Nothing is more quintessentially New York than a diner. This eatery not only serves excellent, traditional diner fare, but does so in an eclectic environment that mixes Baroque decadence with Midtown grit.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in Manhattan, it's Spanish Tapas but like you never had it before. You can literally order any dish from the menu, everything is amazing. Tip, it tends to get busy - so head in and sign up for a table, then go around the corner to their bar Jamón only challenge is that you might stay there all night.
Best contemporary art museum in NY, have to take a train that goes along the Hudson river (best views during fall season!) / rent a car. This museum only uses natural light, and has pieces from Richard Serra, Judd, Sol Lewitt, Walter de Maria, Robert Smithson, Flavin, all best of the best!