NYC Restaurant Week: Your Guide to Finding a Great, Affordable Meal

Have an appetite for the Big Apple? I’ve got good news.

If you’ll be in New York City from January 21 – February 9, then your visit coincides with one of my favorite pastimes: Restaurant Week.

Restaurant Week is a foody dream in which the city’s thousands of restaurants (there are over 17,000 in Manhattan alone) open their doors to the public to offer full-course menus at slashed prices.

This promotional period is designed to allow foodies to explore as many menus as possible while saving a few dollars. Originally, Restaurant Week was meant to run for one single week. But the festival, founded in 1992 by Zagat Survey’s founder and a famous New York restauranteur, quickly became a popular event.

Within a few years, NYC Restaurant Week had expanded beyond its week-long scope and spread into other US cities.

In my opinion, New York City is the perfect place to dig into Restaurant Week. First, because it’s an affordable way to bite into life and culture. Second, there’s a culinary option for absolutely every palate. Third, it’s a great reason to head into other boroughs like Staten Island and the Bronx.

This year, a whopping 569 New York City establishments are offering Restaurant Week menus, including two-course lunches and three-course menus.

The best part? They run for only $30, $45, or $60.

How to shop around for menus during NYC Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week probably sounds like a free-for-all for the hungry—but it’s a hugely popular time for foodies to get their nosh on, meaning some restaurants are already fully booked. Here’s the down-low on finding a great option.

Look for any restaurants you’ve had starred for a while.

This is the best time to land a seat at a top eatery, especially those that are usually price-prohibitive.

Take a few shortcuts with top picks from influencers and publications.

Time Out, for example, is well-known for its Restaurant Week recommendations. That can help you cut through the noise and find a great spot for your tastes, budget, and schedule. (Remember—you’ll still need to buck up for a la carte items and drinks.)

Influencers also cover Restaurant Week heavily, meaning you can find some recommendations by searching hashtags on social media.

Search based on neighborhood or cuisine.

This is how I used to find my restaurant week picks. I’d look for neighborhoods I didn’t spend much time in, then refine the search based on cuisine. Restaurant Week is like a talent show for chefs and cooks around the city—don’t be afraid to veer into new territory.

Don’t forget about drinks.

I’ve yet to see a coffee shop offer a menu for Restaurant Week, but this year’s picks include Nippon Cha Bayside, which is partly a Japanese tea house. Let me reiterate: you can find some absolute gems during Restaurant Week.

If you’ve found a spot, call ahead to book a reservation.

Restaurant Week is sponsored by OpenTable, so that’s the best place to make reservations. It’s free to make an account, but this restaurant-rating app also has some strict guidelines—so read carefully.

My top picks for NYC Restaurant Week 2025

These picks are based on recommendations from friends who live in the city along with my own oddball tastes. Expect the unexpected.

Brooklyn: Red Hook Lobster Pound

As a former Red Hooker (that can’t be the right word), I’m tossing you one of those recommendations that’s usually reserved for locals: Red Hook Lobster Pound.

It’s a pain in the ass to get to, but the views are unparalleled and the vibe is cozy and casual. Also, Red Hook is like its own separate world—in a good way.

Manhattan: Cha Cha Tang

This hyper-imaginative new Chinese restaurant is kitschy in the highest order. It’s also way too expensive for me to eat at during the rest of the year, which makes it a great choice for those Restaurant Week discounts.

I want that duck bad, my friends. (If you’re eating in Manhattan, feel free to splurge at a Restaurant Week meal—these opportunities don’t come around often.)

Queens: The Queensboro

Head to the most diverse neighborhood in NYC and one of the most diverse in the world (Jackson Heights) for an unparalleled local experience. The Queensboro is an unpretentious neighborhood haunt that specializes in American fare.

While its menu might not be the most exciting, its chefs and mixologists know what they’re doing. Get off the well-trod path in New York City to treat yourself to new culture and delicious eats at The Queensboro.

The Bronx: Tin Marín

With a blend of Spanish-style tapas and Latin American flavors, vibrancy is at the heart of Tin Marín. You’ll also get a dash of style as the restaurant brings on live performers like Lee Burgos.

Small but upscale and trendy, this is the type of place that lets you explore Restaurant Week at your own pace—no pressure.

Staten Island: Don Cheech

With only seven restaurants in Restaurant Week, you need to think long and hard about which establishment is worth your time. (You also need to figure out how to get to Staten Island, but that’s on you.)

I vote you head to Don Cheech. It’s an Italian project from a Little Italy native who’s now looking to make his name with this elegant, understated eatery that specializes in Italian-American favorites.

Southern Sicily Secrets: My 5 Favorite Hidden Gems

My first impression of Sicily wasn’t the best.

I was surprised at how dry and desert-like the landscape was. For whatever reason, I’d pictured greenery and sprawling farms.

Then it was seeing horse and donkey dishes on so many menus. Coming from the US’s cowboy culture, the idea of eating horse still feels a little sacrilege.

But at the same time, my first foray into Sicily struck a cord for me. Those early surprises quickly gave way to intrigue and delight.

The lack of greenery didn’t mean much when the real stars were those rocky, crystalline coves. And there’s no need to eat horse (unless you want to try, of course) given the range of fresh seafood available at almost every restaurant.

And despite the sweltering summer temperatures, Sicily is a true wonderland in July and August.

During the day, it’s too hot to do anything aside from snack, lounge by the sea or a pool, and sip on a chilled drink. At night, towns come alive with festivals, concerts, and more—most of which are free to the public.

Oh, and the ruins. Ruins around every single corner.

While hotspots like Palermo and Catania welcome millions of tourists each year, I vote you head to Sicily with one goal: To get lost in its tiny, coastal towns.

I’m recommending my favorite stops along the island’s southern coast where I usually end up come August. You won’t see them shouted out on many ‘best beaches in Sicily’ articles, and that’s part of the magic.

My favorite hidden gems on Sicily’s southern coast

Spoiler alert: not all of these spots are actually tiny. Some of them also aren’t hidden gems because they’re well-known by Italians.

Still, you won’t notice too many other travelers in any of these areas during summer—and especially not Americans.

Ortigia

Let’s kick off this list with the largest selection: Ortigia. This gorgeous town has some truly ancient history; a Roman amphitheater is preserved right in its center, visible to passersby.

While there any beaches—only rocky coves—to waste away on, you can easily find a cabana to lounge on near the water, eat at some of the island’s best restaurants, and wander through its winding, narrow streets.

Best of all, you can find really affordable rentals and hotels in Siracusa, then walk into Ortigia. (This is what I’ve done over the last few years.)

Avola

Last summer, I stayed in Avola at a gorgeous rental property with a large pool.

That meant me and my friends had choices—whether we wanted to walk to the beach to swim there, have a drink (or ten) by the rental’s pool, or even drive to another area to explore a new cove.

Avola isn’t quite as large or developed as Fontane Bianche (below), meaning there’s a family-friendly, small-town atmosphere.

When the sun finally goes down, you can walk into town along the beachside promenade to find a place to eat dinner. And you won’t go wrong with any of them—that’s my Sicilian promise to you.

Fontane Bianche

I’m breaking my own rule here; Fontane Bianche isn’t a hidden gem by any stretch of the imagination.

Its narrow beach is chock-full of lounging chairs and umbrellas, most of which are serviced and cost around $50 for the day

That being said, it’s pure European summer vacation fare—and that should be on your radar. I’m talking Speedos in every direction, buffet food that’s ridiculously good, improbably glamorous women, joyful families, and suntanned matriarchs drifting out to sea on blow-up flamingos.

La vita bella, my friends.

Noto

This UNESCO-listed town is home to one of the most iconic church facades in Sicily—you may recognize it from postcards and similar tourism content.

I highly suggest taking a tour of the town so you can soak up its gorgeous, golden-tinted architecture and buy a few souvenirs. You can find high-quality items here, including those amazing Graste ceramic head vases.

But let’s not forget where your focus should be: the coastline. Outside Noto, you can head to Lido di Noto, a beach resort area. There are clubs, sunbed rentals, and other types of activities.

Just remember that it’ll be a very relaxed vibe in summertime, when its normal for locals from Sicily and beyond to visit the area.

Scicli

“Italy, Sicily, Sampieri, the houses of the old village on the sea.”

This hillside town is located in the Valley of Noto (Val di Noto), home to dozens of important greenhouses that serve the rest of the island.

Given this ancient village is nestled in a valley, it’s particularly beautiful to explore from the hillsides around. Similarly, the area is known for its stunning, pristine coves.

I’m not using the word beach here because the coastal areas around Scicli are rocky and dramatic. That being said, you can find sunbeds and spots to lounge throughout areas like Sampieri Beach, Donnalucata, and Cava d’Aliga.

Laundry Tips for Long Trips: Stay Fresh & Clean for Weeks

Travel can turn you into a stinky little muppet faster than you think.

Even in big cities with modern amenities, steamy days with no AC lead to a growing pile of dirty clothes. In other words, even when you’re staying at a four-star hotel, staying fresh on the road is difficult.

Though most rentals now include washer-dryers, that’s not always the case. And while you can always sink-wash your items, it never leaves the fabric feeling or smelling truly clean.

Is it best to pack sweat-resistant clothes that won’t get stinky fast?

What about taking advantage of laundromats?

Or is it really best to scrub up in the sink when in a bind?

The answer depends on the type of trip you’re taking. Obviously, staying fresh on a backpacking trip through the jungle simply isn’t realistic—but what about longer trips that last up to two weeks or more, when re-wearing clothes simply isn’t an option anymore?

You have questions about smelling good while traveling long term; I have answers. Let’s talk laundry.

Before you leave, pack these…

The best way to stay fresh on the road is to take the necessary steps before you leave home. Here’s how you can get ahead before the sweating starts.

Use a deodorizer ball to keep your luggage smelling fresh. You can find deodorizer balls in all shapes and sizes. They’re usually marketed toward athletes with stinky equipment bags, so check your local store’s sports section if you want to buy in person. I go with the standard Arm & Hammer options.
If you’ll be doing a lot of activities, buy a few shirts and pants that are sweat-resistant. Brands like Uniqlo and Under Armour have made sweat-proof gear fairly fashionable. Their clothing is also great for cold-weather travel, helping keep your body dry even when huffing it through the Arctic.
Mini stain removers are great, along with laundry soap sheets. If you’re a klutz, taking along a mini-stain remover (a pen-sized option, for example) can help you manage mini-messes on the road. The same for laundry soap sheets, which can be used for hotel sink washes.
If you’re really heading into the boonies, consider the Scrubba portable wash bag. The Scrubba Wash Bag is a small bag with a waterproof seal and a ribbed interior (for your washing pleasure). Just toss in your clothes, a little bit of detergent, a little bit of water, and then mash it all together for a DIY hand wash that’s surprisingly effective.
Dark colors are your friend. Is your shirt actually dirty if no one sees the stains? Welcome to the Schrodinger’s cat of laundry advice.

Laundry tips for long trips

Let’s assume you don’t want to lug around a ribbed scrub bag with you (well done, you’ve passed the test), how can you ensure your clothes stay clean and fresh throughout your multi-week vacation?

Here’s what I’d suggest doing based on my stinkiest mishaps.

You need to be intentional about laundry. I’m not joking—you should schedule an afternoon to get the job done. Whether you’re heading to a laundromat or using your hotel’s services, scheduling a time slot actually ensures you get around to it. Most importantly, it lets you handle this chore when it’s most convenient instead of when it’s most urgent.
Bundle it with downtime. Even on a more relaxed trip, you’ll probably want some downtime. Maybe that means answering a few emails, FaceTiming with loved ones, or figuring out transportation for the next leg of your journey. Bundle in your laundry time with this type of downtime—it’ll help you knock out all those chores in one go.
Pay more for getting your laundry done right. Sure, you can wash your panties in your hotel sink, but is there enough time for drying? (And do you think that’s fair to your panties?) And sure, you can head to the laundromat that’s close to your hotel, but do you know which heat settings to use to avoid shrinking your only cashmere top? Sometimes, it makes sense to pay a little more for a professional to do your laundry. The best option is usually a hotel’s service.
Speaking of laundromats… If you feel confident that you can manage a laundromat’s machines, then feel free to do it yourself. However, I highly recommend avoiding that full-heat setting whenever possible. You’ll be kicking yourself for shrinking your socks right before an important day trip.

Where Can You See the Northern Lights in the Lower 48?

The Northern Lights are one of the most popular breakout travel trends.

Travelers around the world are heading north with the hopes of seeing this common phenomenon, from Norway to Iceland.

But it’s a tricky balance, as the aurora borealis is highly unpredictable. Even the most experienced Northern Lights tour guides can’t guarantee a stunning show.

That reality can be devastating for travelers who have the Northern Lights on their bucket list—especially when they’re paying good money and traveling long distances to do so.

I went on a tour in Northern Sweden to see the lights one night a few years back but ended up freezing through the cold night instead. In fact, the only time I’ve seen the Northern Lights was by accident.

I was flying from New York to Spokane, Washington when the flight attendant told everyone to look out the window.

Sat near a window, I saw the silky, morphing green lights of the aurora borealis. Because we were flying, it looked like we were actually up in the sky with the lights—not staring up from far below. What a way to see the aurora borealis.

But not all Americans are so lucky. Most travelers who want to see the Northern Lights book a trip to Iceland, Canada, and Alaska to boost the probability of seeing the big show.

But just in case Alaska is a little too far for you, don’t worry—you can sometimes see the aurora borealis from these US locations.

Where to See the Northern Lights in the Lower 48

The best places to see the Northern Lights are usually dark sky sanctuaries, an official title for areas with minimal light pollution. The farther north, the better the chances you have—especially before the end of April.

Additionally, you can track live aurora borealis movements via Aurorsaurus. Let’s explore, heading from east to west.

Northern Maine

North of Bangor, Maine, and on the border with Canada, the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is a vast, undisturbed forest.

Though it’s not officially a Dark Sky Sanctuary, Aroostook is far enough off the beaten path that light and noise pollution aren’t a problem. You can stay in nearby Caribou while you foray into the wilderness with your camera.

Alternatively, you can also stay closer to the coast at Cobscook Bay State Park, which offers campsites that let you spy on the skies from your lodging. Just make sure you’re staying in an RV or a van, as Maine winters aren’t ideal for tent camping.

I’d vote you stay in Caribou where you can head into Aroostook at your leisure. Here’s where to stay and what else to do.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is located in Copper Harbor. As an official dark sky sanctuary, you’ll be able to soak up the starry sky without any interference. That also gives you the best chance possible to catch a glimpse of the green-and-pink Northern Lights—as they reflect off Lake Superior, nonetheless.

Some travelers also recommend staying in Marquette before heading out to cruise along Lake Superior. There are dozens of pull-offs where you can park and hunt for the aurora borealis.

That being said, if you’re dedicated to seeing the lights, you need to stay in a Dark Sky destination like Copper Harbor in Keweenaw. Also, Keweenaw is gorgeous, charming, and rustic.

Here’s where to stay and what to do as you wait for the Northern Lights to grace you.

Minnesota

Though it’s home to over 10,000 lakes, the skies are the real appeal in Minnesota. The state is home to two Dark Sky Sanctuaries that boost your chances of seeing the Northern Lights—even in fall, too.

There’s a sanctuary in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and another in Voyageurs National Park.

I’d focus on Voyageurs because its rangers have designed and launched a program to take tourists stargazing and Northern Lights hunting. These tours are available even during the depths of winter—though you’ll need to strap on your snowshoes to join.

The largest city to the park is International Falls, which offers basic lodging options, mostly for travelers heading between the US and Canada. Here’s where to stay and what to do in the area.

Idaho

I was close to Idaho’s panhandle when I saw the Northern Lights on my way to Spokane—so I can tell you first-hand that this spot might be your best option for peeping the lights.

Your best bet at seeing the lights here is at the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, also near the border with Canada.

Best of all, this protected area offers cabins in winter—meaning you don’t need to trek in from another location or bring an RV.

You can choose from four different camping areas with heated cabin rentals. I recommend sticking to the Pend Oreille Lake Area, as the Northern Lights are best seen dancing across the water.

Shell Grotto: How to Visit One of the UK’s Most Mysterious Sites

Imagine a winding, underground labyrinth covered in seashells.

Seashells line the walls and arched roofs, along with dome ceilings that open into the daylight. Only the size of a fingertip, these shells extend from one winding pathway to the next, covering over 2,000 square feet. Only eight feet high and 70 feet in length, one hallway empties into a larger chamber, and then the path continues on.

No, I’m not describing a scene from the latest Dune release.

I’m talking about Shell Grotto, a baffling and massive underground structure that’s covered in over 4.6 million seashells. The grotto was rediscovered in 1835—and absolutely no one knows who built it, why, and when.

Welcome to Shell Grotto in Margate, nestled into England’s scenic southeast coastal region of Kent. And, yes, it’s open to the public year-round.

If you’ve got a little bit of whimsy and a spare day in London to explore the countryside, you can reach Shell Grotto in only an hour and a half.

A grotto covered in shells, you say?

A close up of the shell-work, courtesy of The Shell Grotto

Shell Grotto was rediscovered and excavated in the 1830s after a local man began renovations on his cottage. As mentioned above, scholars, social scientists, and archaeologists have debated the origins and purpose of the this grotto.

Shells from mussels, cockles, scallops, oysters, and more are arranged in highly ornate mosaics that cover the walls and ceilings. Importantly, the vast majority of the shells used could be sourced locally. More exotic shells were sourced as far as Southampton.

The grotto includes a winding hallway that leads to a central, circular area with a dome top. The pathway continues on into another hallway, which then empties into a rectangular chamber with an altar-like structure in its center.

Throughout, you can find geometric mosaics, along with depictions of star and sun shapes.

**Who created Shell Grotto… and why?**

Converging halls, courtesy of The Shell Grotto

Now, onto the theories—who would painstakingly arrange over 4.5 million shells in a winding, underground passageway?

Unfortunately, no one has been able to narrow down the origin of Shell Grotto. In fact, it could be as old as three thousand years or as young as three hundred.

More modern theories hypothesize that Shell Grotto was created as a vanity project of a wealthy person from the 18^th or 19^th centuries, as part of a Knights Templar or Free Masonry project, and even as a meeting place for witches and warlocks.

Interestingly, a similar grotto covered in seashell mosaics was unearthed in Rome in 2007. Since then, some scholars have wondered if the grotto might be the result of ancient Phoenicians who wandered up from Carthage. However, the grotto’s infrastructure doesn’t support this theory; its arches are too modern.

If you want my off-the-cuff take, I’d say this site was created by a whimsical, wealthy character who wanted an underground side project. Shell grottos—though otherworldly and entrancing—can be found around Europe.

How to visit the museum & shop in Margate

The museum shop, courtesy of The Shell Grotto

Shell Grotto includes a museum and shop; the former lets you dive deep into the theories surrounding Margate’s grotto.

While I wouldn’t stay the night in Margate for a visit, I’d definitely plan a little adventure to experience the grotto from a place like London.

To reach Margate from London, book a train or coach from the city. (Coach takes almost five hours, so it’d stick to the train.) Southeastern Railway offers trains to Margate from St Pancras, Victoria, and more.

The journey takes around an hour and a half, which means you can visit Shell Grotto on a day trip.

Cheap & Chic: 5 Picks for an Affordable Adventure

Want to explore the United States in upscale fashion… without draining your savings?

Sounds like a perfect time to make a weekend getaway to a cheap and chic destination.

Rather than travel to major hubs like Miami or Boston, you can funnel your time and energy into heading a bit further off the beaten path.

Around the US, dozens of hidden gems are waiting to be discovered by travelers who want to make memories without busting the bank.

Whether you’re on the hunt for never-before-seen landscapes, charming and historic downtowns, or great museums and shopping, there’s a cheap-and-chic destination for you. I’ve selected a few of the most popular but affordable small US cities for your travel needs.

From Appalachia to the subtropics, here’s where to go.

Cheap and chic destinations for affordable adventures

Fort Myers, Florida

If you love baseball, you probably already know about Fort Myers, which hosts part of the MLB’s Spring Training series.

That brings me to my next point: avoid this period, as prices hike at hotels during this period. But beyond the scope of hardcore baseball fans, Fort Myers is an idyllic location perfect for beachy escapes.

Fort Myers’ coasts are lined with white-sand beaches, unexplored inlets, and vast wildlife preserves. Because of its gorgeous coastal views, Fort Myers has all the tourist infrastructure you’ll need—including budget options for dining, lodging, and touring that feel effortlessly classy.

Recommendations:

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Like Greenville (below), Gatlinburg takes you straight into the magic of the Appalachian Mountains—and puts you close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

While the city is a hotspot for tourists, meaning you won’t be alone, I think it’s done a great job of keeping its downtown area cozy, letting you wander around for hours without getting bored.

Despite the emphasis on tourism, guests don’t pay exorbitant prices. Once again, the focus here is on a more calming, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re heading to the Gatlinburg Space Needle or exploring the 8-mile Arts and Crafts Community loop, you’re guaranteed to have a good time without spending too much.

Recommendations:

Greenville, South Carolina

Forget Myrtle Beach and its satellite of small towns. Forget Asheville, too, which is located just a stone’s throw from Greenville.

In fact, I think Greenville is a fantastic alternative to anyone a little burnt out by Asheville’s growing crowds and rising prices. In Greenville, you’ll get to experience the beauty of the Appalachians along with the same indie and spirited arts community.

In fact, you have Greenville’s modest pricing to thank for its burgeoning art scene—and even a growing culinary scene. Again, you also get the best of Mother Nature, too. Greenville has a towering waterfall that cuts straight through its downtown, if that paints a better picture.

Recommendations:

Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman is a city and the county seat of Gallatin County, Montana, United States.

Along with Wyoming and Idaho, Montana has become one of the US’s most under-the-radar luxury destinations.

Most visitors are focused on winter sports and cool summers—but prices are steep in places like Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, and Big Sky. That’s not quite the case in Bozeman.

Thanks to its status as a college town, there’s always a deal to be found. At the same time, you have access to all those upscale outdoor activities, from fishing to skiing to soaking in hot springs. While Bozeman isn’t cheap by any stretch, it’s the best gateway into the Rockies if you want to feel bougie while staying in an affordable range.

Recommendations:

Cape May, New Jersey

On the southernmost edge of New Jersey, you’ll find a beachfront destination that isn’t quite like others.

Though it’s situated on the Jersey Shore, it’s nothing like Seaside—I promise. Cape May offers an atmosphere that calls back to the glory days of beachside summertime.

The historic downtown Cape May area is home to gorgeous little bed and breakfasts, along with boutique shops and mom-and-pop eateries.

Think of it like a more refined and affordable version of Atlantic City. Antiquing, anyone?

Recommendations: