Freemans (NYC)

Freeman’s

An Exceptional Hidden Treasure

There’s so many unique bar and restaurant scenes in New York. One of the very best, and one of the most appreciated hidden treasures in New York, is called Freeman’s. A New York favorite, if you would ask me. Freeman’s definitely know the secret to Lower East Side popularity, even though it’s beautifully hidden. ¨

You just hit the jackpot!
As you are walking down Rivington Street (between Bowery and Chrystie) you will happen upon this mysterious, dead-end alley called the Freeman Alley. You could easily mistake it for a delivery driveway as it is filled with graffiti, posters and stickers. But if you for a slight second catch the warm glow from the light bulbs hanging outside the low-profile restaurant’s front door, you have just hit jackpot.

Still one of NYC’s best kept secrets

After 20 years in business, you would think this place would not be a “secret” anymore, but as I realized, it is actually still unknown to even the most ultra-modern and up to date hipsters. For me, that just makes the restaurant even more exceptional.

There is just something noteworthy about walking down the dead-end alley towards the restaurant, as you get a feeling of this old history oozing through the walls.

A masculine, rustic, bourbon drinking vibe
When you enter the entrance door, you are met by this masculine, rustic look- and bourbon drinking vibe. There is dark wood, stuffed animals, and antique-looking paintings on the walls. The decor makes it a true dining experience. It is just like you stepped into the living room of an old man’s hunting lodge. It is a charming place, and the food and drink menu is no exception. The food is noticeably good, and the drinks remain some of the most balanced you will find in the city.

Freeman’s ranks among my favorite restaurant in New York by far. I would go here again and again. It is just one of those very special places that you will remember forever. Make sure to put it on your checklist!

Chinese Tuxedo (NYC)

Chinese Tuxedo

Trendy, masculine and sexy with a touch of drama

Doyers Street or The Bloody Angle—as it was once known for in the early 1920s—is truly a fascinating street in the heart of Chinatown. It is probably the most cinematic street of New York as it is known to be one of the bloodiest streets in American history. This is where numerous gang battles and murders took place.

Luckily, the gangs have now been replaced by roaming, young people who are craving dim sum and sake at this hip restaurant called Chinese Tuxedo.

A former 1920s opera house

Once you enter Tuxedo’s front door—the two-level restaurant in a former 1920s Opera House—you are greeted by one of the hosts. Once inside the restaurant, you will first lay your eyes on the dark, yet cool—and probably—crowded bar. As you walk towards the seating areas the room suddenly opens up in front of you.

It is just like you are actually standing at the top of a staircase that overlooks the old Opera house’s stage. But instead, the performers' stage is now filled with round tables and the sound of chatting young men and women.

Sex and The City vs. Gangs of New York

The Tuxedo is trendy, masculine, sexy, and has a touch of drama to it (and the lightning is set at a magical level). It is one of those restaurants that look like they are taken straight out of a Sex and the City episode in a street that is taken straight out of the Gangs of New York movie.

Spectacular, Historical Experience

The interior is quite spectacular as it seems like the walls are stripped down to their original looks, or at least a touch of it as there are several layers of paint showing. Tropical plants are surrounding the spacious place and upbeat music is soaring through the speakers. It can feel a little club-ish, so I would recommend bringing a group of friends for a fun dinner as it can be a little hard to get to know a date.

Even though Chinatown is known for serving great but cheap dinners, you should keep in mind that this is a place for high-end Chinese food. It can get pricey, but one thing I can assure you though… Their prices will soon be forgotten about, and you will find yourself back here a couple of weeks later. You will conclude that it was definitely worth it.

Kiki's (NYC)

Kiki’s

An all time New York favorite

You know when you love a restaurant, café or a bar so much that every time you enter the room the waiter asks “do you want the same as usual?” Yeah, I thought that only happened to retired people or in movies too. But I am a living example that it actually happens in real life if you are really obsessed with a place.

Anyways, on the corner of Orchard and Division Street, in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, you will find my all time favorite restaurant: Kiki’s. It became my typical “New York restaurant-scene” when I lived only a few blocks away. And man, how I loved it. I still do, and I am pretty sure you are going to love it too!

Go-to hotspot for locals
You won't see the name outside of this ah-mazing place as it doesn't say, but you will definitely see the ridiculously long line of people waiting outside to get a table. So make sure to get there before 7pm so you don't have to wait an hour or more for a table. And yes, I know… New Yorker’s eat their dinner even later than this but if you don't want to wait for a table (which is actually worth it) you have no choice.

This gem opened up a few years ago, and it became a go-to spot for locals in a days notice. I mean, there is a reason why I love it, and I will tell you this very second. Three words: Greek, cozy, cheap. It's not that easy to find an amazing, yet cheap restaurant in New York. But this place… They’ve got it all!

”Mouth-watering kind of good”
Kiki’s is located in such a cool neighbourhood: skater boys are cruising outside the restaurant, all the floor-to-ceiling windows are wide open in the summertime, and you are surrounded by unique stores and boutiques that provide you with their own label and story. It is a typical Lower East Side scene, so no need to dress up. But if you want to, feel free. It’s New York after all.

The staff is amazing (you will definitely make new friends at this place) and the food… Ohhh, the food! It is dangerously good—mouth watering kind of good—yet cheap. And most importantly: no words can describe the most satisfying taste on their entire menu: the cheesecake! No need to go to the cheesecake factory, guys. Even if you don’t even like cheesecake, you are going to love this one! …Seriously though.

Oh. My. God. How I miss this place!