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 little French-Morroccan restaurant is a perfect place for meeting artist friends and, of course, great escargot.

Always in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, is the most direct route for a bike ride into the city from my place. This is a kind of alcove and lookout point that also reminds me I’m about to reach the top of the climb. I guess I kind of like the series of light bulbs and ornate rivets and metal work, the kinds things you really don’t see from a distance.

Niche cinema for people who care too much about film and like obscure things. The restaurant/bar upstairs has great food, drinks, and skylights too.

Great mid-eastern food in Chelsea/Flatiron/NoMad/whatever you call that area.