New York, NY (Midtown)

MIDTOWN NYC: WHERE I LANDED

I stayed in Midtown this time. I did a shit ton of research and realized it was close walking distance to a lot of the spots I wanted to hit. Of course, "close walking distance" was totally subjective—my brain is calibrated to San Diego and LA. So when I saw "1 mile" I was like, oh that's nothing. In NYC, when it’s 90+ degrees and humid? That mile will humble you. But still, I was down for it.

Where I Stayed:The Archer Hotel on 38th Street between 5th and 6th. Boutique vibes, just the right amount of luxury, and a rooftop view of the Empire State Building that was chef's kiss 💋. It was the perfect place to start and end each day. I’d absolutely stay there again.

Where I Walked + Wandered:

• Bryant Park: calm, shaded, and still. The kind of place that makes you exhale.

• Rockefeller Plaza: great energy, open space, and a prime people-watching location.

• Sutton Place Park: tucked away along the East River with stunning views of the Queensboro Bridge. Very underrated.

Where I Ate + Drank:

• Bryant Park Grill – I went twice. The food wasn’t groundbreaking, but that sparkling rosé with a view of the park? I’d go back again just for that.

• Lodi – A game-time decision. I was hot, I needed red wine, and they delivered. The Cacio e Pepe was creamy and perfectly plated. A great solo recharge spot.

• Jupiter – Didn’t eat here, but stopped by for a glass of red. Sat under those gorgeous umbrellas at Rockefeller Plaza. The caramel gelato was suggested... not my fave, but I tried it.

• Sushi Lab – Top-tier. Rooftop floral vibes. I had sushi with tempura shrimp, baked crab, and matcha pearls. Plus a lychee martini that’s now living rent-free in my mind. Easily one of the best meals I had in NYC.

• Ánimo – I was skeptical about Mexican food in NYC, but this spot got it right. Tajín-rimmed margarita and crispy, satisfying flautas (chicken was my fave).

• Rag Trader + Parlour Room – $8 smashburger? Yes. Foxy Sangria? Dangerous in the best way. Friendly vibe, great happy hour.

• Bo Peep’s Speakeasy – Live music, sexy lighting, crushed velvet, cute bartenders, and the Bianco Verde pizza was the best I had during the trip.

• Class on 38 – Mysterious little spot I kept walking by. Finally went in. Sexy, dim lighting. Small plates. Great cocktails. Totally my vibe.

• Odd Sister – A low-key spot that totally surprised me. I ordered the Lolly—a gin martini with alpine herbs, bergamot, and lemon—that somehow tasted like a refined lemon drop. Bright, smooth, and beautifully balanced. Then came the fried chicken sandwich: organic chicken, spicy mayo, crunchy slaw. It was tender, crispy, and hands down the best I’ve ever had. No notes.

What Caught My Eye:

• The Empire State Building view from my hotel rooftop at night. Unreal.

• The massive umbrellas at Jupiter. Something about them felt cinematic.

• The calm at Bryant Park in the middle of the chaos.

• Sutton Place Park being this little secret on the edge of the city.

• Sushi Lab's floral decor—it felt like a rooftop garden party in the middle of Manhattan.

Empire State Building view from my hotel rooftop at night.

Personal Tips:

• If you’re visiting in the summer, check the weather. It was hot by 11 AM and didn’t let up until after 8 PM. Hydrate, dress light, and plan rooftop or shaded stops into your day.

• Don’t underestimate how far "a mile" feels when the humidity is up.

• Trust your gut when a place catches your eye—you might end up at your new favorite restaurant.

What Not to Miss:

• Sushi Lab. Hands down. Fresh, flavorful, and just an overall vibe. Don’t overthink it—just go.

Soft Close: Midtown wasn’t just a place to stay—it was a whole rhythm. It gave me structure, softness, and the freedom to explore. If you’re looking for a central spot to post up and wander from, Midtown holds it down.

💫 Simplie Golden Vibes

Want the visuals? I saved all the highlights from this trip on my Instagram. Head over to @simpliegolden to see it all.