An intro on some of our NYC faves:
For convenience’s sake, we have separated our recommendations into two buckets - one for Williamsburg and the other for broader NYC.
As a general rule of thumb when it comes to eating out in New York in 2025, it’s wise to make most dining reservations online and in advance. Because of this, we included some tips on reservation timing for some of our favorite places below. If there’s any place not listed below that you’d like to try out, we recommend going off of this site for reservation guidance.
Williamsburg
Activities/Sights
A couple of the coolest places in Brooklyn… and where Jed happens to spend most of his work days!
Iconic outdoor food market a few blocks down the street from the Wythe. Open Saturdays 11am-6pm.
Indoor market featuring vintage clothing, handmade arts & crafts items catty corner from Smorgasburg. Open Sat and Sun 11am-7pm.
Bathhouse/day spa with thermal pools, dry and tropical saunas, and steam rooms. Day passes and treatments available to book.
Microbrewery with tastings and tours across the street from the Wythe.
Gummies, chocolates, sours, licorice, and other delicacies imported from Sweden.
Restaurants
Our favorite pizza in Williamsburg. Walk in only and best to go in the late afternoon for the shortest wait time.
Great pasta across the street from Domino Sugar Refinery. Set an alarm for 10am 27 days in advance to snag a reservation.
Sister restaurant to our favorite Chinese place (see below 😉) . Book at least a week in advance.
Sister restaurant of Misi also with great pasta. Set an alarm for 10am 18 days in advance to snag a reservation.
Broader NYC
Activities/Sights
DUMBO & the Brooklyn Bridge
Start in DUMBO by walking along the riverfront, checking out Jane’s Carousel, & Time Out Market, then walk across one of the world’s most famous bridges.
Take a stroll! Start at the Hudson Yards mall then take in the nature and enjoy the beautiful New Jersey views on your walk downtown 😉
Upper East Side
Hit your museum of choice first (the Met or the Guggenheim). Then check out our favorite cookbook store, Kitchen Arts & Letters. You also can’t go wrong with a stroll around Central Park!
Lower East Side
Start at Supermoon Bakehouse (line forms at 10am but moves fast!) then take your goodies a couple blocks south and nab a table in Essex Market. Check out the food hall there afterward.
Lower East Side (cont.)
Continue your day with a visit to Meow Parlour then wrap up with a couple of our favorites: “tui na” at Renew Day Spa (or RDS 2 - call in advance to book) and Soft Swerve.
Restaurants
Chinese in Midtown. Phenomenal. Get the fish blossom, Shanghai shumai, and dumplings in chili oil. Book at least a few days in advance.
Sushi in the East Village. Our favorite sushi in town, hands down. Book roughly one week in advance to get an optimal time slot for dinner.
Thai in Noho. Try to hit their happy hour which runs from 12pm to 6pm every day. This place is competitive, so book three weeks in advance if you can.
Pancakes (and more!) in the Lower East Side. You can book in advance, but we recommend trying for a walk-in spot by showing up around 8:30am and waiting for their 9am opening.