Visit New York: Ritz Diner

I loved that there were so many family-friendly eateries within walking distance from our hotel in the Upper East Side of New York.  One of those places is Ritz Diner, where we dined for breakfast one morning.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Challah French Toast with Bacon

Bacon & Cheese Omelette

Toast

I ordered the Bacon & Cheese Omelette, which was served with Potatoes & Toast.  It sure was a lot of food!

Service was good, and the breakfast was nothing fancy, but it did fuel us up for a long day in the city!

Ritz Diner
1133 1st Avenue
(212) 319-4993

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Visit New York: 5 Napkin Burger

I wanted to try 5 Napkin Burger while in Boston, but we didn't get a chance to. Fortunately there was a location just a 7-minute walk away from our hotel in New York.

Complimentary Pickles

Tavern Onion Ring Tower

Merguez

Buffalo Chicken

Kids Grilled Cheese

Kids Pizza Margherita

Signature Hand Cut Fries

Crinkle Fries

The Onion Rings were delicious.  They were perfectly crisp and not oily or soggy.

I ordered the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.  It was so good!  I opted for the "Hell's Kitchen Hot Sauce" to get served on the side in case it was too hot, but it was not as spicy as I expected it to be. 

The Merguez burger was comprised of Moroccan spice lamb & beef, and topped with harissa yogurt, pickles, and oregano roasted tomatoes

Service was okay. After putting in the kids order - Grilled Cheese with House Made Fries and Pizza Margherita with Crinkle Fries (Waffle Fries were actually listed on the menu instead of Crinkle Fries, but we were told they don't serve Waffle Fries; Veggie Sticks are also a side option), our server came back to tell us that he's new, and he made a mistake - fries are not served with the Grilled Cheese or Pizza. I could see that being the case with Pizza, but it seemed weird to not include it with Grilled Cheese. Our food arrived and I pointed to the menu, which stated fries are included in kids meals. He then said fries come with everything except the pizza, however, another server, who was helping to deliver the food returned with fries for all the kids' meals, and said that fries are included with kids meals.

We told our original server that the other sever brought fries for each kid, and he said "Nice guy."

After our food came, our server never returned to ask how the food was, and not even to refill waters. We decided not to order dessert, and instead we just asked for the check.

I'm glad we got to try 5 Napkin Burger, but I just wish service was better.

5 Napkin Burger

1325 2nd Ave

New York, NY 10021
(212) 249-0777

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Visit New York: Yogurt & Candy World

I noticed a couple of Yogurt & Candy World locations nearby our hotel in the Upper East Side in New York, and after stumbling upon one just after we finished dinner one very warm evening, we decided to go in to check it out. 

The shop sells all sorts of candies, as well as toys, and they also serve up ice cream & frozen yogurt. 

Two of my kids got chocolate froyo, and another got strawberry ice cream.

Chocolate Froyo

Strawberry Ice Cream

The single employee working was very helpful and friendly.  

It was the perfect way to end a sweltering day.

Yogurt & Candy World
1319 2nd Ave,
New York, NY

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Visit New York: Ice Cream at Dylan's Candy Bar

Although we're no strangers to the candy confections from Dylan's Candy Bar, I had no idea the three-story flagship location in the Upper East Side of New York offers ice cream!

We only had plans to stop at the store and possibly buy some goodies, but once I saw that there was ice cream on the third floor, we went straight upstairs!

Captain Crunch OREO

Chocolate

Strawberry

Cookies n Cream

Serving sizes are huge!

I was too full from dinner so I didn't order any ice cream, but I tried some of the Captain Crunch OREO - what a great combo!

There is no where to sit near the ice cream shop (there is a sit-down restaurant on the third floor, but you can't eat your ice cream there), however, there is a tall table you can stand at to eat your ice cream.

Dylan's Candy Bar offers a lot of fun flavors of ice cream.  I hope to go back one day soon to try out the other flavors!

Dylan's Candy Bar
1011 3rd Ave

New York, NY 10065
(646) 735-0078

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Visit New York: Gardens NYC - Perfect for Families!

Gardens NYC, an Affinia Hotel, is the perfect hotel for families traveling to New York City.  The 132-suite boutique hotel in the Upper East Side boasts a number of amenities to provide the ideal retreat for those visiting the Empire State.

After being warmly welcomed by the hotel staff upon our arrival, we went up to our two-bedroom suite, and we were in awe.

Don't let the hotel's unassuming exterior fool you.  Modern furnishings and neutral decor create such a fresh and inviting space.

Our suite had two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, dining area, and two bathrooms.  The suite provided all of the comforts and conveniences of a "home-away-from-home."  We were thrilled to have so much space!

Although the entrance to one of the bathrooms could only be accessed by closing a bedroom door, and the bathrooms were on the small side, they were more than sufficient, and we absolutely loved having two bathrooms (as any parent with multiple kids can attest to how more than one bathroom makes life so much easier!).

I also loved that full-size amenities were offered (including shower gel!).

The bedrooms were huge. One of the bedrooms was even larger than a few hotel guest rooms I've stayed at before!

A king bed was in one bedroom, and two queens were in another.  The sofa in the living room could also be converted into a bed.   

The Affinia Beds, featuring the Sealy Posturepedic Plush Sleep System, combined with your pillow preference (a Pillow Menu is provided), will provide an amazing night's sleep.

Obviously, there were enough beds for every member of our family, but my kids could not resist sleeping in the teepee!

The teepee, a Starry Night Light, and a Good Night New York City book will be set up for your little ones as part of Affinia Junior's Starry Night Camp-In.  This is just one of the many ways that Gardens NYC makes families feel right at home.  Gardens NYC offers a variety of other family-friendly services and amenities, which you can read about here.

So many other features - complimentary WiFi, reading lights, a vanity, and more truly made our stay simply wonderful.

We had a lovely view outside of our large windows (some suites even include a terrace!)

On property guests will find a gym, The Cupboard (for snacks, gifts, etc.), and a business center.

Gardens NYC also offers complimentary coffee, complimentary use of bikes to explore the city, Social Sips (complimentary wine every evening from 5-6pm), and a FreshDirect Grocery Service.

The location of Gardens NYC is very convenient.  It is within walking distance to numerous shops and eateries, and it is also very close to several subway stations. 

The staff at Gardens NYC is incredible.  Whether you need directions, need assistance in setting up transportation, or need anything at all, they will help you with a smile.

Every morning we left the hotel to explore, and every time we returned, we were greeted with smiles and small talk.  The staff really treated us like `ohana!

We had the best stay at Gardens NYC.  The huge suite, the convenient location, the fabulous service, and the abundance of amenities makes the hotel an excellent choice for families visiting New York City.

Gardens NYC
an Affinia Hotel
215 E 64th St

New York, NY 10065
(212) 355-1230

Mahalo to Gardens NYC for the media rate and for setting up our transportation.  Gratuities were paid on our own.

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