Hidden bites, and some not-so-secret spots.
Doyers Street in Chinatown, NYC. Don’t forget to stop for some dumps at Nom Wah.
If you’re like me, you eat with your eyes first. Or, in this case, your anticipation. I have a penchant for food in alleyways. Something about the eery and dare I say — nondescript — ambience just makes it all the more delicious. When I’m sharing my favorite spots in New York City, I always come back to a couple of recommendations that effortlessly blend urban grit with unassuming, world-class cuisine.
A spread at the inventive Chinese Tuxedo. Don’t forget to try the “Strange Flavor” burrata, top center. What makes it strange, you might ask. Perhaps the green Sichuan peppercorn, or the tangy vinegar sesame dressing. Or maybe it’s the flaky, croissant-like pastry you slather the decadent cheese over. Whatever the case, do yourself a strong favor & order one for the table!
Chinese Tuxedo feels like a subterranean supper club, tucked in the back of a pedestrian-only alleyway where one of the city’s most vibrant speakeasies, Apotheke, also resides. There’s a storied history to this thoroughfare.
Named after 18th-century Dutch distillery owner Hendrik Doyer, Doyers Street bore witness to multi-century development, and even violence — once known as as the “Bloody Angle,” where rival Tong gangs would attack one another at the turn of the bend back in the 19th century. But today, it’s all good vibes, great food and lots of Insta-worthy photo opps.
With a ton of fun historical facts to impress even your most discerning out-of-town guests (Chinese Tuxedo once operated as New York’s first Chinese Theaters, and opera houses).
Freemans Restaurant, tucked at the tail end of Freeman Alley on New York’s lower east side.
Like I said, down many New York alleys, are spots well-worth your time and patronage. In this case, we’re moving to the Lower East Side to Bowery, where Freeman Alley plays host to a kind of open air gallery, dotted with bars, restaurants and graffiti art. The alley dates back to the 1800s, where rumor has it, it either laid shelter to horse stables, or even served as a drainage path because irrigation.
Whatever the case, there’s a unique, cozy New American tavern dubbed Freemans that’s certainly worth the stop.
Try the English breakfast at Freemans Restaurant in Freeman Alley in New York City. Pair it with an old-fashioned, Bloody Mary and ginger shot because balance.
Take in the art along Freeman Alley, before transitioning to brunch.