Brennen Taylor in New York: 4 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• New York-Style Pizza
  New York-Style PizzaThe quintessential NYC slice, characterized by its large, hand-tossed thin crust that is both crispy and pliable enough to fold. While purists stick to the classic cheese slice at institutions like Joe’s Pizza, 2026 trends see locals flocking to spots like L'Industrie for sourdough crusts or the 'Upside Down' Sicilian square at L&B Spumoni Gardens.
• Pastrami on Rye
  Pastrami on RyeA towering monument of Jewish deli culture, specifically the hand-sliced, spice-rubbed, and smoked brisket served at Katz’s Delicatessen. It is traditionally served on seedless rye bread with a side of spicy brown mustard and a mix of full and half-sour pickles.
• Everything Bagel with Lox and Schmear
  Everything Bagel with Lox and SchmearA New York staple consisting of a dense, chewy, kettle-boiled bagel topped with seeds, salt, and garlic. The 'classic' preparation at shops like Russ & Daughters involves a thick layer of plain cream cheese (schmear), thinly sliced Nova smoked salmon, capers, red onion, and tomato.
• Halal Cart Chicken and Rice
  Halal Cart Chicken and RiceThe definitive NYC street food experience, popularized by The Halal Guys. This platter features yellow turmeric rice topped with chopped grilled chicken or gyro meat, iceberg lettuce, and pita, smothered in the legendary, secretive 'white sauce' and a dangerously hot red chili sauce.
• Chopped Cheese
  Chopped CheeseOriginally an Upper Manhattan and Bronx bodega secret that has reached global fame. It consists of ground beef, onions, and melted American cheese grilled together on a flat top, chopped with a spatula, and served on a hero roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
• Spicy Cumin Lamb Noodles
  Spicy Cumin Lamb NoodlesRepresenting the 'New Chinatown' flavors of Flushing, these wide, hand-ripped biang biang noodles are tossed in a heavy dose of cumin, Sichuan peppercorns, and chili oil. Xi’an Famous Foods remains the iconic purveyor of this intensely fragrant, tingly dish.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkNew York City, situated at the mouth of the Hudson River, consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Originally established as the Dutch trading post New Amsterdam in 1624, the settlement was renamed New York in 1664 following British acquisition. The city served as the first capital of the United States under the Constitution in 1789.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit New York are from April to June and September to early November, when the weather is mild and pleasant for walking. While the holiday season in December is peak tourist time with high prices, visiting in January or February offers the lowest rates and fewer crowds, though temperatures often drop below freezing. For food lovers, late spring and summer are ideal as major outdoor markets like Smorgasburg and the Queens Night Market are in full swing.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • Commercial Aviation (JFK, LGA, EWR) Major international hubs John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty provide global access, with AirTrain and express bus services connecting terminals to the regional rail and subway networks.
  • MTA Subway and Bus System Operating 24/7, this extensive underground and surface network covers all five boroughs; riders can pay fares seamlessly using the OMNY contactless system with a smartphone or credit card.
  • Regional Rail (Amtrak, LIRR, Metro-North) Central hubs like Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station facilitate high-speed travel along the Northeast Corridor and provide commuter links to Long Island, Connecticut, and upstate New York.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Treat sidewalks like highways by walking on the right and stepping aside completely if you need to stop, check your phone, or take a photo.
  • When using the subway, let passengers exit the train fully before you attempt to board and move toward the center of the car to keep the doors clear.
  • Standard tipping in full-service restaurants is 18-20% of the total bill, and you can easily calculate this by doubling the tax amount shown on your receipt.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • Chenzi: A viral Smorgasburg newcomer serving multigenerational Fuzhounese potato dumplings.
  • Kolachi Rolls: Trending East Village spot and food stall famous for Karachi-style paratha wraps.
• 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.