New York City is one of the most expensive housing markets in the United States, fending off challengers from other US cities like Los Angeles and Miami. Not only that, it has recently been locked in a race with Singapore as the most expensive city internationally to buy or rent a home in. Bottom line is, finding an affordable apartment in New York City is difficult depending on a variety of factors, but it’s easier to find when you’re with Friends. 

Friends, the seminal sitcom about six twenty-somethings navigating the world of 90s New York City, is credited with inventing “The Rachel” (which is back in style as of 2022), and of course, who could forget Ross’ iconic plea “we were on a break!”

But the housing market in New York has never gone on break. Since the early 90s, rents around the city began to trend upward noticeably, continuing through the 2000s. In 2022 it’s estimated that a minimum-wage worker would have to work over 100 hours weekly to afford a one-bedroom apartment.

 

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 So were the 90s really that different? How did Rachel, Ross, Chandler, Phoebe, Monica, and Joey afford their places when they were broke, their jobs were jokes, and of course, their love lives were DOA?

What did the Friends do for work?

One of the most important factors when determining the affordability of a housing situation is the jobs the tenants have and how much of their paychecks they’re able to fork over each month. The Friends had an odd array of jobs that, by today’s metrics, make it difficult to believe they could afford to live in New York at all, let alone with the luxuries afforded to them by their admittedly modest apartments. 

Rachel, for instance, worked as a waitress at Central Perk (now a real-life location) from the first season until “The One Where Rachel Quits” in season 3. She eventually entered the fashion industry, landing a position as a fashion executive at Ralph Lauren while courting another offer from Gucci in Paris in the final season; quite the come-up.

 

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Monica was a chef throughout the series, working her way up through the kitchen until reaching head-chef status. She ended the series as a respected food critic and owner of two prestigious NYC eateries. 

Joey Tribbiani is an actor who, more often than not, is out of work, minus a brief stint playing opposite a robot for the sitcom “Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E.”

Phoebe is similarly in the arts, being a musician and songwriter. She’s also a masseuse and has at times, even resorted to mugging to make a quick buck. 

Chandler and Ross represent the corporate and academic spheres, respectively. Chandler worked as a copywriter for an ad company, while Ross found work as a professor of paleontology, a notoriously controversial and boring profession. 

Some of these jobs make it easier to believe their lives in Greenwich Village, where the show is set, were feasible. Professors in the 90s, for example, were earning, on average, anywhere from $42,000 to $50,000 per year in New York. Adjusted for inflation this would see Ross easily raking in more than $120,000 today, more than enough for a single-bedroom apartment where he lived. As a chef, Monica’s pay would’ve received modest increases throughout the series as she worked her way up the chef ladder from line cook to sous chef to executive. But at the beginning of the show, she was likely not making much more than $10,000 (or $23,000 by today’s standards) yearly.

Phoebe, who also doesn’t live with any of the other friends throughout the show, has a uniquely affordable living situation. After living with and taking care of her grandmother, (played by the late Audra Lindley), it can be assumed that Phoebe inherited her apartment, and life insurance possibly afforded her additional funds to continue living there.

How much rent is too much rent?

When deciding the affordability of a living situation, how much rent is too much to pay? Well, it’s entirely based on your job and salary and desires.

There are a couple of rules that make calculating affordability easy, such as the 40x rule or the 30% rule. Many landlords require that your annual gross income be at least 40 times your monthly rent. For example, to afford a $3000 apartment, you’d have to make approximately $120,000 per year. This may sound like a lot of money, but it helps to account for unforeseen expenses and the cost of other amenities such as gyms.

Another similar rule is the 30% rule which is exactly what it sounds like; allowing for 30% of one’s gross annual income to be paid toward rent. For instance, if one makes $90,000 yearly, following this rule, they should be prepared to spend no more than $27,000 a year, or $2,250 monthly. In Friends, Joey Tribiani spent some time starring in “Days of Our Lives” in a recurring role as Dr. Drake Ramorey, where he would’ve been making something close to $400 to $900 an episode, translating to approximately $230,000 at the end of a 260 episode season. If he was making this amount consistently, Joey could’ve narrowed down his options during “The One Where Joey Moves Out” to apartments with rents at or below $5,750 per month. However, tragically, Dr. Drake Ramorey spent most of his time on the show in a coma following an unfortunate tumble down an elevator shaft.

Additional expenses such as utilities, food, and transportation can be a major drain on funds as well. The cast of friends, for instance, spent somewhere close to $2100 on Central Perk coffee alone throughout the course of the show. These additional funds account for up to 20% of one’s annual income on average. This means that between these additional expenses and rent payments, one could see 50% of their paycheck vanish; spent entirely on the necessities of city living. These percentages are subject to change, and things such as inflation and a volatile economy can cause the percentages paid toward such expenses to skyrocket.

These numbers are in many ways themselves less-than-realistic, as currently, over half of New York renters spend more than 30% of their paychecks paying rent.

Where did the Friends Live?

Friends is set in Greenwich Village in downtown Manhattan. Like many television sets, the apartment does not actually exist. In actuality, the show was largely shot in Burbank, California. Monica’s apartment is what fans commonly refer to as the “Friends” apartment, although there was a season 4 stretch where Chandler and Joey temporarily swapped apartments with her after winning a bet in “The one with the Embryos”. Its exterior shots can be traced back to 90 Bedford Street, a common tourist attraction; however, the apartment’s actual address is different. In the episode “The One With The Invitations”, a wedding invitation is shown which reveals the apartment’s in-world address to be 495 Grove Street, Greenwich.

Greenwich is currently a relatively expensive neighborhood to rent in, a 2-bedroom averaging around $5,500 monthly. This is similarly a good guess at what the price of the Friends’ condo would cost today. 

The Friends Apartment Building

The building was a pre-war walkup, meaning there’s no elevator, which would have come in handy in “The One With The Cop” and its pivotal couch-moving sequence. The apartment and its affordability actually come up as issues in the plot of the show in an episode called “The One with the Ballroom Dancing”. In the episode, it is revealed that the apartment actually originally belonged to Monica and Ross’ grandmother, who lived there before rent regulation in the 1940s. The episode’s plot surrounds Monica attempting to trick or otherwise convince her landlord to let her sublet the apartment from her very-much-deceased grandmother, keeping her stabilized rent payments. This resulted in Monica being able to afford the apartment by keeping payments astronomically low. How low were these payments? According to the show, about $200 a month! Adjusted for inflation, this means that she was only paying about $450 a month by today’s standards!

This arrangement means that the Friends apartment, despite its size and location, was uniquely affordable for Monica and the gang, even if it was only possible through some shady backroom dealings (or shady Ballroom dealings if you know the episode.) Rachel, as a recently estranged daughter of a wealthy family, is likely not paying rent for the majority of the time she’s staying with Monica, which wouldn’t be a problem if payments were so low. Chandler and Joey live in a significantly smaller space, which is possibly similarly rent-controlled. However, Chandler’s relatively non-descript corporate job seems capable of paying the bills, even when Joey is enduring one of the (many) dry spells in his acting career. 

Is the Friends Apartment Realistic?

Yes and No. Under the circumstances of the show, Monica’s grandmother dying and the subsequent finessing of their landlord would allow them to live there indefinitely. Chandler and Joey’s apartment is similarly affordable, while Ross and Phoebe’s arrangements are also feasible. But is the apartment is “realistic,” as in, does it exist in real life? In this case, the short answer is no. Even if the apartment existed, it would likely not be as large and spacious as the one featured in the show.

Looking at Greenwich Village now, we can find some similar listings, such as this 2 Bedroom 2 bathroom at 231 Sullivan Street, which is newly renovated and features an open kitchen and floor plan, something similar to Monica’s iconic pad. The floor plan, however is still significantly smaller than the Friends apartment, but a lot of this can be attributed to it being a television set over an actual building. 

 

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 Production designer John Shaffner designed and helped to build the set along with his partner, Joe Stewart. The two sought to create a set that would “feel as comforting to the viewer as their own home.” Greg Grande, another designer of the set, said of the space that he wanted “a whole new kind of eclectic taste with a flea-market, whimsical, anything-goes style”, which resulted in the creative mish-mash of decor which appears on the screen.

The point is the apartments on Friends weren’t built for people to live in, they were designed to be visually and aesthetically pleasing while remaining functional for television filming. Most television and film sets are just that, sets, superficial facsimiles of actual or imagined locations. There’s no ‘fourth wall’ behind where the cameras sat most of the time, and therefore the apartment’s design and dimensions are largely inflated, something that’s more obvious when viewing behind-the-scenes images of the set. But Friends was never about being realistic. In many ways, it’s a fantasy about city living in the same vein as Sex and The City or Seinfeld. So while in some ways, Monica, Joey, Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey’s lives in the early 90s were absolutely possible, they weren’t realistic by any standards.

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Best Concert Venues in Manhattan

Radio City Music Hall

 

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Location: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020

This classic venue is famous for a reason. Part of the Madison Square Garden entertainment family, this concert hall hosts some of the biggest shows in NYC. Their annual show, The Radio City Rockettes, brings in tourists worldwide, and the theater hosts everything from music to comedy. Usually considered a music venue, this place celebrates all things artistic and is one of the best places to go in Midtown. Concerts usually sell out fast, so it’s wise to pay attention to their calendar of events.

Webster Hall

 

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Location: 125 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003

Originally opened in 1886, Webster Hall is one of the coolest places in Union Square and easily one of the best concert venues in the city. Hosting a huge amount of concerts annually, this venue also turns into a nightclub, hosting special themed raves meant to make your inner child smile while your outer adult dances the night away. These raves even have costume contests and karaoke every once in a while. This music venue is special because it lets the audience feel more involved and has even built its own community of entertainment lovers. This place has kept the party going for over 100 years.

Bowery Ballroom

 

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Location: 6 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002

This music venue is a bit smaller, which means it’s a bit more of an intimate setting. Part of the Mercury East family, which also runs Mercury Ballroom, Irving Plaza, and the Gramercy Theater, Bowery Ballroom is in the heart of the Bowery, and hosts many indie bands while selling extremely affordable tickets for their shows. This venue is perfect for catching talent that has gone undiscovered by the top 40 charts. The bands are so close, it’s like you’re part of the performance. It’s a fun experience that won’t make your wallet hurt.

Best Concert Venues in Brooklyn

Kings Theater

Location: 1027 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226

Originally opened as a movie theater in 1929, this landmarked venue has made a stunning comeback. Closing in 1977 and reopening in 2015, this venue has pivoted from film to music, dance, and comedy. This venue offers all kinds of performances, from world tours from major artists to their annual showing of the Nutcracker. They even host family-friendly shows regularly, piquing the interest of young artistic minds, and ensuring that this theater will never again have to shut its doors. This Flatbush gem is beautiful and will be around for a long time.

The Bell House

Location: 149 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

This medium-sized venue is the place to go on a Friday night in Park Slope. This establishment is a music venue, comedy club, and nightclub all wrapped up into one fun package near the water. Their nightclubs are themed raves, with mixes of music from popular artists. Their comedy nights are some of the best in the city, and frequently feature big names like Roy Wood Jr. and Mary Beth Barone. Tickets for concert events are usually under $30, while their club nights are usually free, so the fun is also very affordable.

Lena Horne Bandshell

Location: 141 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Named for dancer and Brooklyn native Lena Horne, this outdoor concert venue is the place for summer events. Located in Prospect Park, this bandshell has been a venue for some of the best bands, comedies, and theater since 1941. Known primarily as a music venue, this is easily one of the most popular places to catch the New York Summer Concert Series, a festival of free outdoor concerts organized by the city. Because this venue is outdoors, they also have concessions, meaning you can snack while you rock out under a full moon.

Best Concert Venues in Queens

Forest Hills Stadium

 

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Location: 1 Tennis Pl, Forest Hills, NY 11375

This outdoor concert venue has been part of Queen since 1923 and is the largest outdoor music stadium in the city. Capable of holding over 13,000, this venue was originally designed to host the US Open, but the space was too good to pass up a setting for some major music events. Everyone from The Rolling Stones to Ed Sheeran has played at this venue, and recent renovations have added new suite options modeled after speakeasies. This venue is huge, fun, and an experience you don’t want to miss.

Melrose Ballroom

 

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Location: 3608 33rd St, Queens, NY 11106

A smaller, more intimate space, Melrose Ballroom has hosted some of the best musicians in the entire world. When we say this venue is more intimate, we should say each level of this place is more intimate, as the various levels can be combined or separated to hold multiple events simultaneously. Greats like Rihanna and Steven Tyler have performed here, and it’s easy to see why with the level of service provided. This venue has a rooftop deck, a separate bar, and even VIP seating in the mezzanine. This place is a party in the heart of Astoria.

Knockdown Center

 

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Location: 52-19 Flushing Ave, Queens, NY 11378

Located in the neighborhood of Maspeth, this place doesn’t consider itself a concert or music venue but an artistic experience instead. Located in a former factory, this space is huge, hosting concerts indoors and outdoors depending on the event and the weather. Events here are wild, with a ton of dancing, things to drink, and good times to be had. There are no sad faces in this venue, unless a band or performance is trying to convey some sense of sadness in their work. This place is a rare find in a great borough.

Best Concert Venues in The Bronx

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts

 

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Location: 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, The Bronx, NY 10468

Focusing mostly on dance and theater, this venue is a great place to spend a more classy evening. Partnering with major events like the Westchester Nutcracker, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and CUNY events, this place puts on many shows celebrating diversity and all things performance art, both past and present. This is one of the most culturally rich experiences in the city, and the events done here are some of the most moving performances you’ll ever see. Even better, it’s affordable.

Crotona Park Amphitheater

Location: 559 Claremont Pkwy, The Bronx, NY 10457

This theater/bandshell is one of the most popular places in The Bronx during the Summer Concert Series. The music and dance that happen here come from some of the best artists working today. Located in beautiful Crotona Park, this venue is huge and hosts regular events in the warmer months, making it a popular destination for music lovers who need to let loose. The park is easy to get to, but the theater fills up quickly, so it’s important to arrive early to any concert you and your friends are hoping to attend.

Best Concert Venue in Staten Island

St. George Theater

Location: 35 Hyatt St, Staten Island, NY 10301

This Staten Island concert venue is absolutely gorgeous, and has been around since 1929.  Dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer, this venue hosts a variety of concerts, theater, and educational performances every year, and even hosts camps and after school programs for children interested in pursuing the arts. This venue has a long history of excellence, and its architecture rivals even the grandest Broadway theater. It’s astounding that in this venue, countless performances have been produced, entertaining all of NYC and beyond. Shows here sell out fast, so be sure to keep up with their calendar. 

Concert venues in New York are special places where dreams come true. That might seem like hyperbole, but ask any fan of Ed Sheeran how they felt seeing him live. People go crazy for the bands and comedians they love. The right concert venues make seeing them an extra special experience. Everything from the lighting, acoustics, to the neighborhood can make an event a truly unique experience. The venues listed above know this, which is why they are here. They know what it takes to make a concert, comedy show, or theatrical production stand out from the crowd. Seeing a show at one of these concert venues is an experience you’ll never forget. 

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Welcome to Harlem, the energetic neighborhood with many cultural sites, shopping opportunities, and amazing food. When people think of Harlem, they think of Black history, culture, and pride. This huge neighborhood encompasses several smaller neighborhoods like Manhattanville, Hamilton Heights, and Sugar Hill. Because of this, defining Harlem as just one thing is tricky to do. However, no matter where in the neighborhood you are, you’ll have access to some of the best sites and sounds NYC has to offer.

History of Harlem

During NYC’s early history, Harlem was home to large wealthy estates that were burned to the ground during the American Revolution. After the war, the neighborhood rebuilt slowly, and was seen as a refuge for immigrant populations. The neighborhood’s Black population slowly grew due to the Great Migration from the Jim Crow South and the destruction of Seneca Village to make room for central park.

The neighborhood thrived in the early 1900s, with the 1920s and 1930s known as the Harlem Renaissance. The neighborhood was, unfortunately, hit hard when the Depression came, and revitalization efforts largely ignored the neighborhood. However, civic leaders were relentless in trying to solve these issues. Taking a page from the Harlem Renaissance, leaders held demonstrations, boycotts, and formed political groups to challenge NYC’s establishment in the 1960s and 70s.

By the 1980s, Harlem was well known as a major hub for Black culture, and the city finally started pouring some money into the neighborhood. By the 1990s, real estate agents and new development began to pop up, and the gentrification of Harlem began. Today Harlem is still a hub for black art, history, and culture, even with an ever-gentrifying population. The neighborhood is extremely popular with locals and tourists, who come here to shop, eat, and learn.

Cultural Institutions of Harlem

 

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Harlem is full of places that have made history and preserved history. These institutions continue to educate and entertain to this day. Some of the most famous include:

The Apollo Theater

Known for introducing some of the best music and comedic talents in the world, The Apollo Theater has been around since 1913. The theater is still in consistent use and hosts educational programs to encourage future artists to try their stuff.

The Studio Museum in Harlem

Located in a brand new building on 125th Street, the Studio Museum in Harlem focuses on Black art of all kinds, including photography, cinema, painting, sculpture, and more. They even have educational events for children and teens.

The National Jazz Museum of Harlem

This museum is dedicated to the history and continuation of jazz. This amazing place has phenomenal events and live performances aimed at music lovers and newcomers to the genre. They even host workshops for emerging artists!

Where to Shop in Harlem

 

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Harlem has many amazing shopping opportunities, with big brand names and smaller boutiques. Some of the best places to shop here include:

125th Street

125th Street is a major shopping destination with major brand name stores like Victoria’s Secret, GAP, H&M, and much more. This street is the heart of the neighborhood, and you can get anything from shoes to tattoos.

Harlem Haberdashery

This boutique clothing store has been serving the community since 1963. The clothing and beauty supplies here will have you sharp for an affordable price. They have everything from lipstick to sports coats.

JS Cycle

Biking is growing in popularity in every neighborhood, and Harlem is no exception. This bike store sells quality machines and even repairs bicycles, so you don’t have to slow down your lifestyle. They also sell bike accessories.

Where to Eat in Harlem

 

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Harlem has some of the best food in the city, and attracts newer talents and established celebrity chefs. Some of the best restaurants here include:

Red Rooster

Started by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, this restaurant serves delicious meals and features live music. Some of their best offerings include shrimp and grits, a spicy jerk salmon bowl, and a chicken tower, which has 20 pieces of chicken, cornbread, and a choice of three sides.

Amy Ruth’s

Established in 1998, Amy Ruth’s is one of the most famous establishments in all of Harlem. Famous for their chicken and waffles, this restaurant features special holiday menus. Their Thanksgiving menu, especially, will make your mouth water.

Abyssinia Ethiopian

This Ethiopian restaurant has a huge menu, with many options that can be shared amongst a table of friends. Some of the best entrees here include their gored gored, beef awaze tips, and ye siga alicha.

Bars of Harlem

 

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Any place with great food has great drinks, and Harlem has a ton of fun bars just waiting to be enjoyed. Some of the best bars include:

Harlem Hops

This beer garden is full of unique beer, and serves that beer with delicious snacks in a fun atmosphere. The space is pretty large and is perfect for special events. Additionally, they have a non-profit organization, Harlem Hopes, that helps students attend HBCUs.

Harlem Public

In the northern part of the neighborhood, this establishment features delicious signature cocktails, unique burgers, and a comfortable atmosphere. It’s extremely popular on a Saturday night, and will be your go-to once you’ve experienced it.

Harlem Paint ‘N Pour

In this unique bar and studio, guests can sip wine, beer, or cocktails while creating a beautiful work of art. This place even has a pretty substantial food menu, so you can really do a little bit of everything here.

Where to Live in Harlem

Harlem is a very coveted neighborhood, and the homes here are some of the most stylish in the city. Some of the best places to live in Harlem include:

Garden Court

This Harlem co-op is perfect for families and young professionals alike. Built in 1900, but renovated rather recently, this co-op has beautiful hardwood floors, large windows, and a gigantic laundry room for your convenience.

32 West 131st Street

This rental building was constructed in 1910, and has 15 units spread out between five stories. This means the homes are all of a pretty good size, and feature stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, and plenty of natural light.

Eleven Hancock

This newer condo was built in 2021 and has studio to four bedroom apartments. It also has a slew of amenities like a media room, a fitness center, a children’s playroom, and a bike room. This luxury condo is perfect for families.

145 West 138th Street

Built in 1915, but renovated recently, this rental building now features stunning hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and beautiful bathroom features including new showerheads. This complex is perfect for younger professionals. 

300 West

This new luxury condo was constructed in 2020 and has many amenities, like a media room, a fitness center, a parking garage, and a swimming pool. These apartments are huge and luxurious, with stainless steel appliances and large windows.

Parks of Harlem

Harlem has several beautiful parks that receive a ton of visitors each year. Some of the best parks in the neighborhood include:

Marcus Garvey Park

Named for civil rights pioneer Marcus Garvey, this park is great for all ages. They have two large playgrounds that are ADA accessible, and a number of athletic fields for locals to enjoy. It’s a great way to get outside.

St. Nicholas Park

Originally farm land used by the earliest Dutch Settlers, this park is home to the Hamilton Grange National Memorial, which features the actual home of Alexander Hamilton. The museum is free to enter, and a site to behold.

Jackie Robinson Park

Named for the legendary baseball player, this park is ten blocks long and has beautiful facilities like hiking paths, baseball diamonds, and two playgrounds. There’s even a bandshell here that holds live music and theatrical events.

Traveling in Harlem

Harlem is a fairly easy place to get to and has a number of trains, buses, and other means to get around. Some of the best travel methods here include:

Trains

The NYC subway system services Harlem well. Trains that travel here include the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, and 3 lines.

Buses

There are a number of bus lines that service this enormous neighborhood, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M10, M11, M60, M100, M101, M102, M104, M116, Bx6, and Bx19.

Ride Shares and Bike Rentals

Both ride-shares and bike rentals are extremely popular here. Traffic is never too bad, so driving is an easy way to get around the neighborhood. There are also a decent number of bike lanes and Citi Bike docking stations for your convenience, so cycling is also very popular.

Harlem is an incredible place full of food, fun, and educational experiences. This neighborhood is a center of Black culture, a food capital of the city, and has a ton of experiences like live music, theater, and comedy. To come to Harlem is to ensure a great day for yourself, so come up and see what it’s all about.

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NYC Social Clubs Guide

The Union Club

The Union Club is New York city’s first private social club, founded in 1836. Its first roster of members originally boasted 250 “gentlemen of social distinction,” including ex-mayor Philip Hone. Modeled after popular private clubs in London at the time, the Union Club grew quickly to include 400 members of New York’s high society. The club’s first locations were in modern-day Tribeca and Soho and featured dining rooms for socialization and rooms for cards, cribbage, euchre, backgammon, and other popular games. 

The union club is now located at the intersection of 69th Street and Park Avenue and is open to all genders. All patrons of the club must abide by a dress code – men must wear jackets and ties (in almost all parts of the club) and women must wear suits, dresses, or tailored pantsuits. For the squash courts, white clothing and collared shirts are required. If a guest is not properly dressed, they’ll have to enter from the 69th Street service entrance. Much like many private social clubs, the usage of handheld electronic devices is strictly prohibited in all common areas. Guests who wish to place calls must use the telephone booths located throughout the building. Membership to the Union Club is said to be $5,000 a year and is by invitation only. 

The Metropolitan Club

Founded in February of 1891 by a group of gentlemen previously engaged at the Knickerbocker Club, the Metropolitan Club was formed over a dinner arranged between powerful and influential men. With men carrying surnames such as Vanderbilt, Sturgis, and Roosevelt, these powerful men signed articles of affiliation over dinner, bringing the club to fruition and appointing J.P. Morgan as the first president. The founding members were so wealthy that the financing for the club took only a month, after each of the founding members contributed $5,000 each. 

Notable members in the Metropolitan Club’s history include Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan. Membership remains $5,000, and rules at the club remain restrictive in terms of dress code and technology use. Much like the Union Club, gentlemen are required to wear jackets and ties at all times, and women must wear dresses, skirts, dressy pantsuits, or business pantsuits. No phones or laptops are allowed inside the club whatsoever, allowing members to socialize and network without the pressure of social media or outside communication. 

The Metropolitan Club has three main floors in addition to a sixth floor penthouse, and hosts a variety of events for non-profit organizations and charities in its beautiful headquarters. The first floor features a great hall and main bar, with the second floor expanding to include a library, billiard room, and card room. The third floor features a large ballroom with a capacity of 400 guests. The Metropolitan Club website boasts that they can seat up to 340 guests and hold receptions for up to 1100 people. The club’s glamorous headquarters can also serve as the backdrop for weddings – be it a beautiful ceremony in the courtyard or a bustling reception in the ballroom.

The Yale Club 

Started in 1897, The Yale Club is an exclusive social club for Yale students and alumni. In the days before LinkedIn, the club was created to give space to Yale graduates to socialize and network. The club has changed locations over the years but now sits in the heart of Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central Station in a building with 22 floors at 50 Vanderbilt Avenue. To this day it remains the only Yale Club with a physical location. It is now one of the largest clubhouses in the world, and the largest collegiate affiliated private social club. Anyone who has graduated from Yale is welcome to join the club, and anyone who doesn’t hold the prestigious ivy league degree is kindly asked to refrain from membership. Members, however, are able to add spouses to their membership for just $310.00 per year. 

The clubhouse, much like other clubs, offers overnight accommodations, fitness facilities, a dining room, library, and bar. The fitness facilities come with additional costs – either $18.00 per visit or $154 per quarter. While the Yale Club in New York City has only one location, members can also benefit from access to reciprocal clubs in over 15 countries and 20 U.S. states. The club does hold events such as weddings and galas, but usage is restricted to member and member-sponsored events. 

The Cosmopolitan Club

Though many private social clubs of the 20th and 21st century were open to exclusively men, not all private social clubs were “boys clubs.” The Cosmopolitan club (nicknamed “The Cos”) began in 1907 by a mother named Ethel Hoyt, after she realized her socialite daughter had nowhere to go during her few free hours a day. Two years later, a group of socialite women came together to create space to gather and socialize. In response to its male counterpart clubs such as The Union Club or The Metropolitan Club,  The Cosmopolitan Club was created to make space for distinguished women in their respective fields. Notable previous members include Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Hayes, and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. The club website defines it as a place to gather “outside the routine” of home and office and “nourish the intellect” of members. The Cosmopolitan club self-identifies as a place for women to “exercise their artistic impulses; cultivate friends; and freely exchange ideas.”

Unlike many other social clubs in New York City, casual dress is permitted at The Cosmopolitan Club from 7-11 A.M. For other hours of the day, men must be in coats or jackets and women must wear tailored pants, suits, and dresses. While cell phone use is not prohibited, it is restricted to “silent mode” when in the clubhouse. In addition to social events, “The Cos” also holds classes and lectures, making it a true hub of studied individuals in a variety of fields. The scope of classes offered is very wide, ranging from pilates and barre to lectures from political pundits and media superstars. Membership is exclusive and the fees for membership are not public. For those who are interested in joining, it is best to have a contact within the club or have a membership to a U.S. based reciprocal club.

Soho House

SoHo House is a private social club that has a variety of locations all around the world.  Renowned for its connections to artists and creatives, the club has created its own network of professionals and socialites. SoHo House’s first Manhattan location is in the Meatpacking District, features a rooftop (with a pool), a dining room, spa, a vinyl room, drawing room, and a screening room for new films. Whereas some social clubs restrict phones and laptops entirely, laptops are permitted until 6 P.M. daily in the drawing room and vinyl room, except when there is an event taking place. Phone calls are permitted by the elevators, stairwells, and in the vinyl room until 6 P.M. as well, making this suitable for workspace as well as socialization. 

SoHo house offers a variety of different membership options, including an “under 27” discount for young people. Members can choose between belonging to SoHo House, Studios, or “SoHo Friends,” all coming with a variety of different benefits and levels of access. Given that SoHo house has a network of clubhouses all over the world, individuals can also choose between belonging solely to their local house, or paying an additional fee for access and usage of all of the SoHo House spaces. For the New York City clubhouse, annual membership (with no discounts) runs just over $2,500. To gain access to all SoHo houses, annual membership rises to $4,355. Anyone can apply to be a member – the application takes only fifteen minutes to fill out and includes proof of personal identification and a short personal statement. 

Are Private Social Clubs a Relic of the Past?

Though the social clubs of the late 1890’s may seem antiquated, the social networks formed at these clubs have been a primary driving force of the finance, art, and political industries. Today, many of these private clubs are open to both men and women and create space away from ringing phones and buzzing laptops, where socialites and professionals can network and relax away from home. Though membership can be steep in price (or sometimes entirely unavailable due to educational restrictions or social status), membership to these clubs can allow individuals to reap great benefits. Whether hosting a private event, enjoying a business luncheon, or staying a weekend in the city, visiting any of these private social clubs is sure to evoke envy from outsiders. Each club has its own unique attributes and idiosyncrasies, allowing members to choose a club that suits their personal interests and desires. Whether or not you are an Ivy League graduate, there is sure to be a social club to suit your needs.

The post A Guide to NYC’s Best Private Social Clubs appeared first on CitySignal.

The Apollo Theatre

“The Soul of American Culture”, the Legendary Apollo theatre has been serving as a cultural center in Harlem, and greater Black New York for over 100 years. Founded in 1913 by George Keister, the Apollo has had a large role in the emergence of various musical styles and artists, such as jazz, bebop and blues, with such names as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Luther Vandross gracing its stage. Famous for dance, music and theatre, the theatre is perhaps best known as a comedy venue, with its legendary stand-up Showtime At The Apollo still airing episodes on Fox, hosted by Steve Harvey. The Apollo Theatre also features an Ameteur night for artists and performances of all kinds, and is responsible for the launching of the careers of Lauryn Hill, H.E.R and Ella Fitzgerald.

Breaking and Entering

An up-and-coming theatre collective, Breaking and Entering is a Brooklyn-Based community-oriented production company focusing on work by emerging and pre-emerging artists. Their major programming includes outdoor Rooftop Readings, a series of new plays rehearsed and read by a rotating group of highly talented artists held atop different buildings throughout Brooklyn. Other initiatives include their PEA fest, or Pre-emerging Artists festival, a three-night event featuring three plays by three pre-emerging playwrights at The Chain theatre.

Brooklyn Academy of Music

Centered in Brooklyn, BAM has been a home for theatrical innovation for over 150 years. With programming in dance, theatre, music, opera and film, the Brooklyn Academy of Music features a robust calendar of events that features something to do every single day. Ongoing events include Next Wave, their emerging works incubator, BAMkids, their youth initiative and BAMcafé, which is a home to their cabaret-style works. BAM is also a cultural center for lecturers, guest artists and other organizations, hosting BAM Talk lectures about a bevy of creative interests as well as any number of networking events such as a Young Producer’s Night and artistic panels. 

The Gallery Players

The Gallery Players are “Brooklyn’s Premiere Off-Off-Broadway Theatre” according to their own home page, and they have good reason to claim that title. With the mission to provide opportunities for theatre artists and audiences by providing professional-quality theatre to Brookly audiences at an affordable cost, this Park Slope theatre received the Off-Off Broadway Review’s award for Lifetime Achievement in 2000. Notable productions include the 2008 production of the LGBTQ military musical Yank! or the 2019 production of Duncan Sheik’s hit musical, Spring Awakening for which they were awarded the New York Innovative Theatre Award for outstanding musical.

Hip to Hip Theatre Company 

Hit to Hip is a non-profit focused on serving New York City’s outer boroughs. Since 2007 this company based in the largest borough of NYC has been pumping out annual productions of their “Free Shakespeare in the Park”, “Kids and the Classics,” as well as other free, family-friendly professional productions, almost always in public spaces. Now officially servicing all 5 boroughs of the city, Hip to Hip’s robust performance schedule also serves as a guide of sorts to the best public parks and performance spaces in the city. A completely free alternative to The Public Theatre’s famous “Shakespeare in The Park”, Hip To Hip is a great choice for anyone who can’t make it down to the Delacorte Theatre and still craves high-grade, accessible, community-based classical theatre.

Octopus Theatricals

Eschewing aesthetic, geopolitical and institutional boundaries to create inclusive work that reflects their “roles as global citizens”, Octopus Theatricals LLC produces work like no other. Not necessarily a theater company but a “creative producing and consulting” company, Octopus has its “tentacles” in any number of excellent productions, companies, and groups. A recent, famous production they have a role in is Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown, which is still running on broadway. But their off and off-off broadway productions are absolutely worth checking out. Theatre For One for instance, designed by LOT-EK, featured a mobile trailer in which a single actor performs an intimate show for a single audience member, or Arizona State University collaboration Utopian Hotline, an installation with a 30-foot projection screen, headphones and vinyl records.

People’s Theatre Project

Rooted in Washington Heights and Inwood, The People’s Theatre Project is an ensemble-based, multilingual theatre company led by women of color and immigrants. With an ensemble core of immigrant artists of color, this 13-year-old organization brings a refreshing and recognizable voice to theatre for and by people of color. Some of their initiatives include the PTP company, their “multigenerational touring company” and PTP academy, which is described as a “rigorous, multi-year arts and social justice program in Upper Manhattan”. In 2022 the People’s Theatre project was awarded a $15 million investment from NYC, selected by Eric Adams, to own and operate a “first-of-its-kind” Immigrant Research and Performing arts center. Slated to open in 2027, the IRPAC will offer weekly cultural programming to seniors, serve as a performing arts space and home to companies and individual artists, and feature art by immigrant visual artists. 

24 Hour Plays

The 24 Hour Plays is a creative community committed to producing plays, musicals, and other theatre all written, rehearsed, and performed in 24 hours. With several programs, including 24 Hour Plays on Broadway, 24 Hour Musicals, Plays around The World and Viral Monologues, this decade-old institution is a staple of decentralized theatre in and out of New York City. Each Summer, the “main event” of sorts is staged in an Off-Broadway theatre and features up-and-coming playwrights, directors, and actors, as well as some established industry giants. Recently, their Broadway-based programming “On Broadway” was held at Town Hall on West 43rd Street, just blocks away from the Times Square, The Orion and The Birdland Jazz Club. The company also recently partnered with Broadway Licensing to expand the program to other community organizations who want to use the 24 Hour model.

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Off-Beat Manhattan Museums

Museum of Sex

 

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Dedicated to the history of human sexuality, this unique museum is a lot more serious than their subway ads would have you think. Sure they include fun attractions like Super Funland, an erotic carnival with four floors of attractions by different artists, but they also have some extremely educational exhibitions that teach the public how the act and perception of sex has evolved throughout history. This museum shows all, even the darker, more violent, sides of sexual histories, and empowers visitors to reclaim their bodily autonomy in a safe, confident way. This museum is fun, but it will also challenge you to view human sexuality in ways you never thought possible. You must be at least 18 years old to enter.

Museum of Ice Cream

 

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Dedicated to the frozen treats everyone loves, the Museum of Ice Cream is a great place for families to spend a couple of hours learning and indulging in a variety of flavors. The museum offers unlimited ice cream over three stories of fun, and educates people on the history and science of ice cream while offering guests the chance to play in massive interactive exhibits, including an indoor slide, a pool of sprinkles, and multiple rooms where dance parties and games can occur. This place is also available for private events, and holds special events several times throughout the year that celebrate everything ice cream. For parents or private events, there’s even a bar where guests can buy boozy milkshakes.

Spyscape

 

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This interactive museum is great for kids and the young at heart who love James Bond, super heroes, and detectives. They have several permanent exhibitions, but they also rotate exhibits, and have recently had a DC superhero exhibit, mostly focusing on the world’s greatest detective, Batman. One of the highest rated experiences on TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Yelp, everyone who visits here loves this place, and for good reason. There’s a ton of cool spy stuff to see, they have interactive games and puzzles, and their dedicated guides can lead you through all of it. They even have special discounts for school groups, and have hired former spies to detail their real life experiences in the field. This museum is truly a one of a kind experience that anyone can enjoy.

Museum of the Dog

 

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This museum run by the American Kennel Club is all about the furry friends we know and love. From the history of dogs, to the works of art that they have inspired. This museum is celebrating forty years of success, and has special exhibitions in honor of this achievement. One of the coolest parts of this museum is the interactive exhibit, “Story of the Breeder” which lets people learn about renowned dog breeders that are still in business to this day. Perhaps you’ll reach out to one of these breeders, and get a new member of your family. For those who prefer to adopt, the museum has resources and literature for that as well. Even if you don’t want a dog, you’ll still enjoy everything the museum has to offer.

Morris-Jumel Mansion

 

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This museum resides in Manhattan’s oldest house, and details its role in the American Revolution and the country’s founding. Many founding fathers have made their mark here, from George Washington, who used to home as a military headquarters, to Aaron Burr, who got married to the woman who owned the home only to get divorced and die a few years later. The history portion of this house is cool, but the ghost tours are what make this place especially unique. This house is one of the most haunted in America, and the museum is very proud of the, leading candlelight ghost tours in the hopes of seeing Aaron Burr, Eliza Jumel, and even a Hessian Soldier who allegedly died in the house during the Revolution. Historical and spooky, this place definitely warrants a visit.

Off-Beat Brooklyn Museums

Harbor Defense Museum

Our first Brooklyn museum, this place is part of Fort Hamilton, and is the only museum in NYC that’s sponsored by the Department of Defense. This museum details the history of both Fort Hamilton, and the history of NYC’s coastal defense systems all the way from the first colonies that set foot here. The museum features uniforms, diagrams, films, and even old weaponry, all of which can be explained by one of the museum’s enthusiastic tour guides. Schools get a special discount when visiting here, but anyone who is interested in military history will get a kick out of this place, especially since you can explore the rest of the fort after you’ve gone through the museum.

The City Reliquary

This unique museum has collections of items and histories from every borough in the city. From the Bronx to Staten Island, this place has a little bit of everything, and that’s because this non-profit also engages in civic advocacy, celebrating and uplifting cultural events that take place in the city. Through rotating exhibitions, this museum educates people about NYC history that many have long forgotten. The permanent collection of memorabilia here is unlike anywhere else in the city, and they’re always open to new, rare finds from the general public, as long as the donations are authentic, of course.

Coney Island Museum

 

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This museum was founded by the same woman who founded the Mermaid Parade, so you know this museum is going to be fun. Detailing the history of Coney Island, this establishment was opened in 1983, and features photographs, memorabilia, and even films detailing the story of the island that isn’t actually an island. They also have a ton of older carnival attractions from Coney Island’s early days, including an old photo booth, and flyers for sideshows that would, thankfully, never be produced today. The museum is a fascinating look at a unique part of NYC, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re visiting the boardwalk.

Waterfront Museum

 

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Located in the waters of Red Hook, this museum is inside a barge from 1914, and is dedicated to preserving NYC’s maritime history while also giving artists and performers a space to showcase their craft. This unique place gives tours of the little barge, which has gone on many adventures in its heyday. The performances here are easily the best part of the museum, and include pirate shows, a barge circus, live music, and much more. The museum is free on Thursday from 4pm to 8pm and Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm.

Off-Beat Queens Museums

Museum of the Moving Image

 

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Dedicated to all things related to film, this small museum resides within Kaufman Studios in Astoria. The museum has some rotating exhibits along with permanent installations. Some of their most popular exhibits include the Jim Henson exhibit, detailing the career of the amazing puppet master, and the Dark Crystal exhibit, which showcases some spectacular sets and costumes from the movie and Netflix series. The museum also has several screening rooms and older arcade games, which act as a throwback to simpler, movie going times. For those who want to learn more about film editing, they even have interactive exhibits that give you a taste of what it’s like to be an animator, voice actor, or sports announcer. It’s truly an experience you can’t find anywhere else.

Queens County Farm Museum

This interactive, outdoor museum is the oldest continuing farm in NYC, and has a ton of things to see, learn, and do. Dedicated to teaching NYC about agriculture, this farm and museum gives guests a taste of how their food is made, as well as showing them what life was like before the US was even considered a nation. They have summer programs for kids who are interested in agricultural sciences, and they have hayrides and corn mazes in autumn for some rural fun in the big apple. For over 300 year, this land has been cultivated and provided the city with fresh produce. Now it’s also an educational experience, teaching people to appreciate where their food comes from.

The Noguchi Museum

 

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One of the best museums to pop-up in LIC, this space is dedicated to sculptures and architecture. From pieces of art that can fit in the palm of your hand, to larger pieces that can only exist outside, this museum has some truly unique pieces, and their collection grows every year. Founded by Isamu Noguchi, one of the premier sculptors of the 20th century, this museum houses many of his works, but also reserves space for other masters and emerging artists. This space is dynamic and calming, challenging guests to view life from different points of view. This collection is one of the most extensive in the city, and is a must see for those visiting Queens.

Off-Beat Bronx Museums

Bronx Documentary Center

 

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This museum is dedicated to the art of documentary filmmaking. However, the center is mostly involved with lesser known documentaries about subjects and places that are often looked over by American filmmakers and audiences. Shown through collections of film and photography, this museum has 60 exhibitions at a time, and schedules film screenings, lectures, and school trips to further educate and enact societal change. This place offers photography and journalism classes for youth, and even has summer programs that are wildly popular amongst Bronx residences. If you’re interested in Social Justice, this museum is a must see.

City Island Nautical Museum

Another museum celebrating the waterfront history of NYC, the City Island Nautical Museum is fun for the whole family. With tight connections to yacht clubs, boatyards, and oyster vessels, guests can experience a wide array of oceanic adventures and learn what it takes to be a real sailor. This museum features everything one could want from a boat museum, including a history of how boats were built, and how the boat building industry helped shape NYC. The museum also features a history of City Island, and sponsors walking tours of some of the village’s most famous locations. This is a great way to spend a summer or autumn day, as you can learn just as much outside as you can from the museum itself. The educational programs here are truly top notch.

Off-Beat Museums of Staten Island

Historic Richmond Town

 

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This museum is much more than just some building. It’s an entire village of some of the oldest homes and structures in NYC, many of which have been transported to Staten Island from other boroughs. The historic homes here are filled with actors and educators, who aim to give visitors an authentic experience from the time periods of each home. They provide walking tours to families and school trips, and they have a collection of colonial era items and clothes that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. This historic village is, indeed, impressive, as are their restoration efforts for their older buildings. There is no other place like this in NYC. It’s definitely worth the trip if you find yourself in Staten Island.

NYC has a ton of museums, and each of them hold something special. However, even small, more unique museums deserve just as much love and attention as the Met or MoMA. These specific museums educate the public on things that are of great social importance, historical, and just plain fun. In a world where museums are often written off as boring, it’s important to remember these unsung heroes of the NYC museum landscape. They are a blast to visit, you’ll learn a lot from them, and you’ll be supporting vital education efforts for years to come. 

The post 15 Off-Beat and Unique Museums in NYC appeared first on CitySignal.

Another rivalry to add to the list is that between New Jersey and Manhattan. Which one is better?

Both are vying for the attention of eager young professionals who are looking to live their best lives in the city’s bustling metro area, yet each offers an environment that’s palpably different from the other.

This makes it hard to decide: Should I live in Manhattan or New Jersey?

While some are in a quandary over this debate, others have made up their minds: Manhattan is the cooler option — the place to be for those who want to live out their Sex-and-the-City fantasies. “It’s worth the higher price tag,” says Team Manhattan. “Who cares if half our salaries go to rent? At least we get to be in the center of everything!”

But then there’s Jersey, which often gets a bum rap as a boring land of strip malls, theme parks, and turnpikes. Why is it that certain Manhattanites wouldn’t be “caught dead” in the Garden State? Is it because Jersey doesn’t have the same cachet as the Big Apple? Or maybe it’s because New Yorkers imagine it as a place full of mobsters and fist-pumping partiers, as popularly depicted in TV’s “The Sopranos” and “Jersey Shore.”

Meanwhile, New Jerseyans might say the same about the Big Apple: “Yuck, no way I’m paying Manhattan prices!” they’ll declare, then explain that Jersey is the butt of many jokes only because the media won’t let it die. They might also dispel the notion of Manhattan being “cooler” than Jersey, writing it off as fodder for the masses.

The truth is, both locations have their benefits and drawbacks, which makes the debate of Manhattan vs. New Jersey a tough one to settle.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at three factors that influence the Manhattan vs. Jersey debate — cost of living, ease of access to Manhattan, and cultural appropriation — and see if we can resolve this long-standing battle once and for all.

Cost of Living of New York Compared to New Jersey

When it comes to affordability, New Jersey has the upper hand. Take, for example, the average rent in Manhattan, which rose to a record $5,000 per month in 2022. By contrast, the average rent along the Hudson Waterfront, which includes the townships of Weehawken, Hoboken, and Jersey City, hovered around $3,500 per month this year, based on data from RentCafe.com.

Homeownership is also more affordable in New Jersey. According to RedFin, the average sale price in Hoboken, which tends to be the most expensive of the three townships, was $810,000, compared to Manhattan’s median sale price of $1.2 million.

And then there are taxes. NYC levies a city tax on its residents. Rates vary depending on income and filing status. Those living in Manhattan while earning $65,000 annually, for example, will pay roughly $2,400 in city income tax. Those living in New Jersey could pocket this money, as local governments in the Garden State do not levy a city tax. Sales taxes are also lower in New Jersey at 6.625%, compared to Manhattan’s 8.875%. Other expenses, such as utilities and groceries, are also often less in Jersey than they are in Manhattan.

Despite all of these factors, however, Manhattanites may still prefer to pay more for the lifestyle, convenience, and amenities the city offers, but will find it difficult to do so if they don’t have the salaries to match.

Ease of Access to Manhattan

Jersey may have the cost of living advantage, but Manhattan has an edge in terms of accessibility. The island offers a multitude of transportation options, including the New York City subway system and hundreds of bus routes. Easy access to this vast network of trains and buses is important to the city’s nearly five million workers, most of whom rely on public transportation to get to their jobs. The network is by no means perfect, with frequent delays and service disruptions plaguing commuters, but it’s nonetheless an efficient way to get around.

Meanwhile, those living in New Jersey must rely on the PATH train — a somewhat cleaner rapid-transit service that connects Manhattan and New Jersey — or the New Jersey Transit (NJT) bus system. The PATH train may be convenient for those living in Jersey City, Hoboken, or Weehawken, but it can be a bit of a hassle for those from further away.

Both mass transit systems — the New York City subway and New Jersey’s PATH trains — operate 24/7, ensuring that commuters have plenty of options when it comes to getting around. But living in Jersey often means having a longer commute for those who work on the east side of Manhattan and/or above 33rd Street on the west side. Thirty-third Street marks the northernmost stop for the PATH train on the Journal Square and Hoboken lines, so commuters may need to transfer to the subway if they want to go anywhere north or east of this location.

Cultural Presence

Finally, there’s the issue of cultural presence. Manhattanites have long held the perception that life in New Jersey is boring, conservative, and void of culture. After all, Manhattan’s suite of iconic attractions, which includes Central Park, Times Square, and the MET, paints a picture of the city as a cultural oasis on a mega scale. It also enjoys a rich history and an eclectic mix of people that all help to create an atmosphere of diversity, creativity, and innovation.

But there are plenty of cultural offerings in New Jersey, too. Hudson County’s Office of Culture and Heritage Affairs, for one, keeps a pulse on the local arts and entertainment scene, offering a comprehensive list of events and activities for residents to enjoy. In addition to museums and performing arts venues, Hoboken is home to an array of bars, lounges, cafes, and clubs. Jersey City also boasts its share of art galleries and live-music venues, plus bar crawls that rival those of Manhattan’s Lower East Side and Greenwich Village neighborhoods.

With these options in mind, it’s difficult to argue that Manhattan is the only place in the region with something to offer culturally. Some may say that living in New Jersey offers the best of both worlds. Homeowners can enjoy more affordable housing, lower taxes, and quick access to Lower Manhattan via public transportation, all while taking advantage of New Jersey’s unique and vibrant nightlife. In this sense, it’s possible to “live it up” without breaking the bank, something that can’t be said for Manhattan (unless income isn’t an issue and location is all that matters, then Manhattan might be the right choice).

The Verdict: Manhattan or New Jersey?

The time has come to decide whether to live in New Jersey or Manhattan. For those looking to save some money while still having access to NYC’s arts and culture scene, New Jersey presents a viable alternative. With lower taxes, more affordable housing, and just as much nightlife, it may even be the smarter choice.

On the other hand, Manhattan offers unbeatable convenience for commuters and easy access to the city’s outer boroughs, some of which are just as cool and vibrant as Manhattan itself. Plus, it’s hard to beat the appeal of living in one of NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods, from TriBeCa to the West Village, if only for the bragging rights.

Ultimately, the decision to live in Manhattan or New Jersey comes down to personal preference and budget. But with both locales offering plenty to do, those looking for a true NYC experience should have no trouble finding it no matter which side of the Hudson they choose.

The post Should You Live in Manhattan or New Jersey? The Benefits and Drawbacks of Each appeared first on CitySignal.

Welcome to Tribeca, the triangle below canal street that’s sleek and stylish! When people think of Tribeca, they think of the city’s cultural, and eclectic, elite putting on avant-garde fashion shows and reading Dostoevsky while smoking a cigarette in front of a cafe. This is actually a pretty good description of the area, but there’s also a ton of history, food, and attractions for tourists. Located above the Financial District, to the west of Civic Center, and just beneath SoHo, Tribeca is one of NYC’s first neighborhoods, and it continues to thrive to this day.

History of Tribeca

Tribeca began its NYC history as farmland for the Dutch. The land fell into British hands in 1674. The land was then given to Trinity Church in 1705 and was used for various purposes until St. Johns Chapel was built a century later. Along with the church, several brick houses were built here, and the area became one of NYC’s first residential neighborhoods outside of the original settlement, according to The Encyclopedia of New York City.

The neighborhood would remain residential until the mid-1800s when shipping industries along the Hudson River began to ramp up rather quickly. According to the AIA Guide to New York City, increased shipping led to increased storage and warehouses used to hold goods once they arrived. The neighborhood remained largely industrial, even after the Civil War. By the early 1900s, trains and trucks had largely replaced the shipping needs of the area, and heavy traffic prompted the construction of the West Side Highway’s precursor in 1951.

By the 1960s, the industrial sections of Tribeca had largely been abandoned, and redevelopment of the area led to some newer buildings. Old warehouses were converted into lofts, and artists seeking cheap housing began moving to the area and transforming it. They, in fact, were the ones to coin the phrase “Tribeca” meaning “Triangle Below Canal Street,” named after the block association they formed in the 1970s. Since then Tribeca has become a thriving artist community, with a ton of nonprofits, galleries, and an annual film festival met with critical acclaim.

Where to Shop in Tribeca

 

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Tribeca is a fashionable neighborhood, and has a bunch of cool shops for books, clothing, and more. Some of the coolest places to shop here include:

La Garçonne

This luxury clothing store features items that can’t be found anywhere else. The store itself acts almost as a fashion museum, and features some of the latest designs from fashion icons around the world. Subtle, yet bold, these amazing clothes come equipped for any occasion be it work or play.

Origins NYC

This clothing and shoe store is for those seeking great clothes without breaking the bank. They have a ton of brands from Nike to Amiri, all of which sell their latest designs here. You can get shirts, jackets, pants, and more. This store is a great resource for those seeking to expand their sneaker collections.

The Mysterious Bookshop

For lovers of horror and mystery, this shop is not to be missed. Since 1979, this shop has been selling the best books in the mystery, true crime, and horror genre. The store has a huge selection, and even has some rarer books that one might not otherwise see. If you want to support a local bookstore, then head down to this store and get your mind racing.

Art Galleries of Tribeca

 

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Tribeca has a ton of galleries in the area, each one filled with unique paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Some of coolest include:

The Shirley Fiterman Art Center

Part of CUNY, this museum features contemporary art exhibitions from established, emerging, and student artists. Through the mediums of sculpture, photography, and painting, these exhibits portray the real history of America, and the impact that history still has on today’s minds, bodies, and cultures.

One Art Space

Since 2011, One Art Space has showcased a variety of art styles in over 200 exhibitions. They do solo and group exhibitions depending on their current theme, and they largely focus on emerging artists from underrepresented groups. The gallery knows how hard it is to break into the art world, and strive to make just a bit easier for people.

Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery

A home for emerging international artists, this gallery features some of the most innovative works you’ll see in the city. Art in this space can be anything from sculpture to film, and encourages both artists and guests to push their boundaries to experience something new. This gallery always has something interesting, so be sure to check it out.

Theaters of Tribeca

 

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Tribeca, in addition to being an art haven, is also full of performance spaces. Some of the most interesting performance venues here include:

The Flea Theater

This venue is designed to provide a space for Black, brown, and queer artists to showcase experimental performance pieces. Rooted in anti-racism, these performances can range from spoken word poetry to literal dance parties, though most are theatrical performances with cultural messages and meanings.

SoHo Repertory Theater

Don’t let the name fool you, this theater is, indeed, in Tribeca. The theater provides a space for emerging writers, actors, and directors from underrepresented demographics to show their stuff. Rooted in a more traditional theater experience, showing classics as well as contemporary plays from some of the best writers in the city.

BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

Another artistic gift from CUNY, this theater is the longest operating performance venue below Canal Street. Shows here come from industry leaders, emerging artists, and students, and are all unique and eccentric. This is a home for theater, music, and dance in the neighborhood, and is easily one of Tribeca’s most popular venues.

Where to Eat in Tribeca

 

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Tribeca is an artist haven, but the food here is pretty good too. Some of the best places to grab a bite include:

Tamarind ($$$)

This Indian restaurant is so fancy that children under eight years old aren’t allowed inside. This Michelin Star restaurant serves up traditional meals like jhinga e aatish, hasiru samudra, and topli na paneer. They also have a huge drink menu, including specialty cocktails and wines that can be paired with anything on the menu.

The Odeon ($$$)

This American Restaurant is extremely popular, to the point that parties of three or four people can only dine-in for two hours before being asked to leave their table for the next party. Serving up delicious food like steak tartare, pan seared salmon, and even a Beyond Burger made from a meat substitute, this place is full of upscale diner food.

1803 NYC ($$$)

This Creole restaurant is the best in the city, serving Louisiana favorites like Gumbo, oysters that are fried, charbroiled, or freshly shucked, and jambalaya. This restaurant also has live shows and entertainment, especially during brunch hours. Brunch is when you can find their signature bloody mary, or get a pitcher of mimosa for $45.

Paisley ($$$)

Another spectacular Indian restaurant, this place was established by chef Peter Beck, an award winning culinary artist. The menu is full of classic curries, chaat, and delicious entrees like tandoori cornish hen, aggari lobster, and succulent lamb chops. They also have a variety of mixed drinks.

Frenchette ($$$)

This French restaurant won a James Beard Award in 2019 for Best New Restaurant, and that reputation has followed them to the present day. Serving up amazing dishes like petite tender, tartare frites, and pastella de légumes, this place is as French as it gets in NYC. They also have a huge wine menu.

Bars of Tribeca

 

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Any neighborhood with good food is guaranteed to have good drinks, and Tribeca is no exception. Some of the best bars here include:

Monk McGinns ($$)

This cocktail bar fancies itself an upscale tavern, and is full of great pub food and craft beer. Their raw bar is extremely popular and their $150 seafood tower is even famous in the neighborhood. Their signature drink is The Monk, a mixture of bourbon, chai, cinnamon agave, walnut bitters, and amaro.

Holywater ($$)

Based on bars the owners have frequented over their years, this bar celebrates both New Orleans and NYC in its décor and menu. They have awesome deals like Wednesday night gumbo, but their drink menu is what makes this place magical. Their signature drink,  The Holywater, is a mixture of rum, cognac, lemon, grapefruit, angostura bitters, demerara sugar, which come to your table on fire.

Belle Reve ($$)

An upscale dive bar, this dimly lit wonderland doubles as a live music venue. Their signature drink is the Ring My Belle, which is a mixture of rum, luxardo, grapefruit, pineapple, lime, and simple syrup. They have a wide array of specialty cocktails, as well as a delectable brunch and dinner menu.

Where to Live in Tribeca

Tribeca is a very expensive neighborhood, and that’s because the homes here are extremely high value and sought after. Some of the coolest places to live here are:

The Riverview

This newer condo is ten stories of luxury right on the edge of the neighborhood. Over half of the units here have private balcony space, and the rest have access to the state-of-the-art fitness center and large laundry room. Offering some impressive views, folks who live here can expect a sweet life.

Tribeca Tower

This rental building was built in 1988, and is one of the larger complexes in the neighborhood. Holding over 400 units within its walls, this luxury building matches the aesthetic of the neighborhood well thanks to the red brick façade. Many people here have a private balcony, and additional amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a concierge.

93 Worth

Converted from an industrial era building, this 92 unit condo is ideal for families and young professionals alike. This place has a ton of amenities including a rooftop patio, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and even a dog washing station. Residents can expect stainless steel appliances in their homes.

88 Leonard Street

This rental building was constructed in 2007, and has been a beacon of luxury ever since. Better for smaller families and young professionals, this building has everything one could need to be comfortable. Even their resident lounge has TV’s, billiard tables, and a coffee bar. They also have a rooftop terrace with a pool and outdoor fireplace.

30 Park Place

This condo is perched above a four season hotel. This is why, even though there are only 157 units in an 82 story building, this is the tallest residential tower in Lower Manhattan. This is one of the most luxurious residences in the city and contains a screening room, children’s playroom, yoga studio, and a steam room.

Traveling in Tribeca

Traveling anywhere in Lower Manhattan is usually pretty easy. There are tons of trains, buses, and cars to choose from. The best ways to get around Tribeca include:

Trains

While train lines mostly line the borders of Tribeca, that’s still better access than a lot of neighborhoods in the city. Trains that service the neighborhood include the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, N, Q, R, and W lines.

Buses

There are a number of bus lines that service Tribeca, though they can be a bit slow due to the small, older roads that cover this area. Bus lines that run through Tribeca include the SIM2, SIM4, SIM7, SIM9, SIM33, SIM34, M9, M20, M22, X27, and X28.

Ride Shares and Bike Rentals

Ride shares are common in Tribeca, but the street grid here makes the area difficult to navigate. Most people choose to walk or bike around Tribeca, which is easy to do with the multiple Citi Bike docking stations available here.

Tribeca has transformed from farmland, to holy land, to factory land, to residential paradise in the nearly 400 years it’s been around. It has seen the entire history of the city, and even helped with its economic and cultural growth. Tribeca is still shaping NYC today, but it’s doing so with art, food, and fashion. Tribeca’s future is looking bright, so be sure to keep tabs on this area.

The post Tribeca Guide: The Trendy and Historic Neighborhood appeared first on CitySignal.

Welcome to Hell’s Kitchen, the active residential neighborhood full of fun and adventure! When people think of Hell’s Kitchen, they might think of Batman’s Gotham City—they share some visual similarities, after all. But the area’s buzzy atmosphere is nothing like Gotham! Hell’s Kitchen is close to Broadway, Central Park, and many other popular tourist destinations. The bars and restaurants of the area are super welcoming, and the neighborhood is constantly improving, despite a tumultuous past.

History of Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen, like much of the city above 14th street, was mostly farmland until the mid-1800s. The city faced a population explosion during this time, and the addition of railroads in the area, along with new construction, helped Hell’s Kitchen quickly become a popular place for people to live. The area was primarily working-class immigrants who worked on the docks and railroads.

After the Civil War, the city’s population exploded, especially in inexpensive areas like Hell’s Kitchen. According to the book The Westies: Inside New York’s Irish Mob, crime organizations popped up during prohibition and maintained control of the neighborhood after prohibition ended. The crime organizations are where the name “Hell’s Kitchen” came from.

The Westies, the main crime organization in the neighborhood, was largely dismantled in the 1980s. This led to a gentrification wave that has continued to shape the neighborhood in dynamic ways. Today, Hell’s Kitchen is a relatively upscale neighborhood full of LGBTQ+ bars, amazing restaurants, and some of the nicest brownstones in the city.

Theaters of Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen is full of art and culture, and being right next to the Theater District means they are privy to some great performances. Some of the best theaters in the neighborhood include:

The Al Hirschfeld

The only Broadway Theater in the neighborhood, the Al Hirschfeld hosts shows like Moulin Rouge, Elf The Musical, and Kinky Boots.

Signature Theater

This off-Broadway powerhouse hosts some of the most talked about works of theater in NYC. They have several talented “in house” playwrights that showcase provocative works yearly.

Playwright’s Horizons

One of the best resources for young playwrights, Playwright’s Horizons is dedicated to showcasing newer voices in the industry.

New World Stages

This large venue is the place where Broadway shows go when they want the show to go on. The Broadway productions of Jersey Boys and Avenue Q found new life in this theater.

Ars Nova

This theater showcases experimental plays, musicals, and performance art. They offer up-and-coming writers many opportunities to show off their newer works.

Where to Eat in Hell’s Kitchen

 

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Hell’s Kitchen is a great place to grab a bite after a show. Some of the best restaurants in the neighborhood include:

Legacy Records ($$$)

This fine dining establishment is perfect for a fancy night on the town. Some of their best offerings include their red snapper, tajarin, and their 30-day dry-aged ribeye. They also have a vast wine list.

North River Lobster Company ($)

One of the coolest experiences in NYC, this lobster boat gives you great food, creative drinks, and an amazing tour of the Hudson River.

Briciola ($$)

This Italian restaurant and wine bar dishes out amazing meals like penne pesto e carciofi, feta e peperoni, and bietole e caprino. Many people visit this establishment just for the wine.

The Greek Kitchen ($$)

This Greek establishment is fun, bright, and delicious. They have a beautiful outdoor seating area, which guests enjoy for hours while drinking quality cocktails and eating delicacies like bronzini.

Uogashi ($$$)

This sushi restaurant is one of the best in the city, even offering a unique omakase experience for guests willing to pay a higher price. They have a considerable sake menu as well.

Bars of Hell’s Kitchen

 

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Hell’s Kitchen has a heavenly nightlife, with a ton of fun bars that stay open till all hours of the night. Some of the best in the neighborhood include:

Flaming Saddles ($$)

This country gay bar is the personification of a party bar. The bartenders lead guests in various line dances, and the happy hour menu brings in huge crowds.

Barcelona Bar ($)

This shot bar is loaded with creative concoctions based on video games, television, and literature. They even have audience participation shots for some added camaraderie.

Ardesia Wine Bar ($$)

This wine bar is extremely popular. They have wine from all over the world and offer their guests chef’s choice charcuterie. They even have a wine club you can join!

On the Rocks ($$$)

This whiskey bar features some of the rarest liquors in the world. This collection makes for some interesting cocktails and tastings. They love to show off their inventory.

The Spot ($$$)

This bar is great when you want to let loose. They host an amazing drag brunch, have live music events, and host regular bingo games.

Where to Live in Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen is a very popular area for those seeking to be close to the busier parts of the city. Some of the best places to live here include:

The Max

This rental building is a waterfront paradise. This smoke-free building has a ton of amenities, including a media room and a large fitness center.

Parc Vendome

This stately condo was built in 1929 and is a protected landmark. This place has kept up with modern standards, though, even adding modern luxuries like a music and club room.

Riverbank

This red brick rental building has large apartments, many of which have private outdoor patios facing the Hudson River.

The Hit Factory

This renovated condo was originally built in 1928 and was converted from a music studio known for recording major albums from bands like The Rolling Stones.

Sky

This newer rental building is huge and takes good care of its residents via spa-like amenities. This place has a hot tub, a pool, and a media room. They also have multiple outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy.

Traveling in Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen is a really easy neighborhood to get to and navigate. The easiest ways to travel in the neighborhood include:

Trains

The New York City subway system services Hell’s Kitchen rather well. The trains in the neighborhood are the A, B, C, D, E, 1, 2, and 7 trains.

Buses

There are a number of buses that service the area well. These bus lines include the M11, M12, M31, M34, M50, and M57.

Ride Shares and Bike Rentals

The streets here can be a bit congested, but ride shares are still very popular since the area is easy to navigate. There are also a few Citi Bike docking stations for your convenience.

Hell’s Kitchen is a fun neighborhood with a lot to offer the people of New York. Though they had a rough and tumble past, this neighborhood made a quick turnaround and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Residents love living in the area too for the art, food, and nightlife. It’s not hellish at all—come here if you want a great show and a delicious bite. 

The post Hell’s Kitchen NYC Guide: The Vibrant and Busy Neighborhood appeared first on CitySignal.

What is an MRE?

For those who have not yet entertained themselves with our team’s Russian MRE experience, 

an MRE stands for Meal, Ready to Eat, and it is the complete meal or day’s worth of rations, typically for the military. It’s essentially shelf-stable food that can handle harsh weather and dangerous conditions so that soldiers in the field can receive adequate nutrition.

Different countries produce their own MREs, and while office workers in a New York City building have many options to choose from when deciding on lunch, our team finds great joy in sampling military rations from around the world. Think of it as a less sophisticated food tour. 

Where do you buy a French MRE? 

It’s not surprising that one of the world’s largest online marketplaces carries French MREs. We referred to Amazon to choose one of the fourteen French MRE meals. The decision was difficult, but we ultimately placed an order for menu option nine, which offered two main dishes: sausage and duck confit and pineapple rice with pork. 

After purchasing the item online, it took around a month to arrive at our New York City office because good food takes time. We waited until enough eager team members showed up to dig into the rations. However, we could have kept waiting until the meal expires in 2024. The meal comes neatly packaged in a small box, small enough to possibly carry for a prolonged time. 

What’s in a French MRE? 

The French MRE menu consists of enough food to theoretically last a fighting soldier all day long. Providing 3,600 calories across three meals and several snacks and desserts, our box included:

• Thai soup
• Box of eight packs of biscuits, standard, sweet (chocolate), and salty 
• Arabica instant coffee, tea (black and green), hot chocolate 
• Museli mix energy breakfast, oats with chocolate chunks
• Isotonic powder drink, mango flavor 
• Nougat, various fruits 
• Fruit jelly, two pear jellies covered in sugar 
• Energy bar, mixed berry flavor
• Chocolate bar, 65% dark chocolate 
• Jam, plum flavor 
• Cassoulet of sausages and duck confit
• Pork, rice, and pineapple entree 
• Deer pate 
• Blue cheese in a can 
• Packet of tissues
• Salt and pepper packets
• Sugar packets 
• Heating kit
• Water purifying tablets (pack of six) 

Our team sampled every item in the box except for the black tea and water purifying tablets. 

French MRE Review 

Four team members sampled various parts of the menu, the following are their opinions. 

French MRE Beverages 

The beverages came in a plastic bag containing two packets of instant arabica coffee, a black tea, a green tea, and a package of hot chocolate. Outside this bag, the box also included an isotonic powder drink with a mango flavor. The coffee tasted like coffee, but the green tea was a hit. The hot chocolate tasted weak, comparable to a store-brand instant powder mix. 

The mango powder did not initially mix well into the water and took a minute or two to stir thoroughly. We did not pour the entire packet into the glass, but the drink was incredibly sweet and artificial-tasting enough to warrant it as a good sports drink.

If none of these drinks suit your fancy, you can always rely on the daily supply of water-purifying tablets to keep you hydrated. 

French MRE Breakfast 

While many of the beverages fit into a breakfast menu, there is one explicit breakfast item in the box, muesli. At the time, we instinctively prepared this dish with hot water and mixed it into a warm paste, but after further research, we learned consumers should prepare this meal cold. We did not add any other components to the dish, such as juice or yogurt. 

This muesli consisted of oats and generously sized bits of chocolate. When we mixed it with hot water, it resembled a more liquid-based oatmeal dish, where the water took on a hot chocolate-like taste. The combination of oats and chocolate was not overly sweet and quite delicious for a breakfast item.

French MRE Starters 

For this review, we’ll classify the starters as Thai soup, deer pate, and blue cheese. The Thai soup came in a powder with pasta in the shape of O’s that we stirred into boiling water, slowly adding more water to the mixture. Looking back, we might have added too much water, as the soup did not have a robust taste. The flavor did not stand out, but it was good enough to have a couple of spoonfuls. 

Blue cheese came in a can and possessed a gelatin-like consistency. Paired with the biscuits, this made for a pleasant appetizer and did not have an offensive blue cheese taste. Those who adore the funk of blue cheese may not find that this satisfies their taste buds, but our team members appreciate the laid-back nature and consider it a viable cheese option. 

The deer pate was a big success, with multiple members returning for several bites, either with a biscuit or a spoonful. While it possessed an initial metallic taste, it quickly faded into a delicious appetizer. 

French MRE entrees 

French MRE menu option nine came with two entrees. The team peeled the container of pineapple rice with pork open and decided to cook it in the microwave (yes, we learned from the failure of our Russian MRE taste-testing!) for several minutes. After cooking, the rice appeared yellow, like turmeric rice, and did not have a powerful smell. Well-received by the tasters, one team member claimed it had “legit good pork” that appeared slow-cooked. Several team members ate this option throughout the remainder of the tasting, getting close to finishing the plate. 

While the first entree cooked away in the microwave, the remaining team members decided to tap into the authentic experience of eating an MRE, and utilized the heating kit. All efforts to maintain fire safety during the Russian MRE no longer apply. One team member excitedly assembled the small fire holding container, dropped in one of the cotton pellets, and struck a match. The first attempt to set fire did not succeed, but a second and more diligent approach caught fire, and the team members quickly opened the container of sausage and duck confit and put it on the fire. 

Within a minute, the fire started to grow, and we quickly reassessed the situation, realizing that setting off the fire alarm in a large office building in Manhattan would not sit well with other workers in the building. After failing to blow out the fire, an efficient water pour stifled the flames, and we continued the rest of the cooking process à la microwave. 

After all the hassle this dish took to prepare, several team members consider this item their favorite on the menu. Complete with beans, the variety of meat tasted authentic and well-prepared. Team members did not add seasoning to this dish and felt it had all the correct flavors. Overall, both entrees tasted great to the team, and they finished most of both dishes. 

French MRE Snacks & Desserts 

Most of the snacks in the box contain fruity and sweet flavors. Our box had two pear fruit pate bars, which were a gummy-like substance covered in sugar. This was a sweet but yummy item, and the team consumed both bars. The energy bar had a texture that mimicked a more crumbly taffy, and the berry taste felt artificial. If you’re exhausted from a hard day of battle, it’s difficult to say if this would bring you back to full speed. 

The fruit nougat bar had a sweet white base with an exciting texture and bits of fruit but was ultimately too sweet for anyone to take a large bite. The packet of plum jelly easily flows out of the packaging and pairs well with one of the biscuits. It was neither offensive nor a standout item. 

For dessert, the box provides a bar of 65% dark chocolate that tastes pretty standard to any store-brand dark chocolate bar. The snacks were good enough but did not offer much variety in terms of sweet and savory. Perhaps adding a salty option would round out the menu. 

Overall French MRE Review and Post-Meal Thoughts 

After eating the French MRE, several team members mentioned that they felt lethargic and were in a brain fog for the remainder of the afternoon. While the intended consumers likely consume this ration throughout the day and pace themselves better than our team members, it is interesting to notice that a fuel-providing allocation puts consumers to sleep instead of getting them ready for a battle. 

Compared to the Russian MRE, the French outshines, providing options every team member enjoyed. There were no items on the menu that tasted poorly, with the worst items being those that did not have enough taste or were too sweet. Part of this difference could be due to preparation, as team members did not heat up any entrees in the Russian MRE. However, the team confidently expresses that the French one consists of delicious items, many of which they would eat again. 

It’s difficult to tell if the French MRE provides a viable option for those actually in active combat. Perhaps the French allocate too many of their military resources toward their food and not enough toward battle strategies. However, this ration provided nourishment and entertainment for a team of American taste-testers. 

The post What’s In A French MRE? appeared first on CitySignal.