most recommended places to visit in this city. The museum houses more than two million pieces of art, including sculptures, paintings, and historical artifacts.

While exploring The Met, you’ll also come across some interesting musical instruments, armaments, and costumes. The museum currently has 20 permanent collections, which comprises mostly of medieval art. The museum also hosts regular events, seasonal exhibitions, and family programs.

4. World Trade Center

The entire world watched the images of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. It destroyed the previous twin towers of the complex. The first new building was later rebuilt and opened in 2006. The National September 11 Memorial and Museum’s memorial buildings were rebuilt and opened to the public in 2014.

The entire complex is still in the rebuilding process. Adjacent to the site is an elevated Liberty Park. It is home to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. A visit to the new World Trade Center is one of the highlights of any New York City tour.

5. Times Square

Popular with the locals and tourists alike, Times Square is a fascinating place. It is a commercial intersection between the Seventh Avenue and Broadway. You might’ve already seen Times Square many times in the movies and on television. The entire area is a grand show of advertisements and billboards.

It has been a favorite of more than 50 million folks who’ve visited this place before. So, this is one particular attraction you must not miss. Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, this would be an excellent spot to click some memorable photos.

6. Empire State Building

Opened in 1931, the Empire State Building has been gracing the city’s skyline for decades. Your trip to NYC, therefore, would be considered incomplete without a visit to this grand building. The opening ceremony of this building was attended by more than 350 guests, including Franklin D. Roosevelt. The building lights were turned on during the opening by President Herbert Hoover.

Many big corporations have their offices in this building owing to the prestige associated with it. You’ll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observatory deck, which is on the 86th floor. The free audio tour would make your visit to this building even more exciting.

7. Rockefeller Center

This massive complex has been named after John D. Rockefeller Jr., an American financier and philanthropist. It is a massive complex of 19 commercial buildings spread across 22 acres in Midtown Manhattan. Among the 19 buildings, 14 have been built in the Art Deco style. There are three observation decks, including the one called ‘Top of the Rock’.

You can savor the unobstructed views of New York City’s skyscrapers from this observation deck. Among the many things that add beauty to the center are the outdoor gardens. An excellent fusion of art, style, and entertainment, the center has every bit of what NYC has to offer.

8. Brooklyn Bridge

This cable-stayed bridge links the Manhattan and Brooklyn boroughs with each other. Upon its construction, the bridge was considered an architectural marvel. You’ll need at least an hour to complete a one-way leisurely walk across it. Brooklyn Bridge was built in 1883 with steel cables and granite towers.

For more than a century, it has been providing a safe passageway for trains, cars, bicycles, and the public. You’ll also get to witness the amazing views of Brooklyn, the Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan from this bridge.

9. High Line

Maintained by a non-profit organization called ‘Friends of the High Line’, this is an elevated linear park. It is located on the West Side of Manhattan and extends to 1.45 miles. You can take a pleasant walk through the garden during your visit and explore several things.

Among them are the artworks, performances, and delicious food. This would also be an ideal place to strike a conversation with the other visitors. High Line has become an inspiration globally for the cities that want to transform unused spaces for public welfare.

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