My NYC Little Black Book.
I have just about 13 years of hard earned insight, secret spots, favorites and tried and true vendors— and now they’re all yours! Forward this to your friend before their next trip to NYC.
I’ve been working on this for a few months, diligently compiling notes, “my little black book”— if you’re opening this, the day has come, and I’ve left NYC.
I’ll save you another speech about how much it’s changed since I first got here at 19… but it has! And I have too… while 24 year old me would give you recommendations for excellent dive bars, present day me is a little bit more interested in massages and matchas. Today, I’m going to try to give you a little taste of everything— what I love, what’s still standing, and what’s worth your time and money.
New York recommendations, I’ve found, are so deeply personal. I’ve read many a Substack recommendation here and thought “Really? That place?”
I am exposing my own very personal 13 years of hard earned insight, secret spots, favorites and tried and true vendors— and now they’re all yours! (No judgement, please!) Below the paywall, you’ll find…
NYC’s best (and most affordable) spa option— with a normal, non-celebrity price tag
The only thrift store actually worth its salt on this overpriced and overhyped island (and yes, I believe there’s only one)
The cute, clean, central and often affordable hotel I stay at when I’m a visitor to NYC
Where to find the best matcha in town
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners worth having across Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens
The trendy & Instagram viral spot you should absolutely never, ever, ever go!!
Forward this to your friend before their next trip to NYC or save it if you’re planning one of your own. And see you around— I’ll still be frequenting these places for years to come, no matter the commute! 🫶
Independent commerce isn’t totally dead in New York— mostly because vintage clothing shops are the antithesis to the clenched fists of private equity that have got most NYC storefronts in its grasp! My recs here are thrifting and vintage destinations, and I think you and the planet will likely be better for it.