I am doing the tourist thing for a day in New York in late June with my niece.

[cinematicdiversions]

I see that Broadway is still closed and I haven't lived in New York since Dinkins was mayor, so I am at a bit of a loss.

Obviously Lunch will be at the Times Square Olive Garden, which serves the finest Italian food in the five boroughs. But outside of that does anyone have any good dinner ideas. We both have had our shots and are not looking to be outside where we could be caught up in demonstration.

In addition are the usual tourist traps (Rainbow Room, museums, main public library) still open and if they are they basically hassle free?

So I need some only in New York tourist traps and a good restaurant for dinner (Chinatown preferred). Money is not an issue in particular,

[Kali]

1. 90 posts and you know about the Olive Garden?

long time lurker?

[Scrivener7]

2. "Caught up in demonstration"?

What does that mean?

[cinematicdiversions]

3. It means I am eating a nice meal with my niece and some well meaning group

attacks the restaurant and its patrons.

This has been happening to outside dinning areas with Asian restaurants often targeted. I would prefer not to have that happen on my trip.

[Scrivener7]

9. I have not seen any news of patrons of Asian restaurants being attacked in NY.

Have you?

[cinematicdiversions]

14. Omen Azen Japanese Restaurant was hit on April 1st

Omen Azen, a Japanese eatery on Thompson Street near Prince Street, police confirmed that protesters from Black Trans Lives Matter damaged the outdoor dining area around 10:30 p.m.

It is the post so I am not going to link it but the twitter feed from Protest NYC confirms they were protesting and making their voices heard by the restaurant patrons.

[dawg day]

4. Seriously, the Staten Island Ferry will give you a spectacular view

coming and going.

Broadway might be open by then!

[cinematicdiversions]

5. The Ferry might be fun.

I always loved the rooftop of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. I wonder if that is still open.

Broadway is a bust so far. I was looking online and nothing seems to be for sale ticket wise.

[torius]

6. I love Congee Village

on Allen St., food is good and it’s a fun place. Peking Duck House on Mott also good, fancier. For a hole in the wall, Bo Kee has great noodle soups. This is making me hungry!

[cinematicdiversions]

8. I have been to the Peking Duck House and loved it. NT

[HUAJIAO]

7. Obviously lunch at TS Olive Garden-" finest Italian food in the five boroughs."

Uh, I don't think so...

What demonstrations, may I ask?

Great Sichuan at Cafe China, if they are open.
Anywhere in Chinatown... they are having real trouble and need all the business they can get...

[randr]

10. Last time I was in the City

I went to the just opened Native American Museum. Just below Wall St. Impressive collections and displays. Walk back up to Little Italy or China town is a pleasure.

[Sanity Claws]

13. Good recommendation

If you got to the Museum, check out the architecture. It was originally the Customs House. The statues outside give you an idea of the mindset of people in the early 19th Century. (Hint: racist).

[Sanity Claws]

11. Things are slowly opening

Expect more to be open by late June, although not at pre-pandemic levels. The NYPL is not open to the general public. You can reserve books on line and pick them up at branches but can't walk around the library.
Demonstrations are not general and throughout the city. You should consider eating outside because late June is so nice IMHO.
What about focusing on outdoor things? Examples check out Columbia University campus (116th and Broadway) and then walk to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Grant's Tomb and Riverside Church.
New York University is in Greenwich Village. One of its buildings is where the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire took place. You can then check out Washington Square Park, Union Square (Farmers Market held on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat), and walk up to the Flat Iron Building.

At some point go to Brooklyn by subway or walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. Go to Brooklyn Heights and walk along the promenade with its great view of lower Manhattan.

There are lots of areas like that where you can take walking tours and learn a lot about the city and its history.

[MLAA]

12. The Metropolitan Museum of Art....but wait for it....

If they are still doing it, there is a tour that takes place before the museum opens. The first time was a true tour of about 15 to 20 people. It was amazing to be essentially alone in the museum with an outstanding guide.

Was so impressed with the guide, I engaged her to take me and a friend on two more private tours over the following year.

You can google and probably find the pre-open tours. If you are interested in a private guide I can probably find the lady’s name. She had worked for the museum for like 30 years prior to retiring and doing private tours.

I only know wonderful vegan restaurants if you are interested.

[Yavin4]

15. I live in NYC. I will tell you about my secret spot.

Look for it in your inbox.

[cinematicdiversions]

16. Excellent suggestion thank you (I had no idea it existed) NT

[PJMcK]

17. Olive Garden?!

There are far better Italian restaurants in New York City. Although it has shrunk in recent years, go to Little Italy on Mott Street near Canal Street. You won't be disappointed unless you've got a thing for unlimited "breadsticks." In Chinatown, many of the restaurants have reopened and our favorite, Hop Kee, has limited seating and carry-out.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has reopened along with some other museums. The Staten Island Ferry is free both ways and you'll have an amazing view of the NY harbor including the Statue of Liberty.

Broadway and concerts won't return until the Fall, at least. Still, there are plenty of entertainment choices in the parks. Washington Square Park has all kinds of fun as does Central Park. Some comedy clubs have reopened with limited attendance.

Have a great visit!

[jmowreader]

19. Several years back there was a DU thread about the NYC Olive Garden

It was hilarious.

Next time I go to the City I want to eat at House of Lasagna...my go-to stops are always NY Pizza Suprema which is across the street from Penn Station, and Sarge’s on 3rd Avenue.