Ok, well the hard part is done. Got hotel in midtown (east) for 4 nights and tickets to a Yankees game in June. Now is the fun part, planning. I've been to the city once, but it was back in '99 or so, and that's a long time in terms of how quickly things change there. My friend has never been, but he's a big Yankees fan (hence the reason for the trip). Any recommendations on good diners, delis, things to do? Etc? We're trying to get Letterman tickets and want to do Top of the Rock, and of course will pay our respects at the WTC site. Other than that we're just planning on playing it by ear. From the research I've done so far there looks to be a ton of cool looking Irish pubs in the east midtown area. Anyone have a favorite?

As big baseball fans, be sure to visit Monument Park before the game. It opens when the gates open and closes 45 minutes before the game so get there early. Also, be sure to ride the subway home from the game for a lot of singing and fun.

Some famous diners and delis that are usually recommended are Empire Diner, Katz's Deli and Carnegie Deli. As far as other things to do, I love the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, Ellis Island, Circle Line cruises, the Cloisters, Am. History Museum, Coney Island, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, walking the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk, walking around Harlem, East Village and everywhere else. There is a ton more if you kind of tell me what you guys are interested in.

You can get an unlimited subway 7 day pass for $25, so I would suggest that.

As far as Irish Pubs, there are a ridiculous amount of them in NYC and everyone seems to have a different opinion about each. I don't really remember which ones I have been too which I would think would mean that I had a good time. Just stay away from any pubs or restaurants around Time Square. These two websites might help you out some http://www.murphguide.com/irish.htm#14-59 and www.menupages.com. The first one lists all the pubs in certain areas and the second one has good reviews for restaurants across the city.
Ah, I remembered one. We went to the Irish Rouge during Christmas break for an Aggie Bowl Game Watching Party. It was a fun place but the food was not that great.

[This message has been edited by BlairAG04 (edited 3/26/2008 1:13p).]

Yeah, the Times Square trip will most likely just be a quick walk-through at night to see the lights. Neither of us have any interest in going all that way to eat at Olive Garden or Burger King.

Monument Park is definitely on the list. My last trip I did manage to get to a game but I didn't get there early enough to see that. We're making a point to get there early for that.

We've also discussed taking the subway over to Brooklyn, eating at Grimaldi's and then walking back over the bridge. Really want to get some good pics of the city. Will also possibly do the Staten Island Ferry for a "drive-by" look at the Statue of Liberty.

We've also thought about making a trek up to the UWS to at least get a picture of Tom's Restaurant (the exterior of which was made famous in Seinfeld). Although I haven't seen anyone mention how good the food there is on Yelp or Trip Advisor.

Make sure you eat at Max Brenner's Chocolate Bar. Amazing!

http://www.maxbrenner.com/branches.html

hunt down this badass fish and chips place: A Salt and Battery.

http://www.asaltandbattery.com/

Mr. Aggie and I went for our honeymoon 2 years ago. Our favorite things were the sunset Circle Line cruise and taking the subway into Brooklyn and then walking back. On our way back we hit Chinatown, ate lunch in Little Italy and then walked over to Wall Street. Very "touristy" I know, but it was a wonderful day! I would suggest doing the Circle Line cruise early on in the trip to help get oriented with the island. It helped me figure out exactly where I was in location to some of the bigger buildings and tourist attractions.

I love New York City, have a great trip!

eat at brazil brazil, awesome food.

http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?forum_id=54&topic_id=1013085

[This message has been edited by ballerandrew (edited 3/30/2008 7:55p).]

just got back from taking my two daughters (12 and 14) yesterday for the week. Different kind of trip with youngsters. Still, I love the city! Restaurant on E. 58th St. is great, it's called Tao, very nice. This will give you a really bad visual, but I did see "Norrrrrrmmmmmmmm" of "Cheers" as the drag queen mom in Hairspray. It was hilarious.

which game you going to? i am going june 18th i think vs SD. then i know astros will be there a week later.

spend some time away from the tourist areas.

check out Kuma Inn if you get the chance. Tiny little fusion tapas on the lower east side. i love that place. I need to go back soon.

btw - what hole did you crawl out of? I haven't seen you post anything in eons.

You know you have always wanted to do this:

http://www.screentours.com/tour.php/satc/

Phil, that's the same game I'm going to! Small world.

Aggie00 - I've been around. Lurking mostly. Thanks for the suggestion. We might pop in there.

keens chophouse.

rononeill's premier recommended eatery.

Lure Fish Bar is a great seafood restaurant as is Blue Water Grill. I like to get drinks at the Mercer Hotel or the Maritime Hotel downtown. Ulysses is also a cool bar. I used to go to crappy dive bars back in the day like Coyote Ugly (before the GD movie), Hogs and Heifers, the Village Idiot, and Red Rocks. Pretty rowdy places and good times all around.

Sbisa - Kuma Inn is byob, so grab a bottle of wine or a six pack. i use to go there all the time with the girl i was dating and we could get out of there for around $50. thats not bad for nyc.

lmk if you want any other tips...as you may know from lurking, i live up here now.

Well we're staying around Lexington/49th Street and I understand the "nightlife" around there isn't much to write home about since it's mainly an area that people go to work and then head home. But that's fine with us. Not velvet rope, clubbing types anyway. Looks to be several Irish pubs nearby and someone recommended The Press Box - sort of an upscale sports bar.

Yeah, knew you were up there Aggie00. That's gotta be a really incredible place to live. I guess the song's true... you could probably make it anywhere now!

Any tours that you reccommend? We don't want to do the tourist thing all trip but might want to go on one to get our bearings. Or maybe we can learn enough from going and having a look around at Top of the rock?

I am planning a similar trip for late June. Please let me know how yours went! Likes, dislikes, etc. I would really appreciate it.

Oh, and have a great time!

Well by the time I get back, it'll probably be too late to help you plan too much more Jeff, but I've found a lot of really good information on the trip advisor forums. So you might look there as well. www.tripadvisor.com

Thanks for the site. I'll check it out.

quote:

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Any tours that you reccommend? We don't want to do the tourist thing all trip but might want to go on one to get our bearings. Or maybe we can learn enough from going and having a look around at Top of the rock?

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generally, if you are above Houston St (How-ston) you are on a numbered grid, so bearings are easy. if the streets are increasing in number, you are headed north. If the avenues are increasing in number, you are headed west.

If you want to stay away from most of the tourists, just dip down below 14th street. Probably wanna stay on the east side. There are some good spots on the village too, but if you don't know where you are headed, you could easily end up in a gay bar

Yeah that's really one of the things I love about the way the city is laid out...and for someone to have had the foresight to do that when that land was all famland back when the survey was done was pretty genius. I know it'll be pretty easy to get our bearings. I think just seeing the city from on high at Rockefeller Center will be enough - plus it's something I want to do since I didn't get a chance my first trip.

ttt