Jimmy the Barista in Manhattan, New York

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for New York

Must-try foods in New York

• Pastrami on Rye
  Pastrami on RyeThe quintessential NYC deli experience, featuring hand-carved, spice-rubbed beef brisket smoked and steamed until tender. Tradition dictates it be served on Jewish rye with a smear of yellow mustard, most famously at Katz's Delicatessen.
• Everything Bagel with Lox and Schmear
  Everything Bagel with Lox and SchmearA dense, chewy, kettle-boiled bagel topped with a variety of seeds and garlic. It is traditionally layered with silky smoked salmon (lox), thick cream cheese, capers, and red onion, with Russ & Daughters remaining the gold standard for this classic.
• New York-Style Thin Crust Pizza
  New York-Style Thin Crust PizzaAn iconic large, wide slice with a pliable crust that allows for the 'New York Fold.' While classic spots like Joe's remain staples, 2026 trends highlight the burrata-topped sourdough slices from L'Industrie as a must-try evolution.
• Halal Chicken and Rice Platter
  Halal Chicken and Rice PlatterThe ultimate NYC street food, consisting of yellow basmati rice topped with grilled chicken or gyro meat, shredded lettuce, and pita. It is famously defined by the 'white sauce' and a dangerously spicy red sauce, pioneered by The Halal Guys.
• Black and White Cookie
  Black and White CookieA soft, cake-like shortbread cookie iced with half-chocolate and half-vanilla fondant. This bakery staple represents the city's diverse culinary history and is found in nearly every neighborhood bodega and classic Jewish bakery.
• Chopped Cheese
  Chopped CheeseA true hero of the boroughs, this sandwich features 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 and tomato—the soul of the Harlem and Bronx deli scene.

Trip guide

• About New York
  About New YorkNew York City, established as a Dutch trading post named New Amsterdam in 1624, is a coastal metropolis located at the mouth of the Hudson River. The settlement was renamed New York in 1664 following the transition to English control.
• When to go
  When to goThe best times to visit New York are during the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to early November, when mild temperatures (60°F–75°F) make the city ideal for exploring on foot. Peak tourist seasons occur during the humid summer months and the festive December holidays, while the off-peak period from January to early March offers the lowest prices and smallest crowds despite the biting cold. For coffee enthusiasts, October is the premier month to visit.
• Getting around
  Getting around New York

  • Air and Rail (Getting There) Fly into JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark (EWR) airports. From JFK, take the 24/7 AirTrain to Jamaica Station.
  • NYC Subway (Local Transport) The most efficient way to navigate the city, the subway operates 24/7 across 472 stations. Use the OMNY contactless system to pay by tapping your credit card, smartphone.
  • Walking and Taxis (Local Transport) Manhattan is a highly walkable grid; walking is often the best way to explore neighborhoods. For longer distances or late-night travel, hail an iconic yellow taxi or use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Download the OMNY app or use a contactless credit card to pay for subways and buses to avoid the hassle of purchasing physical MetroCards.
  • Walk on the right side of the sidewalk and pull over to the side if you need to stop or check your phone to maintain the flow of foot traffic.
  • Expect to tip between 18% and 22% at sit-down restaurants, as this is the standard social expectation for service staff.
• What’s new
  What’s new in New York

  • Variety Coffee Roasters' new flagship opening in Greenpoint, featuring industrial-inspired design and marble accents.
  • Floral-forward seasonal drinks like the Rose Cream Latte and hibiscus-infused cold foams at Coffee Project NY.
• 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.