I’m looking into the heart of New York City, specifically Times Square, and I’ve found that even though it’s known for being crowded, it offers a unique blend of experiences that can be quite magical. It’s a place that truly is a little bit of everything, which is what makes it so special for many visitors.
Exploring Times Square Dining
Coffee and Breakfast Spots
You can find much more than just quick bites in Times Square for your morning meal. I discovered St. Kilda Coffee, which offers special single-origin coffee drinks like pour-overs and lattes. It has a relaxed vibe and even sells cool merchandise.
Another excellent choice is 787 Coffee, a small chain with Puerto Rican roots. They have unique options like rum-infused cold brew and tempting pastries, plus empanadas. It’s a great stop if you want something a bit different.
Global Flavors in Urban Hawker
Inside the Urban Hawker food hall, I found Kopifellas, which serves kopi, a rich coffee with condensed milk, perfect with kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs. This food hall is a fantastic place to try different Asian dishes.
Here, you can enjoy meals like Hainanese poached chicken and rice or Malaysian beef rendang. It gives you a taste of a bustling market, with good air conditioning to keep you comfortable.
Sweet Treats and Sandwiches
For something truly unique, I learned about I’m donut ?, a bakery that opened its first location outside of Japan in Times Square in 2025. People line up for their special nama donuts, which come in creative flavors like yuzu champagne and matcha.
They also offer sandwiches on donut buns, like BLTs and teriyaki chicken. It’s a fun and different option for lunch.
Authentic Italian Sandwiches and Pizza
All’Antico Vinaio is an Italian sandwich shop that has brought its authentic Tuscan schiacciata bread sandwiches to Eighth Avenue. I think first-timers should really try their La Paradiso sandwich, which has mortadella and pistachio cream.
Don Antonio is another must-visit for pizza lovers, run by a world-famous pizzaiola. They are known for their montanara, a delicious deep-fried pizza that originates from near Naples. It’s a real treat.
See No Evil Pizza, located right inside the 50th Street subway station, offers creative pizza toppings. Their Hell Pie, with pepperoni and Calabrian chili, sounds particularly interesting for those who like a bit of spice.
Ramen, Dumplings, and Rotating Views
Solo Dining for Ramen Lovers
If you enjoy your ramen without much interaction, Ichiran is a Japanese chain that offers “ramen focus booths.” This setup is great for solo diners, allowing you to order from your seat through a partition and enjoy your meal in peace.
For a livelier ramen experience, Ippudo, also from Fukuoka, is nearby. Their yuzu shoyu ramen is highly recommended, and the atmosphere is more social.
Iconic Soup Dumplings and Rooftop Dining
Din Tai Fung, a famous Taiwanese chain, opened its first East Coast location in Times Square. They are renowned for their xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, which are made by hand in a large, visible kitchen. It’s a very impressive sight.
On a completely different note, The View, located on the 48th floor of the Marriott Marquis, is the city’s only rotating restaurant. It offers amazing panoramic views of the neighborhood. I think it’s a wonderful spot for a special meal, serving steakhouse classics and a highly-rated burger.
Diverse Culinary Highlights
I also found some other interesting places to eat. Hyderabadi Zaiqa is a spot known for its goat dum biryani. Don Don offers Korean barbecue with dry-aged pork, run by a chef with experience in top kitchens.
Los Tacos No. 1 is a popular taqueria chain, and Margon is a no-frills spot famous for its Cuban sandwiches. For classic American diner food like burgers and milkshakes, Schnipper’s in the New York Times Building is a good option.
Times Square Nightlife and Drinks
Dive Bars and Old-School Charm
Many New Yorkers point to Jimmy’s Corner as the best place for a drink in Midtown. It’s a beloved dive bar on 44th Street with tons of boxing memorabilia, honoring its founder, a former boxer. The atmosphere is lively, and the prices are very reasonable.
For a pre- or post-show drink, Sardi’s is a classic choice. It’s famous for its red-leather banquettes and caricatures of theater stars. I suggest heading upstairs to the bar for a Manhattan and a simple snack of cheese and crackers.
Joe Allen is another establishment with a strong theater connection, celebrating its 60th anniversary. It’s decorated with posters of Broadway flops, which adds a unique historical touch to the bar.
Modern Cocktails and Themed Speakeasies
If you’re looking for something different, Russian Samovar and Russian Vodka Room on 52nd Street are known for their infused vodkas. You can try them in flights or as flavored martinis, which could be a fun way to try something new.
The Rum House is a more sophisticated option, a small cocktail lounge with live jazz. They serve creative twists on classic cocktails and have an extensive rum selection from around the world.
For a truly unique experience, The Woo Woo is an ’80s-themed speakeasy hidden behind a fake adult shop. It aims to bring back the feel of Times Square before recent changes, with neon lights and a fun atmosphere.
Unique Shops and Cultural Finds
A Haven for Theater Enthusiasts
The Drama Book Shop is a place that really captures the spirit of Times Square. It has been serving actors and playwrights since 1917 with scripts and theater books. It even won a special Tony award.
During the pandemic, Lin-Manuel Miranda and others helped save the shop, and it moved to a new location in 2021. The interior was redesigned to feel like a European café, making it a cozy spot for book lovers.
Specialty Retail and Quirky Finds
Inside the New York Times Building, you can find an outpost of the Japanese retailer Muji. They sell a wide range of minimalist and stylish items, from clothing to stationery. I can definitely see myself getting lost in there.
For something truly unusual, the Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine is a shop dedicated to tinned fish. It’s a wonderfully quirky place where you can find items like marinated eels and smoked trout.
Things to Do Beyond the Shows
The Magic of Broadway and Beyond
Of course, the main reason many people visit Times Square is to see a Broadway show. I’m always impressed by the star power that comes to Broadway each season, with many famous actors taking the stage.
It’s also worth looking into off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway theaters. These smaller venues, with fewer than 500 seats, often feature incredible performances and can offer a more intimate theater experience. Companies like Second Stage and Roundabout Theatre Company have multiple venues.
Studio Seaview is a newer theater space that opened in 2025 in a historic bank building. It has already hosted exciting performances, including a play with Sean Hayes scheduled for early 2026.
Learning About Theater History
The Museum of Broadway offers a chronological journey through the history of American theater. I think it’s fascinating that it includes costumes, set designs, and props.
One of my favorite kinds of exhibits are those that show what happens behind the scenes. This museum does a great job celebrating the work of stage managers, designers, and other creatives who make the magic happen.
Where to Stay in and Around Times Square
Iconic Hotels and Modern Stays
Times Square has a huge number of hotels, from massive establishments like the Marriott Marquis, which even has its own Broadway theatre, to newer, more stylish options.
The Times Square Edition, designed by hotelier Ian Schrager, offers a glamorous experience with its signature style and a restaurant by chef John Fraser. It also features a popular nightlife spot called Paradise Club.
Boho-Chic and Art-Inspired Accommodations
Romer Hell’s Kitchen, located on Eighth Avenue, offers rooms designed to feel like a boho-chic apartment. Some rooms even have record players and vinyl collections, which I think is a fun touch.
The Kimpton Theta New York – Times Square recently opened in a building with midcentury architecture. The lobby is filled with art and interesting design elements, and the hotel offers perks like bikes and art books. Their rooftop bar, Bar Sprezzatura, is inspired by the Italian Riviera.
The Civilian Hotel was designed by a Tony Award-winning set designer, David Rockwell. The Blue Room on the second floor displays Broadway memorabilia like costumes from famous shows. It’s a perfect place for theater fans to stay.
