Food & Dining

Year-round outdoor dining is coming back to NYC

In 2020, Rockwell Group debuted an outdoor dining block on Chinatown’s Mott Street. Photo courtesy of Emily Andrews for Rockwell Group

August 13, 2026

Year-round outdoor dining is coming back to NYC

By Devin Gannon

Year-round outdoor dining is coming back to the five boroughs. The New York City Council on Thursday passed legislation that allows restaurants to offer roadway dining in the winter, reviving a program that first launched as a way to keep businesses afloat during the start of the pandemic when indoor dining was prohibited. Current rules, approved by the Council in 2023, restrict roadway dining to April through November and force restaurants to follow specific design standards and disassemble and store the dining structures.
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Mamdani’s city-owned grocery stores to offer 30 percent discount on basics

Photo courtesy of Kara McCurdy | Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

July 27, 2026

Mamdani’s city-owned grocery stores to offer 30 percent discount on basics

By Devin Gannon

The city's publicly owned grocery stores will offer a 30 percent discount on basics, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Monday. One of his key campaign promises to tackle affordability, the mayor plans to establish five city-run food stores, one in every borough, as a way to bring down food costs, the first model of its kind in the United States. A collection of essentials, including all fresh produce, meat, and seafood, will be priced 30 percent below typical retail prices. Other basics like cheese, milk, and bread will be 20 percent off, with other products priced at market rate.
details here

Manhattan West to open two-story food hall this fall

Renderings courtesy of Brookfield Properties unless otherwise noted

July 27, 2026

Manhattan West to open two-story food hall this fall

By Aaron Ginsburg

A new two-story food hall featuring established New York City institutions and emerging culinary vendors is slated to open this fall at Manhattan West. Brookfield Properties last week unveiled The Market Hall, a 34,000-square-foot food hall featuring 12 casual food concepts, a full-service restaurant, and a rooftop terrace bar at 398 10th Avenue. The market replaces the development's original food hall, Citizens New York, which closed in April 2025.
Find out more

Food & Dining

Find your new favorite from 600 dining spots during this summer’s NYC Restaurant Week

Jue Lan Club, Flatiron District. Photo: Lanna Apishukh

July 22, 2026

Find your new favorite from 600 dining spots during this summer’s NYC Restaurant Week

By Michelle Cohen

New York City's NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2026 is on, offering a chance to sample top culinary offerings throughout the five boroughs for a fraction of regular restaurant prices. It's no secret that NYC's Restaurant Weeks stretch well beyond seven days, so if you're ready to leave stadium beer and hot dogs behind, you're in luck: More than 600 dining destinations will offer prix-fixe lunches and dinners for $30, $45, and $60 through August 16.
taste the world, take the subway

Food & Dining

Upscale food hall will open in the landmarked hall of Brooklyn’s Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower

Renderings courtesy of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment unless otherwise noted

July 21, 2026

Upscale food hall will open in the landmarked hall of Brooklyn’s Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower

By Devin Gannon

A high-end food hall is coming to a Brooklyn landmark. Miami-based hospitality brand Casa Tua will open Cucina by Casa Tua inside the former banking hall of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower, also known as One Hanson Place, bringing Italian fare and fine goods to Downtown Brooklyn. The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday voted to approve designs for the new food hall, which will preserve the landmarked interiors, keeping its cathedral-inspired design, and add new spaces for dining and gathering.
details here

Food & Dining

Food hall at former Lord & Taylor building to open this month

Credit: Young Skeletons

June 3, 2026

Food hall at former Lord & Taylor building to open this month

By Aaron Ginsburg

The food hall at Fifth Avenue's landmarked Lord & Taylor building will finally open later this month, making the historic Midtown property accessible to the public for the first time since the department store closed in 2019. Shaver Hall, a 35,000-square-foot dining and entertainment destination, will open on the ground floor on June 26, featuring 11 chef-curated eateries, three full-service restaurants, and live entertainment. Amazon purchased the 1914 building in 2020 and converted it into the company's largest corporate office space in the city, which opened in 2023.
plan a visit

Food & Dining

Katz’s Deli reopens ‘secret’ dining room closed to public for nearly 80 years

All photos courtesy of Katz’s Deli

May 20, 2026

Katz’s Deli reopens ‘secret’ dining room closed to public for nearly 80 years

By Aaron Ginsburg

After nearly 80 years hidden from the public, a "secret" dining room at Katz's Deli has reopened following a restoration. The Ludlow Room, a 68-seat space that once served generations of New Yorkers, opened Tuesday after being closed in 1949 and converted into a giant walk-in refrigerator amid postwar demand for deli meats. Restored to reflect its original appearance, the Ludlow Room features original tin ceilings and period-inspired lighting, as well as the same freight scale used to measure every pound of meat served at Katz's for eight decades.
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Food & Dining

The Flatiron Building is getting a new restaurant from the chefs behind Via Carota

Chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi in front of the Flatiron Building. Photo credit: Alex Stein

April 28, 2026

The Flatiron Building is getting a new restaurant from the chefs behind Via Carota

By Devin Gannon

The celebrated chefs behind some of New York City's most acclaimed restaurants are opening a new spot in one of the city's most iconic buildings. James Beard Award-winning duo Rita Sodi and Jody Williams will open a location of their Bar Pisellino at the base of the landmarked Flatiron Building, which is currently being converted from offices into condominiums. The new restaurant marks the first restaurant outside of the West Village for Sodi and Williams, who are behind beloved downtown restaurants Via Carota, I Sodi, Buvette, and The Commerce Inn.
details this way

Smorgasburg in Williamsburg. Photo credit: Grace Jeon

April 23, 2026

Smorgasburg to open in Central Park

By Devin Gannon

Smorgasburg's 16th season may be its biggest yet. The long-running open-air market, which originated in Williamsburg, announced it is expanding to Central Park next month. Starting May 14, over 25 vendors will set up at the Columbus Circle entrance of the park. The new Smorgasburg location comes as the company prepares to open a new 32,000-square-foot Pan-American restaurant on Governors Island.
dig in

See the new food and drink options at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field this season

(L) Bobby’s Burgers “Crunchburger;” (R) New York Mets’ 2026 menu items

April 3, 2026

See the new food and drink options at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field this season

By Aaron Ginsburg

New York City baseball fans will find plenty of new food options this season, as both the Yankees and Mets have rolled out updated menus. At Yankee Stadium, offerings include longtime favorites like celebrity chef Bobby Flay’s “Bobby’s Burgers” and Christian Petroni’s “Parm to Table,” along with local newcomers such as Magnolia Bakery. At Citi Field, which has been nominated for best ballpark food by USA Today for the fourth consecutive year, fans can try 37 new dishes, including concepts from chef Kwame Onwuachi, who is introducing a chopped cheese patty served on coco bread.
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Smorgasburg returns for 16th year this April with 22 new vendors

By Aaron Ginsburg

Smorgasburg has unveiled its lineup of vendors ahead of its return next month, kicking off its 16th season the first weekend in April. The beloved outdoor food market will host 74 vendors, including 22 making their Smorasburg debut. The market opens in Williamsburg’s Marsha P. Johnson State Park on Saturday, April 4, followed by Prospect Park’s Breeze Hill on Sunday.
get the lineup

Six Coasts replaces Island Oyster, which closed in 2025. Photo © Julienne Schaer

February 24, 2026

Pan-American coastal restaurant opening on Governors Island

By Devin Gannon

Just weeks after Bad Bunny highlighted the diversity of the Americas during his Super Bowl halftime show, a new restaurant in New York City aims to celebrate Pan-American flavors. Run by Smorgasburg, Six Coasts will occupy a 32,000-square-foot waterfront space on Governors Island and offer food and drinks inspired by "six coastal identities across the Americas." The restaurant, which replaces Island Oyster, will open in May, the Trust for Governors Island announced Tuesday.
details this way

Food & Dining

NYC Council will bring back year-round outdoor dining

King, a restaurant in the Village. Photo by GuardianKC, CC BY-SA 4.0

February 5, 2026

NYC Council will bring back year-round outdoor dining

By Devin Gannon

The New York City Council will make outdoor dining year-round again. During a speech at A Better New York's (ABNY) Power Breakfast on Wednesday, City Council Speaker Julie Menin said she plans to advance legislation introduced last year that would bring back the pandemic-era program, allowing for roadway dining in winter and reducing the cost to businesses.
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Nathan’s Famous, home of the hot dog eating contest, sells for $450M

Credit: Jeremy Thompson on Flickr

January 22, 2026

Nathan’s Famous, home of the hot dog eating contest, sells for $450M

By Aaron Ginsburg

Nathan’s Famous, the century-old Coney Island hot dog institution that grew from a single stand into a global brand, has been sold for $450 million. On Wednesday, Smithfield Foods said it would pay $102 per share to acquire the iconic brand. Smithfield, a Chinese-owned food processor based in Virginia, has held the rights to produce and sell Nathan’s products in the U.S. and Canada since 2014, which were scheduled to expire in 2032. For fans worried about the future of the famed Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, fear not—Smithfield said it plans to continue hosting the event, according to The Hill.
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December 5, 2025

NYC’s most festive holiday bars and restaurants

By Aaron Ginsburg

Nowhere is as picturesque as New York City during the holidays, with iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Bryant Park's Winter Village, the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, and festive decorations brightening every street corner. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to sip on seasonal cocktails or somewhere to enjoy over-the-top holiday-themed decor, the city offers many options to revel in holiday cheer. Ahead, find a list of festive bars and restaurants across NYC that will help you get into the holiday spirit (and spirits) this season.
Find out where the festivities are

Eataly to open new grab-and-go cafe on the Upper East Side

Credit: Eataly

December 2, 2025

Eataly to open new grab-and-go cafe on the Upper East Side

By Aaron Ginsburg

Eataly’s expansion across Manhattan continues, with the beloved Italian marketplace set to open a new outpost on the Upper East Side. On December 10, the brand will debut a 43-seat Eataly Caffè, its newest culinary concept featuring a coffee bar, quick-service offerings, and other grab-and-go options. Located at 1122 Lexington Avenue, the new cafe will be the third of its kind in the five boroughs and Eataly’s fifth location in the city, following the opening of a cafe in Hudson Yards in June.
get the details

Food & Dining

The 7 absolute best pastrami spots in NYC—and the stories behind them

A pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli. Photo by City Foodsters on Flickr

November 18, 2025

The 7 absolute best pastrami spots in NYC—and the stories behind them

By Dana Schulz

Other than the $1 slice of pizza, a bagel with lox, or a street cart hot dog, is there any food more synonymous with New York City than a pastrami sandwich on rye bread? The classic deli staple has been featured on Seinfeld, Saturday Night Live, and, of course, who can forget that famous scene in Katz’s from When Harry Met Sally? But pastrami’s legacy in the Big Apple began long before these pop culture moments.
order up!

November 14, 2025

The 20 best heated and indoor rooftops to enjoy in NYC this winter

By Aaron Ginsburg

Peak rooftop season might be on pause until next summer, but panoramic skyline views can still be enjoyed from indoor and heated rooftop spots across New York City. Cozy restaurants and bars across the five boroughs offer the perfect way to scratch that skyline itch without braving the chill of the fall and winter weather. From heated terraces to glass-enclosed lounges, here are some of the best rooftops to sip a cocktail and take in the view.
where to go

Salt & Straw opening at new luxury condo tower on the Upper East Side

Photo by Salt & Straw

November 5, 2025

Salt & Straw opening at new luxury condo tower on the Upper East Side

By Aaron Ginsburg

The Upper East Side is getting a sweet addition. Portland's cult-favorite ice cream shop Salt & Straw will open at Naftali Group's new luxury condo tower at 255 East 77th Street. Anticipated to open in spring 2027, the shop will occupy 1,650 square feet on the ground floor of the 500-foot-tall residential building. The beloved ice cream brand opened its first NYC location on the Upper West Side in September 2024, debuting signature Big Apple–inspired flavors, followed by a second spot in the West Village shortly after.
get the scoop

Food & Dining

New legislation would make NYC outdoor dining year-round again

Credit: Eden, Janine and Jim on Flickr

October 10, 2025

New legislation would make NYC outdoor dining year-round again

By Aaron Ginsburg

New legislation aims to restore New York City’s outdoor dining program to its pandemic-era scale by eliminating seasonal restrictions. Council Member Lincoln Restler on Thursday introduced Intro. 1421 to restore year-round outdoor dining, which ended following new rules and restrictions approved by the Council last year. The legislation would also allow grocery stores to apply for sidewalk cafe licenses, eliminate seasonal limits on roadway cafes, and permit certain cafes to expand their frontage with approval. The proposal seeks to scale back aspects of Dining Out NYC, the city’s current outdoor dining program. According to Restler, the seasonal schedule and stricter rules have made it difficult for many businesses to participate.
details here

Time Out Market Union Square. Credit: Noah Fecks

September 29, 2025

Time Out Market opens in Union Square

By Devin Gannon

New York City's newest food hall debuted in Union Square last week. Time Out Market opened on the ground floor of 124 East 14th Street, an office building and tech hub known as Zero Irving. Smaller than Time Out Market's Dumbo location, the 10,000-square-foot Manhattan market features seven kitchens, a full-service bar, an outdoor terrace, a stage for performances, and an impressive vendor line-up, including Patty Palace by James Beard Award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi, Kebabwala by Unapologtic Foods, pastries from Chef Daniel Boulud’s Épicerie Boulud, and more.
details here

NYC’s first curbside restaurant week celebrates outdoor dining

Photos courtesy of Angel Mendoza/Open Plans

September 4, 2025

NYC’s first curbside restaurant week celebrates outdoor dining

By Aaron Ginsburg

A weeklong celebration of outdoor dining in NYC kicks off Friday, offering discounts and specials at participating restaurants while also renewing calls for reforms to New York City’s al fresco dining program. Running from September 5 to 12, Curbside Dining Restaurant Week features deals at more than 35 restaurants across the five boroughs. The event aims to support local businesses while also pushing for changes to Dining Out NYC, the city’s outdoor dining program, like making the program year-round.
time to dine

Tracks Bar opens in Grand Central Madison

Credit: Ray Raimundi/MTA on Flickr

September 3, 2025

Tracks Bar opens in Grand Central Madison

By Aaron Ginsburg

Penn Station's popular Tracks Raw Bar & Grill has found a new home in Grand Central Terminal. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced on Tuesday that the eatery opened on the concourse level of Grand Central Madison, Long Island Rail Road's new east side terminal, becoming its first restaurant. Tracks will keep its current West 31st Street location and is also preparing to open a new location inside Penn Station.
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Erewhon is coming to NYC, but you’ll need $36K to get in

Credit: KITH

September 2, 2025

Erewhon is coming to NYC, but you’ll need $36K to get in

By Aaron Ginsburg

Erewhon, the cult-favorite upscale Los Angeles grocery chain, is coming to New York City. But the market, known for celebrity-endorsed smoothies and $30 ice cubes, will be harder to access than the West Coast locations. As first spotted by Emily Sundberg's Feed Me newsletter, Erewhon will open within a private padel club being developed in the West Village by Kith founder Ronnie Fieg. On Monday, Fieg shared an Instagram post showing a blueprint for the club, dubbed Kith Ivy, on the 9th floor of 120 Leroy Street, revealing plans for padel courts, a restaurant, spa amenities, and a mini Erewhon. Access to the shop will be limited to members of the club; membership will cost $36,000 in initiation fees and $7,000 in annual dues, according to Feed Me.
Find out more

July 30, 2025

Millennial nostalgia culminates in a Kel Mitchell burger fest in NYC

By Lidia Ryan

It’s no secret millennials love a throwback. From “I Know What You Did Last Summer” to “Freakier Friday” and “Devil Wears Prada 2,” movie reboots of late ‘90s and early aughts classics abound. But those who miss the 1997 Nickelodeon slapstick comedy “Good Burger” can go a step further than just hoping for a remake — they can share a burger with Kel Mitchell. Kel’s Burger Fest, hosted by Bucketlisters, is coming to Williamsburg on August 30.
can I take your order?

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