I am 23, live in NYC, and don’t love my job in finance. I am dyslexic, a recovering anorexic, and I have raging Megalophobia (where you are terrified of big objects, interpret that however you like).
I was asked over the New Year’s, (by my lovely boyfriend) “what did you learn about yourself in 2023” My snarky response involved knowing the perfect time to feed him to avoid hangry sass. To my surprise, he countered with, “really, I thought you were going to say that you can write.” So here I am…dyslexic and all, writing. This might all go to shit…whatever beats me binge watching Greys for the 50th time and ripping my Juul to fall asleep.
Welp! I have watched Ratatouille approx. 50 times and counting. So why not channel my inner Anton Ego and start my side gig as a critic! Anyone can cook!
Thursday Kitchen
East Village
Picture this – its 5pm, you are super hungover, and haven't left your apartment in a day. You want some dank ass food, and aim to clock in at least 1000 steps on your health app to salvage some self-esteem. You go to Thursday Kitchen. That was me a few Sundays ago, and boy, did I make a solid choice.
Thursday Kitchen is a Korean Tapas spot in the East Village. Chef Kay Hyun runs the joint (along with her other place Mokyo that’s next door and also apparently bomb), and she nails it. I am NOT telling you what to get but seriously consider the Edamame Dumplings, Lucky noodle, Steak and Popcorn chicken. We threw in the paella and crab because, you know, why not, but you could pass on those. I think 4-5 dishes and you are good. The place is dim lit – I wore jeans and a white t-shirt (standard NYC fit) but any attire would probably fly.
ALSO IMPORTANT! We went at legit 5:12pm, so there was no wait, but I have heard the place gets packed. Toss your name in and jump over to Goodnight Sonny's, or Lovers of Today while you wait
If you're down for sharing and craving some Korean eats, this is the spot as it is casual, fast, and just a low key vibe. I mean the waiters wear t-shirts, and it’s an open kitchen who couldn’t immediately love.
The York
ABC City
Friday Night at 8pm – one thing I wasn’t craving was a smash burger while I was squeezed into a skin-tight top, preparing to sing karaoke on a stage. I quickly changed my mind when someone showed me the drinks list.
The York is a tiny bar, serving some of the best smash burgers and chicken sandwiches, in NYC.
Behind the bar, a kitchen window is a hub of activity, with burgers, onion rings, and fries flying out. It can only hold about 50 people, and that's pushing it. Drinks took about three minutes, food about 10 aka shit moves fast. Its seat yourself, order from the bar then listen for your name, shut up, and enjoy.
I went for the normal smash burger with all the works, along with fries and onion rings. Everything was delicious; I honestly couldn't pick a favorite thing. Long story short, whether it's a date, with friends, or even alone, The York is a must-try. Enjoy a preferably alcoholic drink and savor the crispy, juicy, surprisingly light smash burger next time you are in anywhere near ABC City.
Jolene
Noho
You know that local spot where you've tried every dish on the menu twice? For me that is Jolene’s. Jolene’s is an “American Bistro and Café”, whatever that means. All I do know is they serve their drinks in cute mini martini glasses, the menu changes all the time, and the dim lighting just gives off the coziest vibes, equating to an enjoyable evening out.
The top three items: salmon, whipped ricotta, and THE Burger. Honestly, that burger is my favorite in NYC. It's like a gourmet version of Shake Shack's Smoke Shack burger. Picture caramelized onions, some spicy cheese, perfectly toasted bread, and this sauce that's like Shake Shack sauce, but somehow even better. And let's not forget about the fries – they're out of this world, too.
Oh, and don't sleep on their shrimp Po Boy and the Copper Dragon (yep, another tequila drink recommendation you will rarely get one that is not). This is your reminder that dressing to the nines and eating caviar is fun, but chowing down a burger with your friends is even funner.