Kimmie S.

American Museum Of Natural History

This is a great place to spend the day! AMNH is open from 10am - 5:45pm and although we came around noon, we were not able to see everything; however, we were able to see the majority of it. I must admit that a lot of the space seemed a bit old in regards to many of the displays looking a bit antiquated. But I was pleasantly surprised that the African Mammals section, Biodiversity and Ocean life areas were very modern looking. I loved the dinosaur exhibits as well. I think that this is a must see but that people can be a bit bored by portions of the museum that appear less updated. I think that by starting at the main floor and moving up through the space, you will be able to get through some of the areas that are tougher to enjoy to areas such as Mammals of NY State and NYC. But overall, this is a great way to spend an afternoon. For those that are older, I suggest visiting during the fall when many of the school children tend to have gone back to school so you can really enjoy.

PROS: All day activity, reasonably priced
CONS: In the summer many children and school groups

Shakespeare and Co. Booksellers

In the midst of all the chains that you could go to, it's nice to patronize a small chain that seems to have a staff that knows their stuff! Think, "You've Got Mail's" intimate staff that seemed to know everything about the children's books that they sold. It is truly a delight to find books that are on the bestsellers list and those that are hard to find. I think that this chain is a treasure and one thats she be visited if you have a love for books.

PROS: Informative staff, nice layout of books, intimate vibe
CONS: Only 3 in the city - hard to find

Papyrus Cards & Stationery

I come here to get my Christmas cards because they are always unique. In addition, I love getting my stationary and also love getting journals from here as well. I love the very relaxed nature of this store although there are some pricey items from wrapping paper, tissue paper and more - but you will find something that you are interested in upon visiting here.

Mocca Espresso Lounge

I love this place regardless of the time of day. By day, you can go with cowokers or get your work done enjoying an espresso. By night, this is a great place to listen to the resident dj, enjoy drink specials and to just have a relaxing time in a cool setting. This is great for a first date, with your boyfriend/girlfriend, a group of friends or just to be with yourself.

PROS: Great vibe, love the espresso and more
CONS:

Bubble Lounge The Bar

I love to come here for an evening of champagne and oysters! I find the people to be helpful and that there is plently of ambience as well. This is a must visit location for special events such as birthdays, Valentine's Day and more. There are a variety if specials and bottle services.

PROS: A variety of champagnes, great oysters and dark decor
CONS: Sometimes it gets a little busy

Citi Habitats

I can't say that I have interacted with this company a lot; however, I simply wanted to view a few apartments on the upper west side. In order to do so, the agent was more interested in getting me to sign an agreement that would have a large fee attached to it (although she promised she would cut it down and insisted that I shouldn't be concerned about it and to sign this contract). It was my first time going to a company to have them show me apartments. I signed the contract thinking that unless I got something through her, it was not binding. I later found that I could not get something in that area through someone else without some series of penalties or I would have to wait for a certain time period. The apartments that I was shown weren't that great and she insisted that after looking at 4 or 5 I should put my money on something to secure a spot. Seeing that I was new to the whole process I was concerned about writing checks for deposits at different locations and not being sure if I would be refunded or not. The whole experience was overwhelming and seemed to go way too fast without a lot of time and learning about what I wanted. I think you should get the facts before going through this company to ensure that you know everything about this.

PROS:
CONS: They throw a lot of info at you w/o explaining themselves

Jamba Juice

I have been to a variety of places like the Smoothie King and have always found them to be a bit bland. I love fruit but I like for them to have a sweetness. Jamba Juice excels in this area completely. They color code their menus for predominate flavors. Drinks that have an orange base are orange. Berry drinks tend to have a pinkish red color on the menu and so on. They label their beverage offerings very well and even list all the power shots you can have within the drinks. A free boost comes with each drink. When picking up your drink, you have to remember what you ordered since they call it out and I LOVE how they unwrap the straw without putting their fingers on it. I have been to a lot of their locations and find this to be their normal practice.

PROS: Always clean and efficient staff
CONS: Sometimes a bit crowded

zen palate

My friend and I visited this restaurant the other night. This is a great place to sit outside in the summer months and to eat something exotic while not feeling overwhelmed by the heat. I love their yam fries and although I am not a vegetarian, I found myself very full with the Mushroom entre. I think the emphasis on the sauces and uses of color are a great draw. In addition the affordable price and loungie ambiance of this location makes it someplace that everyone can enjoy for lunch or dinner.

PROS: Good location, a variety of choices from the menu
CONS: Tight sitting and can be a bit crowded but worth it

Tortilla Flats Restaurant

Due to rain, we came in the restaurant and found that there was quite a crowd. I love the nachos here and the karaoke machine as well. We found the bartenders to be friendly although they tend to love requests for tequilla shots, Corona's and margaritas. Go with a group and expect to simply enjoy hanging out and vibing off the energy of those in the room.

PROS: Decent location, happy bartenders
CONS: They don't make a lot of interesting drinks

Del Friscos Steakhouse

I love this restaurant. The service is always phenomenal and the food is amazing. I love the halibut, love the mashed potatoes and asparagus and always come back for the creme brule. In addition, the bartenders are great. Not only do they make amazing drinks with flair but on the fly they can create some spectacular ones that will leave you coming back for more. The location is great and it's a nice spot to meet people and get a little something at the bar even if you are not up for a full dinner.

PROS: Great location, food and always someone knowledgeable about wines
CONS: A bit of a wait