The Real Cost of Eating & Drinking in NYC

The Real Cost of Eating & Drinking in NYC

While New York City is home to some of the best restaurants and cuisine in the world, the price of eating out can come as a shock to many visitors. In this episode, we're going to explore the real cost of eating and drinking in New York City and give you some tips to save money and budget effectively for your meals while visiting New York City. Let's do it. 👇 The $19 -> $30 Pasta Bill A very common experience is walking past a restaurant in New York City and seeing something like fettuccine Alfredo for $19. You may think to yourself, "Wow, that's actually pretty fairly priced." After eating your pasta and possibly adding on an iced tea, you go to pay, and that $19 pasta has suddenly turned into $30... For many travelers, the sticker shock of eating out in New York City can come as a real surprise. And this becomes especially true when eating at sit-down restaurants where the "true cost" never equals what you actually see on the menu. The longer we live in New York City, the less we are shocked by food prices, but that is only a sign of our own succumbing to the sadness that is restaurant prices in America's most diverse food city. Average Prices at Restaurants in New York City While the true costs can vary widely, we're going to give you a breakdown of common price ranges to expect at sit-down restaurants in New York City. Here's what you'll often find for food prices in NYC: * 10-$25 per appetizer * $20-35 per entrée * $8-15 per dessert And here are average alcohol costs at restaurants in NYC: * $9-12 per beer * $12-16 per glass of wine * $15-25 per cocktail The biggest factor that can make what seems like a cheap meal very expensive is the hidden costs of eating out in the city. ⤵️ Hidden Costs of Restaurant Dining in NYC While a $20 pasta can feel somewhat fair, the challenge is that the price you see on the menu is never what you'll actually pay. There are two reasons why bills at New York City restaurants always end up inflating beyond what you were expecting: 1. Tax 2. Tipping At all New York City dining establishments, you will pay an 8.875% tax on your bill. There is no bargaining with that; that is just how it works. Unlike many other countries and large cities across the world, restaurants in New York City do not bake tax into the cost you see on the menu. Additionally, New York City tipping culture, and America as a whole, has a direct expectation that you will tip when dining at a sit-down restaurant. What Should You Budget for Eating Out in New York City? 🥯 Breakfast will, on average, cost $10 to $30. The $10 range is for something like a bagel, whereas the $30 range is more for a sit-down breakfast restaurant or a diner. 🥗 Lunch will, on average, cost $15 to $30. The $15 range is for something like a bowl or salad at a fast-casual place, and $30 is more if you opt for a sit-down restaurant. 🍽️ Dinner will likely be your most expensive meal of the day. Dinner will, on average, cost $30 to $60. The $30 range is for meals where you might just get one entree, and the $60 range is for meals that include appetizers and/or dessert. Of course, it is very easy to go well above any of these ranges, but these are realistic numbers for you to expect when eating out in New York City. Overall, you should plan to budget around $50 to $125 per person per day for eating out in New York City. You'll Have to Check It Out - Brooklyn Bread Cafe * Phenomenal bacon, egg & cheese that always has crispy bacon * Tasty sweet options like chocolate or french toast bagel * Perfect for before 9/11 Museum, the Statue of Liberty, or FiDi explorations Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: * Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location * 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more * Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide [https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide]

Governors Ball NYC Guide: Expert Tips, What to Bring & Transportation

Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City is a phenomenal three-day music, food, and art experience. While it's smaller-scale than some major festivals, it boasts an amazing location, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, simple transportation options, and a strong lineup every single year. In this no-nonsense guide, we'll cover the vital topics for a successful Gov Ball experience, including: * Brief history of the music festival * What to bring/wear to Governors Ball * Getting to & from the festival * Expert tips for safety, experience, and the best viewing See our full write-up with relevant links and information here [https://bettertogetherhere.com/governors-ball-nyc-guide/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_campaign=govballguide]. 👈 You’ll Have to Check It Out - White Bear White Bear is the textbook definition of a hole-in-the-wall, family-run delicious food joint in Queens. It's located in Flushing, which is home to one of the largest Chinese populations outside China. Most people recommend getting the #6, which is pork wontons, with hot sauce/chili oil, and it is delicious. Know that there's nowhere to eat or sit at the restaurant, so it's something you can take and walk out with. It's a perfect pre-Governors Ball spot, as it's only one stop away from Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Cash is their only accepted form of payment. Check out White Bear in Flushing here [https://maps.app.goo.gl/b8XsbHZjm7yPgyrg6]. Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: * Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location * 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more * Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide [https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide]

Only Have 24 Hours in NYC? Here's What to Do

While 24 hours in New York City isn't very long, you can still pack in numerous activities and meals. When you're in a time crunch, it's even more important to plan efficiently to make the most of your time. In this episode, we'll break down the best way to spend one day in NYC. Breakfast + Central Park The best way to start your day in New York City is with a bagel and a stroll through Central Park [https://bettertogetherhere.com/tag/central-park/]. There are loads of great bagel spots, but we recommend Liberty Bagels near 5th Avenue [https://maps.app.goo.gl/ScRCVmntr4Zh5BVq8]. They have a sandwich called The Works, which is basically a bacon, egg, and cheese meets a McMuffin. Delicious and super filling! Pro Tip: Order ahead on their website and skip the long lines. 🙌 Morning Activity - Choose a Museum Once you've had your breakfast, choose one of the three following museums to explore: 1. American Museum of Natural History [https://bettertogetherhere.com/museum-natural-history-nyc/] 2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art [https://bettertogetherhere.com/met-nyc-guide/] (The Met) 3. The Museum of Modern Art [https://bettertogetherhere.com/moma-nyc-guide/] (MoMA) Lunch After exploring one of these world-famous museums, you will be ready for lunch! Our recommendation? Pick a cuisine, then find it in our collection of Google Maps lists, where we highlight our favorite options by category. You can get 100% free access (seriously) by signing up for our newsletter here [https://rebrand.ly/newsletter-bth]. Afternoon Activity For your afternoon activity, we recommend choosing one of the following options: * Observation deck [https://bettertogetherhere.com/best-observations-decks-nyc/] * Another museum * A Broadway [https://bettertogetherhere.com/nyc-broadway-tips/] matinee * Shopping Dinner You may see a theme here, but the best way to spend a day in New York City is to eat your way through it. So, pick a dinner spot, again check our Google Maps lists, and extra points if you opt for one with a happy hour for drinks and food. Nighttime Activity While our top recommendation for a nighttime activity on a one-day NYC itinerary is a Broadway show, there are a few other options. Some great nighttime activities in NYC include: * Broadway shows [https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/6kg1Aq] * Comedy shows * Jazz clubs * Concert [https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/ZVyzXX] * Sporting events [https://vivid-seats.pxf.io/WOGz4A] (loads of professional teams in the city) After Show Drinks (This Episode's You'll Have to Check It Out) After you've experienced any of the live entertainment NYC has to offer, you can head to Gin Mill for some after-activity drinks. Gin Mill is a sports bar through and through, and the drink prices are unbeatable. Here are some reasons we love the Gin Mill: * M-F happy hour until 8 pm with $5 beer & well drinks, $7 top shelf drinks * Daily specials include $14 pitchers of beer, $1 hot dogs, and $20 buckets of beer * Sports on, always! Audio for certain games, like when New York teams are in the playoffs * Live music downstairs in the speakeasy some nights; other nights, karaoke, DJs, etc. Check out the Gin Mill here [https://maps.app.goo.gl/rPDpMdPwZJ1C7t9V8]. Late-Night Meal Arguably, the most important part of your 24 hours in New York City is to finish your night with a slice of pizza. 🍕 There are loads of great pizza spots in NYC [https://bettertogetherhere.com/best-nyc-pizza/], but our top recommendation for a late-night slice is at $1.50 Fresh Pizza [https://maps.app.goo.gl/2sDWZgar3AXuLzSM8] on Broadway near 55th street (there are other locations, too). Many pizza places are open til 11 pm, but some, like $1.50 Fresh Pizza, are open until as late as 4 am. Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: * Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location * 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more * Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide [https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide]

NYC Tipping Culture: A No-Judgment Explainer

Tipping culture in New York City, especially for those traveling from outside the United States, can be overwhelming. In this simple guide, we'll answer common questions like: * Why is tipping common in NYC? * Where do you need to tip? * What tip percentage is expected at restaurants, bars, and similar establishments? Plus, we'll cover a full-day scenario exploring NYC and how and when to tip at each part of your day. John Oliver's video [https://youtu.be/89R9ZxKaIOw?si=gfH2N898Ta4XNlT9] covering tipping culture in America. You'll Have to Check It Out - Queens Night Market [https://queensnightmarket.com/] * April 18 - August 22 & September 19 - October 31 (break for US Open) * Saturdays from 4 pm to midnight * Over 100 independent food merchants, artists, and performers * Max price per item of $6, cash is highly preferred Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: * Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location * 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more * Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide [https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide]

Best NYC Pass in 2026? We Did the Math

With hundreds of popular attractions to see, NYC attraction passes can help you maximize your experience and save money in the process. There are multiple NYC passes available, and we’ll help you choose the one that’s exactly right for your trip duration, travel style, and must-see attractions. Here’s what we will cover about NYC attraction passes: * Overview of the top 3 pass options: NYC CityPASS, Go City Explorer Pass, New York Pass * NYC pass comparison * Are NYC passes worth it? * Which NYC pass saves the most money? * Interactive quiz to help you decide the best pass Let’s do it.  Quick Links: * NYC CityPass [https://www.getyourguide.com/new-york-city-l59/new-york-citypassr-save-up-to-41-at-5-top-attractions-t18597/?partner_id=12J65H6&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast-bestnycpass&deeplink_id=1b2c2da6-b0d1-56cc-a276-96c7ccfc7d50&page_id=2b6dfbc0-5c59-5dd5-b672-9be43b37f938] * Go City Explorer Pass [https://www.getyourguide.com/new-york-city-l59/new-york-explorer-pass-top-attractions-including-edge-t5721/?partner_id=12J65H6&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast-bestnycpass&deeplink_id=cbaf17ba-1f9e-539a-b8ca-009484a626c5&page_id=2b6dfbc0-5c59-5dd5-b672-9be43b37f938] * New York Pass (Go City All-Inclusive) [https://www.getyourguide.com/new-york-city-l59/new-york-passr-100-attractions-including-edge-nyc-t22518/?partner_id=12J65H6&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast-bestnycpass&deeplink_id=72c13065-455a-588b-a3ca-a7a2e3a4fea0&page_id=2b6dfbc0-5c59-5dd5-b672-9be43b37f938] * Interactive Quiz [https://rebrand.ly/nycpass-quiz] There are three main NYC passes worth exploring. While others exist, they aren’t the best value, have poor reviews, and don’t warrant your attention. Two notes for ALL of these passes. #1- You must still book time slots in advance for certain popular attractions, such as observation decks. So, plan ahead! #2- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is NOT included on any of these passes. See the full article [https://rebrand.ly/nycpass-quiz] with a comparison table, full pros & cons list and a 5-question quiz to help you choose the right pass! https://rebrand.ly/nycpass-quiz [https://rebrand.ly/nycpass-quiz] You'll Have to Check It Out - Kaia * South African farmhouse restaurant & wine bar (the rosè is phenomenal) * Happy hour from 4-6 pm with dishes, wine & martinis for $9 * Friendly staff with a cozy feel * Outdoor seating is available during warm weather Check out Kaia here [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y83SnmhAdYYGTWae7]. Want even more NYC insights? Sign up for our 100% free newsletter to access: * Dozens of Google Maps lists arranged by cuisine and location * 50+ page NYC Navigation Guide covering getting to & from airports, taking the subway & more * Weekly insights on top spots, upcoming events, and must-know NYC tips Get started here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide [https://rebrand.ly/nyc-navigation-guide]