If you ate at a restaurant and didn’t post an Instagram pic about it, did it really happen?
We’re learning that more and more so, the answer is no. And restaurant owners have caught on too. It seems as if restaurant ratings now depend almost as much on how the place looks as on how good the food is. In the world of instant press, this could be a serious game changer for any restaurateur. These 15 NYC hot spots have all got their Insta game going strong, check them out below:
The Flower Shop
This flea-market–sourced, retro-inspired bar and restaurant has one rule; one in, one out. The place has become so popular that on some nights, you might catch a line comparable to ones you’d see at the club. What awaits you is similar to that “what’s old is new again vibe” that’s become popular around New York lately. The ground floor is a restaurant featuring wood-panel walls, camel-hued booths and an eclectic assortment of strange ceramics and glasses. Upstairs, the dining room features wallpaper with illustrations done by a friend of the owners.
Address: 107 Eldridge Street (between Broome and Grand Streets)
More info: their website.
Forlini’s
This old school Italian restaurant has been around since 1956. Once a favorite of professionals from the nearby courthouse, this red sauce joint has transformed into an Insta-thot’s playground with their popular reddish-pink leather booths and unpretentious charm.
Address: 93 Baxter Street
More info: their website.
Old Rose
Old Rose is an Instagrammers dream come true. Elegant interiors and equally beautiful dishes make this place a must for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Address: 113 Jane Street
More info: their website.
Ada’s Place
Ada’s is the newest addition to Delicious Hospitality Group‘s hot spot restaurant, Legacy Records. The space is split into three sections: a long bar at the top of the stairs which seats up to twenty people, plus two separate lounge rooms full of marble and mahogany. The space has us thinking Mad Men 2.0!
Address: 517 West 38th St., between 10th and 11th Avenues
More info: their website.
Glady’s
Glady’s Jerk Center and Rum Bar has been bringing authentic Caribbean style vibes, bites and cocktails to Brooklyn in a cozy and colorful location since 2013. They’re now serving in two locations in Brooklyn.
Address: 788 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn and 453 Rogers Avenue, Brooklyn
More info: their website.
The Breakers
The Breakers brings a laid back, West Coast surf and skate inspired bar to Williamsburg. The space features both indoor and outdoor seating which makes the venue perfect for an all-night experience. The bar specializes in draft cocktails which all come in at just $10, except for their specialty, Sex on the Beach which is always $5. The menu, which is operated by Domingo’s features tacos, burgers and bar snacks.
Address: 307 Meeker Ave, Brooklyn
More info: their website.
Oxomoco
Oxomoco focuses on regional Mexican cuisine so you can expect something a bit more elevated than a food truck taco while still being approachable. The vibe is laid back and cool and tequila and mezcal fans will be drowning in options as their agave liquor list seems to be endless.
Address: 128 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn
More info: their website.
Eataly
The rooftop at Eataly changes depending on the season. Right now they’re all about their cozy winter rooftop. The space has a rustic yet magical feel fit for fantasy.
Address: 200 Fifth Avenue
More info: their website.
Baker’s Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza for breakfast? Baker’s Pizza- a pizza place in Hell’s Kitchen and the Village- specializes in just that. Opening at 8 am daily, this pizza shop is literally your hungover-self’s saving grace. While it’s not the typical, leftover cold pizza, their slices hit the spot especially after a night of partying. The fluorescent, neon pink lights add that extra special modern touch.
Address: 201 Avenue A (East Village) and 754 10th Avenue (Hell’s Kitchen)
More info: their website.
Gotan NYC
Gotan NYC is (one of) your best breakfast and coffee options in NYC. With three locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, it’s worth it to make your way there at least one time this week! Cold brew coffees, sandwiches, acai puddings, and a scrumptious scrambled cheddar biscuit are just a few of the options on their delicious breakfast menu.
Address: various locations; Tribeca: 130 Franklin Street, Midtown: 20 W. 46th Street,
Williamsburg: 258 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
More info: their website.
Recreation
Recreation is an 80’s inspired concept bar now open on the top floor of the Moxy NYC Downtown hotel. The 80’s theme is having a serious moment and Recreation joins a contingent of other 80’s throwback bars to make an appearance in the city in 2018. What sets this bar apart from the rest is their attempt to encapsulate the “1980’s house party.”
Address: 26 Ann Street
More info: their website.
Blank Slate Tea
If you’re more of a tea than a coffee person, this perfectly pink heaven will be your new favorite spot for an aesthetically pleasing and delicious caffeine boost. Blank Slate serves up all the classics like your typical Earl Grey, Green and Assam as well as a robust Macha menu. Their food menu also boasts delicious pink hummus toast on a piece of country bread with beet hummus, goat cheese, pomegranate molasses, black sesame and topped off with fresh mint. Yum!
Address: 121 Madison Avenue (between 30th & 31st)
More info: their website.
Sofreh
Sofreh is a Persian comfort food hot spot in Prospect Heights. The menu is ample, ranging from appetizers like Sauteed Eggplant Dip to Braised Lamb Shank and Persian Plum Chicken as entrees and even traditional Persian ice cream in flavors like Saffron, Rosewater and Pistachio. Plus, the simple and clean minimalist decor makes this spot a must try!
Address: 75 Saint Marks Avenue, Brooklyn
More info: their website.
Chicha Cafetin
This tropical inspired restaurant and bar hopped onto the New York City food scene this past summer in Bushwick. The bar is enormous and focuses on rum and mixes of Latin style liquor. The delicious Nicaraguan food, rum-based drinks and hip decor are true GOALS.
Address: 198 Randolph Street, Bushwick
More info: their website.
The Tang
The Tang stepped on the East Village culinary scene in 2016 and since then has been making some serious waves in the Chinese food world of Lower Manhattan. Expect a mix of comfort and contemporary dishes as well as a cute outdoor patio area and specialty sake at the bar.
Address: 120 First Avenue
More info: their website.
Featured image: @oldrosenyc via Instagram