New York City - The ultimate foodie paradise! With every street corner offering something new and exciting to try, I knew I had to make the most out of my four days in the Big Apple. As a foodie from Northern Ireland I am always on the lookout for hidden gems and new experiences and NYC is the perfect place to indulge and try new things. From classic New York bagels to famous deserts, I done it all! With endless spots to choose from I have put together a flavour packed guide of the perfect five days in NYC!
Day One
After landing in NYC, I couldn’t wait to try Raising Cane’s, especially after seeing it all over social media. Luckily, it was just around the corner from our hotel in Times Square, so it had to be my first stop. Famous for its crispy chicken tenders and unique signature sauce, it definitely lived up to the hype. The tenders were spot on, and the sauce was unlike anything we have back home. It quickly became one of our favourite spots, though we did have to queue for about 20 minutes – not surprising given it was the weekend in Times Square!
After spending the afternoon exploring, I was ready for a quick bite before heading to my first Broadway show. Still craving something classic, I thought, you can’t go wrong with a cheeseburger! So, we popped into Five Guys for a speedy stop before the show. I couldn’t help but think back to my last trip to NYC, remembering how much better the Five Guys here was compared to those back home, so I had to check if that was still the case. The burger was piled high with all the trimmings, and the crispy fries were endless. It was the perfect comfort food after a busy day of travelling and exploring, and it definitely set the tone for a perfect first day in the Big Apple.
Day Two
The first full day in NYC, and I was ready to dive straight in! Naturally, coffee was first on the agenda. I stopped by Ralph’s Coffee Truck on 5th Avenue, right on our way to Central Park. I grabbed a vanilla latte, and for someone who usually opts for caramel, I have to say, it was one of the best coffees I had in the city. Ralph’s was incredibly convenient too, situated just across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, so I could grab my fix while taking in the views of the city. Highly recommend it!
A few blocks further, I couldn’t resist picking up a bagel from Liberty Bagels for breakfast. Freshly baked and perfect for a quick bite, I went for the classic BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese), and it was exactly what I hoped for in a New York bagel. If you’re after the classic NYC bagel experience, this spot’s definitely worth checking out. The menu is extensive, and there are all kinds of cream cheese options to suit anyone’s taste. Don't be put off by the queue either – it moves pretty quickly!
After a full day of exploring Central Park, I was in need of a sweet pick-me-up. Of course, Magnolia Bakery was calling my name. While they're famous for their banana pudding, I opted for a slice of their New York cheesecake. And wow – it was absolutely delicious. Just the right balance of sweetness, and the perfect way to recharge for the rest of the day’s adventures.
By the time we were ready to head back to the hotel, I was craving something quick and satisfying. So, my boyfriend and I grabbed a few classic pepperoni slices from Little Italy. With multiple locations around the city, it was super convenient. It wasn’t my favourite pizza of the trip, but after a long day of sightseeing, it definitely did the trick for two tired travellers!
Day Three
I kicked off Day 3 with a relaxed brunch at Bubby’s in Brooklyn, a spot famous for its fluffy American pancakes. Naturally, I had to try them, and I went for the chocolate chip pancakes, which were topped with generous dollops of whipped cream and a good pour of maple syrup. Let me tell you, they were AMAZING – definitely the best breakfast of the trip! If you're after that true American breakfast experience, Bubby’s is well worth the trip, and don’t let the queue put you off – it moves quickly and is totally worth the wait.
After brunch, we took a stroll around Brooklyn, and of course, a coffee break was needed. We found ourselves at Butler, a cute café on Brooklyn Pier. I grabbed a flat white to give me the afternoon energy boost I needed. It was the perfect spot to relax and people-watch before we headed back to the city for the evening.
Back in Manhattan, we ended the day with a real NYC classic – a delicious steak at Gallagher’s Steakhouse. This iconic spot absolutely lived up to its reputation. I opted for the New York sirloin, and it was out of this world! It’s a bit on the pricier side, but a nice change from all the fast food and pizza we’d been having. If you’re after a special sit-down dinner with incredible food, Gallagher’s is definitely a must-try – they serve up some of the best steak I’ve ever had!
Day Four
Day four started with another craving for a bagel, so we headed to Zucker's. I went for the classic BEC, and it did not disappoint. Freshly baked with plenty of cheese, I could immediately see why this place is so popular. If you’re in NYC, you’ve got to try a bagel from here – highly recommend!
For a sweet treat, I couldn’t resist trying the famous Crumbl Cookies. I was a bit disappointed when they only had the chocolate chip variety left, after seeing all the amazing flavours online. But one bite, and all that disappointment vanished. The cookie was incredible! If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Crumbl should definitely be on your list.
After a day of exploring NYC, we headed to Los Tacos for dinner. The queue was out the door, but I can totally understand why. The tacos were fresh, flavour-packed, and well worth the wait. I had one chicken and one beef taco, and both were fantastic. We visited the Madison Square Garden location, so if you're in the area, check it out.
Finally, no trip to NYC would be complete without a slice from Joe’s Pizza. It had the longest queue we stood in, but trust me – it was totally worth it. The classic American slices were the best pizza we had all trip. Plus, it’s pretty cool to see all the celebrities who’ve visited too – definitely worth the wait!
Whether you’re in town for a short visit or a longer stay, New York has an endless list of incredible food spots to try. If you’re visiting, be sure to check out some of my favourites!
Follow along on Instagram for more foodie finds!
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