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The Public Theater
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425 Lafayette St.
Founded by legendary director Joseph Papp, this famous venue presents new and provocative plays year-round and also stages Shakespeare in the Park, a New York treasure, every summer. The Public is the epitome of downtown cool: low-priced rush tickets may be available an hour prior to performances (the policy for the new season is still in development), the sleek lobby offers great people-watching and Joe's Pub, located within the venue, is home to some of the City’s best music shows in a relaxed, bohemian space.
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Zabar's
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2245 Broadway
Any wait you might encounter at this Upper West Side landmark is worth it. New Yorkers and out-of-towners—tens of thousands per week—come to Zabar's for some of the City's best coffee, bagels, smoked fish, cheeses and much more. Grab some goodies for a picnic in nearby Central Park, or load up on groceries to make a savory meal at home. Either way, how can you not love a place that once famously sold caviar at a loss in its zeal for offering the lowest price?
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Marie's Crisis
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59 Grove St.
This packed piano bar in the West Village is a neighborhood favorite. Though known as a gay bar, it truly is for everyone who is a fan of Broadway and show tune sing-alongs. The throwback, divey interior is nothing special, but people come for the rowdy, fun atmosphere and the cheap drinks. Be warned: Marie’s can get very crowded, especially on weekend nights. And don’t forget your dollars for drinks and tips—it’s a cash-only venue.
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Little Island
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Pier 55 at Hudson River Park Hudson River Greenway
Little Island, New York City’s newest public park, is a destination for outdoor music, theater and dance performances as well as art programs. Accessible by walkways from just off the West Side Highway (at West 13th and 14th Streets), Little Island, at Hudson River Park’s Pier 55, holds 2.4 acres of green space and includes an amphitheater, aka The Amph, overlooking the water. The eye-catching concrete piles jut out of the Hudson River and are connected to one another by lush gardens. Taking the place of the remnants of Pier 54, which was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy, the park welcomes visitors from 6am to 1am, with timed reservations required from noon on. Little Island has partnered with Savory Hospitality to offer coffee, baked goods, salads, sandwiches, drinks and bites made fresh with local ingredients all day long. Programming includes talks, guided art workshops and free live concerts.
