Best Chicken and Waffles
Amy Ruth’s
The Reverend Al Sharpton is famous in many quarters. But did you know that Rev. Al also has the distinction of having Amy Ruth’s world famous chicken and waffles (fried or smothered) named after him? We’ll march to that. Amy Ruth’s serves up its specialty—crispy, piping-hot, well-seasoned yard bird, perched atop sweet, fluffy waffles—constantly. Enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, you can also nosh on a traditional soul food menu (from chicken livers to cheese grits) all night long. The Harlem mainstay, located in the heart of Little Senegal, has ex-tended hours on weekends. 212.280.8779. amyruthsharlem.com
Best First Date Spot
The Nomad Hotel
Whether you sip on classic drinks like the apple-brandy based Star Cocktail or dine on Black Bass in one of its three spaces, The NoMad is the place to get acquainted with someone. The Parlour is sure to impress, with its seasonal specialties and elegant decor, while also alleviating any first-date pressure. Feeling unsure of your date’s potential? Then allow your eye to wander while sampling the cocktails at the Bar, which perfectly blends lively club with luxurious lounge. Perhaps you want to get things heated on the first date? Then sneak a kiss among the tomes in the Library. Wherever you end up—even if it’s in one of the swanky suites—it’s hard to go wrong here. 212.796.1500. thenomadhotel.com
Best Sports Bar
Slate
This Flatiron billiards bar welcomes sports spectators and their pool-loving pals. Concrete floors, futuristic lighting, multiple gaming areas, plus too many flat screens to count lure the masses to Slate. The industrial cool, multilevel event space pulls double duty as the sports bar of choice for the social set. Upstairs, the large bar with a lounge area and small dance floor is where folks go to watch the big game. Downstairs is where foosball, pool, and ping-pong tables abound. There’s no real conversation to be had over the loud music; but if you’re gonna lose your voice, let it be from cheering on the home teams. 212.989.0096. slate-ny.com
Best Brunch
Soco Brooklyn
Impeccably dressed crowds pack Brooklyn’s SoCo restaurant each Sunday afternoon for their sometimes sweet, sometimes savory brunch fare. Red velvet waffles and buttermilk fried chicken are the real winners, while the mac ’n’ cheese—served straight from the skillet—doesn’t fall too far behind. Classic handcrafted cocktails and jazzy tunes spun by an in-house DJ top it all off, making this a brunch spot worth adding to your repertoire. 718.783.1936. socobk.com
Best Live Music
Ginny’s Supper Club At Red Rooster
Going out and listening to music doesn’t always mean cramming into a head-banging club. Sometimes live music in a neighborhood staple is just what the doctor ordered. Red Rooster Harlem houses Ginny’s Supper Club downstairs, a place created to bring back the laughter and mirth of the speakeasies of yesteryear, but with modern touches. Robert Glasper and Arturo O’Farrill are but a few of the artists who have let loose in this sexy-cozy space. After sets, the best DJs keep the party going. 212.421.3821. ginnyssupperclub.com
Best Spa
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental New York
This urban oasis may be located in the heart of New York City, but the essence of this spa is global. Far from the traditional spa experience, here you can partake in a set of specially designed “rituals” encompassing Chinese, Ayurvedic, European, Balinese, Oriental, and American Indian practices. Enjoy the spa’s newest Vitamin Infusion facial with micro-current, ultrasound, and LED light therapy treatments, followed by a collagen mask and cold stone facial massage. The 650-squarefoot VIP Spa Suite, equipped with an elevated bath, fireplace, and massage beds for couples is the pièce de résistance. 212.805.8880. mandarinoriental.com/newyork/luxury-spa
Best Bar
Corner Social
Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster gets the lion’s share of press, but its neighbor, Corner Social, is the coolest kid on the block. With the friendly atmosphere of Cheers; an eager fusion of American fare and soul food; and a global-spanning, genre-bending soundtrack (frequently with guest DJs), this late-night hot spot (the bar and kitchen operate until 2 a.m.) represents yet another hype-inducing direction of Harlem. This Corner is where natives, new inhabitants, and visitors from Brooklyn to Bali can booze (try our favorite Peach & Almonds cocktail) and have fun (remember that?) without the downtown posturing. 212.510.8552. cornersocialnyc.com
