Welcome to The Weekender, Coveteur’s travel series where seasoned globetrotters share their insider guides to top destinations across the world. Read on for the best spots to eat, stay, and enjoy.
New York City is like an unfaithful lover–it keeps you overly anxious at all times. And, whether you’ve lived here for decades or you’re just in town for the weekend, you’ll always wonder if your favorite spot is still just as hot.
Regardless, we can always count on our favorite neighborhoods to maintain the energy that drew us to them in the first place. The Flatiron Building, and broader district as a whole, will always be one of the top five attractions in New York City. Sandwiched in between Union Square and Chelsea, it’s the best place to work (and play). It promises classic New York City culture alongside dining options that span culinary influences from across the world.
So, despite the number of retail doors that have changed and bars that have turned over, the area is just as hot now as it was ten years ago. But, to make your life easier, we’ve rounded up the top new spots in the Flatiron District, from The Ned to Mister French to Apotheke NoMad. Here’s everything on our must-hit list.
Where to Stay
The Ned NoMad
The Atrium
Photos: Courtesy of the Ned Nomad
Inside a Suite
The Ned NoMad promises both nostalgia and newness in the heart of the Flatiron District.
Located in the historic Johnston Building, The Ned boasts the members-only Ned’s Club, chic meeting spaces, Cecconi’s restaurant, and a 167-bedroom hotel. The Ned NoMad also has an exclusive 300-piece contemporary art collection.
While The Ned is the newest hot-spot hotel in the district, the Johnson Building dates back to 1903. So naturally, the hotel’s lush velvet couches, ornamental moldings, and library pay homage to “Old School New York.” The decor alone situates the hotel as a staple for those that prefer to travel in time too. You can journey to the past, present, and future–even if you’re only in town for the weekend.
The culture doesn’t stop with the decor either. The Ned NoMad’s contemporary art collection offers the perfect complement to your museum or gallery outings while you’re in town. Without even leaving the property, you can be inspired by both renowned and emerging talent. The artists featured include Rashid Johnson, Marilyn Minter, Mickalene Thomas, Laurie Simmons, Hank Willis Thomas, Madeline Donahue, Xaviera Simmons, Glenn Ligon, Marcus Maddox, Rachel Jones, Fiona Banner, and Issy Wood.
Beyond that, its downstairs restaurant, Cecconi’s, is one of the best modern Italian spots in New York.
Where to Eat
Mister French
Mister French makes New York just as hot as Paris.
This modern, French supper club elevates your night the second you walk in. Think: dark crystal chandeliers, hot pink roses cascading down black leather couches, graffiti-clad mirrors, and wildly attractive staff donning bow ties & suspenders. The space is filled with eye candy for your social feeds. Or, if you prefer to dine in private, the vibe is romantic.
There’s no way to deny the transformative power of fragrance. Our favorite signature cocktail at Mister French, the French Slipper, gets a table-side infusion right before you take a sip. It marries everything we love about a classic French 75 and Aperol Spritz. So, it’s seductive–not sweet.
We’re also convinced that the cure for absolutely every challenge in life is the caviar at Mister French. Served with house-made potato chips, one bite will temporarily transport you into another reality, or at least remind you about the simple pleasures worth living for. While you might always order oysters when you go out, these are infinitely more exquisite. They feature green apple granita or crème fraiche, and caviar on top. The Poulet Rôti à la Flamme literally ignites your table too–and we’d pair that flaming whole-roasted chicken with Mister French’s famous fries or romanesco with cashew cream.
It would be a crime to visit NYC and skip Mister French.
abcV
Jean-Georges will also always give us an excuse to meander even further south on Broadway. While we live for the fish tacos at abc cocina and the squash toast at abc kitchen, there’s nothing like a power breakfast at abcV.
There are no New Yorkers immune to the call of the brunch menu at abcV. Fashion and finance execs alike will douse their KazuNori in maple syrup and find themselves rediscovering childhood staples like scrambled eggs, this time elevated with broccoli, dill, and Rupert cheese. abcV’s wholesome vegetarian fare makes it a go-to hot spot for vegan or gluten-averse diners too. Not to mention that the avocado lettuce cups are better and lighter than any other variation of “avocado toast” in Manhattan.
KazuNori
Sugarfish’s little sister, KazuNori, will never disappoint. Set apart by its simplified menu of hand-rolls in an uncomplicated, casual setting, Chef Nozawa changed our worlds with this one. Don’t be fooled–this isn’t just your average hand-roll. The crispy nori and warm rice literally melt in your mouth. While you’re taking it all in, you’re also ordering another round.
We’d bookmark this one for a quick, after-work bite. It’s ideal for a solo outing too.
KYMA
KYMA’s comfort food is at the top of our lists for lunch in the Flatiron District. This is our go-to for elevated Greek cuisine, even if we occasionally forgo the entree altogether in favor of the KYMA chips, grilled calamari, tomato salad, pita, and tzatziki.
While we’d gladly go with a group and share every appetizer on the menu, KYMA’s Monday-Friday, Pre–Fixe lunch menu is the best-kept secret near Union Square. PS: There’s another location in midtown adjacent to Hudson Yards.
L’Amico
Laurent Tourondel’s rustic-chic Italian American cuisine at L’Amico is amazing. Perfect for a first date or dinner near Chelsea, there’s just something intentionally casual about it that we love. It’s almost as if a neighborhood pizza place and favorite farm-to-table menu married each other at L’Amico.
When you go, make sure to order the burrata with blood orange, fennel, and mint, charred cauliflower with capers and pecorino, and Neapolitan-style pizza.
Where to Drink
Undercote
Underneath the concrete jungle, there’s an actual jungle. Luckily, this one serves Soju.
Beneath the fine dining restaurant, Cote, there’s an eclectic underground oasis. The bartenders can guide you on a journey or you can pair the Michelin-starred snacks–like Korean-fried chicken and thick-cut bacon–with a classic Martini.
In a few months, you can dine at Simon Kim and his team’s Coqodaq in Flatiron too.
The Ivory Peacock
The Ivory Peacock has the largest gin collection in the US, but the vibe that we can’t get enough of. Located on 26th Street between 6th and 5th Ave., it’s the perfect place to drop a pin for your next hinge date
The bar itself is illuminated and Instagrammable and the rest of the lounge pays homage to the art deco era.
We’d go for the Salted Pineapple or Ivory Dry Signature “Subzero Martini.” Then, we’d stay for the tuna tartar and truffled lobster salad.
Apotheke NoMad
We’d gladly visit Apotheke NoMad in lieu of the doctor’s office any day of the week. Imagine craft cocktails mixed by bartenders dressed like pharmacists in a speakeasy-like atmosphere. The bar is new to the area but the sister to the legacy predecessor in Chinatown. You sit between stained glass windows on plush couches browsing a menu that includes everything from aphrodisiacs to stress relievers.
PS: Apotheke NoMad also offers bespoke Apotheke Academy sessions. We think that a private 2-hour mixology course might be something to consider for a local bachelor or bachelorette.
What to Do
Museum of Sex
Even if you only make it to say that you did, it’s worth the stop. While it might be a tourist trap, it provides a perfect reprieve from the retail stores in the area. Plus, artists like RuPaul and Mario the Magician bring the true meaning of individuality and self-expression into sex–so, we’re here for it.
For $41, you can also score a ticket to the Museum and secure Super Funland entry. The ticket also comes with Love High Sex Gummies.
Lysee
Pastry Chef Eunji Lee’s bi-level dessert gallery highlights rows of delectable edible pastry art. Whether you’re seeking sugar or inspiration, it’s a must.
We’d argue that it’s the best kind of “art” in the city.
Nike
This store is not for the faint of heart. It has all of the high-top sneakers of our dreams without the same crowds that you’d find in midtown or Soho. So, it’s our favorite Nike store in NYC.
Eye Origin
This is an art gallery and concept that began in Barcelona before expanding to New York City’s art scene. Stéphane Heno, gallerist and founder, created this by-appointment service that transforms the image of your iris into an original piece of art.
So, stop by to browse the existing artworks, or create your own to bring home with you. The pieces start at $400.
Fish’s Eddy
If you have no idea what to get “the person who has everything,” start here. From dishes to mugs to unique home goods, there is something for everyone at Fish’s Eddy.
