Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with newyork

New York hotel recommendation, activities for a few days.

HuronBob — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:35:22 -0800

So, spouse and I snagged an invitation to the "Man of Steel" premier (at Lincoln Center) and after-party in New York. But, I've never been to New York and don't have a clue about the place. I have a couple of questions. I've tentatively booked a room at the Empire Hotel (price and location, along with reviews seemed reasonable), my question for you folks is: Is there a compelling reason why I SHOULDN'T stay there? And, if the answer to that is "Do Not Stay There!!!", what other options are there (close to Lincoln Center, room cost $300 per night or less)? The second half of the question is: I'll have from Saturday evening (June 8th) until later afternoon on Monday to experience New York... What should we do?

Needing recommendation for premarital counseling

4ster — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:55:35 -0800

In October, I am officiating at wedding for a man and woman in Virginia. However, they are living in the financial district of New York (the zip is 10004), and I've (sadly) never been to New York. Could you suggest someone in that area who could provide premarital counseling for them? The counseling can be secular or religious. Either is fine. They are just looking for something basic.

Thank you for your help.

Books about the history of New York City

caek — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:14:35 -0800

I'd like to read about New York City. I'm looking for more general "New York 101" overviews, or books about longer eras/themes. I'm not looking for books about cultural "scenes" or specific events/short periods. I have my eye on "Gotham" by Burrows and Wallace, which seems like the standard one volume history, and also "The Power Broker" by Caro (which, to give you an idea, is about as focussed and specific a book about New York as I'm looking for right now). What else can you recommend?

Loans for NYC Moving Expenses

incomple — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:29:25 -0800

I'm planning to move from one NYC neighborhood to another at the end of the summer. Though I'm 99% sure I'll be able to cover all potential expenses (movers, security deposit, first/last month's rent, broker's fee), I was wondering if there's a reputable company that advances small loans to help cover these costs. Though at this point I'm fully expecting to be able to cover all the expenses, I'm worried about the possibility of some sort of emergency that would necessitate dipping into these savings. The amount that I would potentially need to borrow would be small (absolute worst case scenario, probably $4000), and could be repaid reasonably immediately.

I have doubts about my bank (Chase) advancing such a loan, though I'll be thrilled if anyone tells me otherwise. I'm also strongly considering asking for an increase to my credit limit, because though I have yet to encounter a landlord who takes payments by card, I know that could be the thing that preserves my bank balance in an emergency.

Basically, any advice on how to cover my ass, beyond just crossing my fingers, would be appreciated.

Where can I take a shower and leave a bag for the day in New York City?

reductiondesign — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:33:17 -0800

In a few weeks I'll be flying into NYC around 9:00 AM and flying out around 9:00 PM, and I'd like to take a shower somewhere and maybe even leave my bag for the day so I can wander the city. So far the only options I've found are to pay about $50 for access to an airline lounge, which seems too pricey for what I want, or to book a hotel room. Surely there are cheaper options? I'm not too picky about location, but somewhere in Lower Manhattan would probably be best. Please help me out, New Yorkers!

"Activity" places for a bachelor party in NYC

Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:40:36 -0800

Recommendations for good bachelor party "activity"-type places in NYC. Not looking for debauchery—right now, we're considering something like Brooklyn Bowl and/or Barcade. Thinking along those lines or pool/darts, that sort of thing, but also interested in other ideas. Manhattan or Brooklyn. We'll be eating dinner somewhere in the middle there, so something high-intensity like laser tag is out. We're probably talking about a dozen guys in their 30s. There will be drinking (so places where we can drink are preferred, though not required), but this crowd definitely won't be very rowdy. Thanks for your help!

Hotel recommendation near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC?

obliquicity — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:29:40 -0800

A colleague and I are traveling to New York at the end of the month (Tues-Thurs, if it matters) for business that will take place near the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We will not have a car, because who is crazy enough to have a car in NYC? -- so I'd like to find someplace relatively near, or at least on the same subway line as, the museum. However, we also are limited to the state rate for our hotel -- which in NYC is $241/night.

I apologize for the "do my homework for me" aspect of this question, but I'm hoping that someone has insight into a great, charming, maybe even artsy, and yet relatively inexpensive hotel for us. Or even just clean and nice and friendly, frankly. Searches are proving somewhat overwhelming.

And while I'm here and thinking about driving in the city... if you have thoughts about the best way to acquire a car and do a day trip to Philadelphia with the least possible amount of city driving (but also minimal inconvenience!), I'd deeply appreciate that, too. We do need to use a car, unfortunately, rather than public transit.

Where should I live in New York?

naoko — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:41:22 -0800

I'm moving to New York and don't know a lot about neighborhoods. Where should I live? My boyfriend just got a new job, we are moving in together in New York - he is moving in June and I am following some time in the next several months (September-ish?). I currently live in DC (U Street area) and he lives in Cambridge, MA (between Harvard and Central Squares) (we both really like our current neighborhoods a lot, fwiw). His new office is around 5th Ave and 34th Street.

Things we don't care about at all:
- Doorman
- Fancy in-building facilities like a gym. Washer and dryer in the building would be nice but that's about it.
- Shiny perfect new appliances

Things we do care about
- Near a subway stop and a not horribly long commute for him to get to work
- Feels like a "neighborhood" - an area with some personality and character, has affordable bars and restaurants and culture-y things to do (movie theaters? funky bookstores? live music? I don't know exactly, but that sort of thing), and where other young-ish people live (we are both 28). It doesn't have to be the hippest area, just somewhere that's not boring commercial wasteland. Basically we want to give ourselves the best possible shot at falling in love with New York.

Based on the 40xrent=salary rule that I've seen in other threads about NYC apartment hunting, our budget is around $2500 (note: this only takes into account his salary. I am currently in a (low-paid, but paid) internship in DC and do not have a job lined up in New York yet). I don't really have a great idea of what different neighborhoods are like and what that amount of money gets us. My sister (who lives in the West Village) is pretty convinced that what we want is Williamsburg, and from what she says it sounds appealing, but I'd love to hear other opinions. I floated East Village/Lower East Side and she said I might find it a bit on the noisy side but that it might be an option. Other ideas appreciated too! Boyfriend and I are headed to New York this weekend to take a look around and get a better idea of what's what, so any guidance going into that would be much appreciated!

Question Part B:
Since my boyfriend will be moving there several months before me, does it make sense for him to get a sublet until we can move into our real apartment together? Or will the hassle of finding a sublet and moving in and then finding a permanent apartment and then moving again outweigh saving some money by having a smaller place until I get there? I hear so many horror stories about New York apartment hunting that I wonder if the peace of mind and less drawn-out process of only having to find a place once might be worth it. Then again, that puts a lot of pressure on us to find that more permanent apartment really soon. Also, if I can find a job before I move then our budget can be bigger. I've been mentally going around in circles on this and I just don't know.

Moving to NY: How's my game plan? And other questions.

windbox — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:12:03 -0800

The job part is secured. Now on to the "living there" part. Where should I live for $1200 or under, and how should I go about achieving this living situation? I know, you saw the $1200 price point and were ready to crush my dreams. So let me just make it clear that yes, I am looking for a room in a shared living situation and not my own apartment/studio.

My work will be smack in the middle of the area Google Maps calls "Hudson Square" - it's a couple blocks from the Hudson st. 1 and the Spring st C/E, and maybe a half mile or so from all the lines on W. 4th st - not sure if that hike would get old, though.

I want to live somewhere that is safe and also has some stuff going on - it does not have to be the epicenter of everything hip and awesome, but I would prefer not to live in a wasteland of only crappy bodegas and fast food joints. A few cool bars, restaurants, and a healthy population of young people would be nice. I'd also like to try and keep the commute at 30 minutes or under. Sorry to everyone in Inwood and Washington Heights - it's too far, I think. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I guess I should try to be living either somewhere on the west side of the city, or on the C somewhere in Brooklyn - like Boerum Hill, Clinton Hill (around the Clinton-Washington or Lafayette stops)...what else am I missing? I see a whole lot more listings around Franklin ave, I guess that's more Bed-Stuy right? What's that like these days? From my sheltered internet research it seems like it's still sort of barren with maybe a tiny smattering of neat stuff, but overall not what I'm looking for. Again, please correct me if I'm wrong.

My plan: To sublet a place for the last two weeks of May while I scour craigslist and be ready to accept a June opening on the spot. I'd have all my credit reports, bank statements, etc together and ready to prove I'm not a bum.

Sorry, this is all over the place. I guess I'm trying to figure out if my plan is a good one (or if I'll need more time, or if there are other resources I'm missing besides craigslist), if my neighborhoods are within my budget, if there are any neighborhoods I'm missing or if some of my assumptions are completely incorrect and I'm going about this all wrong.

Any other advice - things you wished you did when you first tried to move here, 2013 edition - is also greatly appreciated.

Excellent plays to watch this weekend in NYC?

shivohum — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:46:08 -0800

I need recommendations for an excellent play for which I can get tickets for a somewhat older couple this weekend in NYC. No musicals, please, and nothing too risque or avant-garde. Any ideas?

Where can I play table tennis in New York?

Michael Pemulis — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:53:27 -0800

I'm trying to get back into playing table tennis and I live in Brooklyn. I played in college, and while I wasn't good, I played in tournaments, had a rating, and I know basic strokes. I'm looking to get back into it, but I don't know where to start. I'm looking to get better and take it seriously--does that mean I should avoid clubs like Spin and Fat Cat?

It's really tough for me to get to Flushing, for what it's worth.

Where in New York City / Montreal can I find Chinese translated manga?

Jeanne — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:25:21 -0800

I live in New York City and am visiting Montreal and I'm looking for Chinese translated manga / manhua. Tian Hua in Montreal used to have some, but maybe they got rid of them when they moved? Is there another place that stocks them in either city? Bonus points if you know any good sources for Chinese children's books in either city.

northern lights viewing w'in driving distance of Manhattan

xetere — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 02:34:39 -0800

ISO the best place tonight 13 April 2013 to view possible northern lights within an hour's drive of Manhattan? According to this article in Accuweather, an amazing solar pulse on Thursday means that the Northern lights might actually occur as far south as NYC! Forecast is for partly cloudy skies which means, of course partly clear too. Woo-hoo, but given the artificial lights of Manhattan, I want to maximize my chances of seeing. Does anyone know where (park rural place that would have access tonight) within an hour and a half drive of Manhattan where one could possibly stargaze and see Aurora if lucky?

I'm thinking due north both because it might slightly increase chances and because that seems most rural, but open to any suggestions.

Geeky in NYC?

bondcliff — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:26:43 -0800

Heading to NYC next week with the family for a few days. What are some good destinations for a family that likes geeky things? Not Star Trek and Cosplay, think more engineering and Lego. We're staying in Manhattan near Grand Central Station.

I'm especially looking for quick things that we can see on the way to somewhere else. Audiokinetic sculptures / ball machines and that sort of thing would be especially welcome.

Things The Boy (11) likes:

Lego
Minecraft
Star Wars
The Simpsons
Complex mechanical things
Chess
Humor / comedy
Farts and fart-related things
Hot dogs / pizza / sushi / shrimp
Roller coasters (full size and models)

Not interested in:

The Intrepid (I've seen it and he's seen enough Air/Space museum type things)
FAO Schwarts (does that still exist?)
Movies (I am, but he's not really into many films)

Currently on the list:

Museum of Natural History / Hayden Planetarium
Empire State Building
Museum of Math
WTC Memorial
The Subway (we have those here but the system isn't as complex)

General NYC advice is welcome too. (best times to hit those destinations, etc)

Cheap lunch in Manhattan!

millipede — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:45:09 -0800

Yesterday, I found a delicious and huge banh mi on Broome street for $4.50. This made me think: there have to be, in my general vicinity, other good lunches that don't cost a lot. I generally pay $8 to $15 for lunch, and I'm tired of it, and I'm also fatigued from all the places I currently go. Tell me other (cheap) places to try! Location: I work on Broadway and Houston. I want lunch to be walking distance. Walking distance, for me, is "a fifteen-minute walk."

Cuisine: Anything, but I'm not looking for fast food chains or a hot dog on the street. I already know about halal carts and smoothie carts. I already know about Gray's Papaya and Mamoun's. I'm looking for recommendations that are similar to this hole-in-the-wall banh mi place I found--something delicious and not-entirely-unhealthy.

This is more about lunch boredom than about saving money, so "why don't you bring your lunch from home?!" is not what I'm looking for here.

Where to eat next in NYC?

Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:18:44 -0800

Where to go for dinner next in NYC? I'm a lifelong New Yorker and love going out to eat. However, I feel like I'm in bit of a rut, mostly returning to neighborhood reliables and a handful of other favorite restaurants around the city. The wealth of information about NYC restaurants out there is pretty daunting, so I'm hoping for some direction from the hivemind. Some more details inside. A few of my favorite places are Devi (Indian), Auroro Soho (Italian), and Cafe D'Aslace (French). If there's a common theme uniting these, it's that I'd say they all have very modern sensibilities, bringing each of their regional cuisines up-to-date and improving them with new ideas and very fresh ingredients without slavishly adhering to traditions. They also each have interesting interiors and, to me, "fun" vibes without being overly loud. (Devi's maybe a little more formal but still pretty relaxed.)

I'm open to almost any cuisine. I eat vegetarian or fish (though not shellfish/crustaceans), but I've rarely had an issue with that in all my years living in NYC. (Even steakhouses have alternative options these days.) I don't mind paying for moderately expensive meals (let's say, three dollars signs out of four on Yelp), but I'm not looking for 11 Madison Park-type blowout meals. Usually it's just me and my wife, or the two of us and friends, so kid-friendliness is not a concern for us.

I'd love to receive specific restaurant recommendations for anywhere in the city (if I've given you enough to go on), but I'd also welcome ideas for websites which help make sense of the restaurant jumble. (I'm thinking more along the lines of curated sites, blogs, etc., rather than "search every single restaurant" sites like Zagat.) Thank you so much!

Long-term Storage in Brooklyn, NY

traveltheworld — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:17:10 -0800

As I said in my last post, I'm packing up and hitting the road to travel the world for a year. I have a one bedroom apartment full of stuff in Brooklyn Heights, NY that I need to store. I'm going to try to pare down as much as possible, but I have nice furniture that I paid a good amount of money for and like, as well as art and books, much of which I want to keep. Having done some quick searching online, it definitely appears to make sense to store much of my furniture from my cost/benefit point of view, versus buying all new furniture at similar prices to what I previously spent when I get back. I'm looking for climate controlled storage for a large one bedroom worth of stuff, anywhere in the NYC area. Obviously, the farther from Brooklyn Heights, the more it will cost me to move it into storage, so there's a balance to storing near versus far. I'd like something safe, climate controlled, and a reasonable distance from Brooklyn Heights. I'm willing to prepay for the year if that saves money, and I don't plan to need access to any of the stuff during the year but it would be nice to have the option. Any advice? Recommendations? Things I'm not thinking of? Ways to find the best storage spot other than googling and reading (limited) reviews and looking at website? Thanks in advance!

How do I get my car title transfered into my name?

domnit — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:19:23 -0800

What is the process and what taxes must I pay when transferring a car title from my father to me? Interstate snowflakes inside. Due to circumstances when I was trying to buy my car, my father was the one who actually purchased and registered it in New York where he lives. I would like to officially take over the title and register the car in California, where I now live. What is the process?

My dad will be visiting me in California, so he can sign over the title to me in person. I figure this can be done as a gift. Then do I have to pay taxes / file paperwork in New York? I will need a California license, title, and registration. Will my NY inspection (good through August) satisfy the CA smog test or do I have to get the smog test done immediately? Do I get a CA license ahead of time (I still have my NY license), or do I just go to the DMV with my NY title and get everything done at once? What's the process that minimizes time and money spent while keeping my car legally on the road?

Tuxedo: vintage or new?

Potomac Avenue — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:03:25 -0800

I'm coming to the realization that I need to either buy a new tux or a vintage tux for my wedding. Tell me of your experiences with vintage tuxes please? Tell me of your experiences with cool vintage store in New York City please? Or some other place in the area to buy a tux that isn't a chain or a department store? If there is some awesome rental alternative to the wedding factories of Jo. Banks and Men's Warehouse that would be grand too. Are there any decent tuxedos in the classic style available for less than $500? Or am I dreaming? Also advice about tux styles would be appreciated. I've read all of this site and beyond knowing to just get black everything I'm pretty confused about what would look good but not obnoxiously formal.

Sanity in spa form?

TravellingCari — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:14:08 -0800

I'll be wrapping up a stressful period of work and have a long weekend coming up. I'd like to find a spa, or hotel with spa within 4-5 hours radius of NYC to just veg. Our major event wraps this week and after way too many 12-16 hour days, I'm escaping for a long weekend. I just want some quiet and to get away so I'm ruling out the umpteen million day spas in NYC.

Ideally, no flight required because I don't want the hassle of air travel to take away from relaxing. I love trains so anything on Amtrak and/or Metro North would be fine, but I don't know where to start. I'll fly if there's somewhere wow and airfare isn't ridiculous.
I don't have a car but could rent one for the weekend for the right place.

Spa not exactly a necessity, but I equate it with lots of relaxing places so that's where I'm starting my search. Just want somewhere I can veg and enjoy the scenery or light things to do. Quiet would be nice. Can be either B&B type or corporate hotel (I love the spas at Westins and Ws, for example), but didn't see any in enticing locations for next weekend. Less about the place being exciting, but I don't want to go to another large city.

Considered and ruled out:
- Buttermilk Falls Inn - gorgeous, no availability
- Mohonk Mountain House - way out of my price range. I have some money to treat/spoil myself but not to the tune of $528/night.

Any suggestions/ experiences / ideas? Thanks!

What are the must read books of 1970s NYC?

johnnybeggs — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 21:43:46 -0800

I've got my nose buried in Bonfire of the Vanities and Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx is Burning. What books should I read next? What are the must-reads from or about this era of New York City?

liability after apartment fire in NYC

gerryblog — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:52:01 -0800

The other night there was a fire in my friend's building in New York City; the fire was on the 10th floor, he lives on the 21st. He wasn't present while the fire happened, but there was smoke damage to his apartment, particularly to his clothes. My friend doesn't have renter's insurance. I have two related questions. The first is about cleaning -- what is the best plan of attack for cleaning his clothes? Is there a particularly laundry detergent or laundry strategy he ought to deploy? Is there a particular type of dry cleaner to which he should take his suits (and should he ask for some special treatment)?

The second question is about liability for his expenses. If his clothes can be cleaned, he expects that the total cost to him will only be a few hundred dollars, or less; if his clothes can't be cleaned and he has to buy new suits, it could cost him one or two thousand dollars. Given that he has no renter's insurance, is there any possibility that the building, or the person who started the fire, is responsible for his expenses under New York and New York City law? Complicating matters is the fact that he is actually subleasing his place from another party; is it possible that that person's insurance has some liability even if the building doesn't?

Of course I understand that none of you are his lawyer, but he wants a sense of whether this is worth pursuing at all.

Help me plan a unique New York City bachelorette party

rachaelfaith — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:10:24 -0800

I could use some input on how I can pull off the bachelorette party I have envisioned, in New York City, in late May of this year. Keywords: fun (not raunchy), slumber party, karaoke, good food, overnight. My cousin pulled a fast one on me and moved her wedding up by a full year. I'm scrambling to plan the bridal shower (a whole 'nother beast) and a bachelorette party. Most of the bridesmaids and a few friends are in the North Jersey/NYC area, so holding it in Manhattan is the primary choice. The party will be held either 5/31 or 6/1.

I have envisioned a night that goes something like this: Eat some delicious food, go to a karaoke bar and sing drunken anthems, maybe hit a bar or club after, end the night at a location in which I can turn into the greatest slumber party, complete with blanket forts, snacks and cupcakes and air mattresses or shared beds, fluffy slippers, silly little-kid blankets, et cetera.

I suppose the most important questions are:
1. Where can I construct a slumber party? Are there any hotels you might know of that would work with me on this? I considered AirBnB, but I would have to clear it with the owner beforehand, and possibly come in a day early to decorate... This is my main concern.

2. Where should I bring a group of 5-10 mid to late 20's women for a not-too-expensive, not too 'adventurous' (I think some of them are picky about worldly cuisine) dinner? Maybe a tapas place? I would consider Blue Ribbon Bakery for the general ambience and food type but it's not ideal in terms of loudness and large parties.

3. Which karaoke bar can accommodate large-ish parties? Sing Sing on St. Marks is my go-to, but maybe I'm missing out on other great options. Private rooms are ideal.

4. Any suggestions on other clubs or bars to go to? None of us are into the club scene, nothing super exclusive, nothing snobby, nothing aimed at the college crowd. Just a decent place we can get drinks and dance a bit before ending the night.

5. Any other alternative ideas or activities that might work for this group would be wonderful. Bride-to-be is 26, girly, loves romantic comedies and coming of age movies, comfort food, getting dressed up, baseball. Not into overdone NYC bachelorette things like Lucky Cheng's. Can handle some raunchy fun but nothing overt. Probably not into the 'spa' thing but will go for occasional pedicures.

Help!

New Yorkers, can you help me get my friends an awesome wedding gift?

bigendian — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 02:55:41 -0800

Two of my closest friends are marrying in two months and leaving for New York City for (at least) two years this fall. For their wedding gift I'd like to give them "small papery things" - subway tickets, restauraunt coupons, tickets to museums, etc. - that they could take easily with them and give them a headstart in exploring the city. Now I'm looking for recommendations in general but also helping hands to get these things to Austria. As recommendations on what to do/see in New York City can fill books, here's some information about my friends: they are both in their mid-twenties, love sweet stuff and fast food alike while one of them being on a strictly vegetarian diet (so vegetarian places are preferable over steakhouses), and prefer amusement parks and cinemas over art exhibitions and the theater. They will be living close to the central park if you know interesting places nearby. (Doesn't necessarily have to be close though.)
Essentially everything resembling a ticket or coupon for some place or activity that doesn't come with an (immediate) expiration date would be great.

Now as to get these things to Austria I was hoping for kind-hearted people with a bit of time on their hands who could pick up (some) of these things and mail it to me as I figure most of those places probably won't offer transatlantic shippment of their tickets/coupons.
Needless to say I'd pay in full for everything and I'm already thinking of ways to establishing the trust in me if there should be someone willing to help. (I'd also meet you for coffee or treat you to dinner, when I'm in NY myself to visit my friends next year.)

If not, "just" the recommendations are of big use to me as well to get this idea of its feet. And I'm thankful for each and everyone of them already.
Thanks.

East Coast travel optimization: trains, cars, and planes.

artlung — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:38:19 -0800

I a (mostly) West coaster, and will be on the Eastern seaboard next week for some travel. Here's what my plan is: (1) Thursday - Washington DC to West Point (by train and rental car) (2) Sunday - West Point to NYC (by rental car, need to drop someone in NY at an airport) (3) Sunday - Stay overnight in NYC are thereabouts in prep for (4). Nice to have would be within striking distance to do something in NYC that night, but this is optional (4) Monday - Fly out from LaGuardia in the afternoon For (1) I will be taking Amtrak up to NYC, and I think I need to rent a car at LaGuardia because I need to end up there for (4). But could I theoretically take the train all the way to West Point and then rent a car on that Sunday?

I guess I'm wondering is - what's the best place to rent a car around NYC or between NYC and West Point for (1). And how much hassle can I expect dropping the car at LaGuardia (3/4) if I start somewhere else. I could theoretically return the car at (3) or (4) but have not settled on that.

I really don't know what I don't know about doing trains and renting cars in the NYC area and getting in and out of LaGuardia. Tips on getting to West Point generally are also welcome. Thanks!