New Yorker’s had an excuse to party in their underwear Valentine’s Day weekend at Cupid’s Undie Run, hosted at Stage 48 in Hell’s Kitchen. Participants stripped down to raise money and awareness for NF, or Neurofibromatosis, an ultimately deadly illness 'that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body, causing blindness, deafness, learning disabilities and severe chronic pain.' One in three thousand newborns are diagnosed with NF and still no cure has been developed.*
In effort to combat NF, sixteen Yelper's joined together to form team 'Baby It's Yelp Outside,' raising almost $8,000 and braving the mile long run in 12 degree weather. The athletes were welcomed post-run by an open-bar, AMP radio DJs, and Yelp swag.
A big shout out to Yelp team members, Alexandra K., John B., Patricia F., Aura B., Brian N., Christopher A., Katherine K., Luigi B., Marisa D., Nadia Z., Phil H., Scott W., Steph M., Thomas W., Emily B., and Drew A.
This is Cupid's fourth annual race which takes place in 39 cities across the US. So far, $3,500,000 has been raised this year nationwide to fund NF through The Children's Tumor Foundation. To donate to Cupid's Undie Run and The Children's Tumor foundation, click here. Till next year, Cupid! #EndNF
10 Yelper Approved Tinder Date Spots just in time for Valentine’s Day
Let’s face it, swiping is the easy part. Now that you’ve found a match we’ve rounded up 10 Yelper approved Tinder Date spots to head to this Valentine’s Day weekend. From dark and cozy to games to ease up the awkwardness, we know just the place so go forth and swipe on.
Drinking rose in the winter? Yes, that's a thing now.
Thanks to La Nuit en Rose Winter Garden Party and I am thankful for it. The organizers took over a beautiful venue in Chelsea that I have never even been to before and did a great job at setting the mood. The dress code was Pink or White and I must say I was pretty impressed at how lovely everyone was dressed. So many pretty dresses combined with the garden lights, long wooden tables, lit up pink flower displays and rose petals galore you really did feel like you were transported somewhere else.
My plus 1 was disappointed at the lack of dudes in attendance which I had to remind her - we're here to drink rose... if she wants dudes go to a beer or bourbon and bacon event. With that being said though, for all you single men who are trying to go to a babe fest I recommend La Nuit en Rose.
Food selection was great and all vendors were SUPER friendly which is always nice. The rose was... rose, sweet but there were definitely some great roses in there and as someone that's typically a red wine only gal I appreciate this event for opening my palate a bit.
Coat check was kind of a mess but I went on Friday night so hopefully by Saturday they figured it out. They had merch available which I thought was a cute touch but it would have been nice to see part of the proceeds go toward a charity.
Would I go again? Definitely. Perfect for a girls night out.
We've got 2 tickets for you to attend MAXXIMIZE on Saturday February 13! Impress your Valentine, bring your fav wing (wo)man and pick up a new bae, or just dance so hard you forget it's that silly love holiday the next day all together. Either way - we love you and we want to see you DANCE.
Let us know "you're in" on the Yelp Event Listing for your chance to score.
Bonus entries: Share the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook (make sure you tag us @YelpNYC!) or comment on the event listing who you're looking forward to seeing the most.
NYC Hidden Gems to Visit & Create Content at During Stream Con
Photo by Deb M.
New York City is home to many of the most famous tourist attractions and, let’s face it, the most photographed and shared places in the world. This year let Yelp be your guide to finding great spots to hang, get inspired and do what you do best - create content.
Catch some greenery…
Believe it or not, Central Park is not the only spot to catch a bit of nature while in New York. Below are some places we recommend offering great landscapes, city views, dog parks and just general unwind time.
Photo by Denis O.
Carl Schurz Park
Located on the Upper East Side this park offers a little bit of everything. Robyn R. tells it like it is, “amazing views of the East River, great dog runs, fun playground for the kids - and peace and tranquility”
1624 York Ave, b/t 86th & 85th St
Photo by Alan M.
Pier 62 Carousel
Let your inner kid run, or erm ride, wild. “This carousel is kind of hidden so I had no idea this was here after many visits to the area.” YuhLi T. warns, so keep your eye out. Best part of this spot - this ride won’t break the bank, ringing in at $2 a ride.
Pier 62 Hudson River Park
Photo by Vincent L.
The Cloisters
While The Cloisters is actually a museum within a park it’s also a fantastic spot to connect with nature. Mike J. advises “When the weather’s nice you can hang out in the garden with full views of the Hudson River and bask in the sun amongst a variety of herbs and spices planted just like it was centuries ago.”
Fort Tryon Park, 99 Margaret Corbin Dr.
Hit the waters...
Go beyond the pavement. For those breathtaking cityscape views without heading out of NYC we recommend getting onboard with one of these guys.
Photo by Juliane L.
Hornblower Cruises & Events
Live luxuriously aboard one of the Hornblower’s Yachts, these guy offer a variety of cruise opportunities from both Pier 40 on the West Side and the South Street Seaport. Kevin C. is a “Huge fan of the top level where there are couches and tv’s at each couch to watch the local game. Large outdoor area on top to enjoy the NYC skyline.”
Added value - check out the 26th Annual South Street Seaport Halloween Party before jumping on board, 10% of your Halloween cruise ticket will go to support the Old Seaport Alliance.
353 West St, Pier 40 or South Street Seaport
Photo by Adirondack Sailing
Adirondack Sailing
For those a bit more adventurous, NYC has sailing too! “The route: sail down the Hudson River, you can get great pictures of midtown, downtown. Then over to the Statue of Liberty, great pictures as well, it’s the perfect distance.” Allison S. dishes.
62 Chelsea Piers
Photo by Sarang K.
Roosevelt Island Tramway
This spot may not actually take you on the water but it is one of the only spots that takes you over the water. Connecting Manhattan to Roosevelt Island “you can’t find a view like this anywhere else in Manhattan for only a subway swipe!” Cameron M. is right, for this gem all you need is a MetroCard.
59th St, Roosevelt Island
Get cultured...
A simple stroll down the street and a turn into a different neighborhood will lead you to the many vibrant cultures that exist in New York City. Here are a few museum stops to catch an exhibit in between.
Photo by Gene L.
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Housed in the Andrew Carnegie Mansion the digs alone are enough to take your breath away. Augie R. recommends this spot for anyone interested in design, “the museum isn’t huge, but it is quite interesting and diverse, covering everything from advertising to posters to textiles to architecture and more.”
2 E 91st St, b/t 5th Ave & Madison Ave
Photo by Brian M.
Rubin Museum of Art
Step inside and leave the modern world behind and immerse yourself in art and ideas of the Himalayas and India. “Such a cool place in NYC! Not only is it the only art museum to focus on Himalayan art (Tibet, Nepal, Northern India, Western China), they also have a swanky bar/cafe/gift shop area on the ground level.” Mahina W. puts it well.
150 W 17th St, b/t 7th Ave & Avenue of the Americas
Photo by Pallavi P.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
For those looking for a more out of this world experience this spot shows off the aircraft carriers that will take you high to the submarines that take you deep under the sea. “It is shocking to think all this is in NYC and I didn’t realize there was so much to see. If you have an interest in places or space you will enjoy this.” Lynsey H. reflected after a recent visit.
Pier 86, W 46th St and 12th Ave
Shop til you drop...
Or just pop in to check out these authentic New York shops offering great vintage finds, unique settings or just quirky fun. Find something to take home from one of these spots and we can almost guarantee your friends will be jealous.
Photo by Wakani H.
Pippin Vintage Jewelry
Step back into time, any fan of jewelry or vintage will appreciate Pippin. “It feels like a small town experience in the heart of NYC which is so rare. They have so many unique vintage treasures... you won’t be able to go in and out quickly without something catching your eye... so take your time to browse.” we second Lauren N.’s sentiment.
112 W 17th St, b/t 7th Ave & Avenue of the Americas
Photo by Paul H.
Furnish Green
Even if you aren’t looking to furnish your home Furnish Green is a fun spot to browse antiques. Paul H. warns it’s “a little difficult to find though. Look for the office building and make your way to the 3rd floor.”
1261 Broadway Ste 309, b/t 33rd St & 32nd St
Photo by Mike L.
Chelsea Market
While at this point Chelsea Markets is pretty well-known it’s definitely somewhere you don’t want to miss. From food to retail shops and local vendors Maris F. wants to know “who doesn’t love Chelsea Market?” “It’s quintessential NYC...” and she’s made it her “go to place to impress out of town friends and family.” - “Not to mention YouTube and the Food Network have an office in the building so if you’re lucky you will see one of your favorite food stars or YouTubers.” ;)
75 9th Ave, b/t 15th & 16th Streets
For more ideas and places to go download the Yelp mobile app to stay connected on the go and add your own photos & tips!
In the heart of the East Village lies a windy, dimly lit bar that feels like the basement of your uncle’s mountain ski lodge. Or perhaps somewhere you might find a bunch of Trappist Monks brewing their latest creation. This marks our first stop on the Good Beer Passport of 2015 - Jimmy's No. 43!
What is a “Good Beer Passport,” you ask? Imagine a passport that’s stamped every time you enter a different country, and with that stamp you’re served a tasty, frothy craft beer from a smiling bartender! This buzzy fantasy can become your reality for a cheap $37 ticket, which is the price for one Good Beer Passport that’s usable in 35+ locations. So, before budgeting away this summer’s "fun" money, stop and consider adding this to your list of summer to-do activities! Spanning across NYC's five boroughs (in addition to Jersey City), the Good Beer Passport offers unique tastings at each location.
The rules are simple: you get one free beer per location - that’s, like, less than $1 a beer. And, we’re not talking Bro Light or Milwaukee’s Beast! Sip on the finest craft brews (local if possible), and don’t worry about the cost. Be adventurous and try something new! We love this event because it runs all throughout the month of July - Good Beer Month - into early September, giving us a reason to drink across a multitude of weekends. With the luxury of visiting any bar on the list (whenever the frick you want), it's easy to drop in for a boozy lunch, weekday happy hour, or just a chill Saturday afternoon under the sun.
Not a beer connoisseur? Don't worry! You’ll be guided by some of NYC’s most knowledgeable bartenders on your fermented path across the city that can recommend the perfect beer for your specific tastes. Offering light, dark, hoppy, sour and everything else in between, there is a beer for everyone!
The Good Beer Passport also forces us out of our comfort zone of our usual check-ins by getting us to scope out other local bars and experiment with different beer types we may not always be so daring to try. Plus, locations offer a bevy of tasty treats to sample, like Jimmy’s Pork Belly Adobo Tacos with Thai Chili Lime Sauce. Is your mouth watering, yet?
Of course, we also must add in that the event serves as a fundraiser for The River Fund New York, and a portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the Heritage Radio Network - home to Beer Sessions Radio. Therefore, drink beer and feel good doing it knowing you’re supporting a cause!
So what are you waiting for? Pick up your Good Beer Passport and get to drinking! You realize that some cocktails in the city are more expensive than the $37 you’d pay for this golden ticket to alcoholic nirvana, right? This is a freakin’ STEAL for New York City, plus you can get a little exercise while visiting each bar. We recommend spacing your exploration out, however, because a last-minute bar crawl with 35+ locations might be a little bit of a stretch. Even for the most seasoned drinkers.
The 9th Annual Nolafunk Mardi Gras Ball is back this Friday at The Gramercy Theatre and Yelp has the hook up! Visit our Facebook page for your chance to score 2 tickets. We'll be selecting winners on Thursday 2/12 so head that way now!
Make sure to 'Like' us while you're there to stay in the loop on lots more amazing NYC happenings and ticket giveaways.
GIVEAWAY: Attend NYCWFF Ronzoni's La Sagra Slices Hosted by Adam Richman this Thursday!
The New York City Wine and Food Festival is one of the most fabulous food events of the entire year, with so many events to choose from over the course of just 4 days there's a little bit of something for everyone!
For full schedule of events visit http://nycwff.org.
Enter to win two tickets courtesy of Yelp to this year's Ronzoni's La Sagra Slices event hosted by Adam Richman. Must be 21 to enter and live in the NYC area.
Top Appetizer Trends for this Year's Holiday Party
The guys at Hornblower have put together a list of 5 Appetizer Trends for this Year's Holiday Party, below are our top picks and some local NYC businesses that can hook you up!
1. Street Food - Tacos
Brisket Taco with Mango Salsa, photo by Lynnette S.
Who doesn't love tacos? With so much variety of what's between that tortilla it's hard to imagine anyone not feeling the same rush we do when we see these gems being passed around a party.
Where to get them: Brooklyn Taco Co, Lower East Side, with 4.5 stars and 150 reviews these guys are killing the downtown taco business and the best news of all? They cater!
2. Meatballs
Beef with spicy meat sauce & Chicken with Pesto, photo by Amanda M.
Meatballs used to be found on top of spaghetti and had a reputation for being a little messy and likely to roll right out of there but those days are long gone. Now one of the easiest to serve, easiest to eat and in all different varieties this one bite appetizer gets our stamp of party approval.
Where to get them: The Meatball Shop, Lower East Side, bonus they sell meatball sliders!
3. Hummus
Hummus, photo by Kimberly K.
So, hummus is basically the number one condiment in the world right? On carrots, crackers, meat and cheese... pretty much anything really, hummus has this amazing ability to make things delicious. Make your guests happy and do not, whatever you do, forget the hummus.
Where to get them: Taim, West Village, Denean P. let us know this place is the "perfect go-to for catering a party... for $80 you can feed more than 8 people and everyone will LOVE what you've put out!" yes, please.
Ready to set sail with Hornblower? We're giving you a chance to hop on with Moët as they kick of New York's 10-day Tour De Champagne Week for Moët Meets Amuse Bouche Rendezvous on the Hudson event.
Enter to win a chance to join Takedown Master Emcee Matt Timms as a "People's Choice Judge" and help pick a winner for the People's Choice Bratwurst tasting during the morning session from 11am - 2pm. Winners will receive 2 inclusive passes for beer plus you'll be an official judge with Matt Timms!
Must be 21 and live in the New York City Area. To enter follow us @YelpNYC on Twitter and look for your chance to RT. Bonus chances available this week via Facebook (facebook.com/yelpnyc).
Winners will be notified on Thursday 10/9/2014. Visit the Yelp event listing or ticket page for more info on the event.
Good luck!
Hornblower NY: Your Event Dreamboat has Arrived + Ticket Giveaway to get on board!
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We were already big fans of the Hornblower Cruises & Events family but after an amazing summer line-up of dinner cruises, wine festivals and EDM events that Bounce we were psyched to get back on board for their Showcase event to check out their new offerings heading into corporate and holiday event season.
It's not hard to make us happy when yachts and chocolate are involved. Our first stop took us straight to the chocolate fountains and ice cream sundae station which are made available aboard the Hornblower by Chocolate Velvet Fountains.
Next we hit the catwalk baby thanks to the full runway with LED video walls set up on the main floor. Then of course, for those of you with wedding bells in your future a beautiful area with sunset views awaited that spelled out L-O-V-E like no other.
After glasses of champagne, cocktails aplenty we took in the views and of course, snapped some photo booth pics.
(Disclaimer: Those aren't our feet, we're not that fancy.)
Now that you're ready, let's get you on board. Enter to win tickets to Hornblower's Alive After Five Cruise featuring Morton's, The Steakhouse on October 2 departing from Pier 15 at the South Street Seaport. One winner will receive entry for 2 to include the premium package of a cruise, food and open bar ($200 value, Guest list).
Want to throw your own event or meeting but not sure where to start? Cruise on over to the Hornblower blog for 10 On-The-Water Meeting and Event Ideas for some inspiration and don't forget to send an invite our way.
Looking to add a little deep house to your downward dog? You're in luck!
Brooklyn's new favorite party spot, Verboten, brings you Willkommen, a weekly summer yoga series with a live DJ set. On Monday and Tuesday evenings, you can ditch your high heels for Lululemon and get ready to take your asanas to a whole new level.
While it might seem strange to enter a nightclub during the daylight, we followed a group of spandex clad yogis to the dance floor-- ahem, studio. After a silent breathing exercise, each class features the talented Tasha Blank mixing live. The Control Room's signature disco ball is in full effect, casting invigorating lights across all of the beautiful sweaty bodies in the room. Beats pump through the speakers as a screen at the front rotates images of desert sunsets, ocean waves, and spring rain. It's the perfect place to get centered, but be warned, there's a chance it might explode into a full blown dance party halfway through.
Wilkommen is held every Monday and Tuesday, with a classes at 7pm and 8:30pm. Tickets run for a reasonable $20 per class, so grab your mat, grab your friends, and get sweaty!
Ice Cold Beer Here! 150 Craft Brews to Kick Off Summer
Craft beer and summer go so well together. Not that we don’t love sipping on a nice oatmeal stout while snuggled up to a roaring fireplace in the colder months, but there’s just something about the warm weather and the satisfying sudsy sensation of small batch brew. Lucky for us, we can descend on the Lexington Armory this weekend and drink to our hearts’ content at the NYC Craft Beer Festival to celebrate the arrival of our favorite season.
Seventy-five breweries from around the world will offer 150 top-notch beers. So basically you just buy your ticket, show up, and drink as much awesome beer as you like. Between samples of quality brew, you can attend a number of seminars covering the finer points of craft beer or head to the food booths and score some grub to soak it all up.
By attending the event you will not only kick off the season in style, but you’ll also contribute to a great cause: for every ticket sold the event's organizers will donate $1 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
So grab your tickets (they’re almost sold out) and join us this Friday and Saturday!
Edible Manhattan knows how to throw a party, that’s for sure. With an evening of fine local wines and delectable bites ahead, it’s no wonder that the line for this year’s Brooklyn Uncorked stretched around the block. When the doors opened, Yelp Brooklyn was there to sip, sample, and be satisfied!
The 2014 Brooklyn Uncorked was held at the beautiful Skylight One Hanson in Fort Greene. Daylight streamed in through the high, arched windows as wine loving folks ambled around the dozens of tables below. There were over 29 different wineries, hailing from as far as the Finger Lakes and as close as our favorite BK based vintner, Brooklyn Winery. Each wine booth was flanked on both sides by a local eatery, making it a perfect occasion to drink, eat, drink, eat, and repeat!
Smoked Bluefish with Dill Horseradish Cream by Runner & Stone.
Family of wines from Whitecliff Vineyards.
While every stop on the Uncorked train was worth savoring, we definitely had our favorites. You may have spotted us snagging seconds of Watty & Meg’s Salmon Tartar Taco with Spicy Choyote Slaw. The crunchy taco texture paired nicely with the smooth texture of the tartar. We were also slightly obsessed with the Smoked Bluefish with Dill Horseradish Cream served up by Runner & Stone. Across the aisle, we sampled the Awosting White from Whitecliff Vineyards, which made for a zesty and refreshing aperitif.
Boasting both an incredible taste and an eye-catching display, the Marinated Octopus from Marco Polo Ristorante had mango & lemon flavors and was served with black quinoa. Their table seemed busy all evening, as people stopped to ooh, ahh, and grab a forkful! Nearby, T’Jara Winery was sampling their cabernet franc, a lighter red with a fruity flavor that we really enjoyed.
Novelty points go to the folks from Bridge Lane, who were serving their chardonnay and merlots from kegs, a move they claim is both eco-friendly and helps to preserve the taste of the wine. The wine kegs are great for big parties, and will last 2 months after tapping when used with a kegerator. Perfect for backyard season!
Of course, Yelp was also there to have a little fun. Those who came by our table got to play “Spin the Bottle” and take home some sweet Yelp swag items. Win-win.
Our take on Spin the Bottle! Brainchild of Emily B. from YelpNYC.
Sound like a rad time? You bet it was. But don’t just take our word for it! Yelper Ina L. agreed that Brooklyn Uncorked made for “a fantastic evening!”
Falafel Lovers Unite: Thursday is International Falafel Day!
Falafel is something we can all agree on, these magical little balls of ground chickpeas or fava beans unite us on at least one thing, they are delicious. This Thursday we will share our love with the rest of the world as we devour these fried tokens of goodwill.
That’s right, on Thursday June 12th, together. As you may know, falafel is a favorite across the Middle East and North Africa. The holiday was established in 2012 and has grown over the past two years as fans all over the world unite to share the love.
Lucky for us here in NYC, we have many options to join the movement and make our bellies happy.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites to help you get involved in this year's #FalafelDay, enjoy!
Mamoun's Falafel, Photo added by Ting H.
King of Falafel & Shawarma (Midtown East) Cindy X. suggests, "If you visit the King, you must have the falafel. It's like no other! It truly stands out from his competitors because 1) it's an oval shape, 2) it's incredibly fluffy, and 3) it's dirt cheap. The fact that you can get an entire meal for $5 in midtown is just ridiculous."
The Falafel Shop (LES) "I love this place!" gushes Gloria M. "Their falafels aren't greasy nor dry... but just perfect, moist, and full of flavor. The falafel sandwich includes several falafels, chopped cucumbers, tomato, pickles, and tahini sauce. I plan to return plenty more times!"
Murray's Falafel (Stuy Town) Lindsey S. reports, "I absolutely love their platter! With six falafels and three different sides, the portions are very generous. The falafel itself is crisp on the outside, so when you bite into the golden crust, you get a nice crunch that really balances out the soft interior. Thumbs up!"
Mamoun's Falafel (Greenwich Village) "I've tried falafel at a bunch of places in NYC... but Moumon's has the best value proposition of them all," explains Sally C. "For around $3 you get a fantastic falafel sandwich that comes piping hot. The falafel is warm and deliciously spiced and the pita is filled with lots of tahini and veggies. But the best part has got to be their hot sauce. It's so yummy!"
Taim (West Village) Roy K. gloats, "Take it from someone who's had plenty of falafel in Israel: this place is as close to the real thing as it gets. Their pita is perfectly thick enough to be able to hold the falafel without falling apart. This sounds easy, but a lot places skimp on this and you end with falafel and tahini all over your hands after a couple of bites."
La Goulette (Williamsburg) Ron L. says "Service is fast even when they're busy, especially if you're gonna order falafel. Eat it while they're hot!"
Taim, Photo added by Victoria K.
Share your experiences with the rest of the falafel-loving world all day Thursday on Instagram + Twitter #falafelday + @yelpnyc for your chance to score a VIP Schwag Bag of Yelp goodies!
Your office happy hour just got better, the Hornblower yachts are now sailing from Pier 15 and are Alive after Five. Set sail from 6–8pm and enjoy scenic views of the NY Harbor. Grab your office buddies, a good friend or just come down and enjoy drinks, light bites and groove to some tunes. We're giving away 20 free passes for one lucky winner to be your office hero!
