One of the last surviving WWII-era Corsairs arrives on the flight deck for an all-new hanger deck exhibition
INSIDE: CITY, SUBWAY, BUS, THEATER, DOWNTOWN MAPS
T HE O NE
A B R E A TH T A K I N G
O B S E R V A T O R Y E X P E R I E N C E
E X P E R I E N C E
One World Obser vator y opens you up to an uplif ting and illuminating experience above all else – it ’s not simply about the sightlines Take in unparalleled views, the taste of elevated dining, the rush of discover y, and more The 60 – 75-minute experience f its per fectly into your downtown itinerar y.
One World Obser vator y opens you up to a sensor y experience above all else – it’s not simply about the sightlines. It’s the feel of Lower Manhattan, the taste of fine dining, the rush of discover y, and more.
T he Talles t Obs e rva t ory in N e w York Cit y
If you’re interested in experiencing what it ’s like to be at the top of New York, look no fur ther The obser vator y’s sprawling 360-degree views stretch 45 miles in all directions. Imagine reflecting on the grandeur of NYC’s famous mix of architectural st yles that make this sk yline the most recognizable in the world from the tallest point in the cit y.
Beyond the view, visitor s to the obser vator y are encouraged to learn something new about New York from the place where it all began. A team of tour guides will enlighten you on NYC’s rich histor y, which originates in Lower Manhattan. Sit in on daily interactive presentations or engage one of the guides with your questions to make the most of the visit
D i n e Amo n g th e Cl ou d s
Have you ever dined from 101 stories in th e sky? Now’s your chance. The restaurant and bar offer unprecedented skyhigh views paired with a menu that offers an equally farreaching perspective on New York’s culinary culture. The front of house team provides personal service making sure each guest feels at home.
See more on the observatory and its amenities on pag 0 & 56
The obser vator y is open daily and is located at the top of One World Trade Center Visitor s can enter at 117 West St
Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged Check with the concierge desk for of fer s
WELCOME
From the PUBLISHER OF CITY GUIDE
Welcome to New York, the city that never sleeps.
You have arrived at the United States’ epicenter of culture, attractions, theater, dining, and more. When you wander through the neighborhoods, you’ll find historical sites, architecture, parks, specialty shops, epicurean delights, and many other memory makers. City Guide’s mission is “Guiding Discoveries” and in these pages you’ll discover iconic NYC destinations, Broadway shows, restaurant and nightlife options, and activities that will delight, educate, and entertain you. Whatever your pleasure, a jam-packed few days or a leisurely visit, City Guide will make navigating your stay easier—after all, we’ve been helping visitors make the most of the Big Apple for over 40 years. If you’re looking for more information visit cityguideny.com for an up to date calendar of events and thousands of other “fun to sees.”
NYC is known for its constant evolution and we’ll also show you new shopping destinations, the latest on our five observatories, immersive experiences, exhibitions at some of the world’s finest museums, and many great pop-up venues. Have a great time and welcome to our city.
Yours sincerely,
David L. Miller
Dear Friends:
From the MAYOR OF NEW YORK
I am delighted to join City Guide in welcoming you to the greatest city in the world!
New York is brimming with unmatched energy and diverse residents, and our myriad attractions inspire tens of millions of people to travel here every year. This ever-evolving city is a singular destination, and whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, I encourage you to explore our different neighborhoods and experience our acclaimed museums, beautiful parks, fashionable shops, iconic architecture, innovative culinary and nightlife offerings, major sporting events, and rich performing arts and cultural programming across all five boroughs.
As you’ll find in this comprehensive guide, there is always something exciting to discover in the Big Apple. I hope that you enjoy your stay, and that you visit us again soon.
Sincerely,
Eric Adams
SIGHT SEEING
See It All From Unique New York Perspectives
New York is a vertical city and there’s never been a better time to experience it, with multiple world-class observatories opening up the city’s skies. See the Empire State Building for yourself and you’ll know immediately why the skyscraper is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The 86th floor is home to the Observation Deck, open to the air with views that go on for miles. For a downtown take on altitude, look to One World Observatory. It’s the tallest building in the hemisphere, offering 360° immersions in the landmarks of downtown. From a climate-controlled perch you can enjoy unique perspectives on New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, historic bridges, and even out to New Jersey. Across town near Grand Central, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt takes the concept of an “observation deck” to new heights through three floors of multi-sensory interactions. Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock boasts unobstructed views of the city’s landmarks, including all of Central Park.
For an even higher POV, the Downtown Manhattan Heliport along the East River is home to HeliNY New York City These helicopter tours are the most exciting
Continued on p. 14
Above: One World Observatory towers over Lower Manhattan with epic views. Inset: the epic Space Shuttle Pavilion at the Intrepid Museum.
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS MAP
New
way to view all of the city’s major landmarks, from a perspective few ever experience.
A visit to the former aircraft carrier that’s now the Intrepid Museum is a step inside a living time capsule, an immersive experience that takes in maritime history, space exploration, and the evolution of aviation. The flight deck is home to 28 authentic historic aircraft; the epic Space Shuttle Pavilion holds Enterprise, which was a massive technological leap forward for NASA and America.
RiseNY is the first attraction of its kind, combining a soaring ride over the city with museum exhibits that celebrate iconic New York. Take in galleries dedicated to Finance, Skyline, TV/Radio, Fashion, Music, Broadway, and Film, before going on a ride that will have your feet dangling over NYC landmarks.
Circle Line is celebrating 80 years as “America’s Favorite Boat Ride.” They’ve got the only cruise that goes all the way around Manhattan, the Best of NYC Cruise. One trip shows off five boroughs, three rivers, and more than 20 bridges on the way to 130 New York City sights. (Take a sightseeing cruise and get $10 off with the coupon on page 17.)
Hold on tight for the BEAST, Circle Line’s thrilling speedboat ride that lets you see NYC at maximum speed. Catch a ride with Seastreak and you’ll cruise in comfort with climate-controlled cabins, an open-air top deck, and a full-service cash bar. Look for local getaways and whale watching cruises, which encounter charismatic humpback whales, with direct routes from Manhattan.
To see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island first-hand, Statue City Cruises is the only way to get there. Boats leave from Battery Park, with amazing perspectives on water, shipping, and skylines along the way.
City Cruises offers great ways to dine along the skyline, aboard the all-glass, Europeaninspired Bateaux New York and the upbeat buffet experiences of the Spirit of New York
Mercer Labs is a pioneering cultural institution downtown. New exhibit Maestros and the Machines reimagines the works of greats like da Vinci, Mozart, and Hokusai through the lens of cutting-edge technology. Explore 15 experimental exhibition spaces full of unique listening encounters and immersive installations.
You can pose “in a moment in time” with the world’s biggest stars at Madame Tussauds in Times Square. In addition to being “the
Above L to R: priceless city perspectives aboard HeliNY New York City; thrill to a simulated ride over the city at RiseNY. Inset below: stunning skylines from the decks of City Cruises.
Maestros reimagined through the lens of technology
From Mozart and Da Vinci to Hokusai & more
Explore a year of NYC all in one place at Madame Tussauds‘ Seasons of New York City. Whale watching cruises have returned for the season on Seastreak, with weekend departures from Lower Manhattan.
world’s greatest wax museum,” you’ll find immersive adventures like the MARVEL Super Heroes 4D Film & Experience
The diary of Anne Frank, written while in hiding between 1942 and 1944, is one of the most translated books in world history. Immerse yourself in the story at Anne Frank
The Exhibition, at the Center for Jewish History in Chelsea, which tells Frank’s story as a girl, a writer, and a symbol of resilience and strength.
A blink from NYC on the New Jersey side you’ll find American Dream, which boasts skating, skiing, mini golf, pizza, a water park, and luxury retailers. Theme park Nickelodeon Universe has the world’s steepest roller coaster waiting to thrill you. There are more than 3 million square feet in all, just 5 miles from Times Square!
SIGHTSEEING
AMERICAN DREAM NJ
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 833-263-7326; americandream.com
Shops. Dining. World-class entertainment. The range of activities here is jaw-dropping, from Saks to sharks to Legoland. Just a blink from NYC on the New Jersey side you’ll find the largest indoor theme park in North America plus skiing, skating, mini golf, a water park, pizza, barbecue, luxury retailers, and even an aquarium. There are more than 3 million square feet in all here—less than five miles from Times Square!
ANNE FRANK THE EXHIBITION CH
Center for Jewish History, 15 W. 16th St. (5th-6th Aves.), 212-294-8301; cjh.org
For the first time, Anne Frank House reaches beyond Amsterdam to share a full-scale recreation of the Annex, where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi capture. More than 100 original items give additional context to a unique and important story.
CIRCLE LINE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES MW FD
Pier 83 (42nd St.-12th Ave.), Pier 16 (South Street Seaport), 212-563-3200; circleline.com
A New York classic for 80 years, with guided boat tours that range from “Harbor Lights” to the “Liberty Super Express” to the flagship “Best of NYC,” which circles Manhattan. Coupon on page 17!
CITY CRUISES CH FD NJ
Chelsea Piers, Pier 61 (23rd St. & 12th Ave.), The Seaport, Pier 15, 78 South St. (Fletcher-John Sts.), Lincoln Harbor Marina, 1500 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken, NJ, 646-566-1380; citycruises.com/newyork
Offers brunch, lunch, and dining cruises, along with cocktail outings and the city’s best holiday cruises. Choose from buffets, or elegant plated experiences on the glass-enclosed deck of the European-inspired Bateaux. The Alive After Five cocktail cruise is back on the water for a fresh take on happy hour. City Cruises sails year-round from both NY and NJ from three convenient locations.
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING OBSERVATORY MW
20 W. 34th St. (5th-6th Aves.), 212-736-3100; esbnyc.com
One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, ride to the 86th floor for unforgettable views of Manhattan and beyond. Equally amazing for a daytime photo that captures the city in all its glory or a nighttime shot filled with glittering buildings.
HELINY NEW YORK CITY FD
Downtown Manhattan Heliport, 6 East River Piers (FDR Dr.), 212-355-0801; heliny.com
The most exciting way to view all of the city’s major landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park. Explore NYC from a perspective few ever experience, with three tour options ranging from 12 to 30 minutes and taking in up to 25 landmarks.
INTREPID MUSEUM MW
Pier 86, W. 46th St. & 12th Ave., 212-245-0072; intrepidmuseum.org
Founded in 1982, this landmark aircraft carrier takes visitors on an interactive journey through history to learn about American innovation and bravery. Explore the Space Shuttle Pavilion, home to Enterprise, the world’s first space shuttle, 28 authentically restored aircraft, and the nuclear submarine Growler
MADAME TUSSAUDS NEW YORK TS
234 W. 42nd St. (7th-8th Aves.); madametussauds.com
Time to celebrate #BIGTIME. Get your selfie sticks ready: Madame Tussauds is the only place with no ropes or barriers holding you back from your favorite stars. Pose “in a moment in time” with iconic musicians, leaders, sports legends, and A-list stars.
MERCER LABS, MUSEUM OF ART AND TECHNOLOGY FD
21 Dey St. (Church St.-Broadway), mercerlabs.com
Mercer Labs is a pioneering cultural institution where art and technology converge. The latest exhibition here is Maestros and the Machines, where the works of greats like da Vinci, Mozart, and Hokusai are reimagined through the lens of cutting-edge technology. Visitors can experience 15 experimental exhibition spaces full of unique listening encounters and immersive installations.
NEW YORK TRANSIT MUSEUM BK
99 Schermerhorn St. (Boerum Pl.-Court St.), 718-694-1600; nytransitmuseum.org
Gallery Annex & Store, Grand Central Terminal, Shuttle Passage, Main Concourse, 212-878-1016; mta.info
Inside a historic 1936 IND subway station in Brooklyn Heights, easily accessible by subway, you’ll find the largest U.S. museum devoted to urban public transportation history. Get hands on with vintage subway trains as well as insight into the cultural, social, and technological journey of public transportation.
DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream.
DAY CRUISES FROM NYC
Whale Watching
Daytrips to Sandy Hook Beach
Ferry to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard
Trips to the Sandbox at Seastreak Beach
Lighthouse Cruises
Ferry from Staten Island to NY Mets games at Citi Field
Cruises to charming Cold Spring, NY
Cruises to Milton, NY including a wine tasting excursion
There’s only one tallest. Only one strongest. And only one destination selected as the Best New Attraction in the World. These superlatives belong to One World Trade Center, and its pinnacle, the One World Observatory, rising over 100 stories in the sky. House restaurant ONE Dine combines seasonal menus with stunning views.
RISENY TS
160 W. 45th St. (6th-7th Aves.), 718-701-4998; riseny.co
Part ride. Part museum. All New York. Soar over the NYC skyline on a flight simulation ride and experience NYC’s rich history across seven interactive galleries.
SEASTREAK ME
E. 35th St. and Pier 11, Manhattan/Seastreak Ferry
The most comfortable way to explore the area: climate controlled cabins and an open-air top deck, 360° panoramic windows, and a full-service cash bar.
STATUE CITY CRUISES FD
877-LADY TIX (877-523-9849); cityexperiences.com
Offering ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island—the only way to get there. Daily rides depart approximately every 30 mintues from Battery Park at the foot of Manhattan. New to Liberty Island is the Statue of Liberty Museum, with memorabilia, an immersive film, and up close looks at the statue’s original torch, a 3,600-pound copper flame.
SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT ME
45 E. 42nd St. (5th-Park Aves.); summitov.com
Blending elements of art, technology, architecture, and thrill, SUMMIT takes the concept of an “observation deck” to new heights through three floors of multi-sensory interactions.
TOP OF THE ROCK MW
30 Rockefeller Center (W. 50th St. btw. 5th-6th Aves.), 877-692-7625; topoftherocknyc.com
The 67th-70th floor observation deck offers sweeping, unobstructed open-air views. Featuring reserved-time tickets, multi-media exhibits, and Art Deco splendor.
“One
“Outstanding in every way. Will make you fall in love with New York all over again.”
discover TIMES SQUARE
Shop. Eat. Explore.
“The Crossroads of the World” has it all, from global cuisines to flagship stores to some of the city’s top attractions.
ATTRACTIONS » RiseNY is the first attraction of its kind, combining a soaring ride over the city with museum exhibits that celebrate iconic elements of New York.
The neighborhood may be full of celebrities, but there’s only one place that guarantees star-spotting: Madame Tussauds New York. Get up close with representations of the world’s most iconic musicians, A-list stars, sports legends, and leaders.
Times Square is famous for its dazzling Broadway show marquees. You can immerse yourself in the New York theatre exprience at The Museum of Broadway. Groundbreaking moments, from the 1700s through the present, can be explored through costumes, props, photos, and videos.
NIGHTLIFE » Laughter seven nights a week?
Yes, please. Downtown legend Comedy Village is now serving up stand up comedy from a prime location just off Times Square. From rising talents to legendary veterans, diverse lineups mean something for everyone.
Madame Tussauds New York
RiseNY
RESTAURANTS»
Making a splashy neighborhood comeback is the state-of-theart Planet Hollywood restaurant, featuring a multi-media, fully immersive entertainment dining experience—the first of its kind in the U.S.
Chicken Guy! features all-natural chicken tenders infused with fresh herbs and paired with sauces that run from Nashville Hot Honey to Guy Fieri’s own signature Donkey Sauce.
Step into spacious 1950s- style eatery Havana Central for a mojito and classic Cuban favorites like empanadas, slow-roasted pork, and ropa vieja. Live Latin music plays Fridays and Sundays.
Woman-owned Utsav Indian Cuisine has been serving NYC fresh and flavorful Indian cooking for 25 years. A recently introduced Indo Chinese menu brings new flavors to Times Square for the first time. Fushimi Times Square fuses
traditional Japanese food with inventive, French-inspired nouvelle cuisine, within a lush and stylish space. You’ll find the freshest sushi and sashimi, plus entrees like steak and lobster.
For a quick stop, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is famed for their chicken finger meals and the creamy, tangy, peppery “Cane’s Sauce” that comes with them.
A great high-energy spot in the neighborhood is Pink Taco, which serves imaginative Mexican-inspired fare amid rock ‘n’ roll vibes. You’ll find tacos with attitude and perfectly shaken margaritas.
SHOPPING»
Beyond Broadway and people watching, Times Square is also known for its first-class shopping. Pelé Soccer is The World’s Greatest Soccer Store, from soccer legend Pelé. You can shop—and personalize—official jerseys and fan gear from 100+ teams and players around the world. Tamashii Nations Store New York is NYC’s go-to for high-quality action figures from Bandai Namco’s Tamashii Nations. Have a blast exploring collectibles across anime, manga, and beyond. Don’t let a tech hiccup spoil your trip. The interactive flagship T-Mobile Signature Store will connect you with gear, the latest phones, accessories, and SIM cards. When it’s time for a sweet treat, take a break at M&M’S Times Square, pictured here. A two-story color wall is packed with Milk, Peanut, and Specialty M&M’S Candies.
Fushimi
Planet Hollywood
Utsav Indian Cuisine
The city is overflowing with new interactive experiences, bringing art and culture to three-dimensional life.
Journey into the unknown at new immersive experience INTER, center above. This SoHo spot serves as a portal bringing together art, science, and imagination. You’ll explore 10 immersive exhibits that inventively combine light, sound, and digital projection. Climb through cosmic terrain, wander alien worlds, and come face to face with the mysteries of the universe. It’s not a theme park, not a museum, but something in between—a playground for the curious.
Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology (right above) is a pioneering cultural institution sprawling across a historic bank building in Lower Manhattan. Now open is Maestros and the Machines, which asks, “What happens when the timeless mastery of iconic artists meets the disruptive power of modern
technology?” Fifteen experimental exhibition spaces breathe, shift, and transform as they respond to the viewer.
IMMERSIVES IMMERSE YOURSELF
INTER SH
415 Broadway (Canal St.); inter.nyc Embark on a journey into the unknown at INTER, a new immersive experience in SoHo that merges art, science, and imagination. Explore 10 captivating exhibits that creatively combine light, sound, and digital projection. Climb through cosmic terrain, wander alien worlds, and confront the mysteries of the universe.
The Museum of Broadway near Times Square is an interactive destination celebrating the rich history of theatre in New York. Hundreds of rare costumes, props, and artifacts over three floors of exhibits let visitors experience Broadway like never before.
Madame Tussauds New York is the only place with no barriers holding you back from living your best life with your favorite stars. The attraction’s new Music area transports visitors to the heart of a New Year’s Eve concert in Times Square. Mingle with figures of Drake, Anitta, and Beyoncé amid countdown clocks, celebrity New Year’s resolutions, and confetti-covered floors.
Virtual Reality also has a place here: Eclipso’s Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive VR Expedition to Ancient Egypt takes visitors on a journey through pyramids and forbidden corridors.
See the full listing legend on page 60.
MADAME TUSSAUDS
NEW YORK TS
234 W. 42nd St. (7th-8th Aves.); madametussauds.com
Get your selfie sticks ready: Madame Tussauds is the only place with no ropes holding you back from your favorite stars. Pose “in a moment in time” with iconic musicians, leaders, sports legends, and A-list stars, and immerse yourself in adventures like the MARVEL Super Heroes 4D Film & Experience
MERCER LABS, MUSEUM OF ART AND TECHNOLOGY FD
21 Dey St. (Church St.-Broadway); mercerlabs.com
Mercer Labs is a pioneering cultural institution where art and technology converge. The latest exhibition here is Maestros and the Machines, where the works of greats like da Vinci, Mozart, and Hokusai are reimagined through the lens of cutting-edge technology.
CULTURE EXPLORING
NYC’s world-class museums and galleries have something for everyone, from art to history to the city itself.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art explores the early career of American painter John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) with a blockbuster look at Sargent and Paris. Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the artist’s death, the show includes 100 works of art, from preparatory sketches to full masterpieces, culminating in the iconic Madame X, seen in the center of the installation view above. The portrait of a prominent surgeon, Dr. Pozzi at Home (1881), is pictured at left.
1000 Fifth Ave.
2. Delve into the expansion of the collection at The Morgan Library & Museum through a selection of recent additions at A Celebration: Acquisitions in Honor of the Morgan’s Centennial. Pictured above is a gift from bookbinder Jamie Kamph, adorning The Queen-Like Closet (1670), written by pioneering author Hannah Woolley (ca. 1622–1675).
225 Madison Ave.
3. Born into the Harlem Renaissance, the late Faith Ringgold was known for her innovative story quilts. The Guggenheim Museum is showing Collection in Focus | The Reach of Faith Ringgold, featuring Woman on a Bridge #1 of 5: Tar Beach (1988) in dialogue with European modernists and contemporary American art.
1071 Fifth Ave.
4. It’s been half a century since social realist artist and activist Ben Shahn (1898-1969) had a major U.S retrospective. Ben Shahn, On Nonconformity, now on view at the Jewish Museum, examines vital work, spanning the Great Depression to the Vietnam War. There are explorations of spirituality and Jewish texts as well. Pictured here, Integration, Supreme Court, 1963.
1109 Fifth Ave.
See p. 74 for credits
THIS WEEKIN THE CITY
Photo: John Halpern
ONGOING
The diary of Anne Frank, written while in hiding between 1942 and 1944, is one of the most translated books in world history. Generations of readers have taken inspiration from the book, drawing on its young author’s insight and resilience. For the first time, Anne Frank House is reaching beyond Amsterdam to share a full-scale recreation of the Annex, where Anne Frank, her parents and sister, and four other Jewish citizens hid out from Nazi capture. Anne Frank The Exhibition can be seen now at the Center for Jewish History in Chelsea. More than 100 original items are on view, providing context for the Frank family and the broader upheaval of the era. The Annex has been painstakingly recreated, giving visitors an immersion in the space and bringing Anne’s words to life. The experience mixes together films, relics, history, and an emotional story. The exhibition concludes with the afterlife of Anne’s writing: theatrical successes, an Oscar, and cover after cover of her published diary, translated now into more than 70 languages. So much was lost. But a visit to Anne Frank The Exhibition is a reminder that so much lives on.
15 W. 16th St. (btw. Fifth & Sixth Aves.), 212-294-8301, cjh.org
For half a century, Cockpit USA has been reproducing genuine, contemporary versions of iconic American-made aviator clothing, both in civilian and military design. Cockpit USA jackets have been seen in pop culture through the years, from Steve McQueen to Tom Hardy to a series of U.S. Presidents. Visit their midtown showroom and you’ll see the quality, detail, and craftsmanship that makes their products unlike any other. If you’re looking for a gift for Dad, or just want to check out a classic New York experience, swing by. (Appointments are recommended to ensure they have your jacket size on hand when you arrive.)
One of New York’s most spectacular experiences is getting out on the water. City Cruises offers great ways to dine along the skyline and celebrate Dad. The Bateaux Father’s Day Premier Plus Brunch Cruise and Bateaux Father’s Day Premier Plus Dinner Cruise feature plated dining (brunch has DJ entertainment and free-flowing mimosas, champagne, and sparkling cider; dinner sees a vocalist fronting a live band performing songs ranging from Top 40 to jazz standards). Or opt for one of the New York Father’s Day Signature Brunch Cruises or New York Father’s Day Signature Dinner Cruise, which have buffets and DJs. All through the season, City Cruises offers a variety of dining, sightseeing, and cocktail cruises. All feature breathtaking views of iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Father’s Day cruises leave from Chelsea; the New York Father’s Day Signature Brunch Cruise offers Chelsea and Seaport departures. Chelsea Piers, Pier 61 (W. 23rd St. & 12th Ave.); The Seaport, Pier 15, 78 South St. (btw.Fletcher & John Sts.), 646-566-1380, citycruises.com/newyork
INTREPID MUSEUM EXPLORING INNOVATION AND BRAVERY
A visit to the former aircraft carrier that’s now the Intrepid Museum is a step inside a living time capsule. The immersive experience takes in maritime history, space exploration, and the evolution of aviation.
The Museum was founded in 1982 with the acquisition of the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, now a National Historic Landmark. Intrepid served tours of duty in World War II and the Vietnam War, and was a recovery vessel for the Gemini and Mercury space missions.
More than one million visitors a year seek out this landmark on the Hudson River at the western edge of Midtown. Explorations here include the Space Shuttle Pavilion, which displays the world’s first space shuttle, Enterprise, which paved the way for America’s successful Space Shuttle Program. You can get up close to historic aircraft like the British
In addition to multiple interior decks, the famed flight deck is prime for exploring, with 28 authentically restored aircraft set against the backdrop of the New York City skyline. Highlights include the Lockheed A-12, the world’s fastest military jet and spy plane (center image), a MIG Soviet fighter jet, and a Harrier “jump jet,” designed for vertical takeoffs and landings.
Airways Concorde, which set the world speed record for passenger airliners in 1996. The submarine Growler is here, the only American diesel-powered strategic missile submarine open to the public. The Intrepid Museum also boasts an 18,000 sq. ft. education center; Pier 86, a publicly accessible waterfront area that’s part of the Hudson River Park Trust; and the Exploreum, an interactive hall focused on themes of water, space, air, and life at sea.
NEW TO THE INTREPID MUSEUM
Be among the first to see a legendary piece of aviation history in a brand-new exhibition. A World War II FG-1D Corsair, on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, has recently been restored and installed on the Museum’s hangar deck. Only a few examples of this aircraft, famed for its pivotal role in the Pacific Theater, remain intact
today. The Corsair was designed as a carrier fighter-bomber and was essential to the U.S. Navy’s success in World War II. The Museum’s exhibit centers around the story of Alfred Lerch, a decorated Corsair pilot from Intrepid’s VF-10 squadron. Lerch achieved “ace in a day” status by downing seven enemy aircraft in a single day of combat. For his exemplary service, Lerch was awarded the Navy Cross, and the restored Corsair bears his personal markings.
Although this specific plane did not fly from Intrepid, Corsairs were among the most flown aircraft from the carrier’s flight deck. At 41 feet in width and over 33 feet in length, the FG-1D Corsair was one of the most formidable aircraft of its time, capable of reaching speeds up to 446 mph.
This new display follows last year’s unveiling of Final Flight: The Story of a World War II Corsair, which features fragments from a Corsair that flew off Intrepid during World War II. Together, the two exhibits offer visitors a deeper understanding of the history, engineering, and legacy of the Corsair aircraft and the courageous pilots who flew them.
The display is part of a broader reimagining of the Hanger 1 space, which in addition to the new 10,000-square-foot permanent exhibition is introducing never-before-seen artifacts, former crew member oral histories, hands-on experiences, photos, and videos.
SKYRAY
A Douglas F4D-1 Skyray (the aircraft below left) that was deployed on Intrepid from 1961-1962 was acquired from the New England Air Museum, painstakingly restored, and added to the flight deck in 2022. The
Skyray was designed to be a high-altitude fleet protection interceptor and set many speed and time-to-climb records in their day as they were able to reach supersonic speeds. Named for the unique shape of its wing (which resembles a manta ray), the Skyray went into operation with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in 1956.
INNOVATION AND BRAVERY
The Intrepid Museum is a unique cultural institution illuminating the intersection of history and innovation through the people who
lived it and the technology that made extraordinary accomplishments possible. It fulfills its mission to promote the understanding of history, science, and service in order to honor, educate, and inspire.
Upper left: a rarely seen World War II FG-1D Corsair arrives on the flight deck of the Intrepid Museum ahead of its installation in a new hangar deck exhibition.
Pier 86 (W. 46th St. & 12th Ave.), 212-245-0072, intrepidmuseum.org
Corsair and crew during World War II. Collection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of George H. Spooner LTCDR USN. P2008.10.144
S HOP
NYC is the consummate international city. You can find the best of the world in our stores and department stores— including a top selection of All-American goods. Here are our picks for must-shop spots, with our absolute favorites in bold.
By Evan Levy
DOWNTOWN» Don’t miss the soaring, cathedral-like space that defines the Oculus in the Lower Manhattan. The world-class collection includes a graduate-friendly selection of timepieces at Breitling, Tissot, and Longines. Further towards the Hudson, Brookfield Place offers stylish shopping, plus restaurants and a food hall.
Women’s fashion can be found at Alice + Olivia and the Diane von Furstenberg flagship. Stroll the High Line north and you’ll reach the luxury brands and stylish boutiques of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
Continue north past Herald Square, home of the Macy’s flagship, and into action-packed Times Square. Sports fans won’t want to miss Pelé Soccer, The World’s Greatest Soccer Store. You can shop—and personalize—official jerseys and fan gear from 100+ teams and players around the world. M&M’S New York is a great stop for a snack or a souvenir. The Times Square location boasts a twostory color wall packed with thousands upon thousands of colorful milk, peanut, and specialty M&M candies, and an on-site printer will let you create customized candy.
The star shopping attraction of Lower Manhattan is Century 21 NYC, with four floors of designer fashion at discount prices. (You can save 15%, check out the coupon on page 6.)
MIDTOWN WEST» Moving up Manhattan, on the west side along the Hudson you’ll reach the High Line, Chelsea, and the upmarket shopping of the Meatpacking District.
Tamashii Nations Store New York is NYC’s go-to for highquality action figures from Bandai Namco’s Tamashii Nations. Have a blast exploring collectibles across anime, manga, and beyond.
Near Bryant Park, Cockpit USA has been reproducing genuine, contemporary versions of iconic American-made aviator clothing for nearly half a century. Visit their showroom and you’ll see the quality, detail, and craftsmanship that makes their products unlike any other.
Top L to R: Brookfield Place, Century 21 NYC, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, American Dream. Inset: New York artist Charles Fazzino, Chronicles of the Big Apple (2024) at H&S Art Gallery near Times Square.
IN THE CITY
MIDTOWN EAST» Two of the most famous shopping streets in the world are on the east side. Fifth Avenue has a who’s who of designer fashion. A newcomer here is The Travel Agency, a legal, licensed cannabis dispensary with top-quality products in a roomy, high-design space. Nearby Madison Avenue’s names include Fendi and Giorgio Armani, close to department store legends like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s 59th Street.
NEW JERSEY» Just a blink from NYC on the New Jersey side you’ll find American Dream, with recreation options that include gigantic indoor theme and water parks. A staple at the complex is The Avenue at American Dream, a luxury shopping and dining experience with a curated collection of world-renowned fashion brands. Contemporary retail options are almost endless; round-trip buses run directly with quick, convenient service from Times Square.
Fifth Avenue
SHOPNEW YORK CITY
Shopping always puts a pep in your step–and with the season’s favorable weather you’ll have ample opportunity to do a deep dive! From well-curated boutiques and world-famous department stores to the legendary shopping districts of Brookfield Place, the Oculus, Hudson Yards, 57th Street, Madison Avenue, Columbus Circle, NoHo, and SoHo, nothing beats this town. –Wendy Tittel
STRUT IN STYLE : : This HOT! woven summer accessory from Gucci ($2,300) is just as at home on concrete or sand. Made of raffia with leather trim, rope handles, and a bright blue cotton lining. Available at the shops at American Dream 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ, 833-263-7326, americandream.com
PEP IN YOUR STEP! : : ...while sporting these COPA
CANDY YOUR WAY : : Every chocolate lover’s fantasy: a two-story display wall with custom-printable mini chocolates and a plethora of unique pre-packed candies. You’re not dreaming–you’re shopping the impressive M&M’S New York in Times Square. Pick your colors and container. Absolutely irresistible! 1600 Broadway, 212-295-3850, mms.com/en-us/explore/mms-stores/new-york
SWEET DREAMS : : await you in this Lyon floral cotton PJ set ($89) from the The Met Store at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 1000 Fifth Ave., 800-662-3397, metmuseum.org
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME : : Feel the essence of spring and kindness in this 45”-long keshi pearl butterfly necklace–a turquoise-colored artisan delight ($2,225), part of the Pave the Way jewelry collection at The Store at MAD at the Museum of Arts and Design. The brand donates the full proceeds of this purchase to a registered 501(c)(3) organization of choice at checkout. Materials: 18k gold, keshi pearls, and other natural semi-precious stones. 2 Columbus Circle, 212-299-7700, madmuseum.org
CLASSIC WARDROBE STAPLES : : Even if it’s a tad out of season, NY shoppers know to grab iconic pieces while visiting, like this leather Motorcycle Cafe Racer Jacket ($550) from Cockpit USA. They specialize in super high-quality replica garments, military and otherwise. 15 W. 39th St., 12th Fl., 212-575-1616, cockpitusa.com
LIGHT ME UP : : When you miss the greatest city on earth, this incendiary will ground you with its scent of spring days in Central Park, fine department stores, and concrete. Natural hand-poured soy wax candle ($48). American Museum of Natural History shop. 200 Central Park W., 800-671-7035, amnh.org
COLLECTOR MECCA : : At the Tamashii Nations Store discover limited-edition action figures and more, like this fully posable PAC-MAN figure ($36), sold exclusively at their Times Square flagship. 1500 Broadway, tamashiiweb.com/store/new-york/
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 833-263-7326; americandream.com
Shops. Dining. World-class entertainment. It’s all here, from Saks to sharks to Legoland. American Dream is just a blink from NYC on the New Jersey side. The largest indoor theme park in North America plus skiing, skating, mini golf, a water park, pizza, barbecue, luxury retailers, and even an aquarium—all less than five miles from Times Square!
CENTURY 21 NYC
22 Cortlandt St. (Church St.), 212-227-1202, c21stores.com
The return of a legend! NYC’s favorite discounter Century 21 has reopened the doors to its flagship. Head downtown for a curated selection of style amid a new and improved shopping experience. Shoes, dresses, coats, looks for men, and much more from top brands at the lowest prices.
COCKPIT USA
15 W. 39th St., 12th Floor (5th-6th Aves.), 212-575-1616, cockpitusa.com
For over 45 years, Cockpit USA has been reproducing genuine, contemporary versions of iconic American-made aviator clothing, both in civilian and military design. You’ve seen their jackets across pop culture from Steve McQueen to Tom Hardy to U.S. Presidents. Visit their midtown showroom and find quality and craftsmanship unlike any other. Appointments encouraged but not required to ensure they have your jacket size when you arrive.
LUGGAGEHERO
Locations citywide, including Penn Station, Grand Central, Times Square, JFK; luggagehero.com/newyork
Safe and secure luggage storage through local businesses at only $1.19hour/$5.40day. All luggage sizes accommodated; it’s the only company offering both hourly and daily rates. 130+ locations all around NYC, easy and convenient. Book online or through the official LuggageHero App for Apple and Android.
Positioned in the heart of Broadway, M&M’S Times Square is officially the hottest performance in town! Nothing brings more flavor to Manhattan than our two-story color wall packed with THOUSANDS of your favorite Milk, Peanut, and Specialty M&M’S Candies.
The World’s Greatest Soccer Store, from soccer legend Pelé, where you can shop—and personalize—official jerseys and fan gear from 100+ teams and players. Limited-edition footwear from top brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma, and seats on stadium bleachers for watching live soccer games on a huge TV screen.
The state’s most knowledgeable budtenders connect customers with top-quality products at this legal, licensed cannabis dispensary. Expect a superior curated selection covering all categories, including premium flower, vapes, edibles, and prerolls, from local and national brands.
NYC’s go-to for high-quality action figures from Bandai Namco’s TAMASHII NATIONS! From timeless classics like Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball to contemporary hits like Demon Slayer and Dandadan, characters are captured in signature poses with exceptional craftsmanship. Check out the PROPLICA line: life-size prop replicas, often featuring sound clips, lighting, and motion effects. Not just anime and manga—there’s a wide selection of collectibles across video games, film, and beyond as well.
SPECIALTY SERVICES
H&S ART GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMING
112 W. 44th St. (6th-7th Aves.), 212-768-3160, hsart.com
Open daily in Times Square, H&S Art Gallery & Custom Framing features original 3-D artworks by Charles Fazzino, Rizzi, and Suchy; serigraphs by Keeley, Tarkay, Pejman, Yamagata, Freyman, Kubik, Delacroix, and many others. They also offer signed sports memorabilia, posters, and same-day professional custom framing. They ship worldwide.
SCHUMER’S WINES & LIQUORS
59 E. 54th St. (Park-Madison Aves.), 212-355-0940, schumerswines.com
Trusted for more than 40 years, known for its excellent selection of the great vineyards of California, France, Australia, Argentina, and Italy (lots of half bottles, too). Also vintage ports, single malts, cognac, American whiskeys and bourbons—including their own Barrel Picks. Large supply of cold wine and champagne always ready. Open Mon.-Fri., 9am-8pm; Sat.,11am-8pm. Deliveries til 7pm.
Interactive flagship Signature Store in Times Square won’t let a tech hiccup spoil your trip. Stop in for gear, the latest phones, accessories, and SIM cards. Pre-paid phones are available as well. Ready to upgrade your plan? They can help with that, too.
STAFF
Chief Executive Officer: David L. Miller
SALES & MARKETING
Chief Revenue Officer: Vincent Timpone
Managing Director | Business Developments
Strategic Partnerships: Drew Davis
Managing Director | Marketing: Sheri Lapidus
PUBLISHING
Director | Content Management: Ethan Wolff
Director | Creative Development: Wendy Tittel
Theatre Editor: Griffin Miller
Contributors: Evan Levy, Linda Sheridan
OPERATIONS
Director | Operations Management: Ray Winn
Director | Order Management: Heather Gambaro
FINANCE
Chief Financial Officer: David Friedman
ON BROADWAY
BroadwayYour Way: A Visitor’s Guide
By Griffin Miller
and spectacular July 4th fireworks, you’re right—yet there’s so much more, especially when it comes to showtime on Broadway. Throughout NYC’s famous Theatre District, summertime sizzles non-stop with mind-blowing musicals, hilarious and poignant plays, and internationally acclaimed performers. Shows and stars that scored big at the 2025 Tonys and award-winning productions that have been on your wish list for years…all add up to a season of irresistible on-stage options!
JAZZ AGE JOIE DE VIVRE
The players are stunning, sensuous, and fearless in their lust for the good life: Jay Gatsby, self-made millionaire whose extravagant parties are legend; Daisy Buchanan, the lost love he desperately seeks to recapture; her husband, Tom (Austin Colby), whose old-money status can’t hide the menacing cracks in his character; and the people who orbit this volatile love triangle in The Great Gatsby, Broadway’s glorious musical take on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s celebrated novel set in 1920s New York.
Having stepped into the title role earlier this year, Ryan McCartan (Wicked, Disney’s Liv and Maddie) is a disarming Gatsby: handsome and driven. In contrast, Nick Carraway (Michael Maliakel)—Daisy’s cousin and a newcomer to the city—is a regular guy who finds himself caught up in a threering circus of excess and scandal.
As for Daisy, Aisha Jackson (Wonderful Town, The Notebook) took on the role June 15th as the woman Fitzgerald described as having “bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth…[with] an excitement in her voice that men who had cared for her found difficult to forget.”
GO FOR THE GOLD
“When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home. That’s how this story starts. A bunch of words on a page. Words...” The opening lines of 2024’s Tony-winning musical The Outsiders are the musings of Ponyboy, a sensitive adolescent from the wrong side of the tracks drawn into a savage class conflict in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma. Read aloud from a notebook by the young actor Brody Grant, the writing eases theatregoers into: “At some point, other
forces like fate and luck and magic will turn those words into something else; something that nobody could have possibly imagined.” Obliquely prophetic, that last sentence doesn’t appear in S.E. Hinton’s novel, written when she herself was a teenager growing up in Tulsa. Still, it sets the stage for a musical that builds to incendiary intensity as two rival gangs—Ponyboy’s Greasers and the entitled Socs —challenge destiny.
Directed by Tony winner Danya Taymor and choreographed by brothers Rick and Jeff Kuperman, the rumble scenes escalate to biblical ferocity, climaxing in an unholy baptism of rain, mud, pain, and loss. Still, like a phoenix, the show’s mantra rises, and we are reminded to forever “Stay gold.”
ROARING TRIUMPH
Let’s be honest, few shows ever reach the pinnacle of popularity The Lion King has enjoyed since its debut in 1997. With summer vacation bringing family together in the Big Apple, this long-running hit needs to top your must-see list—if it hasn’t already. Before settling into your seats, why not up the ante on this cub-to-king coming-of-age story by sharing one or two innovations that led to the show’s scoring six Tony Awards, including Best Musical?
Based on Disney’s 1984 animated film, the
Left: The Great Gatsby is Broadway at its most glamorous. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.
Right: the timeless cool of the Greasers of The Outsiders Photo by Matthew Murphy.
THEATER MAP
What’s playing where on Broadway
TKTS: 25-50% Off Tickets (the day of the show)
40 & Juliet (Stephen Sondheim Theatre)
39 Aladdin (New Amsterdam)
9 The Book of Mormon (Eugene O’Neill)
33 Boop! The Betty Boop Musical (Broadhurst Theatre)
26 Buena Vista Social Club (Gerald Shoenfeld Theatre)
4 Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (August Wilson Theatre)
38 Pirates! The Penzance Musical (Todd Haimes Theatre)
35 Purpose (Helen Hayes Theatre)
13 Real Women Have Curves: The Musical (James Earl Jones Theatre)
16 SIX (Lena Horne Theatre)
21 Smash (Imperial Theatre)
14 Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends (Samuel J. Friedman Theatre)
18 Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Marquis Theatre)
36 Sunset Blvd. (St. James Theatre)
6 Wicked (Gershwin Theatre)
WITCH CRAFT
Of all the fantastical worlds that have materialized since the turn of the 20th-century, none has proved more alluring than author L. Frank Baum’s land of Oz. While the backdrop of countless spinoffs, homages, and re-imaginings, including MGM’s “The Wizard of Oz,” the musical Wicked is in a class by itself. Loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, subtitled “The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” the Broadway version ushers audiences into a multifaceted, steampunk-infused prequel filled with unexpected friendships, humor, villains, rebellion, and
stage version is a study in artistic ingenuity thanks in part to the variety of stylized puppets: stilt-propelled giraffes, mobiles of swirling birds, cut-outs of leaping gazelles, and a mammoth elephant requiring four puppeteers to lumber her down the aisle of the Minskoff Theatre. These creatures coexist with the actors, including L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa), Michael Hollick (Scar), and Vincent Jamal Hooper (Simba), whose characters are powerfully defined by the leonine headpieces worn above their faces. Add to this the music: Lebo M.’s exquisite blend of South African sounds and Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from the movie, including “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Circle of Life.”
production numbers. Leading the current company are Lencia Kebede as studious and green Elphaba and Allie Trimm as perky and pop-ular Glinda. Other principals include Tony nominees Natasha Yvette Williams (Madame Morrible), Brad Oscar (The Wizard), Derek Klena (Fiyero), Daniel Quadrino (Boq), and Jenna Bainbridge as Elphaba’s kid sister, Nessarose.
With a super-dedicated following, Wicked boasts fans who have chalked up a dozen or more visits since it debuted in 2003. That said, if 2025 marks your first trip to the Gershwin Theatre, don’t be surprised if you find yourself utterly and unconditionally “thrillified.”
THRILLER NIGHT
His musical legacy is a playlist of hit songs, cool dance moves, and fierce fashion statements—all instantly recognizable —think opening chords, the Moonwalk, military jackets and The Glove. Together they form the quintessential Michael Jackson, the artist whose past is the present in MJ the Musical, the epic bio tracking his backstory from prodigy kid who dominated the Jackson Five up to the show’s jumping off point: rehearsals for his 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
Leading the production is Elijah Rhea Johnson, whose portrayal of Jackson is electrifying. Joining an in-progress dance number at the top of the show, Johnson fluidly showcases Jackson’s look, moves, and vocals as the audience applauds and cheers: the King of Pop has arrived….long live the King.
As a bio, the show’s book, by Pulitzer Prize
Top, inset: Lencia Kebede as studious and green Elphaba in Wicked. Left, inset: Allie Trimm as the ever pop-u-lar Glinda Photos by Joan Marcus.
WILLKOMMEN, BABY!
Cutting edge and endlessly compelling, the latest version of John Kander & Fred Ebb’s groundbreaking musical arrived on Broadway with a title that embraces the brilliantly reconfigured August Wilson Theatre: Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. To cross the threshold of the venue is to surrender yourself to early 1930’s Berlin at its most decadent. Pre-show dancers, musicians, food, and drinks set an immersive ambience that expands once you enter the theatre itself, where tables and tiers surround the circular stage. This is the Kit Kat Club: perfectly scarlet with
a halo of table lamps. Anticipation…until the Emcee (Orville Peck) materializes, seducing us with the words, “So... life is disappointing? Forget it! We have no troubles here! Here, life is beautiful…”
A chameleonic character who morphs with the mood and timeline, it’s the Emcee who introduces us to “The Toast of Mayfair – Fraulein Sally Bowles,” played by Tony nominee Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, The Great Gatsby). It’s Sally we join on her emotional rollercoaster that takes her from nightclub to love affair to loss to Nazi menace to “Life is a cabaret, old chum/ Come to the cabaret.” Your tickets await.
winner Lynn Nottage, sends theatregoers on a flashback odyssey via a documentary interview tracking the highs and lows experienced by Little and Middle Michael, both on stage and off. Moving back and forth through decades, the Tony-winning director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon has finessed the production’s jukebox score into poignant personal moments (“I’ll Be There”) as well as putting his creative stamp onto retro chart toppers like “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller.”
TIME AND TIME AND TIME AGAIN
If you’ve read the books and binge-watched the films multiple times, you’re a Potterhead and ready for the next level of your wizarding world
as Sally Bowles in Caberet. Photo by
Inset: Matthew James Thomas as Harry Potter in Harry
education. Locate the nearest portkey and transport yourself to Broadway’s Lyric Theatre where the Tony-winning play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is turning magic into memories eight shows a week. (If no portkeys are available, taxis, busses, car service or the subway will do just fine.)
On the other hand, if you’re a Harry Potter neophyte, I suggest checking out the show’s expanded website where you’ll be sorted into your Hogwarts house, learn the show’s origins and lingo, and immerse yourself in games, potions, characters, maps…you name it. FYI: the basics are also in the show’s program.
Arrive at the theatre early and your phone becomes your wand, bringing portraits and patronuses to life. Then move on to photo
and
Top: Eva Noblezada
Julieta Cervantes.
Potter
the Cursed Child. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
A WISH OR TWO OR THREE
It’s a whirlwind escapade…a choreographic extravaganza…a color-drenched fantasy…and a literal magic carpet ride. It’s Disney’s Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre and it’s custom-made for those of us looking to put reality on pause for two-and-a-half dazzling hours. Genie-fueled by Michael James Scott as the showstopping spirit of the lamp, whose savvy hocus-pocusing helps young Aladdin (Adi Roy) to: A) woo the lovely Princess Jasmine (Sonia Balsara), and B) foil the egregiously evil Jafar (Dennis Stowe).
A musical unlike any other, Aladdin is by
ops, butterbeer, souvenirs, etc.—all before the dramatic sequel to the best-selling novels leaves Platform 9¾ on the Hogwarts Express. Zeroing in on the Time-turner exploits of two young wizards—Harry’s son Albus (Alex Serino) and Draco Malfoy’s son Scorpius (Erik Christopher Peterson)—the show explodes with breathtaking illusions, familiar characters, a secret identity, and yes, Dementors. Expecto patronum!
DOORBELLS RING, ARE YOU LISTENING?
If you’re up for a show that’s spent the last 13 years chalking up points as a Tony-winning cult classic, then you’re ready for The Book of Mormon—a filter-free comedic romp from Utah to Uganda led by two mismatched Mormon missionaries: Elder Price (Kevin Clay), and Elder Cunningham (Cody Jamison Strand). Once they arrive at their post, a ramshackle Ugandan village, the situation is clear: their innocent days of bubbly stateside proselytizing has devolved into the thankless job of selling salvation to a godforsaken community of disenfranchised locals.
no means just for kids as there’s plenty of grownup humor tucked into book writer Chad Beguelin’s clever banter. Not surprisingly, there’s no age limit for getting caught up in the pull-out-all-thestops number “Friend Like Me” that springs to life in the Cave of Wonders, where seriously awesome supernatural swag is animated by Genie and the show’s killer ensemble. Adding to the magic is the romance, illuminated in the Oscar-winning song “A Whole New World” as Aladdin and Jasmine soar above the audience on a flying carpet. In a word: breathtaking.
Brought to you by the dauntless trio of Trey Parker and Matt Stone (a.k.a. the guys who hatched South Park), and Avenue Q creator Robert Lopez, it’s no surprise The Book of Mormon pulls the pin out of the prude-grenade with unrelenting—make that religious—fervor. And while the story’s core
CITY GUIDE READER EXCLUSIVE!
OFFICIAL MJ SOUVENIR PROGRAM
Show the ad on page 45 and your ticket at the merchandise booth for a free copy.
is the lopsided Price-Cunningham relationship (Price, devastated when his fast-track to Orlando is derailed; Cunningham super-stoked from get-go), it’s only the springboard to a relentlessly hilarious night overflowing with brilliant performances.
BEYOND BROADWAY:
THEATRE DISTRICT BEST BETS
Off-Broadway’s signature whodunit, Perfect Crime, has been tantalizing audiences with its sexy cat-and-mouse plot since 1987 when Catherine Russell first took the stage as enigmatic femme fatale Margaret Thorne Brent, the psychiatrist/suspect at the center of playwright Warren Manzi’s cunning thriller. Having missed only four performances since opening night, Ms. Russell’s longevity in the role earned her a place in the Guinness World Records for “the most performances of a theatre actor in the same role” in 2008 when her count reached 8,820. As you probably guessed, Perfect Crime is also the Big Apple’s longest running show. Score tickets and become a part of NYC theatre history!
“ VOTED ONE OF USA TODAY’S “10 BEST POP CULTURE MUSEUMS!”
The Museum of Broadway invites you to immerse yourself— not only in historic Broadway’s photographs and stories— but also in the nuts, bolts, ephemera, music, props, costumes, and sets that have graced major productions from the 18th-century through today. (Including a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what goes into mounting a major Broadway production.) From glam to gritty, The Museum of Broadway is the ultimate love letter to New York theatre.
THEATER
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
KEY COMEDY DRAMA
broadway & JULIET
Stephen Sondheim Theatre, 124 W. 43rd St., 833-274-8497; andjulietbroadway.com
EVENT
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) This lively musical comedy asks what would happen next if Juliet ditched Shakespeare’s tragic ending for a fresh start and a second chance at life and love—her way.
ALADDIN
New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 W. 42nd St., 212-239-6200; aladdinthemusical.com
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) The beloved story is brought to thrilling theatrical life in this bold musical. With just one rub of a magic lamp, Aladdin’s journey sweeps you into an exotic world of adventure, comedy, and romance. This unforgettable Disney theatrical experience includes all the cherished songs from the Oscar-winning score plus more written for Broadway.
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Eugene O’Neill Theatre, 230 W. 49th St., 877-250-2929; bookofmormonbroadway.com
2011 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 30 mins.) One of Broadway’s most successful, Tony-winning (nine in 2011!) musicals from the hilariously irreverent minds of Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park. The show follows a couple of wide-eyed Mormon missionaries whose first official assignment takes them from ringing doorbells stateside to a remote village in Uganda. Divinely profane in all the right places!
BOOP! THE BETTY BOOP MUSICAL
Broadhurst Theatre, 235 W. 44th St., 212-239-6200; boopthemusical.com
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) Animation pioneer Max Fleischer’s spit-curled, black-and-white icon of joy finds herself on a colorful, musical adventure in NYC—one that reminds her “You are capable of amazing things.”
Gerald Shoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; buenavistamusical.com
(2 hrs., 10 mins.) In Cuba, visionary artists tell the story of the musicians who lived the title album— and one woman’s life-changing discovery.
CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd St., 888-985-9421; kitkat.club
(2 hrs., 45 mins.) A visionary new production of the Kander & Ebb classic performed in-the-round. It’s Berlin in the Kit Kat Club, a decadent sanctuary from the brewing Nazi mindset, where artists, performers, misfits, and outsiders can be themselves as they invite you into their world to partake of dreamlike spaces, iconic cabaret, and food and drink add-ons. Starring country music star Orville Peck and Tony nominee Eva Noblezada.
CALL ME IZZY
Studio 54, 254 W. 54th St., 833-274-8497; callmeizzy.com
Emmy winner and Tony nominee Jean Smart’s tour de force portrait of a woman who resists being silenced by embracing her tenacity, humor, and imagination. Limited engagement thru 8/17.
CHICAGO
Ambassador Theatre, 219 W. 49th St., 212-239-6200; chicagothemusical.com
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) Winner of 6 Tonys for a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz.
DEAD OUTLAW
Longacre Theatre, 220 W. 48th St., 212-239-6200; deadoutlawmusical.com
(100 mins., no intermission) A darkly hilarious musical following outlaw-turned-corpse-turned-celebrity Elmer McCurdy exploring fame, failure, and the meaning of legacy.
For more on the city and its theater scene, check out cityguideny.com/theater
Elijah Rhea Johnson thrills in MJ the Musical Photo by Matthew Murphy.
THEATER
DEATH BECOMES HER
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46th St., 212-239-6200; deathbecomesher.com
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) Madeline Ashton is a beautiful actress; Helen Sharp is the author who lives in her shadow. A magic potion restores their youth and beauty—along with a grudge to last eternity.
FLOYD COLLINS
Lincoln Center Theaters’ Vivian Beaumont Theater, 150 W. 65th St., 212-239-6200; lct.org
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) 1925 Kentucky: cave explorer Floyd Collins is trapped 200 feet underground. He fights for his sanity as the rescue effort above explodes into a media circus. Limited engagement thru 6/22.
(1 hr., 45 mins.) Set in a real estate office where salesmen compete to sell dicey properties to unwitting customers. With Bob Odenkirk, Michael McKean, Kieran Culkin, and Bill Burr. In previews for a 3/31 opening. Limited engagement thru 6/28.
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) F. Scott Fitzgerald’s epic tale is now a lush musical that follows eccentric and mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby in his pursuit of the lost love of his youth, Daisy Buchanan. With characters driven by complex inner lives erupting with extravagance and longing, the show comes to life through an electrifying jazz and pop-infused score for a grand production befitting the 21st century.
GYPSY
Majestic Theatre, 245 W. 44th St., 212-239-6200; gypsybway.com
(2 hrs., 40 mins.) In this latest revival, six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald takes on the ultimate backstage tale of an ambitious stage mother.
HADESTOWN
Walter Kerr Theatre, 219 W. 48th St., 800-745-3000; hadestown.com
2019 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 30 mins.) Follows the overlapping mythical love stories of Orpheus & Eurydice and Hades & Persephone. The action unfolds in both a stylized New Orleans setting and Hades’ stomping ground, The Underworld. As for the score, think New Orleans jazz melded with American folk music.
HAMILTON
Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St., 212-239-6200; hamiltonbroadway.com
2016 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 55 mins.) Following U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton, writer/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical masterwork redefined Broadway. Told through a score of musical theatre, hip-hop, jazz, and R&B.
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD
Lyric Theatre, 214 W. 43rd St., 212-305-4100; broadway.harrypottertheplay.com
2018 Tony, Best Play (2 hrs., 50 mins.) This visually spectacular show begins where the films end, with the friendship between Harry’s son Albus and Draco’s son, Scorpius—BFFs whose magical misadventures involve Time-Turner shenanigans and a mysterious friend. Familiar characters plus a new generation of Hogwarts students make this a must-see for fans (the program has a full summary and wizarding world crash course for HP neophytes).
HELL’S KITCHEN
Shubert Theatre, 225 W. 44th St., 212-239-6200; hellskitchen.com
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) Grammy winner Alicia Keys’ autobiographical musical about 17-year-old Ali facing hard truths about race, defiance, and growing up.
JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN
Booth Theatre, 222 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; johnproctoristhevillain.com
(2 hrs., 15 mins.) In a small-town high school, an English class questions The Crucible. Starring Sadie Sink. Limited engagement thru 7/13.
JUST IN TIME
Circle in the Square Theatre, 235 W. 50th St., 212-239-6200; justintimebroadway.com
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) Tony winner Jonathan Groff stars as Bobby Darrin in this musical tracking the singer’s meteoric journey from soaring highs to crushing lows.
THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Hudson Theatre, 145 W. 44th St., 855-801-5876; thelastfiveyearsbroadway.com
(90 mins., no intermission) New musical with Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren as an NYC couple who fall in and out of love. Limited engagement thru 6/22.
Aladdin’s Arabian nights. Photo by Deen Van Meer.
THE LION KING
Minskoff Theatre, 200 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; disneyonbroadway.com
1998 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 30 mins.) A glorious stage adaptation of Disney’s animated hit, full of stage magic created by Tony-winner Julie Taymor. Set in the rich African Pride Lands, the story follows the lion prince, Simba—along with young lioness Nala and villainous uncle Scar—from precocious cub to king of the jungle. A musical and visual treasure-trove to be savored.
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING
Belasco Theatre, 111 W. 44th St., 212-239-6200; maybehappyending.com
(105 mins., no intermission) In Seoul, an encounter between HelperBots Oliver and Claire leads to a unique friendship.
MJ THE MUSICAL
Neil Simon Theatre, 250 W. 52nd St., 212-239-6200; mjthemusical.com
(2 hrs., 35 mins.) This electrifying musical bio looks into Michael Jackson’s creative process leading up to his 1992 Dangerous world tour. With over 25 of The King of Pop’s hits, as well as his signature moves and sound, the show comes with a staggeringly impressive pedigree: book by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and direction and choreography by Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon.
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL
Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45th St., 888-506-4101; moulinrougemusical.com
2020 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 35 mins.) A gleefully flamboyant take on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 movie. Featuring a love triangle, Toulouse-Lautrec, and over 70 songs.
OH, MARY!
Lyceum Theatre, 145 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; ohmaryplay.com
(80 mins., no intermission) In Cole Escola’s fabulously farcical play, Mary Todd Lincoln examines her forgotten life and dreams through the lens of an idiot. Thru 9/28.
OPERATION MINCEMEAT
John Golden Theatre, 252 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; operationbroadway.com (2 hrs., 30 mins.) This Olivier Award-winning musical tells the true story of a WWII secret British military operation employing a corpse to feed false info to the Nazis.
THE OUTSIDERS
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; outsidersmusical.com
2024 Tony, Best Musical (2 hrs., 30 mins.) In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, the hardened hearts and aching souls of Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, and their chosen family of “outsiders” are in a fight for survival and a quest for purpose in a world that may never accept them. This gripping new musical, based on the 1983 film, reinvigorates the timeless tale of “haves and have nots,” of protecting what’s yours, and fighting for what could be.
THEATER (CONT’D)
STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW
Marquis Theatre, 210 W. 46th St., 212-239-6200; broadway.strangerthingsonstage.com
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY
Music Box Theatre, 239 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; doriangrayplay.com
(2 hrs., no intermission) Olivier winner Sarah Snook (Succession) takes on all 26 roles in Oscar Wilde’s tale of debauched youth and beauty. Limited engagement thru 6/29.
PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL
Todd Haimes Theatre, 227 W. 42nd St., 212-239-6200; roundabouttheatre.org (2 hrs.) Ramin Karimloo and David Hyde Pierce lead a rollicking crew in this outrageously clever reimagining of Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta. Limited engagement thru 6/29.
PURPOSE
Helen Hayes Theatre, 240 W. 44th St., 833-274-8497; purposeonbroadway.com
(2 hrs., 50 mins.) Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins follows his Appropriate success with a drama about an influential Black family forced into a reckoning with itself, its faith, and the legacies of Black radicalism. Limited engagement thru 8/31.
REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES: THE MUSICAL
James Earl Jones Theatre, 138 W. 48th St., 212-239-6200; realwomenhavecurvesbroadway.com
(2 hrs., 10 mins.) In 1987 Los Angeles, Ana is torn between college and a dream career and pressure from her family to remain home, working in their garment factory.
SIX
Lena Horne Theatre, 256 W. 47th St., 212-239-6200; sixonbroadway.com
(80 mins., no intermission) Henry VIII’s six wives remix historical heartbreak into girl power.
SMASH
Imperial Theatre, 249 W. 45th St., 212-239-6200; smashbroadway.com
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) A stage adaptation of NBC’s series about the making of a Marilyn Monroe musical called Bombshell—backstage egos and Broadway pandemonium included.
STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, 261 W. 47th St., 212-239-6200; manhattantheatreclub.com
(2 hrs., 30 mins.) Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga star in this musical revue assembled by Cameron Mackintosh from his shared notes with Stephen Sondheim and Julie Andrews. Limited engagement thru 6/29.
(2 hrs., 45 mins.) This prequel to the Netflix phenom, set in 1959, centers on a group of Hawkins, Indiana teens after mysterious new student Henry Creel moves to town.
SUNSET BLVD.
St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., 888-985-9421; sunsetblvdbroadway.com
(2 hrs., 35 mins.) In Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic work, aging star Norma Desmond turns to a struggling screenwriter to fulfill her comeback hopes, with disastrous consequences. Limited engagement thru 7/13.
WICKED
Gershwin Theatre, 222 W. 51st St., 877-250-2929; wickedthemusical.com
(2 hrs., 45 mins.) One of Broadway’s biggest success stories, this fantasy musical, based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire, follows the friendship between two young girls—one smart, misunderstood, and green-hued; the other beautiful, ambitious, and popular. Wicked takes the world of Oz’s fairy tale roots and replants them into an eyepopping production that turns the original story spectacularly upside down.
off-broadway
PERFECT CRIME
Anne Bernstein Theater, The Theater Center, 210 W. 50th St., 212-921-7862; perfect-crime.com
(1 hr., 45 mins.) A funny, sexy whodunit centering on Margaret Brent, a wealthy psychiatrist accused of offing her husband, and the handsome detective who’s falling in love with her while investigating the crime. Having debuted in 1987, the show is cited in Guinness World Records for its leading femme fatale, Catherine Russell, dubbing her the “Cal Ripken of Broadway” for playing all but four shows since opening night!
just off times square
THE MUSEUM OF BROADWAY
145 W. 45th St., 212-433-3686; themuseumofbroadway.com
This interactive, experiential museum celebrates the rich history of theatre in New York. Hundreds of rare costumes, props, and artifacts let visitors experience Broadway like never before. Along the way you’ll get the stories of the pivotal shows that transformed the landscape of Broadway. In total, the museum highlights more than 500 individual productions from the 1700s through the present.
For more on the city and its theater scene, check out cityguideny.com/theater
CUISINE CORNER
NYC is a world-class destination for foodies. It’s also home to NY classics that have earned those Instagram snaps across the decades. You’ve got questions about dining out? We’ve got answers
h Where can I dine among the clouds?
The simply stunning views from One World Observatory in Lower Manhattan are complemented by the seasonally inspired options at ONE Dine. The 101st floor menu serves up whole sea bream with salsa verde butter, smoked pork belly linguine, salads, and a filet mignon with sauce au poivre. You can raise a toast with small production wines, local draft beers, and craft cocktails that take inspiration from NYC names and nabes.
hWhere can I be transported in Times Square?
Havana Central serves home-cooked Cuban food in a friendly setting in the center of everything. Before a Broadway show, or after a visit to a Times Square attraction, step into this spacious 1950s eatery for a mojito and some roast chicken. Weekdays from 3-7pm enjoy Happy Hour drink specials and 1/2 price empanadas at the bar (the drink specials include house specialty tropical cocktails and are available restaurant-wide).
hA memorable meal with spectacular views?
The best way to dine along the skyline is aboard City Cruises. For a refined experience, book a Premier Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the all-glass, European-inspired Bateaux New York and enjoy plated dining, live entertainment, signature cocktails, and the city’s most impressive views.
hAsian cuisine with a flair in Times
Square?
Fushimi Times Square fuses traditional Japanese food with inventive, French-inspired nouvelle cuisine, within a lush, stylish space. You’ll find the freshest sushi and sashimi, plus entrees like steak and lobster. There’s even a special “robata” menu with grilled offerings, from shishito peppers to salmon to ribeye with truffle sauce.
h Something different in the Theater District?
Utsav, a woman-owned, bi-level restaurant in the Theater District, has been known for its dynamic cooking for more than two decades. You can try three different cuisines here, across Indian, Bengali, and Indo Chinese menus. Expect fresh tastes and diverse flavors.
iFor a quick stop in the East Village or Times Square?
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers is one of the world’s fastest growing restaurant chains. They’re known for chicken finger meals, which come with creamy, tangy, peppery “Cane’s Sauce”—picked the #1 most craveable sauce in the restaurant industry. Cane’s uses only the highest-quality ingredients with a cook-to-order system, so it’s always fresh. NYC locations include Astor Place and Times Square.
fA steakhouse dinner with a twist?
Korean-American chef Sungchul Shim has earned Michelin stars for his mix of modern American and traditional Korean cuisine. At his newest destination, Gui Steakhouse, look for caviar, fresh seafood, and a classic USDA prime rib—lightly crusted, served with a whiskey au jus, and packed with flavor and character. An elegant, modern dining room in the Theatre District sets the scene, with creative wine pairings available at the ground floor’s Bar 92.
Image: Dan Ahn
DINING
THEATER DISTRICT/MIDTOWN WEST
CHICKEN GUY! TS $
138 W. 42nd St. (Broadway-6th Ave.), 718-878-1337, chickenguy.com | AMERICAN
Times Square
Upper East Side
Upper West Side
New Jersey
$ Inexpensive/Mostly $20 & under
$$ Mostly $20-$40
$$$ Mostly $50 +
NEW JERSEY
AMERICAN DREAM NJ
1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ, 833-263-7326, americandream.com, | GLOBAL Shops. World-class entertainment. Restaurants. The range of activities here is as jaw-dropping as the dining options, which run from bars and food halls to Little Sheep Hot Pot, Marcus Live! Bar & Grille by Marcus Samuelsson, Michelin-star chef Gastón Acurio’s Jarana, and YouTube sensation MrBeast’s only restaurant, MrBeast Burger.
UPPER EAST SIDE
DAVID BURKE TAVERN UES $$$
135 E. 62nd St. (Park-Lexington Aves), davidburketavern.com | AMERICAN Modern American restaurant by award-winning celebrity chef David Burke. Occupying the first two stories of a stately townhouse on the Upper East Side, the restaurant showcases Burke’s creative and contemporary approach to classic fare—often with show-stopping presentations. Lunch and dinner seven days from noon. Brunch Sat.-Sun. Happy Hour daily 3:30-6:30pm.
Hatched from the minds of chef Guy Fieri and renowned restaurateur Robert Earl, Chicken Guy! features one-of-a-kind all-natural chicken tenders infused with fresh herbs and brined in lemon juice, pickle brine, and buttermilk. Sauce pairings run from Donkey Sauce to Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ to Honey Mustard to Nashville Hot Honey. Look for Hand-Spun Flavortown Shakes, too!
David Burke Tavern
DINING
FUSHIMI TS $$$
311 W. 43rd St. (8th-9th Aves.), 212-245-8881, fushimi.nyc | JAPANESE/SUSHI
Fushimi Times Square fuses traditional Japanese food with inventive, French-inspired nouvelle cuisine. Talented chefs ensure top-line experiences. On top of impeccable food, expect superior service, fashionable ambiance, and opulent décor. Recommended by Zagat and the Michelin Guide, it’s no surprise Fushimi has a loyal fan base that keeps growing and growing.
Korean-American chef Sungchul Shim is known for his innovative blend of traditional Korean cuisine and modern American techniques, which have earned him Michelin stars. At his newest restaurant, look for a selection of the finest USDA Prime beef, along with caviar, fresh seafood, and share plates like Wagyu beef and kimchee fried rice. Don’t miss the USDA prime rib, lightly crusted, served with a whiskey au jus, and packed with flavor and character.
HAVANA CENTRAL TS $$
151 W. 46th St. (6th-7th Aves.), 212-398-7440, havanacentral.com | CUBAN
Home of Real Cuban Cooking in the heart of Times Square. Come for the food—but stay for the party! Find “the best mojitos north of Havana” plus Happy Hour at the bar, Monday-Friday 3-7pm. Classic Cuban favorites like empanadas, slow-roasted pork, and ropa vieja
PINK TACO TS $$
7 Times Sq. (7th Ave. & W. 41st.), 212-315-8226, pinktaco.com/locations/new-york-city | MEXICAN
Rock ‘n’ roll vibe-dining right in the heart of Times Square. Mexican-inspired fare is daringly imaginative, specializing in tacos with attitude, perfectly shaken margaritas, and signature cocktails. Breakfast and dinner daily, Hangover Brunch on Sat. and Sun., weeknight Happy Hour 3-6pm, and $4 taco specials all day long for Taco Tuesdays.
PLANET
HOLLYWOOD TS $$
136 W. 42nd St. (6th-7th Aves.), planethollywoodintl.com | AMERICAN
Huge Times Square space includes a new state-ofthe-art Planet Hollywood restaurant featuring a multimedia, fully immersive entertainment dining experience—the first of its kind in the U.S. The menu highlights fan favorites from the classic Planet Hollywood menu, enhanced with upscale American fare and fanciful, Instagram-worthy desserts and cocktails.
RAISING CANE’S CHICKEN FINGERS TS $
1501 Broadway (43rd-44th Sts.)
1 Pennsylvania Plaza (7th Ave.) 20 Astor Pl. (Lafayette St.) raisingcanes.com | AMERICAN
One of the fastest growing restaurant chains, with over 800 locations and more on the way, known for its ONE LOVE® Craveable Chicken Finger Meals, which include their iconic “Cane’s Sauce”—named the #1 most craveable sauce. Uses only the highest-quality ingredients with a cook-to-order system that ensures a great-tasting chicken finger meal served hot and fresh every time.
Woman owned and run, serving dynamic cuisine to NYC for 24 years. Located in an open air plaza; bar on the first floor and a newly renovated spacious dining room on the second floor. Recently introduced Indo Chinese and Bengali menus join Indian menu to bring new flavors to the area for the first time. Come visit this hidden gem where you can savor different flavors from various parts of India. Lunch special $24.95. Happy Hour 5-8pm daily. Lunch noon-3pm, dinner 5-10:30pm daily. UTSAV CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN 2025!
MIDTOWN EAST
PARK AVE KITCHEN BY DAVID BURKE ME
514 Lexington Ave. (48th St.), 646-847-4166; parkavekitchenbydb.com | AMERICAN
$$$
Bringing together delicious, authentic American fare with top-notch service in a fun atmosphere. David Burke is one of the best known and most respected chefs in Modern American cuisine with his signature whimsical, boundlessly creative approach. Formal dine-in Brasserie on one side of restaurant and a tostay area with a take-out option concept on the other. Daily lunch/dinner. Bar open daily 11am-midnight.
A Midtown Manhattan favorite since 2008, specializing in authentic cooking and handcrafted Margaritas. Celebrates the vibrant flavors of Mexico through traditional cooking techniques and farm-fresh ingredients, creating dishes that are sinigual (“unrivaled.”) Made-from-scratch guacamole served tableside, followed by chef’s specials like filet mignon enchiladas with grilled shrimp, salmon in jalapeño-lemon butter, and carne asada with chimichurri salsa.
Find NYC’s celebrity chefs and theme restaurants at cityguideny.com/restaurants
AF TER HOURS GOTHAM
Welcome to the world capital of nightlife: the city that never sleeps. Intimate jazz spots share blocks with DJ-driven nightclubs all around the city.
Neighborhoody pints are poured across midtown. For a more raucous scene, check out the East Village and Lower East Side. (Williamsburg on the Brooklyn scene now boasts a nightlife scene to rival Manhatan.) Rooftops offer city vistas—let the warm weather tempt you out for a drink with a view. Or grab a seat by the water, like at Watermark bar in the Seaport or Portside, along the Hudson at Brookfield Place.
In Times Square you can go back in time to NYC’s Prohibition Era. The Lou Zar Speakeasy, inside Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, is the scene of Speakeasy, Die Softly, the most elaborate comedic immersive performance by The Murder Mystery Company. Enjoy a three-course, family-style Italian feast while solving the murder. Shows play Fridays through Mondays, with special pre-Broadway performances at 4pm on Saturdays.
Nearby Havana Central serves home-cooked Cuban food in a lively setting. Fuel up with their festive Happy Hour, which includes half-price empanadas and classic mojitos and
Above: legendary comedians like Dave Attell can be found at Times Square’s Comedy Village. Above left: comedic immersive performances at Speakeasy, Die Softly.
margaritas (salted rim pictured far left). Don’t miss live Latin beats, with bands performing Fridays from 6-9pm and Sundays 5-8pm.
Times Square’s new home for comedy is Comedy Village, a downtown legend in a new space bringing local and global stand up
talent seven nights a week. They have food and drink, including a nice selection of beers, wine, and cocktails.
For world-class musical experiences, head to Jazz at Lincoln Center’s intimate Dizzy’s Club. There are shows nightly, in a space expressly designed for superior live jazz experiences—you’ll hear the difference at every show. Night owls can catch Late Night
NIGHTLIFE
COMEDY VILLAGE—TIMES SQUARE TS
352 W. 44th St. (8th-9th Aves.), 347-788-1781, comedyvillage.com
Legendary downtown comedy club the Comedy Village has opened in a cool new space just off Times Square. Laughter seven nights a week? Yes, please. Experience the thrill of live stand-up presented by top comedians from NYC, across the country, and around the world. From rising talents to legendary veterans, a diverse lineup guarantees something for everyone. Comedy greats like Dave Attell, Bill Burr, and TJ Miller love playing the club— see for yourself in the heart of the Theatre District.
In a prime Columbus Circle location, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s most intimate venue Dizzy’s Club invites you to experience world-class music in a casual setting. Breathtaking views of Central Park and a curated menu featuring craft and spirit-free cocktails. Nightly sets at 7 and 9pm; Sun. sets 5 and 7:30pm; Late Night Sessions 11pm Thurs.-Sat. Performers range from New York favorites to global legends.
Sessions every Thursday through Saturday starting at 11pm.
For an eclectic mix of talent, city legend Gotham Comedy Club brings in the hottest comics nightly. Legends like Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle have dropped in on this upscale, intimate setting in Chelsea. There are touring pros and ensemble nights like The Gotham All-Stars.
GOTHAM COMEDY CLUB CH
208 W. 23rd St. (7th-8th Aves.), 212-367-9000, gothamcomedyclub.com
Whether it’s date night, an evening with the boys, a girls night out, or even a good place to take your mother-in-law, Gotham has a show for you. Great laughs from top-tier professionals are joined by delicious pub food, a huge liquor selection--including 30 kinds of vodka--and an actual wine list. Legends like Jerry Seinfeld are known to drop in on this upscale yet intimate setting. Covers vary depending on show with a 2-beverage minimum.
SPEAKEASY, DIE SOFTLY TS
200 W. 44th St. (7th-8th Aves.), 888-659-2952, newyorkdinnertheater.com
Welcome to the Lou Zar Speakeasy, where both the drinks and the clues are flowing. Speakeasy, Die Softly is the most elaborate comedic immersive murder mystery ever performed by The Murder Mystery Company. The year is 1927, a time of flappers, mobsters, and bootlegging. Listen to some live music, play some casino games, and help flip the speakeasy into a “legitimate Italian restaurant” before the police raid the joint. Enjoy a three-course, family-style Italian feast while solving the murder at Times Square’s iconic Carmine’s Italian Restaurant.
MANHATTAN SUBWAY MAP
MANHATTAN BUS MAP
For a more detailed downtown map, see the Lower Manhattan map.
HUDSON RIVER
WESTSIDEHIGHWAY
FLATIRON DISTRICT
EAST RIVER
AVENICHOLASST
GREENWICHAVE
NYC TRANSPORTATION FUN FACTS
A New York City taxi makes almost 1,400 trips a month. • If you laid out NYC’s subway tracks end to end you’d reach Chicago. • NYC Transit buses give 480 million rides every year. • The subway fleet travels 365 million miles a year. • No surprise here: the Times Square-42nd Street subway station is the city’s busiest. It’s the gateway to 55 million rides a year. • Ever wonder why city buses don’t take paper money ? NYC Transit uses giant vacuums to empty fareboxes, which would turn that cash into confetti. • By law, there are exactly 13,587 taxis in NYC. But good luck catching even one when it rains.
Continued from page 29—Culture Credits
1. Installation view of Sargent and Paris, on view April 27–August 3, 2025 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo by Hyla Skopitz, courtesy of The Met; Dr. Pozzi at Home, John Singer Sargent, 1881. Oil on canvas, 79 3/8 × 40 1/4 in. (201.6 × 102.2 cm). Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, The Armand Hammer Collection, Gift of the Armand Hammer Foundation (AH.90.69).
3. Faith Ringgold, b. 1930, New York; d. 2024, Englewood, New Jersey. Woman on a Bridge #1 of 5: Tar Beach, 1988. Acrylic paint, canvas, printed fabric, ink, and thread. 74 5/8 x 68 1/2 inches (189.5 x 174 cm). Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York. Gift, Mr. and Mrs. Gus and Judith Leiber, 1988. 88.3620.
