The oldest still-operating restaurant in New York City, still in the family of the original founders. At Christmastime, it's decorated to the nines. Go with a big group: portions are large and the wine flows liberally. Look for the little buttons on the walls: in the old days, the mafia would hang out in the back room, and if diners saw the cops come in, they'd press the buttons so the mafia guys could run out the back.

This park holds a special place in my heart because it has been like a backyard for me over the years. It is also named after the Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of Alaska. There is even a Togo sculpture that reminds me of home. The bench strip doubles as a downtown runway.

The exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art can speak for themselves, but the Sculpture Garden there is the best backyard in the city.

Recommended by my friend and talented illustrator, Isabel Castillo Guijarro, this spot makes incredible cappuccinos and is in one of my favorite NYC buildings, the WoolWorth Building

A well-curated vintage movie poster store. Smart and friendly staff.