Like New Yorkers flocking to patio bars to slurp Aperol spritzes, elephants visit watering holes not just to hydrate but to socialize as well. Also like humans, older members of the herd share knowledge with their offspring. Elephants recognize each other’s voices, grow attached to one another and mourn lost loved ones. They embrace their wrinkles—a lesson we would be wise to adopt.
In short, elephants and humans, despite our differences, share a lot in common. Perhaps that’s why we’re so enamored with these massive mammals. From the stage to museums to sports and pop culture, elephants are having a moment in New York City culture now.
The city’s most notable elephant, Ellie, stomped onto the scene in 2022 as the mascot for the New York Liberty, the women’s basketball team in Brooklyn. With her incredible dance moves and love for the team, she won the hearts of New Yorkers and fans across the nation.
Photograph: Miguel McSongwe for Time Out New York
She’s so beloved, in fact, that the team here at Time Out New York featured her as our July cover star, recognizing her as summer’s It Girl.
An elephant may seem like a surprising choice for a mascot in Brooklyn when these giant gray animals don’t roam Prospect Park Zoo, let alone the borough’s streets. But elephants actually have a fascinating backstory in Brooklyn. Back in 1883, New Yorkers worried about the structural integrity of the Brooklyn Bridge. To allay their concerns, circus showman P.T. Barnum marched 21 elephants across the bridge. Obviously, the PR stunt worked, as the Brooklyn Bridge remains an icon to this day and Ellie harkens back to its early history.
Plus, New York Liberty officials say elephants represent strength, power, wisdom and determination. Further, they’re praised for their longevity, stamina, cooperative spirit and loyalty—all attributes that are synonymous with the team’s journey to Brooklyn, the players and loyal fans.
One more fun fact: If you thought that Ellie was just a cute nickname derived from the word “elephant,” think again. Ellie is actually named after Ellis Island as a beautiful tribute to our welcoming city.
Photograph: Phil Greenberg, courtesy of Dumbo Improvement District
Ellie isn’t the only elephant in Brooklyn, though. In the borough’s Dumbo neighborhood, thousands of tiny elephant toys parachuted from the sky onto Washington Street this spring. The Dumbo Drop is an annual tradition that not only delights onlookers but also raises money for local schools.
Across the river and on the stage on Broadway, an elephant named Rosie is the star of the show at Water for Elephants. On the stage, the character is portrayed in some moments as a small stuffed animal or as a puppet or even as shadow until her whole hulking form is revealed. Through powerful choreography and thoughtful storytelling, Ellie’s character becomes central to the show until the final moment.
I rooted for her scene after scene, despite my heartbreak over her being held in captivity at all. Though Rosie is deeply misunderstood during points in the show, her ability to understand and share human emotion ought to serve as a poignant reminder of how connected we are to these creatures—and how it’s our duty to protect them.
Photograph: Courtesy of “Water for Elephants”
For more on that front, the American Museum of Natural History’s exhibit “The Secret World of Elephants” shares tips on how to help these animals, whose population has been decimated thanks to consumerism and poaching. The exhibition explores the threats of the ivory trade (now illegal in most places), habitat loss and climate change on the elephant population. The number of elephants has declined about 98 percent since 1800.
Photograph: By Rossilynne Skena Culgan for Time Out New York
To help elephants: Do not buy ivory products; think before riding elephants; don’t support organizations that exploit or abuse elephants; support conservation efforts; and participate in science.
If you need some extra motivation, keep these incredible elephant facts in mind. They need a lot of water, and if they can’t find it, they’ll sometimes use their tusks to dig water holes, which save their own lives and help other animals too. Also helping other animals, they clear paths through dense forests. And along the way, they leave droppings that contains seeds, basically meaning that they plant trees as they go. Now, about that trunk. It serves as a combination arm, hand, nose and hose!
Photograph: Alvaro Keding, courtesy of American Museum of Natural History Museum | A video projection on one side of the African elephant model shows the skeleton of this massive mammal.
Finally, we’ll leave you with the knowledge that elephants have been known to try to feed individuals who are ill and to comfort those who are in distress by coming to their side and stroking them with their trunks. So when you’re admiring Ellie’s twerking skills or watching Water for Elephants on Broadway or cheering on the Dumbo Drop, keep that in mind and do your part to help these amazing mammals thrive once again.
LawnStarter has just pitted the 101 biggest U.S. cities against each other and this is how our big city ranked.
The lawn care company has created a leaderboard of the best cities for dog parks using the following criteria: access, quality and climate. The accessibility is measured on dog parks per 100,000 residents, that is, human residents, not our furry counterparts. The quality is pretty self-explanatory and the climate surveys the weather conditions, which seems more of a fault of the city rather than the park itself.
Boise City, Idaho, took the crown, sweeping in at first place with a, still-weak, score of 71.09. If this is the top scorer it seems America needs to up their dog park game. New York was able to scratch the top 10 coming in at a solid 8th place, not bad for the so-called concrete jungle. However, its overall score is only 51.61. Not ideal.
The Big Apple did great in the quality criteria, ranking an impressive 1 – a big win for the city. Sadly New York’s unpredictable weather massively impacted their numbers with a depressing rating of 80. And coming in at an average result access ranked 34. Overall not too bad of a showing!
If you’re thinking of moving because your chihuahua simply can’t take the 8th place ranking, here are the other cities taking up the top 10:
1. Boise, ID 2. San Francisco, CA 3. Portland, OR 4. Henderson, NV 5. Tampa Bay, FL 6. Arlington, VA 7. Albuquerque, NM 8. New York, NY 9. Las Vegas, NV 10. Sacramento, CA
Newark, New Jersey took the brunt of the list, landing past the 100 mark and ranking a solid 101st. So keep your doggos far out of Newark’s reach.
Trends in New York may pivot faster than Jonquel Jones on the basketball court, but the new seafoam-green craze sweeping the city is here to stay. Once a niche subset of New Yorkers, Liberty fans are more common than not these days—packing the Barclays Stadium for home games, sporting jerseys and merch from The Rockaways to Broadway, and soon, cheering on hometown players on Team USA at the Paris Olympics.
First, a little history. The New York Liberty was founded in 1997 as one of the WNBA’s original franchise teams, with legendary players like Rebecca Lobo and Teresa Weatherspoon dribbling across the court at Madison Square Garden. Though the team was well-received and reached the WNBA finals several times, misogyny plagued the team and the league, never letting The Liberty reach the unparalleled success of their MSG counterparts, The Knicks. In 2018, the team relocated to a place few New Yorkers venture voluntarily—White Plains—cutting costs significantly by playing at the 5,000-seat multi-purpose Westchester County Center. It was a blow to the fans and the players, top professional athletes and Olympians being treated and compensated like amateurs.
2019 ushered in a new era, Joseph Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai purchased the team and soon became owners of The Brooklyn Nets and The Barclays Center. The Tsais relocated The Liberty to Brooklyn for the 2020 season. By 2021, fans from every borough commuted to the Fort Greene stadium to cheer on the home team and brand new mascot, Ellie the Elephant. A fandom leaned into the 2020s era updates, a continuation of the momentum, rather than a reinvention of a longstanding winning team, according to New York Liberty CEO Keia Clarke.
Photograph: Brandon Todd, courtesy of New York Liberty
“We lean into things that make Brooklyn, Brooklyn,” says Clarke. “The style, the culture, the art. We’re having that really come through in the way that our entire brand shows up on game day. It’s authentic.”
For many, athletics and a surge in the popularity of women’s sports are drawing troves of New Yorkers of all backgrounds into Barclays on game day. For others, it’s the ethos of the Liberty, a true New York institution.
“The Liberty really has this connective tissue to the tenants of the Statue of Liberty,” says Clarke. “Enlightening the pathway, standing for equality, and standing for freedom. It’s celebratory. I think it feels a little bit more special for a marginalized community. It’s women of color. It’s LGBTQIA+ people. Where can I be my authentic self? It’s out at a New York Liberty game.”
“Where can I be my authentic self? It’s out at a New York Liberty game.”
If you’ve ever felt the heat of the enormous torch’s flickering flames on the court, heard a crowd full of strangers scream appreciation for a celesbian sitting courtside on “Ce-Liberty Row” or danced along with the team’s official spirit squad, the Timeless Torches, all over 40, you get it.
New York Liberty’s fandom is undeniably on the rise. Season ticket memberships are up 54% year over year and the team is on pace to see a 70% growth in ticket revenue compared to last year. Average ticket prices are up by 34% and ticket sales have generated more revenue this season than the past two seasons combined. Those who can’t resist an Ellie T-shirt or Laney-Hamilton jersey probably understand why merch sales in the arena are up 68% since last season. Glance up at crowds cheering in Statue of Liberty costumes and custom fan gear in the previously empty upper bowl of the arena, ticketed for every game this season, many of which reach over 17,000 attendees.
“It’s just growing year by year,” says Liberty point guard Sabrina Ionescu. “Obviously [with] what we’ve been able to do in such a short amount of time we’ve been able to bring a lot of fans out. They enjoy watching us play. We play hard. We play tough with a lot of grit and energy, and I believe that the fans just continue to show up for us year after year and have brought new fans to the game as well, who’ve been able to support us.”
Photograph: Brandon Todd, courtesy of New York Liberty
Unlike other New York teams, the Nets versus the Knicks, the Yankees versus the Mets, the Jets versus the Giants, the Rangers versus Islanders, the Liberty stand independently, the only WNBA team in the state, or New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. Support from basketball fans and women’s sports enthusiasts is unanimous. Socially, the fandom overlaps with New York’s other major professional women’s teams—Gotham FC.
Coach Sandy Brondello sees being in a top basketball locale, New York, as a major asset to the team playing for the greatest city in the world in seafoam green, an homage to the Statue of Liberty. “It’s great to go out there with Liberty across our uniform. We are for all of New York,” Brundello says. “We take pride in representing New York well. We want to be the best. For me, I want to try and bring that first [WNBA] championship to New York, and that would be pretty special. Hopefully, it happens this year.”
“It’s great to go out there with Liberty across our uniform. We are for all of New York.”
The Liberty may be winning at fandom, but the 27-year-old team is eager to take home their first Championship Trophy. After losing by a single point to the Las Vegas Aces just before the buzzer last October, the title is well within reach.
“I wanted to come to New York and help this team win its first-ever WNBA championship, and we’re still fighting to do that. I know that we’ve gained many, many thousands of fans to support and follow us along the way. They know that we got a good thing going here and they want to be a part of it.” says New York Liberty Forward Breanna Stewart, 2023’s WNBA MVP. “Representing New York means to fight, to be bold, to be fearless. And just do it the New York Way.”
Photograph: Brandon Todd, courtesy New York Liberty
Where to watch New York Liberty games
New York City has yet to see a bar dedicated to showing women’s sports open in any borough.
Locally, every game is broadcast on FOX 5, so any bar in the New York area can show the games. Just ask if it’s not on already.
Torched hosts queer, inclusive watch parties of New York Liberty games at Crystal Lake in Gowanus.
Lower East Side beer bar Fool’s Gold hosts Liberty watch parties, as does Blue Haven South in FiDi, in partnership with Althea’s, a new women’s sports bar opening in Manhattan. Athena Keke’s, a queer bar for women’s sports planning to open in Brooklyn hosts pop-up events around the borough.
Five years after New Yorkers mourned the closure of the go-to commuter hangout Tracks Raw Bar & Grill inside of Penn Station, 6qsft reports that the beloved drinking den will officially reopen at the Long Island Rail Road Concourse at the station by the end of the year.
Although no longer by Tracks 18 and 19, the new 3,150-square-foot bar will look and feel like its original predecessor: expect the train-themed decor to pepper the space alongside vintage murals and more. Patrons will also have direct access to the newly renovated Penn 1 and Penn 2 office towers, according to 6sqft.
Menu-wise, classic bar food like wings and oysters will be on offer alongside steaks and more.
Back in 2019, Tracks was forced to relocate across from Madison Square Garden on 31st Street to accommodate for the massive reconstruction project taking over Penn Station. According to Our Town, that location will stay put, albeit rebranded.
Co-partners and brothers Michael and Patrick O’Brien will continue managing the 31st Street drinking den alongside majority owner Bruce Caulfield but they will not be part of the Penn Station location or the Tracks bar that’s opening inside Grand Central Madison later this year, reports Our Town.
“Tracks has always been more than just a bar—it’s a piece of New York’s history,” Caulfield said to Our Town. “We’re thrilled to bring back the cozy atmosphere and exceptional hospitality that made it a favorite for commuters and locals alike.”
Between this bit of news and updates regarding the opening of a second L&B Spumoni Gardens location in Dumbo, our excitement levels are currently through the roof. Keep it going, New York!
The Porte Festival, which is set to feature incredible music, food, panels, shopping, culture and more, is coming to the Brooklyn Navy Yard from Sept 7th-8th. The waitlist for tickets is now open, tickets officially go on sale to the public on July 18th so secure your spot before then!
The lineup is coming and it’s set to be a variety of artists we know and love. Aside from concerts the experience will also have different panels with influential speakers. Last year there were speakers from Google, Nordstrom and more. This year’s selection of musicians and panelists will be unveiled soon!
There will be lots of art and fashion vendors there for shopping needs! And once you’ve checked out all of the threads and worked up an appetite there will be a wide selection of good eats from incredible food vendors. More details will be announced in the coming weeks!
All of this will take place on one epic weekend Sept. 7th-8th at Brooklyn Navy Yard located at 141 Flushing Ave. The space is known for industrial charm and innovativeness so it makes sense why Porte Festival takes place here.
The event will have us redefine what a festival experience is. It’s not just about music anymore (even though notable music acts will be part of the experience). The Porte Festival isn’t about one particular feature but instead the idea that innovation and creativity lives in all of these aspects of the festival.
Sure, the annual Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks lit up NYC skies just last week, but what if we told you that you could actually watch meteors zipping across the sky this July? Yup, not one but two meteor showers are heading to NYC to dazzle skywatchers this month, and you won’t want to miss it!
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming meteor showers:
What meteor showers will occur?
This month, both the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Perseids meteor showers are set to zip through skies.
Unsplash / Tengyart
When will the meteor showers occur?
The Perseids will begin on Sunday, July 14 and end on Sunday, September 1. The Southern Delta Aquariids begin on Thursday, July 18 and end on Wednesday, August 21.
When will the meteor showers peak?
The Southern Delta Aquariids will peak onJuly 29-30 with 15 to 20 meteors per hour streaking through the sky at 25 miles per second.
The Perseids will peak on August 11-12, producing 50 to 100 fast, bright meteors per hour zipping through the sky at 37 miles per second. Space.com writes that this is a good year to watch for the Perseids because bright moonlight won’t interfere.
Unsplash / Ludovico Bee
What’s the best way to view the meteor showers?
The best way to view any meteor shower is to lay on your back under a dark sky. That means you’ll want to get as far from city lights as possible, which unfortunately is a hard task in NYC. If you do find yourself in a dark place though (like a park or beach) you do have a chance of seeing them!
Pro tip: Be patient–it may take about 30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, making the meteors more visible.
If you ask us Queens is wildly underrated, and with neighborhoods such as Astoria, Jackson Heights, Sunnyside, and more there’s so much to explore–it is NYC’s largest borough, after all!
Today, though, we’re focusing on Long Island City, an under-the-radar neighborhood filled to the brim with fabulous restaurants, bars, museums, and waterfront parks boasting breathtaking NYC skyline views. Even just one day spent in Long Island City gives you the perfect glimpse into Queens’ vibrancy, though we guarantee you’ll want to spend way more than just one day here.
But where should you start? Don’t worry–we’ve got you. Here’s our ultimate guide to spending the day in Long Island City, Queens:
The secret to a good morning is a great cup of coffee, and if you’re in Long Island City looking for that perfect cup of joe we know just where to go. Find some of our fav coffee spots below:
1. No Stress Coffee
Source / No Stress Coffee
No Stress Coffee may be small, but it’s a great spot to grab a coffee to go, and its devoted fans often say it’s the best coffee shop in LIC. Beyond coffee they also have delicious pastries and some pretty damn good matcha.
42-77 Hunter Street
2. Deploy Coffee
Source / Deploy Coffee
Grab your coffee to go via Deploy Coffee’s blue cart. The veteran-owned and operated small business is dedicated to serving exceptional specialty coffee, and they do just that with their endless options including flat whites, cortados, lattes, and tea offerings, among other drinks.
47-40 Center Boulevard
3. Academy at Coffee Project NY
Source / Academy at Coffee Project NY
Coffee Project NY began in the East Village but it’s since expanded all over NYC, and we love being able to stop over when we’re in LIC. Not only can you grab yourself a coffee here, you can also take one of their many classes such as Coffee Tasting Intensive, SCA Brewing Skills, and Barista Intensive to expand your cup o’ joe knowledge!
21-10 51st Avenue
Best Brunch/Breakfast in Long Island City
It’s the most important meal of the day, so why not make it the most delicious?! From classic diners to mouthwatering French pastries, our fav places to start our day in Long Island City include:
4. Court Square Diner
Source / Court Square Diner
Nothing says New York quite like the classic image of the 24-hour diner, and Court Square Diner is exactly that. It’s been operating in the same location since 1946 is an essential for locals who live in the area. And yes, it is open 24 hours.
45-30 23rd Street
5. Jackson’s
Instagram / @jacksons_lic
Jacksons is the place to go for a deliciously hearty brunch with a side of classic rock. We recommend trying the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Sweet Corn Waffles or the Cajun Shrimp n’ Grits with a cocktail on the side, like the Spicy Sriracha Bloody Mary.
10-37 Jackson Avenue
6. Cannelle LIC
Instagram / @cannellelic
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side for breakfast, you must check out Cannelle, a contemporary French bakeshop offering classic breads, pastries and quiche, and delicious espresso drinks. From tarts and croissants to cakes and macarons they have literally everything you could imagine.
5-11 47th Avenue
Best Restaurants in Long Island City
Whether you’re looking to burn your mouth off with spicy (yet oh, so delicious) Szechuan food, or play it safe with some Michelin star Mexican fare, here’s our tried and true Long Island City restaurant tour:
7. Casa Enrique
Instagram / @casaenrique
Casa Enrique is Queens’ only Michelin-star-rated restaurant exploring delicacies from different regions across the country including traditional Mexican fare and more experimental dishes. They’re known for their mole, so you’ll definitely want to try it out for yourself!
5-48 49th Avenue
8. Red Sorghum
Source / Red Sorghum
Red Sorghum is a fairly new 4,000 square foot Hunan and Szechuan eatery and baijiu bar inspired by Wong Kar Wai’s set designs. Not only is the space absolutely stunning, but the menu is so overwhelmingly good (pro tip: go with a couple of friends so you can order multiple dishes to share and try a bit of everything!)
28-03 Jackson Avenue
9. Yumpling
Source / Yumpling
Yumpling began as a small stand at LIC Flea before opening their first brick and mortar on Vernon Blvd in 2021. Here, they serve dishes inspired from traditional Taiwanese cuisine, as well as the food found at Taiwan’s bustling outdoor night markets. Regardless of what you order you won’t be disappointed.
49-11 Vernon Boulevard
10. Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill
Instagram / @anablebasin
Anable Basin is an unpretentious waterside joint offering a simple menu of burgers, hot dogs, and beer, and honestly what more could you ask for?! Pair that with the stunning views they offer and you’ve got yourselves a fabulous day.
4-40 44th Drive
11. Manducatis
Instagram / @manducatisrestaurant
Family-owned Manducatis Restaurant opened on Christmas Day in 1977 and they’ve been serving straightforward Italian cooking ever since. Dining here feels like you’re at a friend’s house, and as for what to order we suggest the eggplant rollettini or veal parmigiana.
13-27 Jackson Avenue
12. Hupo
Instagram / @huponyc
Hupo is an authentic Szechuan restaurant where you’ll find contemporary takes on classic dishes, and, honestly, it’ll blow your mind (obviously why they’re Michelin Bib Gourmand Rated!) Their more popular dishes include Chungking Spicy Chicken, Dan Dan Noodles, and Scallion Pancakes, but you also must try their Mapo Tofu!
10-07 50th Avenue
Best Bars in Long Island City
Fancy a cocktail? Us too, and we know just where to go! Whether you’d like to clink glasses to spinning vinyls or jump inside the Titanic movie (no, we’re not kidding) you should head to one–or all–of the following:
929 celebrates mixing in all of its forms–from playful cocktails that showcase familiar Chinese flavors to meticulously curated playlists and live DJs that highlight retro Asian pop music. The cocktails are named after classic hits from the golden age of Cantopop and Mandopop, the shareable bites are delish, and the vibes are overall fabulous (plus the staff is friendly as hell). Read more about 929 here.
New York City isn’t unfamiliar with vinyl record bars, and one of our favs is Record Room in LIC. Tucked behind a coffeeshop (also vinyl-themed) the music here is curated by DJs spinning vinyl records, the cocktails are meticulously crafted, and the vibes are too captivating to miss. Read more about Record Room here.
You might have seen videos of that Titanic themed bathroom in NYC (if you haven’t you can here) and if you were curious where you can find it, it’s here at The Baroness! But besides their quirky bathroom the eclectic eatery also offers a range of dishes named after pop culture icons like Whitney Houston, Adele, and Mariah Carey. Learn more here.
47-18 Vernon Boulevard
16. Dutch Kills
Instagram / @dutchkillsbar
For creative craft cocktails served with hand-cut ice in a dark, throwback-style space, you’ll want to head to Dutch Kills. they first opened in 2009, though they just recently expanded with Debbie’s, a live music venue located upstairs.
27-24 Jackson Avenue
17. Fifth Hammer Brewery + Taproom
Source / Fifth Hammer Brewing
At Fifth Hammer’s Brewery and Taproom you’ll find a rotating lineup of draft and canned beers in a wide variety of styles. Plus they also host trivia night every Tuesday at 7 pm! They offer indoor seating, outdoor sidewalk seating, and to-go beer.
After ten years and countless brews, Finback Brewery deepened their Queens roots with a taproom that opened in Long Island City in December 2023. The space consists of an airy main taproom, which seats 99 people, and a production zone in the back, boasting a close-up view of the brewing area. Read more about the space here.
29-37 41st Avenue
19. Rockaway Brewing Company
Instagram / @rockawaybrewco
Rockaway Brewing Company is yet another Brewery and Taproom in LIC (yes, there’s several of them!) This brewery began in Rockaway Beach, hence the name, but now all their beer is made in LIC. They have several beers on tap with flights available so you can sample multiple kinds, and they also offer tours of the production facilities and hold other fun special events.
46-01 5th Street
Best Museums in Long Island City
In unbearably hot, cold, or rainy weather we love to spend our days hiding out in museums, and Long Island City has a few of its own definitely worth checking out! Find some of our favs below:
20. MoMA PS1
Source / MoMA
MoMA PS1 is the MoMA’s sister museum, embracing boundary-breaking ideas and experimental practices. One of the best parts: they offer free admission to New York residents everyday they’re open!
22-25 Jackson Avenue
21. SculptureCenter
Source / SculptureCenter
SculptureCenter is a contemporary art museum founded in 1928 as “The Clay Club” by Dorothea Denslow. Here, you’ll be able to explore underrecognized and emerging artists, many of whom have gone on to celebrated and substantial careers. Since relocating to Long Island City in 2001, they’ve presented works by over nine hundred artists.
44-19 Purves Street
Best Parks in Long Island City
For views on views on views, and simply to enjoy the great outdoors, Long Island City has two parks that allow you to do just that–and they’re absolutely stunning! Find them below:
Nothing quite beats the feeling you get in your chest when you see the New York City skyline, and let us tell you: LIC’s Gantry Plaza State Park is one of the best places to get those views. The 12-acre waterfront park is a beautifully landscaped public space with breathtaking views of Manhattan, and it’s the perfect spot for kicking up your feet on a beautiful day. Read more about it here.
23. Hunters Point South Park
Source / NYC Parks
Long Island City’s waterfront is actually two parks combined, so along with Gantry Plaza State Park on the north side there’s also Hunters Point South Park on the south side. Hunters Point has all the same stunning Manhattan views as Gantry Plaza, along with a central green, playgrounds, a dog run, picnic terraces, a 13,000 square foot pavilion with an elevated cafe plaza, and more.
Fun things to do in Long Island City
The best part about exploring different neighborhoods around the city is finding out what makes them so unique–like all the fun things they have to offer (because there’s sooo much more to NYC than just eating!) Here are some fun things to do in Long Island City:
24. The Gutter
Instagram / @thegutterlic
Gutter Bar in LIC is the brand’s second location of three locations. Here they offer eight vintage hardwood lanes, a galley kitchen featuring NY style hot dogs, and a full bar serving American craft beers. The space is 21+ and beyond the bowling they also have pinball and foosball to enjoy as well.
We told you you’d definitely need more than one day to explore Long Island City, so if you need a place to stay in the area while you’re at it so you can prolong the fun, check out our picks below:
25. The Ravel Hotel
Source / The Ravel Hotel
Overlooking the East River and Roosevelt Island, the Ravel Hotel is a luxurious hotel in LIC featuring chic hotel rooms, accommodations, amenities, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline! The best part though: their newly designed 9,500 square foot Penthouse, an indoor/outdoor rooftop restaurant and lounge overlooking Manhattan.
Once a humble Bushwick hang for perfectly charred Neapolitan pies, Roberta’s is now teetering on the edge (if not already over) of a burgeoning empire. From its start in a shipping container, Roberta’s profile now includes two outposts in Los Angeles and shrink-wrapped frozen pizzas in Whole Foods all along the East Coast. And if you don’t find yourself on either coast, Roberta’s can be delivered straight to your door thanks to Goldbelly. While it may seem like the pizza spot has outgrown us, its newest Manhattan opening shows us that Roberta’s has nothing but love for NYC.
On July 16, Roberta’s (1 Pennsylvania Plaza) will officially debut in The PENN District, a mixed-use campus developed by Vornado. The spacious two-story restaurant outpaces the original location, with 200 seats across both floors including a full-service restaurant, a second outpost of their slice shop, R Slice (more on that below). The second floor will soon launch a tiki bar later this month, sure to cool us down during these sweltering times.
Brooklyn pies that we have come to know and love will be on the menu, like the Famous Original (tomato, mozzarella, Parmigiano, caciocavallo, oregano and chili) and the honey-drizzled Bee Sting (tomato, mozzarella, soppressata, basil, chili and honey). But to pair with rooftop views, the second story will feature dry-aged steaks and a full raw bar.
While the full rollout of the full-service restaurant will happen next week, R Slice is open. Five slices from the menu range from the standard cheese and pepperoni to the Allium slice with onions, chives, taleggio and pecorino. Roberta’s sister restaurant, Foul Witch, makes a cameo here, as their famous Fire & Ice appetizer—stracciatella, spicy ‘ndjua sausage and olive oil—is turned into a slice. Whether slice on the go to pizza pie on the roof, we can’t wait to welcome Roberta’s to the neighborhood.
Although we’re still over a decade away from its potential grand opening (if all goes as planned, that is), we’re delighted to tell you about the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project, a plan that includes the debut of a new rail tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey.
Earlier this week, officials announced that the Biden-Harris administration pledged tens of billions of dollars in grants to help move the project forward.
“For decades, Americans watched one of the most heavily-used train tunnels in the hemisphere deteriorate and become a bottleneck that affected travelers from New England to the Mid-Atlantic and beyond,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in an official statement. “Today, President Biden is making good on his promise to fix that and build the Hudson Tunnel Project. Using funds from the President’s infrastructure law, we are building a new tunnel that improves train travel for millions of Americans and revitalizes a rail corridor that is essential to so much of the nation’s economy.”
The 110-year-old tunnels that are currently connecting the two states were damaged during Superstorm Sandy. The plan is to renovate them and also build new, more modern routes alongside them. So there will be a total of four tunnels for Amtrak and NJ Transit trains once the bulk of the scheme is accomplished.
According to NBC New York, equipment is currently set up on West 30th Street in Manhattan, with massive digging scheduled to kick off at the end of 2024 or early 2025. The building of the New Jersey side of the tunnel will likely take through 2027 and the new rail is supposedly going to open by 2035.
But the project involves a variety of other design and infrastructure elements, including, according to an official press release, “building resiliency and safeguarding rail operations against future extreme weather events, managing floods on both sides of the Hudson River, and creating a safer environment for first responders, maintenance workers, and the public, especially in the event of an evacuation.”
Although New Yorkers are renownedly allergic to all things New Jersey, there is just something about ease of travel that gets us giddy with excitement when it comes to these latest transit updates.
42-77 Hunter Street
