Matador Network's Blog, page 451
July 8, 2022
12 Airbnb Huntington Beach Vacation Rentals Near the Water
Huntington Beach has many things for one to get into, whether it be a solo, family, or friend trip. This southeast California city can get you involved with all the activities that it has to offer. Enjoy the five beaches that stretch across the coastline, relax at the spas, indulge in some tasty offerings, enjoy the nightlife, or just hang out and take advantage of your time at one of these Airbnb Huntington Beach properties. Whatever you decided to get into it will surely be an adventure.
Huntington Beach Airbnbs on the beach and oceanfrontPet-friendly Huntington Beach AirbnbsHuntington Beach Airbnbs with a poolHuntington Beach Airbnbs near downtownWe hope you love the Airbnb Huntington Beach vacation rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Huntington Beach Airbnbs on the beach and oceanfrontYou’re coming to hit the beach, right? Might as well stay nearby and walk or bike everywhere you need to go.
Sunset Beach Ohana Home
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This Airbnb in Huntington Beach can be the perfect home base for your getaway. The beach home has a spacious living room area and a large kitchen with a dining area for eight. On the second and third floors, there are beautiful views of the beach and 360 views on the rooftop. The home is located on a greenbelt park, so you will have plenty of front yard space to have a picnic or BBQ.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $433 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Enjoy everything that Huntington Beach has to offer by staying at this spacious beach house. This home has many amenities like a large living room, a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor heated shower, a soft tube spa, a ping pong and foosball table, and a private backyard. Relax at home before biking or walking to downtown Huntington Beach. 
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $663 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This newly-renovated beach house is the best for those who plan to spend their Huntington Beach stay actually on the beach. Step out onto the sand and stroll down to the pier — worth a jaunt even if you don’t surf, because both the waves and the action of watching those catching them is so engaging. Sancho’s Taco Shop is within walking distance, home to the best fish tacos in HB. The house comes with bikes, kayaks, and gear so you’re all set for the water.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $425 per night
Traveling to California? Check out Matador’s California accommodations guides:These beautiful San Diego Airbnbs put you close to the beach and downtownThe best 14 Airbnbs near Yosemite National Park11 magical Airbnbs near Redwoods and Sequoia National Parks9 dreamy oceanfront Airbnbs up and down the California coast10 soulful beach Airbnbs for the perfect SoCal yoga retreat12 very zen Joshua Tree Airbnbs perfect for families and groupsPet-friendly Huntington Beach Airbnbs
Traveling with pets can be rewarding, especially if you have a good place to crash that welcomes them. These properties give dogs plenty of space to explore.
Private beach-themed cottage near Main Street and nightlife
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Just steps away from Main Street and more fun activities is this cozy beachy cottage. The home has a spacious open floor plan with a living room, kitchen, and bedroom. The cottage is centrally located, and it’s near the beach, pier restaurants, nightlife, and public transportation.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $298 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Check out this Airbnb Huntington Beach shack for your next vacation. This beach shack has a spacious living room, kitchen, and cozy bedrooms. The home also has a large backyard area with a water feature and a fire pit, and there are four bikes that guests can use. If you want to explore, the home is within walking distance to the park and 1.2 miles from downtown Huntington Beach shops and restaurants.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $391 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This private room is located in a house in a friendly and quiet neighborhood. This space has an oversized living room with a fireplace, a spacious kitchen with a large eating area, and a backyard with a pool, spa, and another fireplace. This home is conveniently located near restaurants, shops, malls, cafes, and the beach.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $98 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Welcome to this stylish Airbnb Huntington Beach vacation rental. If you’re looking to tackle Huntington Beach with your partner, this is just the right place. This home features a bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a full bathroom, and a shared living, kitchen, and backyard space.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $200 per night
Having a pool and the beach nearby is the goal, right? These properties accomplish that goal with an extra dose of style.
Coastal Paradise steps to the beach w/ pool and hot tubPhoto: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Having the beach, a pool, and a hot tub on tap for whenever you want to use them is the ultimate Southern California dream. Live that dream at this coastal escape, complete with a luxurious interior, a party deck, and a covered patio. Bedrooms are nicely trimmed with views out over the neighborhood towards the water. This is the spot to impress — and your guests won’t want to leave.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $2,200 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Steps from the beach and with pool access mean you’re guaranteed a good time at this Airbnb Huntington Beach vacation rental. There’s also a hot tub on site, and you’ll be within walking distance to many of the town’s finest attractions including the pier, downtown, and the acclaimed Longboard Restaurant and Pub. Inside the unit, relax in luxury with a comfortable lounge area, stocked kitchen, and high-heeled bedrooms.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $542 per night
Downtown Huntington Beach offers the area’s best dining, shopping, and clubs. It’s walkable and bikeable, so there’s no need to rent a car. Especially if you book one of these nearby Airbnbs.
Newly renovated beach house with private patio
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Round up your family or friends and head to the sunset beach house. This newly renovated house has an open layout and many forms of entertainment. Relax in the cozy living room, prepare meals for the day on the beach or have a drink on the private patio. The home has bikes, surfboards, a kayak, and board games.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $466 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This family home has everything you need for a getaway. There are 2700 square feet of living space, two balconies that view the pier and beach, three bedrooms, one loft with a bathroom, a family room, a living room, a front patio with gorgeous views, and an outdoor BBQ grill. Not only will you have access to all these amenities, but you’ll also be within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the pier and just a half-hour drive to Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Legoland.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $680 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Indulge in this three-story house for your Huntington Beach trip. With its spacious living room, kitchen, and four bedrooms, there is plenty of room for relaxation. There is a secluded flagstone patio and french doors to welcome you into the home, and if you want to get out for a bit to explore, don’t worry because the house is within walking distance of all Huntington Beach activities.
Seven guests, four bedrooms
Price: $686 per night
These JetBlue Vacation Packages Might Be the Most Affordable Way To Experience Caribbean Luxury
For most, a Caribbean vacation is a serious splurge. The cost of the flights, hotel or resort, activities, food, and transportation stack up quickly, and traveling when the weather is at its worst can be the best bet for scoring discounts. But a slew of deals from JetBlue Vacations are adding options that might be the ticket to a Caribbean vacation for budget-minded travelers.
When they re-launched in 2020, JetBlue Vacations offered hotel and flight packages to just two destinations: Aruba and Punta Cana. They’ve expanded to offer flight and cruise packages, as well as trips to Cancun and Montego Bay. Their packages focus on some modest added perks, but it’s the included discounts that make these some of the best vacation deals currently available for the Caribbean.
Photo: Markus Mainka/Shutterstock
On a recent JetBlue Vacations trip to Aruba, I had the chance to get familiar with the program and all of its perks. Here’s what you can expect if you decide to book a JetBlue vacation package to the Caribbean.
Flights come with perksBooking a JetBlue Vacation doesn’t include first-class amenities, but it does come with some perks that elevate the usual in-flight experience. Early boarding—that’s Group B, to be specific—is a convenience on full flights with limited carry-on storage. After getting settled, it never hurts to kick off vacation a bit early—or sneak in a final indulgence—with the complimentary wine, cocktail, or beer during beverage service.
Considering that JetBlue is also the only US airline to offer free, high-speed in-flight wifi at every seat in its fleet and boasts the widest seats and most legroom of any US airline, this might be one of the most comfortable experiences available in economy. It certainly made my four-and-a-half-hour flight from JFK to Aruba pass by quickly.
The only catch: flight crews and gate attendants don’t seem entirely looped in on which passengers are JBV customers, so while they’ll certainly respect the early boarding and free drinks, they might not offer them upfront. It could be more organized, but I didn’t find it a hardship to mention that complimentary beverage to the flight attendants.
JetBlue plans vacation activitiesAvailable around the clock, JetBlue Vacation’s hotline connects customers with a representative who can answer questions about upcoming reservations, help arrange transportation, and even make reservations for tours and activities. With different perks at each hotel and different discounts at each destination, it’s helpful—refreshing, even—to be able to get clarification from a human. That’s a US-based human who won’t charge extra for making reservations over the phone or put you on hold for half an hour. At least, not in my experience.
Connect with local favorites“Askin a local” for everything from restaurant recommendations to directions is easier said than done while in the planning stage of a trip, scrolling through endless listicles and online reviews—or even on vacation, lounging by the resort pool. JetBlue closes that gap by putting its Vacations customers in touch with an “Insider”: a resident expert who is available around the clock to answer your questions, give recommendations, and even help arrange reservations and transport.
It might not be a selling point for most, but it does provide a slightly more intimate connection with someone on the ground who can help mold an itinerary or give first-hand insight into the destination. On the other hand, for the more independent (or introverted) traveler, it can be a resource in the case of sticky situations.
Transportation is a breeze
Photo: JGA/Shutterstock
Free airport transfers are a major convenience, but free transportation on demand? That can feel like a luxury. From being dropped off at the beach for a kayak tour to being picked up from lunch afterward, having access to a driver brought a level of convenience to my Aruba trip that I would’ve had to rent a car to emulate. While JetBlue vacations don’t include a private driver—the shuttle is shared by any and all JetBlue Vacations customers at a property—we had the van to ourselves each time we needed it.
The catch: airport transfers have to be requested; they’re not automatic. There’s an option to select a transfer at checkout, and then a reminder in the confirmation email that customers can request their transfer via the hotline, as well. Any other transportation can be arranged with the hotel concierge or local insider.
“Very Important Perks”Welcome drinks at the resort, a free massage at the on-site spa, and dining credits are some of the more common perks that the (many) partnering properties offer to JetBlue Vacations customers. In fact, these perks are listed right along with the price per night. With multiple perks per property, it’s a lot of information to sort through, but it does make it easy to pick a property that’s going to make the budget stretch—and maybe check a few extra boxes. At the Marriott Aruba, where I stayed for three nights, JetBlue guests receive a $150 credit for any of the on-site bars and restaurants. Considering that I had dinner, drinks, and a couple of breakfasts at the property—all reasonably priced—that’s effectively a $150 discount. Other perks at partner properties include free spa treatments or spa credit, a private dinner for two, and guaranteed late check-out.
Discounts at popular attractionsFor travelers looking to experience a destination beyond the beach, JetBlue has partnered with local companies to offer discounts on day trips, tours, and entrance fees. In Aruba, that includes a jeep tour of Arikok National Park, a favorite of residents and visitors alike and the highlight of my time on the island.
Photo: Jason Busa/Shutterstock
JetBlue sends a considerable list of discounts and coupons to customers once flights are purchased—another perk to keep an eye out for. I spoke with more than one JetBlue Vacations customer who booked all of their activities at home before they realized they had discount codes, at which point it was too late to get the reduced price. Again, this is where the JetBlue helpline can come in handy; they can help customers choose discounted activities and make reservations in advance.
Built-in trip insuranceWith airlines struggling to keep up with the surge in flight demand and flight cancellations on the rise, booking any vacation comes with the increased worry that a delayed flight will cut short a trip. For those flying to catch a cruise, the stakes are that much higher. Basic insurance like the Chase Sapphire travel insurance can reimburse customers for prepaid activities or rentals that were missed due to certain types of flight delays. The downside: a lengthy reimbursement process that does nothing to help travelers actually make it to their destination.
This is an area where JetBlue Vacations raises the bar. For customers who buy a flight and cruise combo, JetBlue guarantees that they’ll get you to your departure port on time or, failing that, to the following day’s port. Would you rather just reschedule the same cruise for different dates? They’ll do that too, and tack on an additional 50% off the next package. It’s a perk no one wants to have to use, but it could salvage a vacation if things go belly up.
Best price guaranteeJetBlue Vacations offers a Best Price Guarantee on their flight and hotel packages, giving customers 48 hours after booking to reach out if the same package is available elsewhere for a lower price. That guarantee extends to all trips originating in the US (including Puerto Rico), and the lower-priced package must be from an “approved U.S. competitor website.” Check those boxes, and JetBlue is on the hook for issuing a credit to match the lower price.
The 7 Best Old-School Italian Restaurants in New York City
While there’s no denying the nostalgia trip of dinner along Arthur Avenue or Mulberry Street, followed by pastry shopping and a sidewalk cup of espresso, many of New York City’s best Italian restaurants are located outside of Little Italy. Neighborhoods like Corona, Williamsburg, and South Ozone Park may have changed drastically since the days of $1.50 subway fare, but there are still dozens of old-school New York City Italian restaurants where the atmosphere is almost identical to what it was when the restaurants first opened – some as far back as the mid-1900s.
Many old-school New York City Italian restaurants in former Italian-American enclaves have become destination restaurants for people who left the old neighborhood (and the old country) decades ago, as well as for a new generation of people eager to explore cities like New York far from the touristy areas – especially those who enjoy dishes with ingredients and recipes that are generations old, and inspired by their original Italian roots.
Here are seven old-school New York City Italian restaurants that prove you can find some of the best seafood, pasta, and veal dishes in New York City.
New York City Italian restaurants everyone should knowBamonte’s
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Brooklyn’s oldest Italian restaurant feels a world away from the trendy Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods that surround it. New York City banned smoking in restaurants back in 2003, but this restaurant has yet to remove the cigarette machine that stands defiantly between the bar and main entrance. Like the two pay phones you’ll pass on your way to the dining room, the cigarette machine no longer works. Yet it reminds people of what NYC dining was like when subway fare was still under a dollar. The main dining room has remained pretty much unchanged since the 1950s.
Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find vintage Brooklyn Dodgers memorabilia adorning the red walls. To put things into perspective, Bamonte’s has been in business for five decades longer than their borough had a baseball team.
By the time you reach the dining room, the smell of red sauce will engulf your senses to the point where you’ll be willing to sit at the bar if there are no more tables available in the dining room. You can’t go wrong with either the seafood fra diavolo or the pork chop parmigiana. The homemade ravioli is another popular red sauce dish.
Thanks to the COVID-inspired additional outdoor seating, few hopeful diners are turned away nowadays. As the sign to the right of the dining room entrance indicates, proper attire is expected. However, the outdoor dining area is more casual.
Reservations are highly recommended. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged.
Where: 32 Withers St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Basilio Inn
Photo: Brian Cicioni
An old-school NYC Italian restaurant like Basilio Inn could only be possible on Staten Island. Located at the end of a short residential street, the former white carriage house predates the this borough’s oldest restaurant by at least 48 years. Were it not for the faded basil-colored letters announcing Basilio Inn; you’d likely think that you turned down the wrong street. The main indoor dining room is understated, with only two large portraits of the old country and a miniature painting of the restaurant’s exterior hanging from the walls. The latter was donated by a loyal patron.
If you want to feel like you’re going to your grandparents’ house for Sunday dinner, ask for a table outside. There’s a back patio as well as deck seating, which overlooks the main garden. That’s where the majority of their fresh ingredients are grown.
Pasta dishes make up one-third of Basilio’s menu. And the majority of the pasta is made in-house. While the pappardelle with veal ragu and shrimp risotto are both mainstays, you’ll usually be offered as many as ten different specials. The stuffed zucchini blossoms are a popular seasonal item, as is the fettuccine with broccoli rabe. And if you’re on the fence about the Long Island duck breast in a fig sauce, take a look at the fig tree adjacent to the bocce court in the vegetable garden.
While reservations are not required, they are highly recommended. Basilio closes from the first Sunday in January to March 1.
Where: 6 Galesville Ct, Staten Island, NY 10305
Don Peppe
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Located in South Ozone Park, just a half-mile from the JFK long-term parking lot, Don Peppe is one of those classic, cash-only, Italian restaurants that remains the same despite changes in the neighborhood. The last remaining fine dining Italian restaurant in Ozone Park is nearly always full, despite being far from touristy Manhattan and the hipster parts of Brooklyn.
There are no paper menus. Instead, the menu is written in chalk on the large blackboard above the tables adjacent to the kitchen entrance. If it’s your first time, try anything with clams. The restaurant’s black souvenir t-shirts boast “famous for baked clams,” but the linguine with white clam sauce is just as popular. The latter comes with a pound of linguine soaked in their soup-like sauce and topped with chopped clams and whole roasted garlic cloves, the smell of which permeates the air like saltwater at a beachside clam shack.
As all dishes are meant for sharing, your server (who has likely been at Don Peppe for at least a decade) will scoop a normal dinner-sized portion onto your plate before topping it with a spoonful or two of sauce. This is how they serve everything on the menu.
After the clams, veal dishes are the most popular. In this case, your server will cut you off a large piece of veal with a spoon as if to let you know that you’re eating the most tender veal in New York. Their namesake breaded veal dish comes fried and topped with chopped tomatoes and red onions. While the Veal Don Peppe may be a bit more popular than the veal parmesan, the latter is topped with the perfect amount of red sauce.
The restaurant does not take reservations. Nor will it seat your party until everyone has arrived.
Where: 135-58 Lefferts Blvd, South Ozone Park, NY 11420
F & J Pine
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Named after founders Frankie and Johnny, F & J Pine proves that not all of the best Italian restaurants in The Bronx are located along Arthur Avenue or 187th Street. What started in 1969 as a humble bar with a single dining room now takes up an entire triangle-shaped city block on the edge of Morris Park. It’s impossible to miss the red and black awning that hangs above the main entrance and valet stand along Bronxdale Avenue.
Pay special attention to the words’ family-style.’ The Yankee Stadium-sized portions are meant for sharing. Regulars are quick to suggest the zuppa di pesce, which is served in a 21×12″ bowl stacked nearly four inches high with eight different types of seafood served over a pound of linguine. Ordering this for one person will get you some curious stares. Finishing it will earn you respect among the regulars who still dine here. If you like spice, order the fra diavolo version. You can also get it with blanco or marinara sauce.
The chicken and veal parmesan are popular as well. For dessert, try the Oreo zeppole or the Nutella s’mores pizzetta. The zeppole come stuffed with the pastry chef’s version of oreo cream as well as some chocolate cookie crumbs. A scoop of vanilla ice cream comes on the side. The pizzetta is prepared in their pizza oven, from which they also prepare eight different wood-fired pies.
Reservations are highly recommended. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged.
Where: 1913 Bronxdale Ave, The Bronx, NY 10462
Gargiulo’s
Photo: Brian Cicioni
The second-oldest Italian restaurant in Brooklyn is located close enough to the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk that you can smell the saltwater as you approach from West 15th Street. When you enter Gargiulo’s, you’ll see a lobster tank on the left, the bar on the right, and the 110-capacity dining room straight ahead.
The Russo family has owned Gargiulo’s since 1965. And while the restaurant is surrounded by the same cookie-cutter chain restaurants that you’ll find in most Atlantic beach towns, it remains one of two indoor destination restaurants in Coney Island. While the other (Totonno’s) is an informal yet legendary New York pizzeria, Gargiulo’s remains a traditional upscale dining experience. The impossible-to-miss sign on the door lists eight articles of clothing not permitted. By the time you’re seated, you can easily forget that most people exiting the adjacent subway station are coming to eat boardwalk food and soak up the sun.
As one may expect, given the proximity to the ocean, seafood dishes are the most popular. The fish salad, zuppa di pesce, and linguine with white clam sauce are ideal for beginners. The regulars (who make up the majority of patrons) are likely to recommend these old-school New York Italian restaurant staples as well. For something without shellfish, try their namesake pasta dish. As with many of their pasta dishes, you’ll have the option to order half or full portions. The specials change every other week.
Reservations are recommended but not required. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged. If you’re more of a Jersey person, try their new location 50 miles south in Tinton Falls.
Where: 2911 W 15th St, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Lenny’s Clam BarPhoto: Brian Cicioni
The mile-long stretch of Cross Bay Boulevard west of the Shellbank Basin is lined with pizzerias as well as upscale Italian restaurants like Vetro, Bruno, Matteo’s, and Lenny’s Clam Bar. While you’re unlikely to have a bad meal at any of the aforementioned, Lenny’s has been there the longest.
Those hundreds of autographed pictures that line the walls here remind diners that professional athletes and entertainers don’t just eat in Manhattan. Lenny’s Clam Bar has also been a popular dining spot for professional wrestlers from Hulk Hogan to Jerry Lawler since the 1980s. And anyone who’s into local history should appreciate the small original 1974 menu on display.
The blue and white awning that covers the walkway to the main entrance resembles that of an Italian ice shop. But it’s the seafood that keeps people coming back. On the menu, you’ll see the seafood salad and baked clams referred to as the house specialties. The linguine with white clam sauce deserves that distinction as well. And so do the scungilli and fried calamari. While you can order either with marinara sauce, the sweet, medium, or hot sauces are the way to go.
You can get a free glass of wine by asking for Joe.
Where: 161-03 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414
Michael’s
Photo: Brian Cicioni
Located on the border between Marine Park and Sheepshead Bay, Michael’s is the definition of a neighborhood institution. Everything else near the intersection of Nostrand and Avenue R fades into the background compared to the stone facade building that dates back more than a half-century.
Michael’s started as a pizzeria in 1964. The fine dining establishment you’ll see today came a decade later. Puglia native and founder Michael Cacace’s grandson (also named Michael) is currently running the impressive operation, which includes the restaurant as well as the tomato sauce distribution center, which supplies more than 20,000 grocery stores.
While the menus may seem overwhelming at first, the staff are able to break it down with laser-sharp focus without pushing you too hard in one direction or the other. For a meat dish, try the roughly 10×5″ veal chop parmigiana, which is served on the bone. In addition to making the desserts and pasta in-house, the kitchen staff at Michael’s also do their own butchering.
The burnt rigatoni is their must-try pasta dish. As soon as it gets within six feet of your table, you’ll be able to smell the blackened mozzarella cheese which is baked into the rigatoni, which sits over a layer of vodka sauce. And then there are the items that are not on either menu that the mostly regular crowd knows to ask for. The mildly spicy hot calamari with long green hot peppers is one example. For a smaller appetizer, try the zucchini blossoms stuffed with fresh mozzarella and red peppers.
Reservations are highly recommended. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged. And don’t leave Marine Park without checking out Michael’s Pastry Shop, which is located across Nostrand Avenue. Try the cassata.
Where: 2929 Avenue R, Brooklyn, NY 11229
7 Outstanding Italian Restaurants in New York City
While there’s no denying the nostalgia trip of dinner along Arthur Avenue or Mulberry Street, followed by pastry shopping and a sidewalk cup of espresso, many of New York City’s best Italian restaurants are located outside of Little Italy. Neighborhoods like Corona, Williamsburg, and South Ozone Park may have changed drastically since the days of $1.50 subway fare, but there are still dozens of old-school New York City Italian restaurants where the atmosphere is almost identical to what it was when the restaurants first opened – some as far back as the mid-1900s.
Many old-school New York City Italian restaurants in former Italian-American enclaves have become destination restaurants for people who left the old neighborhood (and the old country) decades ago, as well as for a new generation of people eager to explore cities like New York far from the touristy areas – especially those who enjoy dishes with ingredients and recipes that are generations old, and inspired by their original Italian roots.
Here are seven old-school New York City Italian restaurants that prove you can find some of the best seafood, pasta, and veal dishes in New York City.
New York City Italian restaurants everyone should knowBamonte’sPhoto: Brian Cicioni
Brooklyn’s oldest Italian restaurant feels a world away from the trendy Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods that surround it. New York City banned smoking in restaurants back in 2003, but this restaurant has yet to remove the cigarette machine that stands defiantly between the bar and main entrance. Like the two pay phones you’ll pass on your way to the dining room, the cigarette machine no longer works. Yet it reminds people of what NYC dining was like when subway fare was still under a dollar. The main dining room has remained pretty much unchanged since the 1950s.
Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find vintage Brooklyn Dodgers memorabilia adorning the red walls. To put things into perspective, Bamonte’s has been in business for five decades longer than their borough had a baseball team.
By the time you reach the dining room, the smell of red sauce will engulf your senses to the point where you’ll be willing to sit at the bar if there are no more tables available in the dining room. You can’t go wrong with either the seafood fra diavolo or the pork chop parmigiana. The homemade ravioli is another popular red sauce dish.
Thanks to the COVID-inspired additional outdoor seating, few hopeful diners are turned away nowadays. As the sign to the right of the dining room entrance indicates, proper attire is expected. However, the outdoor dining area is more casual.
Reservations are highly recommended. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged.
Where: 32 Withers St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Basilio InnPhoto: Brian Cicioni
An old-school NYC Italian restaurant like Basilio Inn could only be possible on Staten Island. Located at the end of a short residential street, the former white carriage house predates the this borough’s oldest restaurant by at least 48 years. Were it not for the faded basil-colored letters announcing Basilio Inn; you’d likely think that you turned down the wrong street. The main indoor dining room is understated, with only two large portraits of the old country and a miniature painting of the restaurant’s exterior hanging from the walls. The latter was donated by a loyal patron.
If you want to feel like you’re going to your grandparents’ house for Sunday dinner, ask for a table outside. There’s a back patio as well as deck seating, which overlooks the main garden. That’s where the majority of their fresh ingredients are grown.
Pasta dishes make up one-third of Basilio’s menu. And the majority of the pasta is made in-house. While the pappardelle with veal ragu and shrimp risotto are both mainstays, you’ll usually be offered as many as ten different specials. The stuffed zucchini blossoms are a popular seasonal item, as is the fettuccine with broccoli rabe. And if you’re on the fence about the Long Island duck breast in a fig sauce, take a look at the fig tree adjacent to the bocce court in the vegetable garden.
While reservations are not required, they are highly recommended. Basilio closes from the first Sunday in January to March 1.
Where: 6 Galesville Ct, Staten Island, NY 10305
Don PeppePhoto: Brian Cicioni
Located in South Ozone Park, just a half-mile from the JFK long-term parking lot, Don Peppe is one of those classic, cash-only, Italian restaurants that remains the same despite changes in the neighborhood. The last remaining fine dining Italian restaurant in Ozone Park is nearly always full, despite being far from touristy Manhattan and the hipster parts of Brooklyn.
There are no paper menus. Instead, the menu is written in chalk on the large blackboard above the tables adjacent to the kitchen entrance. If it’s your first time, try anything with clams. The restaurant’s black souvenir t-shirts boast “famous for baked clams,” but the linguine with white clam sauce is just as popular. The latter comes with a pound of linguine soaked in their soup-like sauce and topped with chopped clams and whole roasted garlic cloves, the smell of which permeates the air like saltwater at a beachside clam shack.
As all dishes are meant for sharing, your server (who has likely been at Don Peppe for at least a decade) will scoop a normal dinner-sized portion onto your plate before topping it with a spoonful or two of sauce. This is how they serve everything on the menu.
After the clams, veal dishes are the most popular. In this case, your server will cut you off a large piece of veal with a spoon as if to let you know that you’re eating the most tender veal in New York. Their namesake breaded veal dish comes fried and topped with chopped tomatoes and red onions. While the Veal Don Peppe may be a bit more popular than the veal parmesan, the latter is topped with the perfect amount of red sauce.
The restaurant does not take reservations. Nor will it seat your party until everyone has arrived.
Where: 135-58 Lefferts Blvd, South Ozone Park, NY 11420
F & J PinePhoto: Brian Cicioni
Named after founders Frankie and Johnny, F & J Pine proves that not all of the best Italian restaurants in The Bronx are located along Arthur Avenue or 187th Street. What started in 1969 as a humble bar with a single dining room now takes up an entire triangle-shaped city block on the edge of Morris Park. It’s impossible to miss the red and black awning that hangs above the main entrance and valet stand along Bronxdale Avenue.
Pay special attention to the words’ family-style.’ The Yankee Stadium-sized portions are meant for sharing. Regulars are quick to suggest the zuppa di pesce, which is served in a 21×12″ bowl stacked nearly four inches high with eight different types of seafood served over a pound of linguine. Ordering this for one person will get you some curious stares. Finishing it will earn you respect among the regulars who still dine here. If you like spice, order the fra diavolo version. You can also get it with blanco or marinara sauce.
The chicken and veal parmesan are popular as well. For dessert, try the Oreo zeppole or the Nutella s’mores pizzetta. The zeppole come stuffed with the pastry chef’s version of oreo cream as well as some chocolate cookie crumbs. A scoop of vanilla ice cream comes on the side. The pizzetta is prepared in their pizza oven, from which they also prepare eight different wood-fired pies.
Reservations are highly recommended. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged.
Where: 1913 Bronxdale Ave, The Bronx, NY 10462
Gargiulo’sPhoto: Brian Cicioni
The second-oldest Italian restaurant in Brooklyn is located close enough to the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk that you can smell the saltwater as you approach from West 15th Street. When you enter Gargiulo’s, you’ll see a lobster tank on the left, the bar on the right, and the 110-capacity dining room straight ahead.
The Russo family has owned Gargiulo’s since 1965. And while the restaurant is surrounded by the same cookie-cutter chain restaurants that you’ll find in most Atlantic beach towns, it remains one of two indoor destination restaurants in Coney Island. While the other (Totonno’s) is an informal yet legendary New York pizzeria, Gargiulo’s remains a traditional upscale dining experience. The impossible-to-miss sign on the door lists eight articles of clothing not permitted. By the time you’re seated, you can easily forget that most people exiting the adjacent subway station are coming to eat boardwalk food and soak up the sun.
As one may expect, given the proximity to the ocean, seafood dishes are the most popular. The fish salad, zuppa di pesce, and linguine with white clam sauce are ideal for beginners. The regulars (who make up the majority of patrons) are likely to recommend these old-school New York Italian restaurant staples as well. For something without shellfish, try their namesake pasta dish. As with many of their pasta dishes, you’ll have the option to order half or full portions. The specials change every other week.
Reservations are recommended but not required. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged. If you’re more of a Jersey person, try their new location 50 miles south in Tinton Falls.
Where: 2911 W 15th St, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Lenny’s Clam BarPhoto: Brian Cicioni
The mile-long stretch of Cross Bay Boulevard west of the Shellbank Basin is lined with pizzerias as well as upscale Italian restaurants like Vetro, Bruno, Matteo’s, and Lenny’s Clam Bar. While you’re unlikely to have a bad meal at any of the aforementioned, Lenny’s has been there the longest.
Those hundreds of autographed pictures that line the walls here remind diners that professional athletes and entertainers don’t just eat in Manhattan. Lenny’s Clam Bar has also been a popular dining spot for professional wrestlers from Hulk Hogan to Jerry Lawler since the 1980s. And anyone who’s into local history should appreciate the small original 1974 menu on display.
The blue and white awning that covers the walkway to the main entrance resembles that of an Italian ice shop. But it’s the seafood that keeps people coming back. On the menu, you’ll see the seafood salad and baked clams referred to as the house specialties. The linguine with white clam sauce deserves that distinction as well. And so do the scungilli and fried calamari. While you can order either with marinara sauce, the sweet, medium, or hot sauces are the way to go.
You can get a free glass of wine by asking for Joe.
Where: 161-03 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414
Michael’sPhoto: Brian Cicioni
Located on the border between Marine Park and Sheepshead Bay, Michael’s is the definition of a neighborhood institution. Everything else near the intersection of Nostrand and Avenue R fades into the background compared to the stone facade building that dates back more than a half-century.
Michael’s started as a pizzeria in 1964. The fine dining establishment you’ll see today came a decade later. Puglia native and founder Michael Cacace’s grandson (also named Michael) is currently running the impressive operation, which includes the restaurant as well as the tomato sauce distribution center, which supplies more than 20,000 grocery stores.
While the menus may seem overwhelming at first, the staff are able to break it down with laser-sharp focus without pushing you too hard in one direction or the other. For a meat dish, try the roughly 10×5″ veal chop parmigiana, which is served on the bone. In addition to making the desserts and pasta in-house, the kitchen staff at Michael’s also do their own butchering.
The burnt rigatoni is their must-try pasta dish. As soon as it gets within six feet of your table, you’ll be able to smell the blackened mozzarella cheese which is baked into the rigatoni, which sits over a layer of vodka sauce. And then there are the items that are not on either menu that the mostly regular crowd knows to ask for. The mildly spicy hot calamari with long green hot peppers is one example. For a smaller appetizer, try the zucchini blossoms stuffed with fresh mozzarella and red peppers.
Reservations are highly recommended. Valet parking is complimentary, but tips are encouraged. And don’t leave Marine Park without checking out Michael’s Pastry Shop, which is located across Nostrand Avenue. Try the cassata.
Where: 2929 Avenue R, Brooklyn, NY 11229
The Preidlhof Wellness Resort Is the Epitome of Luxury in Italy’s Tyrol Region
I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that, this year, all I’d like to do for vacation is slop on the beach and page through a crime novel with a bottle of rosé. Instead, I spent five days at one of Europe’s top wellness resorts and hit reset.
Preidlhof is a luxury five-star hotel set in the Vinschgau Valley of the South Tyrol region of Italy. Perched on the mountainside of Naturns, a picturesque Alpine village, the resort offers some of the best wellness vacation packages in Europe.
Wellness packages at Preidlhof
Photo: Preidlhof. Relaxation room in the spa.
The multi-award-winning hotel offers an enormous range of expert-led wellbeing packages, from weight loss, to sleep programs, to romantic vacations and tailor-made schedules.
Here, the holistic approach to healing means not only can you design a structured wellness journey based on your physical and mental health, but you can opt-in for workshops, classes, and therapies. Or you can simply do nothing and drink Aperol spritzes by one of the six pools — there is zero judgment.
The layout of Preidlhof resortMy suite was located in the modern building and had a sprawling, open-plan layout. The toilet is enclosed, but the colossal bathroom with sensory lighting, a huge king-sized bed dressed in lavender-scented pillows and plush throws, and a lounge area are all open to a balcony with views over the village and green hillsides. On the balcony, I found a double-size daybed, which I slept on during most of my stay. Morning Alpine bird song and the sound of church bells were the rewards for this decision.
The family-run resort began with one structure. Today, it offers more traditional suites and homes at the spa complex. When scanning the property from one of the top-floor infinity pools, you can easily see how this sprawling complex has developed over the years.
Photo: Preidlhof. Lap infinity pool. The sports pool has a lap timer and is slightly colder than the other five pools.
Photo: Preidlhof
Photo: Preidlhof. 50s inspired swimming pool.
Photo: Preidlhof
The buildings, restaurant, suites, spa, saunas, and pools are connected by a labyrinth of gently lit corridors. Doors open automatically when you approach and the smell of honey, lavender, and olive oil dances in the air as you saunter through the maze. Nature plays a central role in every element of your experience here and although the layout may sound complex, there’s an element of the calm Italian countryside that filters throughout the interior.
Photo: Preidlhof. Meditation room and yoga studio.
Mediterranean-style gardens with olive, lemon, and kumquat trees, vineyards, and apple orchards hug the outskirts and welcomingly intertwine with the layout of the property.
Photo: Katie Scott Aiton. Relaxation room with day beds. Each day bed has headphones which you can choose from a selection of calming sounds and music.
Water plays a central role, and Preidlhof has six pools, both indoor and out. Set at varying temperatures, there are two infinity pools, an outdoor pool with an inside-outside tunnel, a nude pool, and a 50s-inspired pool that glows various bright colors and is located underground in a huge, fabulously lit, cave-like cavern.
There’s also a six-floor sauna tower.
Photo: Preidlhof. The sauna tower.
This monstrous structure is monstrous in size only. It smells like bees and vineyards and is instantly relaxing. It houses 16 types of saunas that blend a combination of essential oils and heat to make each room a unique experience.
Photo: Katie Scott Aiton. Salt room in the sauna tower.
The element of water is carried throughout the tower as well. Here, you’ll find cold plunge pools and ice-water bucket showers. The knowledgeable staff stand by to explain the health benefits of switching between hot and cold treatments.
Photo: Preidlhof
Photo: Preidlhof
There are also many relaxation spaces with silence rooms; outdoor balconies with cabanas and hammocks; and snack stations with fresh fruit, local herbal teas, and cheeses.
Within the sauna tower, you’ll also find the Deep Sea Relaxation Room. This multi-sensory room was one of the highlights of my stay. Combining what I can only describe as an LED-light show with emotive sounds, the 15-minute treatment brought me to tears — which was perhaps exactly what I needed.
Wellness packages and treatments at PreidlhofMy intention for visiting Preidlhof was to relax my shoulders and take a deep breath. My program was custom-made to fit my personal needs. On the first day, I joined local practitioner Irmgard, a forest bathing expert with a vast knowledge of local herbs.
Photo: Katie Scott Aiton. Healer with burning local herbs during out forest bath.
We walked through the charming streets of Naturns and into the hillside forest, where we hiked in silence to a clearing in the trees. There, Irmgard took me through a healing session by burning a concoction of local herbs and cleansing my aura.
Content and at peace, I returned to the spa to start my in-house treatments.
The spa itself is immense. Hundreds of candles don passageways between rooms and Buddhist statues nicely juxtapose the Italian countryside. From a duluxe foot bath, full-body scrub, sensory light massage, Shiatsu, and a sound bath, then an ancient healing session followed by Dao Yin yoga, I got exactly what I traveled to Italy for.
What I experienced, however, is only a smidge of that Preidlhof offers. I met guests who come annually to take two weeks out of daily life and “get back on track,” others who had suffered serious trauma and required emotional healing, and others still who chose to elicit the help of dietitians to aid in their personal journey.
Food and drink at PreidlhofPreidlhof’s menu relies heavily on seasonal, local produce.
Photo: Katie Scott Aiton. Breakfast buffet.
Photo: Katie Scott Aiton. Breakfast buffet.
Breakfast is an extravagant buffet. Fresh jugs of green juice, smoothies, and an array of milk options (including local dairy) fill the buffet table with an enormous range of cereals, nuts, dried and fresh fruit, cured meat, regional cheese, and smoked fish. A bakery sits in the corner of the restaurant stacked with every type of bread and pastry you can dream of. And if you’d prefer a cooked breakfast, there’s a chef who flips omelets and serves lashings of crisp bacon and Italian sausages.
Lunch is a more causal affair. Although I had a private table in the VIP section of the restaurant, I chose to take lunch on the communal balcony, and I did so in my robe — Preidlhof welcomes you to dine in comfort.
Photo: Preidlhof
Photo: Katie Scott Aiton. Champagne risotto with tuna carpaccio.
Photo: Preidlhof
At dinner, the South Tyrolean bread soup was seasoned to perfection, and the sous vide organic beef neck with herb sponge cake, sweet and sour blackberries, and pioppini mushrooms was unforgettable. And the Ricotta dumpling with poppy seeds and pear, paired with a local grappa chardonnay, is worth walking to Naturns for.
I opted for the “no holds barred” dining at Preidlhof, and that’s what I love most about this resort: the options.
If you’d like to make your journey through the extensive regional wine list, you can. If you’d rather enjoy the tea list (which rivals the wine list) and partake in the vegan menu, you can. It’s your experience.
Getting to Preidlhof resort
Photo: Preidlhof
The journey through the Tyrol region to Naturns might seem complex, but that’s part of the appeal of Preidlhof.
The nearest airports to Naturns are Venice and Millan. From there, it’s a three-hour drive through the mountains or a train ride that takes closer to five hours. What makes this journey feel somewhat spiritual are the magnificent view of the Sound of Music countryside and the payoff you receive when you finally arrive at Preidlhof.
These Denver Airport Bathrooms Have Massive Windows Pilots and Passengers Can See Into
If you decide to travel through Denver International Airport (DIA), be careful where you change. DIA recently installed some new windows in the bathrooms that give airport-goers a fantastic view of the planes as they taxi and take off, but the pilots and passengers on those planes also have a view of you.
Morgan, a First Officer and Boeing 737 pilot who uses the TikTok handle @almostcaptainmorgan, posted a video about how cool she thought the new windows in the bathrooms along Concourse C were, except for the fact that the construction crews should probably have made the windows with two-way glass.
@almostcaptainmorgan 100% thought this was the coolest thing ever until I got to the plane#denver #airport #airlinepilot #traveltiktok ♬ original sound – Morgan
Since the video was posted on June 27, the video has garnered 2.1 million views. Many others, especially women, were concerned about their privacy, since sometimes a layover might leave little time to change.
“I JUST DID A QUICK CHANGE AT THE SINK AREA A FEW DAYS AGO,” influencer Elyse Myers wrote.
Brooke Daniels had noticed the design flaw on her last visit to the airport, and commented, “Girl yes! I was just standing there gazing at the planes leaving and one pilot waved I almost shit my pants.”
According to The Denver Post, The restrooms opened in May as part of the addition of 16 new gates. The Denver airport has been under construction since 2018, and recently, the airport approved the Great Hall Project, which will be completed over the next six years, according to KUSA 9 News. The latest project will involve building a new ticketing and check-in space, security checkpoint, and a full build-out of the Jeppesen Terminal.
Mindy Crane, a spokesperson for Denver International Airport, said the new bathrooms retain people’s privacy because people are only visible from the sinks when they wash their hands. The windows were installed to provide better lighting, noting that older bathrooms in the airport are darker, feel less open, and definitely don’t have the same incredible view.
Myrtle Beach Is a Cultural Powerhouse. These Experiences Prove It.
Myrtle Beach may be best known as the home of The Beach, but as a travel destination it offers much more than miles of pristine sand. Visitors looking to be enriched by nature, history, art, culture, and fresh cuisine will find vacations’ worth of opportunities here: Wander through sculpture-laden gardens. Spend the day recharging at the spa. Take in all the pastel colors of the evening sky on a sunset cruise.
Myrtle Beach has everything you need to indulge all of your senses and leave you feeling inspired. Here’s a rundown of some of its top cultural attractions to add to your itinerary.
PAMPERING YOURSELF
Photo: Rido/Shutterstock
Whether you’re after a massage, a treatment to sweat out those drinks from last night, or just a mani pedi, you’re in literal good hands at these sanctuaries.
Hibiscus SpaA world-class beachfront spa located in the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes, Hibiscus Spa is a feast for the senses. Its elegant and modern interior sets your mind at ease, while therapists get to work on relieving your mind, body, and spirit of all tension. Treatments range from full-body scrubs to deep-tissue massages and facials and include access to the hotel’s sauna, steam room, whirlpool, and more. You can truly relax away an entire day here.
Cinzia SpaAt Cinzia Spa, guests are offered an intriguing selection of treatments hard to find elsewhere. Enjoy the spa’s signature wellness circuit, which includes a trip into a Himalayan salt cave, a cryotherapy chamber, and an infrared sauna. Or, allow the massage therapists to work their magic on your tired limbs with CBD-infused oils and ointments. When you’re done, take a stroll through the Spa Garden Sanctuary to let it all soak in.
FINE DINING
Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach
Take your time at these restaurants, savoring the unique flavors put together by inspired chefs for an indulgent evening.
Aspen GrilleAspen Grille serves upscale, local fare with a Southern flair. With Myrtle Beach right on the water, you’d be remiss to not order some of the fresh seafood. Go for a surf and turf experience with the Carolina shrimp cocktail to start and the USDA Prime filet mignon as your entree.
Sea Captain’s HouseSet within a charming 1930s beach cottage, Sea Captain’s House lives up to its name by offering a mixture of fresh seafood and Southern favorites — all with an unparalleled oceanfront view. Unwind with a bourbon mule as you cut into pecan-encrusted snapper or sea scallops.
Heirloom BistroThe Grand Strand’s Heirloom Bistro delights diners with a three-tiered prix fixe menu anchored by seasonal farm-to-table ingredients. Expect a variety of innovative small plates — like watermelon and prosciutto carpaccio — alongside seafood dishes, beef, and lamb. The only way you can go wrong? Not leaving room for the peanut butter crème brûlée.
ART & RETAIL THERAPY
Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach
Being on vacation is one of those few circumstances when it feels 100% acceptable to go the extra mile and treat yourself. To browse works of art, wine, decorative items, or other one-of-a-kind Myrtle Beach souvenirs, stop by any of the following locales.
Seacoast Artists GalleryThe exclusive Seacoast Artists Gallery features original works created by more than 70 local artists. Mediums on display include pottery, photography, fiber art, and painting.
Myrtle Beach’s art museumFind some serious artistic inspiration at this destination for the fine arts. The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum houses four distinct collections, including antique maps and historical prints, but also holds exhibits showcasing renowned artists. Admission is free so making a stop is a no-brainer.
Total Wine & MoreIf you’re ready to lift a glass to your Myrtle Beach vacation memories, make Total Wine & More your first stop. With a huge selection of wines from around the world, local beers, and top-notch spirits, you can find exactly what you need for your occasion.
Savannah Bee CompanyFor a unique Myrtle Beach gift, Savannah Bee Company sells all things made of honey. Take your pick from candles, mead, luxurious creams, and other sweet items derived from the magic of nature’s favorite pollinator.
EXTRA-MILE EXPERIENCES
Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach
Cruises, fire shows, and beautiful botanical gardens are all on offer to add an extra touch of something special to your Myrtle Beach vacation.
Dinner cruiseNothing says “I’m living the life” quite like relaxing aboard an evening cruise with a candlelit dinner awaiting you. The Barefoot Queen dinner cruise takes passengers on a gorgeous sunset ride along the Intracoastal Waterway. Dinner is served while guests enjoy entertainment, narration, and, of course, beautiful views.
GolfingMyrtle Beach famously hosts some of the nation’s finest golf courses — The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, for instance, often holds a spot on the list of top 100 golf courses in America. Stop by for 18 holes while enjoying oceanfront views, as well as access to a state-of-the-art tennis court, private pool, and upscale dining.
Polynesian FireIf your vacation needs a spark of excitement, the Fire Luau Show at St. John’s Inn should do the trick. A family from the American Samoa island of Tutuila runs the show, aptly named Polynesian Fire. Against a Pacific island backdrop, dancers and other performers capture the audience’s attention all evening.
Waccamaw River Nature & Wildlife TourIf you’re all beached out but still want to connect with nature, book a wildlife trip with Waccamaw River Tours. Let go of all your cares as you cruise down the cypress-lined river, keeping an eye out for a variety of birds as well as other local flora and fauna along the way.
Brookgreen GardensLocated just south of Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens offers visitors a chance to get lost in both art and nature. The gardens encompass 9,127 acres, so you can spend hours exploring pathways lined with 250-year-old oak trees, butterfly gardens, and plenty of roses. While you’re here, be sure to check out the largest collection of American figurative sculptures in the nation, clocking in at 2,000 works.
While it’s tempting to spend your entire time in Myrtle Beach lying on the sand and frolicking in the water, those who wander into other interesting corners of the destination will be rewarded with culture, luxury, and beauty. Are you ready to explore?
July 7, 2022
This Southwest Airlines Passenger Has a Hilarious Way To Keep the Seats Next To Him Open
Between flight delays, cancellations, high prices, and over-sold planes, flying has been rough for a lot of people in 2022. If you’re flying Southwest and get to choose your own seat, a row to yourself is one small win. And one guy has a an interesting (read: awkward) way to make that happen.
@mikewdavisHow to keep seats open next to you on a flight
Perhaps the people passing just needed more than two seats, or maybe they’d rather take their chances for their own row. But then again, maybe it’s the seat patting that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. In any case, the combination of lightly tapping a seat and, crucially, eye contact is enough to make some turn away entirely.
There’s are a couple of things to keep in mind if you want to give this a go. The first is that you should always check in early to your Southwest flight to ensure you board early enough to get a row in the first place. Second, come to peace with the fact that someone may actually be encouraged by your gentle patting and eye contact, and that’s just something you’ll have to live with. Lastly, if it’s a sold out flight, you’ll just end up sitting next to the last minute boarders if everyone else takes a hard pass.
Feel too awkward to try this out? Hopefully you don’t mind some row companions or you’re loaded enough to charter a whole commercial plane.
The 5 Best Beaches Near Houston
Did you know that Houston is the only large city in America that has recorded more than 100 days a year of temperatures over 100 degrees? This past June, temperatures at both Hobby and Bush airports hit temperatures above 100 degrees for the first time in recorded history. Even native Houstonians are having to find creative ways to enjoy the hottest months of the year outside of our current norms and traditions.
As a child of the 80s and 90s, I can remember spending long summer days enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, but the current weather requires access to water to help get a reprieve from the scorching heat. The phrase, “This is not the same sun we got dropped off at Astroworld in” has never been more accurate, as Houstonians try to find ways to enjoy their summer without succumbing to the brutal temperatures.
And as temperatures and gas prices continue to rise across the country, it is a great time to explore cooling down at some of the beaches in the Houston area.
East Beach
Photo: Mark Taylor Cunningham/Shutterstock
When it comes to visiting beaches in the Houston area, the most popular and historic beaches are the ones that make up Galveston Beaches. Since Galveston is a straight shot down I-45, the commute is easy and accessible in about an hour’s drive from the middle of Houston.
East Beach is the most popular of Galveston’s beaches and has amenities like the boardwalk and entertainment areas that are perfect for Houstonians of all ages. As the name implies, East Beach is at the far eastern tip of Galveston Island, and unlike many of the beaches located on the Galveston strip, alcoholic beverages are permissible. Like many Houstonians, I grew up with family road trips to Galveston, and the Galveston seawall is filled with many seafood serving restaurants like Gaidos, a fan favorite since 1911.
Stewart Beach
Photo: Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
There are several beaches to choose from on the 32 miles of coastline that makeup Galveston Island beaches, and outside of parking fees, trips to Galveston are an easy commute from Houston that is friendly for all budgets and types of travelers. Whether you prefer catching your favorite band at one of the entertainment venues, fishing and/or shopping for the freshest catch, or just catching some rays and waves with your family members or friends, Galveston has a beach for you.
Another popular Galveston Beach that is constantly ranked at the top of the list for families is Stewart Beach. Stewart Beach is home to activities like beach volleyball, cornhole, and giant Jenga, and for a nominal parking fee, families can spend the day enjoying the available concessions.
Surfside Beach
Photo: Duane Gore/Shutterstock
In the same way that most Houstonians are familiar with the beaches of Galveston, another popular local favorite is Surfside Beach. Surfside is known for its waves and as a popular family getaway that is located about an hour south of Houston. While only four miles long, Surfside is a beach known for its family atmosphere and is perfect for lounging and/or swimming.
There are a handful of restaurants to enjoy in the area, and kids love the Splash Pad Park which features a 2,000 square-foot splash pad for chilling out to beat the Texas sun. The only recommendation is that you get there early, because it can get crowded fast, especially with current Texas summer temperatures. However, you can also rent one of the many beach houses, stay overnight in a hotel, or if you have an RV come ready to park it and have a good time.
McFaddin BeachFor those that like to fish and/or catch blue shell crabs, you can drive a little further to McFaddin Beach in Winnie, TX. McFaddin Beach is about two hours away from Houston and is located outside of Port Arthur as part of McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge. Although you have to be mindful of the alligators that share the waters, the crabs and fish are plentiful at this free public access beach, and you can come back home with a large haul for your next seafood feast.
Lago Mar
Photo By: Lago Mar
Last but not least, a new favorite gem is Lago Mar. This man-made tropical paradise boasts the largest crystal clear lagoon in Texas and for a fee, you can enjoy some fun in the sun with your loved ones. Lago Mar is located about half an hour from Houston and opened in 2021 as part of a residential neighborhood. While neighborhood residents get perks like free entry, visitors can purchase tickets to enjoy the amenities at Lago Mar. Whether you are looking to swim in the crystal blue waters, enjoy non-motorized sports like paddleboarding, dance to a featured band, or sip adult beverages at Paradise Shore Beach, the adult-only side of Lago Mar, there is something for everyone.
Unlike most Houston area beaches, Lago Mar is not open year round and can only be enjoyed for a few months out of the year. Be sure to check their website for special events and/or tickets prior to your visit to verify availability as they do offer day pass bundles and summer passes.
Houston area beaches are a great way to enjoy these sweltering summer months and can be a fantastic getaway for family and friends alike.
The 7 Best Places To Eat in New York City’s Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market has an unfair reputation these days: Located in the swanky Meatpacking District (you know, near all those clubs you tried to get into in college) in Manhattan, the indoor food hall and shopping mall is maligned as a place only tourists go to eat. And yes, there are plenty of tourists milling around the brick-walled market. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t food at Chelsea Market that is well worth waiting in line for.
When I stopped by Chelsea Market recently, I discovered playful, well thought out, inventive takes on tacos, noodles, and Korean dishes, among other cuisines. Most of the dishes I tasted were fun to eat and downright delicious – almost nothing in the market felt particularly watered down, or as though it catered to people with bland tastes. Instead, I found a wide variety of meals, from the upscale and sophisticated to elevated takes on street food.
Chelsea Market isn’t huge. There are 40 places to eat and drink in the market, and while that sounds like a lot, you can stop for a small bite, snack, or a drink at most of those places and still have room for more by the time you move on. That means you could theoretically take a day trip to Chelsea Market for the food alone. Just be sure to come hungry and bring an extra tote bag so you can bring dinner and a few snacks home with you.
To start, walk to the end of Chelsea Market (if you’re entering at 75 Ninth Avenue, between 15th and 16th street), and pick up a coffee at Sarabeth’s to fuel up. Then, work your way toward the front, starting at Takumi Taco. On your way out, don’t forget to stop at Pearl River Market, an Asian-inspired shop, where you can find an eclectic mix of art supplies, clothes, and other gifts – I picked up a pack of anime cat stickers for myself and a Totoro plush for my daughter.
Where to eat in Chelsea Market
Photo: Nick Starichenko/Shutterstock
Photo: Takumi Taco
This fusion storefront blends Japanese flavors with tacos to great success. At Takumi Taco, Diners walk up to a small counter to order, and can either snack on their meal to-go or sit at the adjoining bar. Most of the tacos are housed in a crispy gyoza shell – a brilliant way to meld Japanese and Mexican snack food.
What to try: The spicy tuna taco is particularly popular, but I thought the Japanese curry beef taco was a perfect bite.
2. Mŏkbar
Photo: Mŏkbar
The Mŏkbar in Chelsea Market is one of three locations of the Korean restaurant from chef Esther Choi. Here you’ll find what is best described as a joyful take on Korean classic anju – shareable dishes usually enjoyed with beer: There’s a “K-pop” chicken and waffle dish, which is served inside a blue corn waffle cone; the “bibimboppers,” rice balls filled with mozzarella and vegetables; and the “K-town fries,” which are topped with gochujang and kimchi. All the food is to-go, which makes this a great place to stop on your way out the door because you’ll want to take the whole menu home with you.
What to try: The Korean fried chicken, and the hocake stuffed with pork belly – it’s simple but divine.
3. Los Tacos No. 1View this post on InstagramA post shared by LOS TACOS No.1 (@lostacos1)
Once you’ve sampled the fusion tacos at Takumi, hop over to Los Tacos No. 1, where you will find much more traditional tacos. The menu at this taco joint is sparse – you’ll find only quesadillas, mulas (cheese and toppings sandwiched between two tortillas), and tostadas in just four varities: nopal (cactus), carne asada, pollo asado, and adobada (marinated pork). This is no frills, and no eating at the bar, type of joint – just grab your tacos at the counter and keep it moving. Los Tacos No. 1 adheres to the tacos-as-street-food style of dining, which means you can take your tacos on a plate and eat while you peruse the rest of the market.
What to try: One of each type of taco.
4. Cull and Pistol
Photo: Cull and Pistol
This sit down lunch spot is a divergence from the mostly eat on the go options in Chelsea Market, but once your feet get tired from traversing the hallways of the market, Cull and Pistol is where you should settle down. The small, but classy, space offers a menu full of seafood classics from a whole baked lobster to clam chowder, but where you’ll really want to focus your attention is the fresh oyster bar.
Next door is Cull and Pistol’s sister restaurant, The Lobster Place, where you can find more casual, hearty seafood, like a salmon burger, and a shrimp and fish fry. The lobster roll is especially popular. After eating, you can shop for fresh seafood to take home, like crab legs and swordfish steaks.
What to try: A dozen fresh oysters and a glass of crisp Prosecco.
5. Very Fresh NoodlesView this post on InstagramA post shared by Very Fresh Noodles (@veryfreshnoodles)
One of the most popular storefronts in Chelsea Market, Very Fresh Noodles has garnered a following for a reason. In fact, people even plan trips to the market just to eat here. The hype is deserved: The hand-pulled noodles here are the ideal texture – not soggy, but firm and elastic. The spices will burn your tongue in the best way; there is both fire and depth of flavor to be enjoyed here.
What to try: The La Mei Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup is popular, which features slow-braised beef shank in a beef and tomato broth, but I recommend the Very Spicy Pork Dan Dan Mian.
6. PiaView this post on InstagramA post shared by PIA (@pia.newyork)
This plant-based and vegan bar highlights Mexican cuisine with dishes like pozole and tamales. Ingredients like cashew crema, chickpea “chorizo,” and oyster mushrooms replace meat and dairy. However, the real highlight at Pia is the selection of natural orange and pink wines which the bar charmingly refers to as “Crushable. Chuggable. Juicy AF.” Pia might sneakily become one of your favorite places to drink in Manhattan.
What to try: Mushroom tinga tostada (tinga verde smallhold oyster mushrooms and cashew crema), tamales de mole poblano (mole poblano and vertage cashew “mozzarella”), burrito ahogado (house chickpea chorizo and cashew crema).
7. Seed + MillView this post on InstagramA post shared by Seed + Mill | Tahini and Halva (@seedandmill)
The specialty at Seed + Mill is halva, a flakey, crispy cake made with tahini. The tahini soft serve is such a delectable mixture of nutty and savory, with just a hint of sweetness that is far from cloying. It’s one the best desserts in the market, by far. Bonus: It’s completely vegan.
What to try: Tahini soft serve, of course, and pick up a slice of spiced cardamom halva to take home.
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