My Favorite NYC Spots

by Sally Rychlak

I find myself in New York City almost every month for work, and while my calendar usually revolves around meetings, I've learned that the best business trips always leave a little room for exploring. Most of my meetings happen in Midtown, but if I have any free time, you'll find me spending at least part of the day in the West Village. Between the tree-lined streets, charming neighborhood cafés, and historic brownstones, it's one of my favorite places to unwind. It also helps that several of my friends live nearby, so we'll often catch up over coffee, meet for drinks, squeeze in a class at Fuze House, or take a walk along the West Side Highway.

Favorite Village Bites

The West Village is hands down my favorite neighborhood for restaurants. I always recommend L'Artusi for incredible Italian, I Sodi for their famous lemon pasta, or Don Angie if you can snag a reservation (the lasagna is worth the hype). For something a little more classic, Waverly Inn never disappoints, and Pastis is one of my favorite French bistros just over in the Meatpacking District. If I'm looking for something casual, Little Ruby's is always a great choice, and Bus Stop Cafe is the perfect neighborhood breakfast spot.

Don Angie Lasanga

Sally Rychlak at Waverly Inn

I love working from Hungry Llama, grabbing coffee at The Elk, lingering over breakfast at Buvette, or making a quick stop at 11th Street Cafe for one of their gluten-free blueberry scones. Speaking of gluten-free, Modern Bread & Bagel is a celiac mecca on W 14th.

breakfast plate at Hungry Llama

Favorite Midtown Stops

When work has me in Midtown, I usually keep it simple. Hatsuhana is one of my go-to sushi spots, Estiatorio Milos is perfect for client dinners (especially the Hudson Yards location at sunset), and Quality Bistro never misses with its lively atmosphere, spicy Caesar salad, and unforgettable bread service. The Whitby Hotel has a lovely breakfast and lunch that's often a perfect spot for a business meeting.

Hatsuhana

spicy caesar salad at Quality Bistro

Favorite Workouts

One thing I love about New York is how easy it is to stay active while traveling. BodyRok has one of my favorite reformer Pilates classes, Fuze House is my go-to when I want a heated sculpt workout, Solidcore is scattered throughout Manhattan, and Barry's is always a reliable high-energy workout no matter which neighborhood I'm staying in.

As much as I love staying downtown and taking advantage of the West Side Highway for long walks and runs along the Hudson, nothing beats a run through Central Park. If I can make it uptown for a loop around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, I know I've earned a stop at one of my favorite restaurants before heading back to work.

West Side Highway Run at Sunset

I'm in the city often enough that this list is always growing, so if you have a favorite restaurant, coffee shop, or hidden gem, I'd love to hear about it before my next trip.