Happy birthday to our oldest niece, who, in an effort to make us wonder where the time goes, turns seven years old today!

A forum post yesterday raised the question about recommendations for a Manhattan visit that are not typical tourist destinations. Since nothing good in NYC remains obscure for too long, the list I've compiled is probably more touristy than the poster had wished, but I figured if I post it here on a slow Sunday it can serve as a guide for others, and perhaps informed New Yorkers can add suggestions:

• Unique New York: Sammy's Romanian and Chumley's (still basically a speakeasy).
• Landmark Taverns: McSorley's Old Ale House, White Horse Tavern, and Pete's Tavern.
• Best Steakhouse: Peter Luger Steakhouse (yes Brooklyn, but just over the Williamsburg bridge from Manhattan). Not cheap, but a no-brainer, as Cutter pointed out.
• World Famous Pizzerias: Lombardi's Pizza, Grimaldi's Pizzeria, and John's Pizzeria.
• Less-famous Great Pizza: Ben's Pizza.
• Confusing "Famous" Pizzerias: The countless "famous original Ray's". Don't bother.
• Delis: Carnegie Deli and Stage Deli.
• Less-famous Delis: Katz's Delicatessen, Barney Greengrass (The Sturgeon King!), and Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop.
• Authentic (Brooklyn) Deli: Jay & Lloyd's Kosher Deli. A schlep.
• Bagels: Ess-a-Bagel, Inc. and H&H Bagels (as seen on Seinfeld).
• Burgers: Shake Shack, P. J. Clarke's, and Michael Jordan's (a little more pricey/touristy, but excellent burgers).
• Hot Dogs: Papaya King, Gray's Papaya, and (at your own risk*) any stand with a Sabrett umbrella.
• Soul Food: Sylvia's (Harlem is tourist friendly).
• Non-food stuff: Strand (books) and Bleecker Bob's (music).

The number-one rule for an authentic NYC dining experience is to avoid Times Square. No natives eat there, and there's probably a Planet Hollywood and a Hard Rock Cafe near where you came from anyway.

* For the truly daring, follow the advice of an old boss of mine and seek out the vendor with the dirtiest fingernails.

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