Jon Barr in Manhattan, New York: 10 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• Mutton Chop
  Mutton ChopA legendary Midtown staple since 1885, this is actually a massive, 26-ounce saddle of lamb. It is thick, juicy, and traditionally served with mint jelly. No local list is complete without this historic dish, enjoyed under a ceiling lined with over 50,000 clay pipes.
• Chicken and Rice Platter
  Chicken and Rice PlatterThe quintessential NYC street food experience found at the original cart on 53rd St and 6th Ave. It features yellow rice, gyro meat or chicken, and the famous, addictive 'white sauce.' Pro tip: the red sauce is notoriously spicy, so use it sparingly.
• Oyster Pan Roast
  Oyster Pan RoastServed beneath the iconic Guastavino-tiled arches of Grand Central Terminal, this rich, buttery stew features fresh oysters cooked with cream, butter, and a hint of chili sauce on a slice of toast. It has remained virtually unchanged since the 1940s.
• Everything Bagel with Lox and Cream Cheese
  Everything Bagel with Lox and Cream CheeseA Midtown East institution known for its massive, hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels. The 'everything' bagel loaded with high-quality Nova lox, scallion cream cheese, capers, and red onions is a mandatory New York breakfast ritual.
• Banana Pudding
  Banana PuddingWhile famous for cupcakes, locals know the real star is the creamy, airy banana pudding made with layers of vanilla wafers and fresh bananas. It has a cult following and is a staple at their Rockefeller Center and Grand Central locations.
• A5 Wagyu Omakase
  A5 Wagyu OmakaseA high-end, trending 2026 destination in Koreatown focusing on premium Japanese A5 Wagyu. The beef is grilled tableside by expert staff in a sleek, minimalist setting, offering a luxurious and modern take on the traditional Korean BBQ experience.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkMidtown Manhattan, the central portion of the New York City borough of Manhattan, serves as a primary business and cultural district. Historically, the area transitioned from 18th-century farmland into a dense urban landscape following the 1811 grid plan and the 19th-century northward expansion of the city.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit Midtown Manhattan are May to early June and September to October, when mild temperatures in the 60s and 70s are ideal for walking between iconic landmarks like Times Square and Rockefeller Center. While the winter holidays (late November through December) offer peak festive energy and the famous Christmas tree, they also bring maximum crowds and the city's highest hotel rates. For budget-conscious travelers.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • Subway and Commuter Rail From JFK, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station for the E train or LIRR to Penn Station. From Newark (EWR), use the AirTrain to NJ Transit for a direct ride to Midtown. Within Midtown.
  • Walking Midtown is highly walkable due to its strict grid system; numbered streets run east-west and avenues run north-south. Walking is often the fastest way to travel short distances (10–15 blocks) between major landmarks.
  • Taxis and Rideshares Yellow cabs and apps like Uber or Lyft provide door-to-door service, which is ideal for travelers with heavy luggage. However, Midtown is prone to extreme gridlock during peak hours.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Step to the side of the sidewalk immediately if you need to check a map or take a photo to avoid blocking the flow of pedestrian traffic.
  • Stand on the right side of escalators and walk on the left to accommodate commuters in a hurry.
  • Always allow passengers to exit the subway car completely before you attempt to board.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • Le Café Louis Vuitton: A viral luxury cafe on the 4th floor of the 57th Street flagship store, known for its monogrammed waffles and artistic desserts.
  • MoMA Mart: A limited-time 'grocery store' pop-up at the MoMA Design Store in Midtown, selling sculptural home decor disguised as everyday food items.
• New York City Tourism + Conventions↗
  New York City Tourism + ConventionsThe official destination marketing organization and visitor guide for the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan.