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Local Spotting: Our Favourite New York City Hot Spots

Escaping winter might not be possible — but colder-than-Mars can’t get us East-coasters down, especially when we’re walking around the Big Apple.  

In this series of #LocalSpotting, we cover a range of things to see and do in one of our favorite cities. We know everyone has their version of the best New York, so feel free to give us your #LocalSpotting top picks in the comments. We promise, we’ll keep the arguing to a minimum.

Have a Cocktail at a Cozy Hideaway: Café Carlyle

Where to find it: Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the Met, you can find this café on the corner of 76th and Madison Avenue. You can take the scenic route heading south down 5th Avenue. Once you pass Central Station, head due East on 76th Street until you reach the Carlyle Hotel. The café can be found on the ground floor.

Why we love it: Let’s be honest: New York City can be harsh and unforgiving at times, but Café Carlyle offers a respite from the madness; a glimpse into another era. Get off the bustling streets and teleport your way back to a time when cabaret dominated the cities nightclubs. The famous spot gives off suave and sophisticated vibes, with its funky music-themed walls that have been hand-painted by Marcell Vertès. Oh, and you just might be treated to a special live performance — Lani Hall and Herb Alpert on the trumpet, anyone?

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Get Warm with Ramen at Ippudo  

ippudo ramen nyc

Where to find it: This gem has three different locations! Location number one can be found in the East Village at the corner of  4th Avenue and 10th. Location number two can be found on 46th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, right next to St. Patrick’s Pub. While the third location has settled itself in Midtown on 51st Street between 8th and 9th Avenue, beside restaurant Maria Pia.

Why we love it: If you fancy yourself a foodie, you don’t want to miss out on Ippudo. This mastery of ramen is essentially heaven in a bowl. You know the ramen drill: dig into rich broth with an assortment of noodles, eggs, pork and veggies. Oh so good. Can you tell that we really like ramen? Trust us, you’re going to want to try this Japanese comfort food the next time you’re in New York City.

View East Village location on Google Maps

View 5th Avenue location on Google Maps

View Midtown location on Google Maps

#SpringDreaming: The Met Cantor Rooftop

Where to find it: In the heart of Manhattan, on the outskirts of Central Park; parallel to 5th Avenue between 80th and 84th Street. If you’re taking the subway, exit 86 Street, head West down East 86th until you reach 5th Avenue. At 5th, you can either take a stroll through Central Park following the signs along the way, or head south on 5th until you see the large, and unmistakable museum.

Why we love it: Ok — scarves, soup and cozy sanctuaries are great and all, but let’s be honest: as soon as spring rears its head, we’re running toward the nearest rooftop to soak up the sun. The Met is a staple for anyone visiting the Big Apple. But what makes it even better is their Cantor Rooftop. You can enjoy a cocktail (or two!) while gazing across Central Park and admiring the sprawling New York City skyline. How does this get any cooler, you ask? Well every year, beginning in the spring, the museum commissions an artist to transform the rooftop into an art installation. That’s right. While you’re up there you’ll actually feel like you’re a part of the artwork. Take a hike Mona Lisa, we got this.

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