Jonathan's order: "Best pastrami in town! Get the reuben sandwich. And a real New York egg cream. You won't be disappointed. BUT - recommend getting 1 reuben for every 2 people, as they are big as hell."

Erin's order: "Matzoh ball soup, a hot dog, and a couple bites of Jonathan's reuben."

This new school bagel deli with a small menu may seem like just the latest in a string of flash-in-the-pan Instagram-able food joints, but do not be deceived! Even true blue New York oldheads are raving about this place (including Jonathan, who declares it the best bagel in the city)! Lines here can be long, but the wait is well worth it.

Ray's has been around since the 70's; Ray himself is in his 90s and still works at the counter. Go say hi to Ray and pick up some fried oreos and/or an egg cream from the legend himself.

An amazing hidden gem on the oft-overlooked Roosevelt Island. Take the air tram to get here and locate this fabulous rooftop bar. The drinks, though expensive, are very good and the view of the Manhattan skyline is worth the price of admission.

This unassuming-at-first-glance Candy Store is actually a portal to the elemental dimension of candy. Seriously, they have everything from rare imports to vintage candy. Recommended for all sweethearts and sweet-toothed individuals.

Hefty and perfectly seasoned Belgian French Fries and international sauces. Something to please every palate. Fun fact: this store exploded several years ago, and the community loved it so much, they put together a crowdfunding campaign to bring it back again.

Erin's idea of a perfect day: watching a rare movie at the Metrograph Theater, then following it up by walking 10 minutes to go eat at Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles on Doyers Street. Eating a hot bowl of noodles while sitting on a plastic stool in the middle of the street and discussing a stimulating film is the most fun a person could possibly have ever, doing anything.

In Korea the 기사식당 is a humble establishment; this restaurant in New York is like a theater stage recreating what it might be like to eat at a real taxi driver's restaurant. Soaked in nostalgia, diaspora, and gochujang, this restaurant captures the spirit of the word "Korean-American" - what it's like to recreate your culture in a new country, in a new language, based on memories of a motherland that is proceeding on without you - a home that exists only in your mind. At the end of the meal they will give you a quarter that you can use in their drink machine to get a ready-made cup of bean latte (or hot chocolate, but get the bean latte).

funny rice pudding store :) yummie

When Erin asked Jonathan to take her on a "perfect date," he took her to the NYPL to get her library card. They admired the incredible architecture, checked out the exhibit of "treasures," and even snuck into the Rose Reading Room to "study." Support the NYPL, and support your local library! (Last month Erin racked up $115 in late library fees.)

Not a formal place so much as an excellent way to get out of doors, see some sights, and maybe get a bit of exercise if that's your thing.

Jonathan recommends taking a CitiBike (part of the city's bike-share program) from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. From there, proceed up and around along the west edge of the island, which is almost all bike-friendly park areas!

In doing so, you'll pass through North Cove Marina, which offers great views of the Freedom Tower. You'll also pass a number of the Chelsea Piers, the new art installation/concert venue Little Island, and some great restaurants for an outdoor lunch or dinner.

This artistic enclosed carousel in Battery Park will make you feel like a beautiful mermaid swimming through a pure twinkling ocean with all of your fish friends. In our heart of hearts, isn't that what we all want?

One of Jonathan and Erin's favorite places to walk through on a Saturday morning! People watch, gawk at beautiful overpriced produce, consume the free samples, smell the flowers, and more! Only open Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday during the day.

A city institution for independent film, and one of Erin and Jonathan's favorite places to discover new movies! They always something unique on offer, and frequently do late night showings of obscure, weird, or otherwise underground features.

Fun fact! If you look closely, you can find what looks like a little view-master sticking out of the wall here. If you peer in, you can actually watch whatever is screening in the theater totally for free! (No sound though obviously.)

There are many fabulous museums in New York City, and they are ALL worth a visit. This one is just our favorite. They always have fantastic collections on display. Not free, but what is, in this life? (Besides the Staten Island Ferry.)

Erin's favorite work in the Whitney: Dempsey and Firpo by George Bellows.

Venerable bookstore in the East Village. Three floors of any kind of book you're likely to want. Their merch makes for great souvenirs!

An excellent place to grab a lemonade and just sit out, or take a leisurely stroll through the recently renovated park paths. Contains the original Shake Shack, for those curious.

Erin's secret pick! This very private speakeasy-style bar serves the most adventurous cocktails you've ever had in your life. Only seats small parties so the vibe in there is quiet and intimate. If you order the flaming Shackleton's Urn, give the straw time to cool down from the fiery garnish or you will experience Shackleton's Burn.

Exceptionally low key jazz bar nestled right where you would least expect it in big-city midtown. Stop by this minuscule club to get up close and personal with some excellent Japanese jazz. Food's good too!

Erin's second secret pick! Actually not hard to explain at all - it's a Japanese cafe by day, hole in the wall bar by night. Seats about 10 people on a good day, so don't everybody go at once. But if you manage to get in and find a seat, you'll enjoy the curated drink list and the jazzy, cozy, vintage atmosphere. (I am starting to notice a theme here.)

A low-key...intimate...small bar........in a bookstore!!! No jazz this time. You can read the books while you drink if you're as introverted as we are.

A rough and tumble bar for rough and tumble folks, this place has been around since the 1800's and it shows. A true Irish pub where they serve cold cuts and pickle boards, and your only beer options are "dark" or "light". It literally did not allow women in until the 70's. Note the wishbones hung over the bar light, the story of which made Erin cry in real life. (Also! Contains the oldest urinal in NYC!)

Fancy ice cream open till midnight for those nights where you just gotta have it. They have 5 different varieties of vanilla alone and they're all amazing, so that kind of tells you what you're working with. I guess you could go during the day as well, if you really wanted to. But either way don't miss it.