A Case for Fribourg, Switzerland

Fribourg, Switzerland’s Peaceful Sarine River

Switzerland has a lot going for it: centrally located in Europe, compact in size, gorgeous, connected by an infamously reliable train network, and did I mention gorgeous?!

Known best for the massive alpine range, The Alps, covering 65% of its land, Switzerland draws mountain sport enthusiasts from around the world to its many resort towns. This impressive geologic feature has helped the country maintain a long history of tourism, and due to the multi-lingual residents (4 official languages!), it is always easy to connect with locals to ask questions. But what may be lesser-known about Switzerland, is the beauty within its cities and towns.

Of course you probably know of Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Basel, and Bern, which are already an impressive number of famous cities for such a small country, but the list gets longer when you think outside the box and consider towns like Lugano, Lausanne, Montrieux and Neuchatel. But for this article, let me make a case for one town that isn’t yet on many must-see lists: Fribourg.

Fribourg City as seen from Hotel Au Sauvage

Full disclosure: I spent a year abroad living in Fribourg, Switzerland, so I am partial. I was lucky to get to know Fribourg and many other Swiss towns, and for reasons unknown, Fribourg does not draw a tourist crowd. For you, this could mean an opportunity to explore a Swiss town not spoiled by crowds, where you’ll have a chance to get closer to local cultures and foods-- with zero lines!

Let me explain my top reasons for proposing you add Fribourg as a stop on your next Swiss adventure:

Central and Accessible

Fribourg is a stop on most express train lines travelling through Switzerland’s plateau, between Geneva and Zurich. This means that if you’re visiting Switzerland and board a train at either major airport, there’s already a train waiting that will bring you to Fribourg in just a few stops. Fribourg is also quite centrally located in the country, just 20 miles from the capital city of Bern.

Older House Facade in Fribourg

Preserved Medieval Town

Fribourg is easily accessible, but more importantly, it is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Switzerland. Situated on a sharp turn in the swift river Sarine, Fribourg was built at this enviable location not to create the gorgeous and compact peninsula town we see today, but because it could be easily defensible. This unique geographic position results in dramatic viewpoints that often include river, bridge, village, and cliff all in a single point of your camera.

Walkability

As you would in any new place, you will want to attempt to walk as much of Fribourg as possible. This way you can stop to admire the historic tavern signs, the hand-forged door bell pulls, decorative shutters, and leaded glass windows. Much of this is precious (and instagramable) detail is in the old lower city, near the river.

If you dare, attempt walking some of the steep wooden and stone stairways shortcuts scattered all over town; the best being Escaliers du Collège, Stalden, and Escalier du Court-Chemin.

Fribourg City Hall as seen from the Escalier du Court-Chemin

The highlights on your visit can be seen all by taking a walking tour that brings you from the train station in the upper town, down toward the old town peninsula. This path will first bring you past the adorable shopping district on the Rue de Lausanne to the imposing gothic Cathedral St-Nicolas (started in 1283). Near the cathedral, be sure to walk down the narrow Rue des Epouses to spot the historic signs overhead. Continue past the cathedral towards the tip of the peninsula. You’ll notice streets become narrow and wonderfully steep.

At the tip of the peninsula, you’ll find two bridges that are huge highlights of the town, the Pont de Berne and the Pont du Milieu, the former a wooden bridge built in 1653 and the later, a stone archway. Both provide dramatic views of both river and town. Keep an eye out for the benches alongside the river, underneath the Pont du Milieu. Don’t be jealous now, but this is where I used to eat lunch in high school!

If you’re less excited about walking all the way back up to the train station after this, you can hop on the Fribourg Funicular, that, for just a few coins, will take you (slowly) back up the walls of the old city to the upper town. Or, if you’re up for more exploration, take the Chemin de Lorette up above the city walls to the adorable Chapelle de la Lorette for fantastic views down upon the town, and to spot some local cows along the path!

Fribourg City as seen from the steps of Chapelle de la Lorette

Villars Chocolate

Everyone knows the Swiss produce quality chocolate, but Fribourg is home to one of the best chocolatiers in the country. The locally produced Villars Maitre Chocolatier has a perfect Fribourg cafe to visit to both learn more about the company, sample chocolate, and buy a few gifts for your loved ones at home.

Swiss French and German Cultures Combine

Fribourg is a canton (a Swiss state) that cuts through the border of the German and French speaking regions of the country. This results in a unique bilingual capital city. While it is a majority French-speaking, tourists can enjoy the convergence of the two languages and cultures. Even the Cathedral represents a mix of both sides, it was begun by German architects in 1283 and finished by French-speaking citizens in 1490.

I found the relationship between the French and German-speaking Fribourgeois to be fascinating, as the high school I attended in Fribourg was split in two sections by language. I recall an epic high school drama between a girl in my French-speaking class falling in love with a German-speaking boy. The cultural and linguistic differences can be such that this situation was presented to me a major issue!

More Affordable than other Swiss Towns

If you’re like most visitors to Switzerland, you’ll feel your wallet groaning as you begin to book hotels and train passes. Consider using a central town like Fribourg as a home base for a few nights instead of Bern, since you’ll find charming hotels in Fribourg at half the cost and it’s only a 20 minute train ride away from the center of Bern, and under an hour from Lausanne or Gruyères Castle!

Fribourg’s Chapelle de la Lorette

Where to Drink and Dine in Fribourg

Cafe & Pastry

Äss-Bar Fribourg: Rlle du Lycée 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland

Progressive cafe where you can buy quality pastry at a good price

Le Port de Fribourg: Planche-Inférieure 5, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland

Quality cafe and pastry stop by the Sarine River, with an amazing outdoor terrace

Bars

Café Populaire: Rue Saint-Michel 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland

Popular tavern with great snacks

Belvédère: Grand-Rue 36, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland

Historic cafe and bar with epic views

Restaurants

Café Du Gothard: Rue du Pont-Muré 16, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland

Authentic Swiss food, including cheese fondue

Café du Midi: Rue de Romont 25, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland

Traditional Swiss food near the Cathedral

Les Trentenaires: Rue de Lausanne 87, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland

Burgers & ambiance rule in this modern restaurant with a fun street terrace

Ultimate Gay Bar Guide To Manhattan By Neighborhood

Since first moving to New York City in 2004, I have come to know most of New York’s 50+ gay bars, and while the scene changes and new bars come and go, most of my favorite spots have partied on, from Cher to Brittney to Gaga and back again.

Acceptance Matters Street Sign Installation for World Pride 2019 in the West Village

The gay bars on this list should appeal to various types at various ages. Personally, my priorities have changed enormously from those of my early twenties, when going out to gay bars simply meant drinking cheap beer and making eyes at beautiful strangers. My experience has grown with a better understanding of the amazingly diverse gay communities existing throughout New York City, many of which embrace the gay bars as not just a place to flirt, but a place to build a chosen family. I now enjoy and respect the important role the historic bars of the West Village, especially, play. I now go to gay bars to support places that host queer performers and events benefiting community members.

Speaking of community events, on any given day, the Thotyssey blog will tell you what is happening around the huge gay scene in NYC, including events in Queens, Brooklyn, and beyond. It also has a wonderful archive of conversations with gay bar staff and community members.

Marie’s Crisis in West Village

I organized the below list by neighborhood. I hope it’s useful to visitors or other NYC newbies, as we all tend to enjoy bar-hopping to at least a couple venues in search of that perfect vibe.

West Village:

Cubbyhole: 281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014

Cubbyhole is a historic lesbian bar known for tight quarters, eccentric decor dangling from the ceiling, a fantastic jukebox, cheap drinks, and friendly people. This bar really does have it all, and they are very welcoming of gay men, too, in case you were wondering.

Julius’: 159 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014 (alternative to Stonewall)

Julius’ is an example of a bar that never appealed to me as a younger guy. I was under the assumption this tavern was just a dive for older gay men. Luckily, in time, I began to understand how diverse and inclusive the clientele here can be, and since it’s the oldest gay bar in NYC and on the National Register of Historic Places, it should be both preserved and celebrated!

Marie’s Crisis: 59 Grove St, New York, NY 10014

This piano bar is a treasure. Cheap drinks, free entertainment, and a musical education! Come here to see a quirky mix of locals singing obscure Broadway songs. You don’t have to sing, but just know a majority here are singing their hearts out and nothing works quite like cheap booze and group singing to bring awkward strangers together.

Pieces: 8 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014

Pieces is a fun bar that has a stage perfect for hosting musical and drag performances, bingo nights, and other such events.

Julius in Manhattan’s West Village

Chelsea:

Barracuda Bar: 275 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10011

Barracuda was a favorite of mine in my younger days. It’s a quasi-modern space, kept quite dark, with a back room ideal for intimate stage performances. Their Sunday evening drag show still stands out as one of the most exciting way to spend a late night in NYC. Oh, and I once sat next to Rufus Wainwright here and successfully ignored my impulse to tell him what a huge fan I am!

Boxers: 37 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011

Boxers is large. It has multiple pool tables that can be converted to accommodate beer pong, sports on TV, and a back garden. The bartenders wear bright red boxer shorts. It’s a fun place and gets pretty busy on Sunday afternoons.

Gym Sportsbar: 167 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Gym is the original gay sports bar before Boxers entered the scene. It also is located at a very central location on 8th Avenue in Chelsea with a bitty front terrace. It has a more friendly, intimate vibe than Boxers, so why not give it a try if you’re in the gayborhood?

Gay Street in the West Village

Hells Kitchen:

Barrage: 401 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036

This Hell’s Kitchen bar does what several uptown bars have attempted to do, step out of the Village dive bar vibe and become more of a stylish lounge. Go here early to start your night with a nice mixed drink before continuing on to a more lively spot after.

Boxers HK: 742 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

This Hell’s Kitchen branch of Boxers occupies an entire building! They have a beautiful roof terrace and with a sports-theme, remains a popular spot for gay sports leagues to grab that after-game beverage.

Flaming Saddles: 793 9th Avenue between 52nd, W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019

My personal favorite in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, Flaming Saddles put in a lot of effort to create something unique! The bartenders are all trained dancers, who, wearing tight jeans and western boots, dance right on the bar. It’s a really fun time at any night of the week.

Hardware: 697 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Relatively new to the scene, Hardware took over an old hardware store and turned it into a nice venue that does a good job of balancing several gay scenes at once. This place has fun performances, dancing space, all within a decor that doesn’t try too hard.

Posh: 405 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019

Posh is a classic. This is the diviest of the HK bars, and I admit I’ve had several late nights in this small bar. It’s fun to watch it turn into a messy, squished cluster of dancing in the later hours.

Therapy: 348 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

Therapy has a beautifully renovated, open, two-level space, that include an epic staircase in the center of the bar. The upstairs hosts several events with use of a modern stage and technology. And it never really gets old saying “we met at Therapy”.

Pride Flags in Christopher Park, Manhattan

East Village:

Nowhere: 322 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003

This bar is an ultimate den dive. It’s underground and kept dark, with a low ceiling. I enjoy the unpretentious attitudes and use of the old-school record player.

Phoenix: 447 E 13th St, New York, NY 10009

Phoenix is one of the first gay bars I ever visited and continues to reinvent itself over the years. The space is an ideal size and the jukebox has an epic selection of tunes.

Boiler Room: 86 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003

This place is a bit of a filthy mess, but the crowd can be shockingly diverse and fun! If you’re in the East Village, you should be looking for a classic gay dive like the Boiler Room!

Upper East Side:

The Toolbox: 1742 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128

The Toolbox is such an interesting outlier in the gay bar scene, located way up in the northeastern corner of the Upper East Side. It’s in an area known to attract frat-boy-turned-Wall-Street-intern types and prep school families, making it a fascinating spot for a long-time gay bar dive to thrive. Over the years, Toolbox maintains a unique, local, relaxed vibe all night. Plus, last time I was here, I was thrilled to spot New York Times’ Frank Bruni enjoying a drink with friends!

Finding Pride in the NYC Subway

Pubs and Whisky Bars of Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is well-known today as a destination for theater, booze, and unfortunate weather. And a lot more, certainly, but that’s what first came to my mind as I prepared to visit Scotland in November. I was already at peace with the fact it would be wet and chilly, but I was sure as hell going to arrive with a good list of places to seek refuge from the weather.

J, striding by near Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse

Drinking in Scotland was obviously on my mind, so when I started combing the internet and inquiring from European friends about where to go in Edinburgh, I steered the search towards good pubs. It turns out Edinburgh has a TON of pubs and whisky bars, so the research could get VERY granular. Did it have a fireplace? How historic was the interior? Were there Victorian cherubs painted on the mirrors? Do they sell fish and chips with special vinegar sauce?

View of Salisbury Crags in Edinburgh

Once you get to Scotland, you might be lucky and find yourself with a sunny morning to hike around Holyrood Park and up to the top of Arthur’s Seat. The views throughout this park are exceptional and the greens electric. If you visit the park, I insist you stop by the oldest pub in all of Scotland, The Sheep’s Heid Inn, established in the same spot in 1360. There you will find a traditional pub lunch, a strong pint or dram, and maybe even some sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

View of Edinburgh from Holyrood Park, hiking to Arthur’s Seat

The Sheep Heid Inn in Doddington, near the Holyrood Park, may be Scotland’s oldest surviving pub

The Milkman cafe, Edinburgh

By the time I visited Edinburgh, I had collected such an amazing list of bars, I would need to visit several times to get through them all. I did my best, but some I’ve left a few for my next trip. And it somehow keeps growing. Maybe you can try and hit them all in your visit.

Historic Bennet’s Bar in Edinburgh

I’m more of a historic pub guy than an upscale cocktail or liquor-only spot, but I’ve included both on the list below. I’ve also separated out whisky destinations for those wanting to head right to the city’s whisky experts!

PUBS & COCKTAIL LOUNGES:

Bennet’s Bar: 8 Leven St, Edinburgh EH3 9LG, UK

Beautiful old Victorian pub with endless detail to admire. Whisky or local ale.

Bramble Bar & Lounge: 16A Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JE, UK

Below ground craft cocktail lounge that looks like a dry cleaner from street!

Canny Mans: 237 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4QU, UK

Quirky pub serving up local beer and Danish open-faced sandwiches. Old instruments hang from ceiling.

Kay’s Bar: 39 Jamaica St, Edinburgh EH3 6HF, UK

There is a real fire in the front, antique wooden casks, and a small back section complete with a library and board games.

Nauticus: 142 Duke St, Edinburgh EH6 8HR, UK

Wonderful pub in Leith, full of character, quality drink, and local meat & cheese charcuterie.

Panda and Sons: 79 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 4NF, UK

Speakeasy-style cocktail bar. Look for “barbershop” window, then take stairs to basement, enter through bookshelf at bottom

Teuchters Landing: 1C Dock Pl, Edinburgh EH6 6LU, UK

Pub on the water in Leith. Go for drinks and fresh seafood snacks.

The Bon Vivant: 55 Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1DY, UK

Spiffy cocktail and wine bar, with a quality restaurant for small plates.

The Hanging Bat: 133 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9AB, UK

Perfect beer-lover’s destination, with bat-shaped tap handles.

The Last Word Saloon: 44 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AL, UK

Creative cocktails in a beautiful lounge. Somewhat hidden; find Kenji Sushi and look down.

The Sheep Heid Inn: 43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh EH15 3QA, UK

Famous gastropub on the far side of Holyrood Park. Top atmosphere and drenched in history; pub on this same spot since 1360!

Scotland’s National Animal, the Unicorn

WHISKY SPECIALISTS:

Kaleidoscope Bar at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society: 28 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JX, UK

Excellent choice if you wish to sit and sample local whisky with consultation from an expert bartender in an exclusive environment.

The Bow Bar: 80 W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH, UK

This appears to be just an average pub from the outside, but believe me, this is a spot that serves over 300 whiskies and has a great casual, historic feel for tasting a dram or two.

Usquabae Whisky Bar: 2-4 Hope St, Edinburgh EH2 4DB, UK

High-end basement tavern that allows you to reserve whisky tasting appointments in advance.

Whiski Rooms: 4-7 N Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LP, UK

Touristy stop, but high in quality and selection. Try a whisky flights along with some typical Scottish far or purchase bottles from the shop next door

This Todd knows a good street name when he sees it

Where To Eat And Drink in Barcelona

Barcelona holds a secure place in the list of most popular global destinations. I mean, of course it does, being a warm coastal city in Spain that maintains an incredible artistic and architectural history. However, I started picking up on something that made me wary to visit: many friends spent time in Barcelona during college, and didn’t seem to return. Then I watched L'Auberge Espagnole, starring Audrey Tautou of Amélie fame. I was left wondering if Barcelona was going to be one giant youth hostel, stuffed to the gills with European hen parties and American college students docked from their Semester at Sea cruises.

Cathedral of Barcelona

OK OK, those judgments might be a little harsh and unfair. And I want you to know I’m not a complete fuddy-duddy; I’m still in my 30s and enjoy dive bars and occasional late nights out on the town, after all! But I have always liked big cities that don’t seem to swing one way or another when it comes to certain age groups. In any case, I was nervous about my “fit” for Barcelona before I arrived.

Park Güell in Barcelona

Detail of Park Güell’s outdoor tilework

Lucky for both me and you, Barcelona has it all. I was immediately won over as I found it absolutely gorgeous, easy to navigate, delicious, and surprisingly, a good host to multiple ages and scenes.

Relieved to see an older citizen strolling through the Gothic District

When searching for a hotel, I aimed to find a central, lively neighborhood without landing me the thick of a tourist-only zone. I narrowed in on the Eixample and Gràcia areas, situated in walking distance from the old Gothic Quarter. These neighborhoods were vibrant day and night, consisting of both locals and visitors. In other words, I look to sleep in an area any local would want to both live and dine in.

Ancient corner detail a block from the Barcelona Cathedral

Anyway, you’re here to find out where to eat and drink in Barcelona, right?

Start by grabbing coffee! I enjoy conducting painstaking research on where to get a great specialty coffee before arriving in a new place. I blame this coffee snobbery (aka, bad coffee anxiety) on both being a choosy New Yorker paired with one year spent in San Francisco where there’s a fancy coffee counter at every turn. In any case, it’s hard for me to drink the cheap stuff, so I look out for a third-wave coffee shop to start my day on the right foot.

Satan’s Coffee Corner in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

COFFEE:

Espai Joliu: Carrer de Badajoz, 95, 08005 Barcelona, Spain (Plants & Coffee)

Granja M. Viader: Carrer d'en Xuclà, 4, 08001 Barcelona, Spain (classic cafe serving sandwiches, churros, chocolate, and other sweet snacks)

Nomad Coffee Lab & Shop: Passatge Sert, 12, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Onna Cafe: Carrer de Santa Teresa, 1, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

️Satan’s Coffee Corner: Carrer de l'Arc de Sant Ramon del Call, 11, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

SKYE Coffee Co.: Carrer de Pamplona, 88, 08018 Barcelona, Spain

CHURROS:

Churrería Laietana: Via Laietana, 46, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Xurreria: Carrer dels Banys Nous, 8, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Xurreria Trebol: Carrer de Còrsega, 341, 08037 Barcelona, Spain

Xurreria Trebol in Gràcia, Barcelona

Seldom do I head to a nice restaurant or book a table for lunch. I prefer to make lunch a quick affair, which allows me to spend the middle of my day exploring museums and parks, instead of just sitting for a long lunch and potentially destroying my appetite for an amazing dinner later!

Spain is made for people like me. Tapas bars, scattered throughout the country, allow one to stop in and quickly grab a bite at the bar. No need for elaborate meal service, instead, enjoy varied small plates and a small glass of house vermouth.

LUNCH:

Bar But: Carrer de Bonavista, 8, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

Modern, hip spot for tapas

Xarcuteria La Pineda: Carrer del Pi, 16, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Super traditional Spanish tapas

La Fábrica: Carrer del Call, 19, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Yummy Argentinian empanadas

Young boy running through Barcelona’s El Raval area

Strolling through Barcelona Streets

Dinner in Spain is typically served later than in the United States. Unless you want to eat in an empty room when the restaurant opens at 6 or 7, you should probably plan to eat later, around 8:30 or 9. Dine as the locals do! As with most popular towns, you’re visiting on a weekend or in a busy time of year, always try and get a reservation in advance. Quimet & Quimet is the one spot I recommend below that you actually must show up early for (6PM SHARP) if you want a chance to get inside.

RESTAURANTS:

Agut: Carrer d'en Gignàs, 16, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Traditional Catalonian restaurant with exceptional decor

Bar Bitácora: Carrer de Balboa, 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Casual tapas, ceviche near the beach

Cafè de L'Acadèmia: Carrer dels Lledó, 1, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

High quality, popular, and casual dinner spot

Cal Pep: Plaça de les Olles, 8, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Old-school tapas destination

La Pepita: Carrer de Còrsega, 343, 08037 Barcelona, Spain

Fun place for quality Catalonian tapas

Quimet & Quimet: Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

Closed Saturday and Sunday. Small, standing-only spot serving tapas and Spanish wine. Arrive just before opening at 6PM and get in line!!! Worth the hassle.

Tantarantana: Carrer d'en Tantarantana, 24, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Quimet & Quimet Tapas Bar in Barcelona. Always a scene and totally worth it.

Finally, you had some dinner and are looking for a place for those evening drinks. I have included on my list below spots for cocktails, wine, or beer. ¡Salud!

BARS:

Boadas Cocteleria: Carrer dels Tallers, 1, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Classic cocktail bar on La Rambla since 1933

El Ciclista: Carrer de Mozart, 18, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

Hip, bike-themed bar for cocktails and local beer

Bar Betty Ford: Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 56, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Popular, gay-friendly, American-style bar with decent bar food

BrewDog Barcelona: Carrer de Casanova, 69, 08011 Barcelona, Spain

Scottish craft beer destination

La Federica: Carrer de Salvà, 3, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

Gay-friendly bar with colorful retro design

Botanic Bar Cafe: Carrer de Muntaner, 64, 08011 Barcelona, Spain

Gay bar with lush outdoor courtyard

Zim: Carrer de la Dagueria, 20, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Wonderfully small, charming wine bar in the heart of the Gothic Quarter

La Candela: Plaça de Sant Pere, 12, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Everyday bar with a fortunate location on the historic Plaça de Sant Pere. Sit outside and people watch!

Always look up

Fast, Affordable Food Before a Broadway Show

One can live for years in New York struggling with this simple food dilemma: where to eat before that 7PM Broadway show in Midtown. Now, this issue for me was exacerbated by the fact I am an avid Broadway Lottery player, meaning if I win lottery tickets on any given day, I have very little time to convince my partner to attend a show that same night, pay for the discounted tickets, and then run to the show immediately after work. And as many New Yorkers will tell you, they completely avoid midtown Manhattan, making them totally unaware of tasty food options there.

DANGER ZONE: Hungry, Frustrated People Searching for Food in Midtown Manhattan

Over the last couple years, I’ve started planning ahead and asked around about food options in Midtown West / Hell’s Kitchen. There are a few excellent restaurants, but they are either pricey or slow, often both. Luckily, I’ve found several food options in Midtown that now I can look forward to stopping at for a speedy, affordable and delicious bite before the show.

Don’t Wander The Big Apple Aimlessly, Take My Advice Below

Ramen or Thai:

Totto Ramen: 366 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 or 464 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019

A personal favorite! Ramen is prepared quickly and this spot is always top quality.

Wondee Siam: 792 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Thai is a specialty on Hell’s Kitchen’s 9th Avenue. This spot is tiny, but the service and meals are always great.

Talad Wat: 714 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Communal tables and a country style make this a unique and delicious Thai experience.

Totto Ramen on West 52nd Street, Midtown Manhattan

Burger and Shake:

Shake Shack: 691 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036

This burger chain originates in NYC, but has spread all over the country. It’s still a great quick meal and the lines move fast.

5 Napkin Burger: 630 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036

This is another NYC burger chain serving up high quality burgers, salads, and bar food.

Shake Shack in Midtown Manhattan

Mexican:

Los Tacos No.1: 229 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036

This popular cult favorite serves excellent street style tacos and feels like you’re stepping into a California fast-food joint. There are skinny tables for standing and quick taco consumption.

Los Tacos in Midtown Manhattan

Pizza:

Patzeria Perfect Pizza: 231 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 (for slices/ garlic knots),

There are several cheap take-away pizza slice options in NYC, but this is one of the best. They also offer many toppings.

Food Court:

City Kitchen: 700 8th Ave, New York, NY 10036

This artisanal food court won me over with a doughnut stand. Having options is nice for a family or larger group that may not be able to decide on one restaurant.

Patzeria Pizza in Midtown Manhattan

Caffeine or Pastry:

St Kilda Coffee: 328 W 44th St, New York, NY

If I’m dragging before a show, I want a quick espresso or coffee. St Kilda is a favorite because it has a unique location underneath 44th Street (around the corner from Shake Shack), and if you’re lucky you’ll spot some Broadway stars also seeking a shot of energy.

Cafe Grumpy: 200 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018

My classic go-to coffee shop in NYC has a Times Square location.

St Kilda Coffee in Midtown Manhattan

Bars:

Jimmy’s Corner: 140 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036

A narrow and packed classic NYC dive bar. You’ll find all ages and types here, and you’ll be squeezing by everyone, so this is not for the claustrophobic.

Flaming Saddles: 793 9th Avenue (between W 52nd/ W 53rd St), New York, NY 10019

This is an energetic gay bar, popular with all genders and orientations. This is a perfect spot to grab a quick beer and get in the mood for a musical. The bartenders here all wear cowboy boots and dance on the bar à la Coyote Ugly.

Pocket Bar: 455 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036

Super small bar only locals know about with a wonderful owner/bartender. You’ll feel welcome the instant you enter, and they give out free popcorn. Also consider their sister bar Back Pocket one block north.

Enjoy the show!

Bars of New York City

Knowing where to grab a drink in New York may seem like a simple quest, as there are approximately 10,000 NYC bars, but today’s New York is fast-evolving and that spot you loved last year may no longer be around. Some of the factors to consider would be location and atmosphere, of course, but also could be things like comfortable seating or whether they carry your favorite gin.

I’ll go through some of my current favorites around Manhattan and Brooklyn and tell you what I love about them. In general, my favorite bars tend to attract an interesting mix of people; men, women, gay, straight, young, and old. However, I lean towards classic historic-type spaces rather than sleek and modern.

Henry Public in Brooklyn

BROOKLYN:

First of all, I’ll throw out a disclaimer: I live in Brooklyn and I’m quite partial to the borough and therefore, it will come first on this list! Brooklyn, like the rest of NYC, is chock full of bars, but even with endless options, there are just a few places so good, I find myself going back again and again.

Henry Public: 329 Henry St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Before ordering at Henry Public, I am smitten taking in the atmosphere. This bar / restaurant is all about quality over options. This place serves up a few great local beers and has perfected a dozen cocktails on menu. Speaking of the menu, it is designed as a vintage “bill of fare” like a menu out of 1890: just a few food items and a burger called the “hamburger sandwich”. I drink and dine here regularly and it’s the kind of place you desperately wish was in your neighborhood.

Brooklyn Inn: 148 Hoyt St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Another Brooklyn bar heavy on historic atmosphere, Brooklyn Inn will charm you before you even step inside. It’s lit wonderfully with tall decorative windows and antique light fixtures. There is a back room for playing pool that is fantastically dark and the whole visit will make you feel like you’re experiencing the long-lost Brooklyn of yore.

The Gate: 321 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

This central Park Slope favorite attracts visitors from all over the borough. There’s a good-sized outdoor patio that is also dog-friendly. They carry a lot of quality beer on tap, even some of my Vermont favorites (hello, Heady Topper!), as well as a well-stocked bar. Walk around and find the unique Obama art piece!

The Double Windsor: 210 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215

I may have visited Double Windsor more than any other Brooklyn bar, and that’s because it kind of has it all! There’s a large ever-changing and unique draught beer list, as well as a kitchen serving up one of the best burgers and possibly THE best french fries. This place is wonderfully local, and also attracts all types from Brooklyn hipsters to sports teams, to gay boys on dates. It’s also conveniently located down the street from the Nitehawk Prospect Park for nights you need a good bite before a movie.

Black Rabbit: 91 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

I venture to Williamsburg and Greenpoint every few weeks, even if to just walk around and see what hipsters and artsy tourists are dressing like today. We all know about the boom in popularity of the area, but with so many new restaurants, bars, and cool hotels, I quickly tire of the “scene” and head straight to Black Rabbit for a few drinks. This bar is pretty big, with actual semi-private wooden booths, and an adorable back yard garden. They stock the front with dozens of board games, too. I can unwind in this bar like no other.

MANHATTAN:

Finding a good bar in Manhattan is a lot harder than it may first seem. Manhattan can offer practically any style and price point, but my list below contains the places where I can show up on any night of the week and know I will have a great time. I spent several years living in Manhattan before moving to Brooklyn, and many of the bars below have persisted and thrived because they’re doing something right (and many are so historic they were here long before I was born). Below are also mostly affordable options with casual or historic vibes, and you should feel comfortable ordering either beer or a mixed drink here, in other words, they aren’t too swanky and not full of frat dudes, either! You’ll want to write these down.

Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor: 26 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011

Come for the decorative wallpaper, stay for the spectacular beer list! This place is also really close to both NYU and Washington Square Park.

Caledonia Bar: 1609 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

Admit it, you wish you were in Scotland right now. Come to Caledonia Bar on the Upper East Side and experience the next best thing!

Cubbyhole: 281 W 12th St, New York, NY 10014

This gay bar has been a favorite since I discovered it in 2005 and I have celebrated 3 New Year’s Eves here. It’s not easy to find an affordable drinking hole in the West Village that also is full of interesting and friendly people of all genders and orientations. This place may overwhelm you at first with the outrageous decor (just look up!) but you will soon feel like you belong and the notoriously fabulous jukebox will entertain you for hours.

Dive 75: 101 W 75th St, New York, NY 10023

I have never lived on the Upper West Side, but I’ve found it hard to locate a good bar here in the past. Enter Dive 75! This place has a giant fish tank, free bowls of candy (the good kind!), and a solid menu of beer and other drinks. And don’t be discouraged, it’s not a filthy dive, it’s the kind of dive that fits in on the swanky residential 75th Street.

Johnny’s Bar: 90 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011

OK I know I promised I wouldn’t post a bunch of dive bars, but this one is a must-see. It’s tiny, it’s grimy, and it’s a little uncomfortable. But the location on Greenwich Avenue is unbeatable and I always have a fun time stopping in here for a drink.

Manhattan Cricket Club: 226 W 79th St, New York, NY 10024

This place might be the swankiest spot on my list, but if that’s what you’re looking for, then we’re all good! Manhattan Cricket Club is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and the after-work drink crowd. It’s quality, it’s spiffy, it’s classic, and a little bit romantic!

Swift Hibernian Lounge: 34 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003

I can’t get enough of the historic spots! Give me a hint of literary adornment and I’m hooked. Swift prides itself on quality Irish pours and conversation. Come here for a dark beer and you might even get caught up in a fascinating conversation at the bar.

The Grange: 1635 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031

Harlem has so much to discover, for both locals and tourists alike, but fails to enter many must-see lists for those who don’t already live in upper Manhattan. This is a newcomer to the Harlem drinking scene that I was happy to see attracts a wonderful mix of local regulars.

The Penrose: 1590 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028

The Upper East Side recently gained a new subway line, the Q. During the years of construction on the Q line, Second Avenue was in disarray and several businesses came and went. The Penrose came strong in 2012 and has proven itself to be a strong contender to best overall bar on the Upper East Side. It’s stylish with a hint of local history and modern sparkle. You will want to dress sharp to sit here at the bar, and it’s a great place to people watch the preppy scene that so defines the Upper East Side.

White Horse Tavern: 567 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014

The last bar on my list belongs to a classic. The White Horse opened in 1880 and became a favorite of Dylan Thomas and other writers. Today, it’s a fun mix of tourists and locals. You can sit in the historic interior or soak up the fascinating street scene of the West Village out on the street tables. Come here as you wait for a table next door at The Spotted Pig, and you will have yourself a wonderful New York evening.