Most of us already know that when it comes to the states the food portions are somewhat larger than what we may be used to in the UK and Europe. However whilst on my second journey there and with a huge helpful list from my friends over at WattWhereHow, and some avid watching of Anthony Bourdain, I wanted to share with you my 10 top place to grab that light bite whilst you’re busy exploring the sights:

O’Hara’s

O’hara’s is what many would call a Dive bar, a small bar just across from the 9/11 memorial. What looks like just another Irish bar isnot that at all. Inside is filled with the badges of the firefighters, Police and Rescue teams that all served during 9/11. Not only is the interior cool as hell but make sure to sit at the bar and grab some food. The bar staff are the nicest folk, Paul the bartender spoke to me for ages and gave me some good local tips and a few good bourbon ones too! The food ranges from light bites such as the open face tuna melt (delicious!) right through to steak. Prices are low and the beer is cold. With plenty of light bites brilliant for the mid-day pit stop!

DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and you happento be Downtown, then venture just past Washington Square park and hit up DŌ.Where cookie dough in different flavours comes by the scoop and you can mix itup by adding a scoop of ice cream too! So grab a scoop, and head back to thepark to people watch or keep an eye out for the street performers.

Crif dogs

I learnt about Crif Dogs from watching The Layover season 1episode 2. I’d already planned it in for a specific day and on the way there Iheard the news that Anthony Bourdain had passed. It made it for a bit of asullen and surreal experience. Crif Dogs over on St Marks Place in the EastVillage, and are one of the few places in New York that over vegetarian hotdogs. If you are after a light bite then grab a hot dog and a drink and headoff, but make sure to check out the menu fully as all of the hot dogs are availablewith MULTIPLE toppings and oh boy are the options good. I can highly recommendthe cheese tater tots, although they are not for those who aren’t that hungry –even the small are huge! Crif dogs doesn’t open until 12pm but is open tilllate with a hidden cocktail bar just a phone call away…

Big Gay Ice Cream

Big Gay Ice Cream was somewhere I stumbled across whilstlooking for the original MILK by momfuku shop (which I found but more on thatlater), just across from the Gay Rights Memorial and down the road from theStonewall Momument, this ice cream shop offers dressed up ice cream cones thatbring on salivation just at the thought. I’m talking vanilla soft serveinjected with Dulce de leche and then smothered in crush Nilla wafers. So graban ice cream and go sit in the memorial park directly opposite. On a sunny dayits beautiful and peaceful, surrounded in pride flag billowing in the wind.

Dough Doughnuts

Not to be mistaken with DŌ, this donut shop is tucked away inside the Urbanspace Vanderbilt, just round the corner from Grand Central Station . Where there are several food stops – bit of a mini food market. Unlike the usual heavy glaze and sprinkles, Dough offers flavours such as Hibiscus, Passionfruit and Lemon Poppy – which I highly recommend! IF you’re suffering with Jet leg, this branch of Dough open up at 6:30am Monday – Friday so head on over and grab a coffee and a donut whilst you get used to the time change.

Milk Bar by Momofuku

I learnt about Milk Bar from Netflix’s show Chef’s table. Fromthe brain of Chef Christina Tosi. Where the ice cream is made from milk infusedwith cereal, alongside the milk used in the cookies, crack pie and other items.The flagship store is just around the corner from Big Gay Ice Cream and was initiallymy original shop however they only accept card, yes that’s right you can’t payby cash and me being me was only carrying cash so even though I highlyrecommend Milk Bar, I have yet to eat there (I have just learnt there is one inToronto, so will be trying it this year).  

Ess-a-Bagel 3^rd avenue

If you’ve got a busy day planned and want a quick lunch in midtown, head straight over to Ess-a-bagel, where the service is quick the bagels are cheap and the number of fillings are outstanding. If you fancy a classic go for an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese and smoked salmon. Opt to eat in too, to sit back and watch the everyday hussle and bustle of New York.

The Dead rabbit

Within 5 minutes from the famous Wallstreet Bull, The Dead Rabbit is a bar that brings traditional Irish bars into the 21^stcentury. The ground floor of the pub is a no-nonsense honest pub. With bar stalls ready for you to sit and make friends with the staff, cold beer on tap and a ceiling covered with photos of old Irish families, add in a cocktail menu that changes every few months then you’re already onto a winner without even thinking about the food. With a brunch, lunch and dinner menu there’s plenty to choose from and don’t forget to cast an eye as dessert, I mean even if you don’t fancy a main don’t miss the bourbon pecan bread pudding. It’s location near the Staten Island ferry also makes it the perfect place to warm up if you’re there in the winter.

Tappo Thin Crust

Tappo Thin Crust was recommended to me by a friend after meeting for a drink in an English Pub two blocks over. Tucked away just around the corner from Eataly. With multiple topping options the pizza really is a traditional New York thin crust. Sizes range from a personal 9 inch pan right through to a larger sharer. The staff are attentive and the ambiance is calm with lower lighting and add to this a nice long cocktail menu Tappo is a great choice for a light dinner before exploring the Flatiron district or even heading into Eataly for dessert – hello gelato!

The High line – food stalls

Last but not least, a lot of people choose to visit the High line whilst in New York, and I agree it’s a great place. However most people get off in the middle to visit Chelsea Market and although it’s full of great places to eat, all the portions were a bit too much considering the breakfast I’d had. So I ventured back on to the high line, and just towards to lower end are some brilliant stalls were you can buy empanadas, burritos, quesadillas and more. Grab what you want and walk back up towards Midtown where you’ll find a group of stepped seats with a view out onto uptown and New York traffic. A perfect spot to sit and enjoy your light bite, above the city.

There we have it, my 10 top light bite stops in New York. Ifyou’ve been to any or plan to go let me know in the comments.