Sara's NYC Guide
- May 7
- 3 min read
As I sit here in a cafe drinking a salted tahini honeycomb latte (are you fucking kidding), sitting in the window seat, people watching on Third Ave, I can’t help but reflect on the joy and adventure this city has brought me. The amazing drinks and food, the connections with strangers, the way travel encourages you to try new things, how it’s fostered Ben and I’s friendship.
As many close to me know I’m taking steps to make the leap. And I don’t know if NYC is where I’ll end up living but I know it’s going to be apart of my life. This is my fourth time visiting Ben and I’ve been cataloging my ~favorites~. As an ode to this city, I wanted to create a space where I could share them with all of you! Sara’s Guide to NYC, if you will.
From the secret entrance that leads to an unassuming staircase down, to a gorgeous art nouveau styled, dimly lit cocktail heaven. The vibes are perfect with the leather seats, the DJ in the corner, and the delicious drinks. Also, the staff were all so friendly and accommodating-- I was able to try to the cocktail I wanted sans dairy.
Consumed: Milk Money (Vodka, Cold Brew, Charred Oat, Black Sesame, Oat Milk, Salted Condensed Foam, Black Lava Salt). Isaphan (Tequila, Mezcal, Sweet Vermouth, Campari, Lychee, Raspberry Rose). The 80s Called They Want Their Martini Back (Gin, Aquavit, Bianco Aperitifs, Rhubard, Dill, Smoked Olive Oil, Grilled Olive).
Where my favorite cocktail was created! Thank you Ben ;) The Naked + Famous: equal parts Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, lime juice, and Aperol. Perfect. It's so dark you have to use your phone flashlight or the candle light to read the menu, so loud you have to lean ALL the way in, and, don't know what you want? The staff will talk you through it baby!
Consumed: The Naked & Famous (see above) and the Doctor Isley (Derrumbes San Luis Potosi Mezcal, Mosto Verde Pisco, Cucumber, Lemon, Lychee).
The vegan restaurant I dreamed of. Inside was a woodland fairy wonderland! The ceaser salad and carbonara made me feel like a normal (dairy tolerating) girly again, I dream of them all the time. I HIGHLY recommend to everyone, vegans and non-vegans. I promise.
Consumed: Baby Gem (caesar, roasted tomato, avocado, garlic nori crouton). Avocado (carrot ginger, crispy rice, miso glaze, blistered shishito). Spaghetti (house-made pasta, carbonara sauce, mushroom). Tamal (mole, epazote crema, jackfruit and trumpet ragu, pickled onion). Almond Cake (pastry cream, apple butter).
What a fun place! Ben and I went here on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in August. The place was PACKED and for good reason. Giant open windows, great music, and a creative-inventive menu, executed perfectly. The Margarita & Cream? Divine.
Consumed: Pina Colada Pickleback (coconut fat washed four walls whisky with homemade pickled pineapple brine), Margarita & Cream (Patron tequila with rhubarb, strawberries and topped with whipped cream), Choclate Salt & Olive Oil (mousse).
During my second trip to NYC in March of 2025, I ended up with a night to myself and I decided to take myself on a solo dinner date. I started elsewhere but finished my evening at Planta for some vegan dessert and drinks. The lovely bartender made me one of the best espresso martinis I've ever had (I had two), the vibes were amazing, and the dessert (a brownie sundae that was on special) delicious. I loved it so much, I brought Ben back there that August.
Consumed: Firecracker Maki Roll (japanese sweet potato, avocado, unagi, potato straws, gochujang mayo, chili salt), Cripsy Gyoza (cabbage, carrot, cilantro, mushroom, chili soy), Bang Bang Broccoli (sweet chili, peanut sauce), two dessert specials.
At this point you must know my afinity for dimly-lit, upscale cocktail bars. Penrose brought the elegance and the cozy, cool bartenders, and delicious drinks. (Pictured above-right) The Once Upon A Time In Mexico was my favorite drink of my entire last trip!
Consumed: Once Upon A Time In Mexico (Clinatro Mezcal, Tequila, Tamarind, Ponche, Sotol, Ginger, Lime, Agave). Midnight Express (Shot- Milk-Washed Amaro, Coffee Infused Rye, Hazelnut).
Bathhouse (Flatiron)
Our first (& only-- for now) food place! I have to admit I was a bit skeptical... or maybe nervous when Ben first introduced this idea to me but he sells eveything well. It's so amazing. A goregous, elevated oasis of relaxtion. That, I must say, is filled with some of the most beautiful people I have ever seen in my life. That's Manhattan baby! We start with the steam room and move to the hot tubs, suanas, and cold plunges.
A forever unfinished, non-comprehensive NYC Guide, from a girly who loves a dimly-lit bar, a strong cocktail, even stronger coffee, late nights, and all the pleasures life has to offer ;)
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