fun

NYC Valentine’s Day Guide

fun, nyc

Single and celebrating Galentine’s Day? Deeply in love looking for a romantic evening? Or going on a Tinder date? We’ve got you covered! Everyone seems to scramble last minute to figure out plans for February 14th. Don’t break a sweat because we have some suggestions for you.

First off we’d like to address how Austinites seem to love this Hallmark holiday while the East Coast has a very cynical outlook on it. They’re just happy it falls on a Thursday this year so it doesn’t ruin their weekend. So to help out the New Yorkers on this pink and red, heart-shaped holiday, we have the fun, the romantic, and the trendy spots for you. 

NYC:

Museum of Sex – Let’s start with the fun/cheesy one. It’s a museum of inappropriateness and lots of giggles. Ummm… and they have a bar. You bet they have a Valentine’s Day special. It’s a bit steep at $105 per ticket and I can’t really justify it so maybe just buy the $20 general admission and go to Eataly after. Also, Shake Shack and Tacombi are nearby. 

Venchi – Your Willy Wonka Dreams have come true with the largest chocolate waterfall in North America. Newly opened and the hottest spot since the Nutella Cafe, this Italian sweet shop will wow you and give you diabetes all at the same time. Serving gelato, crepes, coffee and of course lots of chocolate. 

Winter Village – Want an activity? Head to Bryant Park for some ice skating. If you think ice skating is lame or you just don’t feel like face planting that evening, they have bumper cars for the rink. That’s right – bumper cars! They have tons of shops and food options as well – all instagram worthy. If you’re getting too cold in this polar vortex, go grab a warm seat at the enclosed bar called The Lodge. 

LROOM Cafe – Treat yo self with the finest latte – a 24k Gold Latte that is. It’s called the “Bling Bling Honey Latte” and it’s made with edible glitter and kicks golden milk made with turmeric to the curb. What started as a flower shop, has added a cafe with beautiful concoctions almost too pretty to eat (aka perfect for instagram.) They’ve created pastries, waffles and drinks made to  resemble floral arrangements. We recommend this place for the single ladies where you can get something better than flowers and jewelry – *edible* flowers and jewelry. 

1803NYC – This was added to the list because it’s NYC’s hottest restaurant right now. Newly open with a New Orleans’ vibe and a strong culinary scene that’s creating tons of buzz. Get more than dinner and drinks, stay for the live Jazz which is making a huge comeback these days appealing to younger crowds. 

PHD – A pop up roof top bar with an interesting acronym but actually stands for Penthouse at the Dream. We have a soft spot for The Dream. We’ve been going there since we looked old enough to be there. Now the Dream has a great new rooftop which you can never have enough in any city. 

Summer Vibes in Winter

austin, drinks, food, fun, nyc

The holiday season is over, the festive lights have come down, no more tinsel and ornaments. Mid January becomes such a depressing time of year when all the decorations are taken down. The next holiday being Valentines day doesn’t seem to help things especially for the singles out there. A vacation is always a solution but we have another idea. Summer bars in the winter! There are plenty of heated patios or enclosed rooftops but we know a place in NYC and Austin that gives you beach vibes even in this cold weather.

New York City

Head over to this post-modern Polynesian inspired tiki restaurant and acclaimed cocktail bar, Mother of Pearl. This chic tiki bar serves wild drinks – a bloody shark cocktail, pineapple cider garnished with tropical flowers, and even a drink that’s on fire! Those are just to name a few. They have the ultimate fried guac and chips platter which you can find on the menu under “Tropical Guacamole.” Mother of Pearl is the best vegan restaurant to take a non vegan. As meat eaters, we didn’t even realize it was a vegan restaurant until we were told. Point proven. This East Village bar takes you miles away from the cold city and transports you to vacation mode.

Tip: Here’s our helpful tip when visiting – If you can’t get a reservation or find a seat at the bar, sit at the communal table. There will always be a seat for walk-ins.

Austin

Our Austin recommendation is Kitty Cohen’s. No, you’re not on the set of Golden Girls or visiting Palm Springs in your DeLorean. We double checked our location and what year it is and this bar is located in East Austin present day. This sun-drenched sip of nostalgia gives 70’s Cali vibes as you sit on the patio bar enjoying the wading pool. They serve spritzers and beachy cocktails with fun names to go with them. This bar is the coolest of cool with pink flamingos, palm tree wall paper and Burt Reynolds. It’s endless summer vibe feels like you’re on vacation no matter the weather. 

Tip: Make sure to check upcoming events as they host a pop up kitchen at the bar by the wading pool. Also, visit their website to become a Room 101 club member to get the exclusive (and a keychain).

Where to get a Spritz

austin, drinks, fun, nyc

Here’s where to get your fix of those sparkling red-orange drinks in pretty stemmed glasses.

Aperol is an infusion of bitter and sweet orange flavors with  a secret mix of herbs and woody notes.

Austin:

  1. Italic – An Italian restaurant on 6th street where you can enjoy pizza, gelato and happy hour like a true Italian.
  2. Gemelli – A gelato shop that serves up Italian inspired cocktails.
  3. The Line Hotel – A Casual Burger Restaurant in a trendy hotel serving up a unique frozen Aperol with pink lemonade.

New York City:

  1. Bagatelle – Known for its boozy brunch and daytime club atmosphere with a European vibe serving an original spritz.
  2. Dante – Italian cuisine, world class cocktails and an award winning bar that has Aperol on tap.
  3. Maritime – Voted as one of the ten most beautiful bars, Maritime hosts La Sirena, the creator of the frozen Aperol Spritz.

How to get a reservation at Tiffany’s – The Blue Box Cafe

fun, nyc

NYC is pretty iconic – some of the most amazing movies are filmed here such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Even if you’ve never watched the movie, you’ve at least heard of it. The funny thing is, you can’t actually have breakfast at Tiffany’s…. until now! Tiffany’s finally opened The Blue Box Cafe at their New York flagship store on Fifth Avenue.

This was exciting news to anyone and everyone who loves Audrey Hepburn and it even brought excitement to emotionless New Yorkers. So you can imagine reservations are hard to come by considering locals and tourists want in. Already a popular tourist destination as you see people walking the streets with that famous little blue bag. Tiffany’s had to implement a reservation system to accommodate the huge demand for their small cafe. They specifically state you cannot sell your reservation. Even after a year of being open, it’s near impossible to get a table. So how do you get in?!

Here’s where we step in to guide you. I warn you – it’s not easy but we have pointers. Also, the hard work is totally worth it! The food and ambiance are spectacular and it’s an iconic moment you will have in NYC.

1.) You can only get a reservation on Resy.com – Go to the Tiffany’s website where they give you their specific link. Click “make a reservation” and it will bring you to their reservation page on Resy.

2.) Setup an account on Resy and link your Credit Card beforehand. Do this the night before. You will need your credit card to hold your reservation which is common at popular NYC restaurants. They also have a $25 cancellation fee. (Lame but whatever. You know you won’t cancel.)

3.) Everything is booked up a month in advance. Go to the reservation calendar and see what the next available date is to book. Calculate what day you want your reservation and what day it will open up.

4.) Reservations will open at 9am daily and book up instantly. This is no joke! Even if you go on the website at 9am on the dot and have your reservation all set, by the time you hit the button to book it, it’s sold out. There are no guarantees and no holding your reservation. So set your alarm and get ready!

Tip: You will have to try multiple times. If you don’t get a reservation at 9am that day, you have to wait until the next day at 9am to get the following open date.

Tip: Try for uncommon times. Best is to book on a weekday in the evening. Weekends and mornings are the hardest to come by. Don’t count on at 10am reservation for a Saturday. Try for a Wednesday at 5pm.

Tip: You will need determination. Don’t quit if you can’t get a reservation even the first 3 times.

Recap: Setup an account on Resy the night before. Calculate when your reservation date will open. Set your alarm for when reservations open at 9am. Book an unpopular time. If you do not succeed, try again because it will happen and it’s so worth it. God speed!

Instagram Worthy Bars for the Holidays

austin, drinks, fun, nyc

’tis the season for festive instagram posts. Here are our top spots for great pics and a good time.

1.) ROLF’S German Restaurant in NYC

When you step inside this restaurant and bar, you feel like you’re inside a xmas tree. It’s covered in xmas ornaments from floor to ceiling making a great photo op for the gram. With specialty cocktails for the holiday, it’s a perfect place to meet up with friends to celebrate.

2.) The Who-tel at the W in Austin

What’s better than feeling like you’re in a Christmas tree? How about being inside a Dr. Seuss book. In Downtown Austin at The W Hotel it’s decorated like a modern Whoville with a bar. The themed cocktails are more than just for the instagram – They are delicious!

3.) Miracle on 5th Street in Austin

Nothing says Christmas more than the leg lamp in the window and that’s how you’ll be greeted at this bar on 5th street in Downtown Austin. Themed drinks with snowballs in them and even the option to do a shot ski. As much as the front of the bar looks, don’t forget to check out the rest of the place and even the ski lodge upstairs.

4.) The Lodge – Bollinger Bar at The Winter Village in Bryant Park

NYC is at its best during the Christmas season with all the lights and when Bryant Park transforms into a winter village. After some ice skating enjoy hot chocolate, treats or head over to the bar at The Lodge. Grab a great pic in front of the Christmas tree or the iconic Bryant Park fountain as it famously ices over in the winter.