Food and Drink
The Best BBQ Restaurants in NYC for Smoked Meat
New York is one of the best cities in the world for food. The city is home to numerous high-end restaurants, many of which are world-renowned. The range of choice on offer is enough for you to choose a different restaurant every night and never have to revisit the same place twice. Needless to say, among the many award-winning restaurants that are littered throughout New York City, there are plenty of places that serve up premium meat.
If you want to experience smoked meats on demand, you will need to invest in the best electric smoker. Even with your own smoker, smoked meat is a hard thing to get right, but anyone who has eaten perfectly prepared smoked meats can testify just how delicious they are. The following BBQ restaurants in New York City all offer their customers some of the best smoked meats you’ll be able to find in a city that is overflowing with excellent food.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Located on the Harlem shoreline, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is one of New York’s hidden gems. With a price range of around $20-25 per person, the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is excellent value. The food is, as you would hope, absolutely delicious. The range of meats on offer is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
The Dinosaur offers take-out options, which are perfect for a night in with a friend or spouse. However, if you do make your way down to the restaurant (make a reservation to avoid disappointment), you will have one of the finest dining experiences a smoked meat lover could ask for.
Hometown Bar-B-Que
Located in Brooklyn, the Hometown Bar-B-Que offers a great BBQ experience, along with some of the best sandwiches in New York – which is saying something! The restaurant is located at the very end of Van Brunt St, near to the shoreline.
As well as plenty to whet your appetite if you want to sit down and take your time, Hometown also offers an array of quick bites and examples of local cuisine that set it apart from other local places. The smoked meat is fantastic, whatever form you have it in, but we would especially recommend the ribs and the house sausage.
Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
On 2nd Avenue, just around the corner from the Merchant’s House Museum, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque serves up some of the most delicious naturally-raised slow smoked meats. Their brisket, slow smoked for 22 hours prior to being hand carved, is an absolute must-try for any smoked meat lover in New York.
The highlight of Mighty Quin’s menu has got to be the Brontosaurus Rib, which more than lives up to the name. There’s almost a full pound of meat here (which we accept is not a full brontosaurus worth!) served up with slaw and assorted vegetables.
Jongro BBQ
BBQs are enjoyed throughout the world, but there are a few countries that are notable for incorporating the barbecue into their cuisines – Australia, the USA, and Korea. And, many people would argue that it is Korea who have perfected the art of cooking barbecue food. If you want to understand exactly what it is that the Koreans are doing so much better than everyone else, Jongro BBQ is the perfect demonstration.
You truly don’t know just how good a barbecue can be until you have sampled authentic Korean BBQ. Jongro is a huge restaurant, and even when it’s packed it still feels spacious and never claustrophobic. The atmosphere complements the food perfectly, and a menu full of tasty tender smoked meats ensures that everyone is having a good time.
Baekjeong NYC
Another Korean BBQ joint, this one is located over the street from the Empire State Building. This is a prime piece of real estate in the heart of New York. Cooking your own Korean BBQ food is notoriously difficult to do properly. Anyone can BBQ, but few people can pull together the range of tastes that come together in a properly prepared Korean BBQ dish.
We would recommend making reservations instead of just stopping by, as this place gets very busy – hardly surprising given its location. We would recommend trying out the signature dishes, all of which are absolutely fantastic. However, don’t be afraid to experiment – everything here is great.
Properly cooked smoked meat, made with the best quality premium meats, is a culinary experience unlike any other. If you like meat, but have never tried smoked meat, then you really owe it to yourself. Take a trip to any of the restaurants on this list and you won’t be able to buy your own barbecue and smoker fast enough.
There are a lot of restaurants in New York City, so picking out the true gems can be difficult. However, we’re confident that whether you are new to a smoked meat BBQ or you’re already an aficionado, these restaurants are guaranteed to impress.
Food and Drink
TAP Dances Into NoMad — Bossa Nova, Buoyant Brothers and Brazil’s Sunniest Sandwich
There is a particular species of August afternoon in Manhattan — hot, muggy, the sidewalks thick with tourists moving at the pace of parade floats — when the city feels like something to be endured. Into that swelter, on the corner of NoMad, TAP Brazilian Café has just opened its fifth New York outpost and I am prepared to call it an oasis, if you’ll forgive me the word. It is, at the very least, a great improvement on the theme of lunch.
TAP — an acronym for Tapioca sandwiches, Açaí bowls, and Pão de queijo — arrives with the confident math of a brand that already knows what it’s doing. This is location number five, following Midtown East, Astoria, the Upper West Side, and Miami’s Brickell, with Coral Gables and a franchise rollout already in motion. Brothers Pedro and Cleo Uchôa, the Brazilian duo behind it, have built something that reads less like fast food and more like a wellness proposition with excellent bread.
And it is excellent bread — or rather, no bread at all, in the traditional sense. The kitchen works in tapioca: a naturally gluten-free cassava flatbread, griddled with fillings and folded until it turns into something with a wonderful, contradictory texture — a slight crunch that gives way just before the bite, then collapses into whatever’s melted inside. It is, structurally speaking, a genius piece of engineering disguised as lunch.
I tried the beef, grilled with onions, generous with flavor and light on the conscience — a fact I found genuinely surprising, given Brazil’s reputation as a nation devoted to beef and rice. The Salmon & Mango Fresh — smoked salmon and mango dressed in a house-made vinaigrette, tucked into that same tapioca fold — is a genuinely fresh idea of what a fish sandwich can be. The caprese converted me outright: I have spent a lifetime finding capreses bready, chewy and cold, and this one was tender, melty and warm in a way that felt like it had been reasoned out on purpose.
The açaí, sourced from Pará in the Brazilian Amazon and sweetened with organic guaraná, shows up everywhere — in bowls, in smoothies, in the spirulina açaí smoothie I’d happily call a creamsicle for grown-ups chasing antioxidants along with nostalgia. On a day like the one I visited, that sweetness was the whole point. Pair it with the savory pão de queijo, tender, cheesy fritters with a mochi texture. An excellent lunch for the smart set on the go.
None of it would have mattered, though, if the room hadn’t held together, because the room was packed — a properly overwhelming grand-opening crush, the kind that tests a staff’s composure more than it tests the food. TAP’s team met it with a warmth that never once curdled into strain. Manager Johan talked me through the tapioca-grilling-and-folding process himself, unhurried, clearly proud of it. That kind of grace under a full house is not nothing; it is, arguably, the harder dish to pull off.
The space itself does its part, too — murals from Rio graffiti artist Acme, a ten-foot toucan sculpture from Luciano Cian planted at the door, a calm, groovy beat drifting under the noise. It doesn’t try to fake a beach in Brazil. It just borrows enough of the spirit to make Midtown feel, for the length of a lunch, a little less like Midtown.
I didn’t find one middling thing on the table. So: NoMad’s nomads, start thinking Brazilian for lunch. TAP has brought its A-game to fast food, and it turns out fast food had room to grow up.
TAP NoMad
Entertainment
Bring the Rockettes Home for the Holidays With a New Festive Cookbook and Craft Collection
There are Christmas traditions, and then there are New York Christmas traditions.
Nothing signals the arrival of the holiday season quite like the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, where dazzling precision kicks, the legendary Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, and a little Manhattan magic have captivated audiences for generations. Now, fans can bring a bit of that sparkle home.
Beginning September 22, Harper Celebrate and the Radio City Rockettes will release Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes: Recipes and Crafts to Bring Home the Magic, a beautifully curated keepsake that transforms one of New York’s most beloved holiday productions into an entertaining guide filled with festive recipes, creative DIY projects, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Think of it as the perfect companion for anyone who believes the holidays deserve a little extra glamour.
Inside, readers will discover an irresistible collection of seasonal recipes inspired by the iconic production, including whimsical Parade of the Wooden Soldiers cake pops, New York-inspired Big Apple galettes, and reindeer-themed chocolate cranberry treats that are guaranteed to steal the dessert table.
The celebrations don’t stop there.
The book also serves up a collection of festive beverages—from comforting hot chocolate creations to holiday cocktails and mocktails, including the signature Rockettini™ and the delightfully named Mrs. Claus Mule—perfect for everything from elegant cocktail parties to cozy nights by the fire.
For the creatively inclined, the volume is filled with charming craft projects designed to elevate holiday decorating. DIY snow globe ornaments, imaginative gift wrapping ideas, and festive door décor bring a touch of Radio City elegance into every corner of the home.
Perhaps the most enchanting feature, however, is the opportunity to step behind the curtain.
Packed with archival photography and backstage stories, the book explores the remarkable history of the Christmas Spectacular, which first dazzled audiences in 1933 and has since welcomed more than 73 million visitors from around the world. Longtime fans will appreciate the insider stories, while newcomers will discover why this production remains one of New York City’s defining holiday experiences.
The release also arrives as the Rockettes continue celebrating more than a century of precision, artistry, and athleticism. Since marking their centennial in 2025, the legendary dance company continues to embody the glamour and discipline that have made them one of America’s most recognizable performing arts institutions. Beyond Radio City Music Hall, the Rockettes have become synonymous with the holiday season through appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, the Tony Awards, Saturday Night Live, and countless televised celebrations.
If there is one thing New Yorkers understand, it’s that Christmas isn’t simply a date on the calendar—it’s an atmosphere. The lights, the music, the traditions, and yes, the Rockettes all contribute to that unmistakable feeling that the city has transformed into something magical.
This charming new collection allows that magic to continue long after the curtain falls.
Whether you’re planning an elegant holiday gathering, searching for the perfect gift for the theater lover in your life, or simply looking to add a little Radio City sparkle to your own celebrations, this festive volume promises to make the season just a bit brighter.
Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes: Recipes and Crafts to Bring Home the Magic will be available wherever books are sold beginning September 22, 2026.
Events
Raise a Glass—Without the Alcohol: The Daily Pour Returns With New York’s Chicest Alcohol-Free Festival
Forget everything you think you know about alcohol-free events.
The Daily Pour’s Alcohol-Free Festival returns to New York City on Thursday, September 17, transforming The Altman Building into one of the season’s most stylish lifestyle destinations, where sophisticated sipping, culinary excellence, wellness, art, and music come together to prove that celebration has entered an entirely new era.
This isn’t about what you’re giving up.
It’s about everything you’re gaining.
As the alcohol-free movement continues to redefine modern entertaining, The Daily Pour has curated an immersive evening that invites guests to explore premium non-alcoholic spirits, wines, ready-to-drink cocktails, and bitters from some of the industry’s most innovative producers. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, focused on wellness, or simply looking to discover exceptional new beverages, this festival demonstrates just how far the category has evolved.
The evening begins inside the Tasting Gallery, where guests can sample an impressive collection of premium alcohol-free brands designed to surprise even seasoned cocktail enthusiasts. Expect sophisticated flavors, thoughtful craftsmanship, and plenty of discoveries along the way.
For those seeking a slower pace, the Wellness Sanctuary offers a calming retreat dedicated to wellness activations, mindful moments, and products designed to nourish both body and mind—a welcome reminder that luxury today is increasingly defined by well-being rather than excess.
Food remains one of the festival’s biggest draws. The Food Hall pairs alcohol-free beverages with creations from acclaimed restaurants and chefs, continuing a culinary tradition that previously featured favorites including Spring Café Aspen, The Butcher’s Daughter, Adoro Lei, and Seatopia. The result is an experience where exceptional food and innovative drinks stand comfortably beside one another.
Wine lovers won’t be overlooked. The dedicated Alcohol-Free Wine Salon showcases sparkling selections and still wines that challenge long-held assumptions about what alcohol-free wine can be, highlighting craftsmanship, terroir, and innovation with every pour.
Guests ready to shift gears can descend into the Rhythms Lounge, where the festival encourages everyone to disconnect from their phones, reconnect with the music, and embrace an unapologetically nostalgic dance floor inspired by the carefree spirit of the ’90s—all while enjoying expertly crafted alcohol-free cocktails.
Those looking for a deeper dive can reserve a place in the intimate Mixology Lab, where expert-led classes combine cocktail demonstrations, guided tastings, and hands-on education in an interactive setting limited to just 25 participants.
Adding another layer to the evening is a thoughtfully curated Art Gallery, featuring contemporary works by artists from across the country, including Andrea Bergen, Brian Brown, Kelly Boehmer, Rachel Gardner, and others, presented by The Art Fox | Cindy Lisica Gallery.
The Daily Pour’s festival reflects a growing cultural shift. Luxury no longer requires excess. Celebration no longer depends on alcohol. Instead, today’s consumers are embracing experiences that allow them to enjoy remarkable food, beautifully crafted beverages, meaningful conversation, and vibrant entertainment—without compromise.
Whether you’re discovering alcohol-free spirits for the first time or already have a favorite bottle on your bar cart, this promises to be one of New York’s most distinctive lifestyle events of the season.
If this movement is any indication of where hospitality is headed, the future looks refreshingly sophisticated—and deliciously alcohol-free.
The Daily Pour Alcohol-Free Festival: The Altman Building,Thursday, September 17, 2026 6–10 p.m. Early bird tickets begin at $65, with VIP experiences available, including exclusive omakase counter access.
Food and Drink
The Summer Sip I Didn’t Expect: Why Malfy Limone Gin Has Become My Seasonal Obsession
Summer in the Hamptons has a way of introducing you to unexpected favorites. Mine arrived during Hamptons Social’s August Summer Book, where beautifully curated brands shared the spotlight with authors, tastemakers and the season’s social set. Among the evening’s discoveries was Malfy Gin, the premium Italian spirit inspired by the citrus groves and effortless elegance of Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
While the gin immediately impressed, it was Malfy’s stunning Amalfi-blue signature glassware that completely stole my heart. Elegant, beautifully balanced and unmistakably Italian, the oversized balloon glasses quickly became one of the evening’s most coveted take-home gifts.
Unfortunately, mine was rudely taken from me before I ever had the chance to enjoy it at home.
Still thinking about that beautiful glass, I reached out to the wonderful team at Malfy to tell them how much I had fallen in love with it. Their response was as gracious as their gin. They generously surprised me with the Malfy Limone Gin Gift Set, complete with two stunning signature glasses.
Now that’s Italian hospitality.
Produced by Torino Distillati in Moncalieri, Italy, Malfy Gin celebrates the bright flavors of the Italian coast with four distinctive expressions. Originale delivers a classic dry gin built around hand-picked juniper and coriander. Con Limonehighlights sun-ripened Italian lemons and fragrant Amalfi lemon peel. Gin Rosa blends Sicilian pink grapefruit, rhubarb and citrus, while Con Arancia showcases the rich sweetness of Sicilian blood oranges.
For me, however, Con Limone is summer in a bottle.
Bright, crisp and wonderfully refreshing, it is equally at home poured simply over ice with tonic or served as the centerpiece of an elegant summer cocktail. Every sip evokes long afternoons overlooking the Mediterranean, even if you’re sitting in the Hamptons.
Still thinking about that beautiful glass, I reached out to the team at Malfy to tell them how much I had fallen in love with it. Their response was every bit as gracious as their gin. They generously surprised me with the Malfy Limone Gin Gift Set, complete with two of the signature blue glasses that had captivated me at the event, along with a bottle of their wonderfully refreshing Con Limone Gin.
Sometimes the best summer discoveries aren’t planned. Sometimes they begin with a glass that was rudely stolen …and ends with finding a brand whose generosity and style made me an enthusiastic fan. And Sometimes exceptional customer service creates a customer for life. This was one of those moments.
Food and Drink
The Addison Brings Art Deco Glamour and Elevated Dining to New York’s Sports Scene
As Manhattan is becoming the epicenter of the sporting universe—with the NBA Finals, international soccer, and a city buzzing with fans from around the globe—The Addison has arrived at exactly the right moment.
Located at 214 West 39th Street, this isn’t your typical sports bar. Forget sticky floors, blaring televisions, and baskets of forgettable wings. The Addison has reimagined the sports-watching experience with the sophistication of an upscale supper club, where beautifully plated food, inventive cocktails, and refined interiors are every bit as important as the game itself.
Created by New York hospitality veterans Ian Magid, Michael Shalev, and Anthony Barton, in collaboration with NexHos Hospitality, the 2,300-square-foot venue comfortably accommodates up to 120 guests while feeling surprisingly intimate. Rich cobalt blue lacquered walls accented with Art Deco-inspired gold trim immediately set the tone. Plush velvet seating in navy and crimson, polished marble tables, and warm ambient lighting create an atmosphere that feels elegant rather than over-designed.
The details are what make The Addison memorable.
I immediately fell in love with the whimsical artwork adorning the walls, adding personality and conversation to every corner.
Around the room dramatic walls of crystal decanters filled with luxury spirits create an almost theatrical backdrop. Even the large-format televisions have been thoughtfully integrated into the design, allowing guests to enjoy every game without sacrificing the restaurant’s refined aesthetic.
Since I’m currently avoiding alcohol, I opted for the Refreshing Mule ($14), a vibrant blend of muddled cherries and oranges, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, finished with a skewered orange, cherry, and mint sprig. Bright, refreshing, and surprisingly soothing, it proved that a thoughtfully crafted mocktail can be every bit as satisfying as its spirited counterpart.
My dining companion, Magda, happily stuck with her traditional Diet Coke.
The meal began with what quickly became our favorite bites of the evening: the Buttermilk Onion Rings ($14). Perfectly crisp without a trace of grease, they arrived with an addictive smoked aioli that had us reaching for “just one more” until the plate was empty.
The Spinach & Artichoke Gratin ($17) arrived bubbling hot beneath a beautifully browned three-cheese crust. Rich without becoming heavy, it was generously portioned and accompanied by crisp toasted crostini that stood up beautifully to every creamy bite.
For my entrée, I chose the appetizer of Braised Short Rib Tacos ($19), served as three generously filled tacos layered with tender, slow-braised beef, pickled onions, and chipotle crema. The meat practically melted with every bite, delivering rich, comforting flavor balanced by just enough brightness from the onions and crema. Frankly, these deserve to become one of The Addison’s signature dishes.
Magda chose the Tuscan Kale Salad ($18), featuring Pecorino, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted breadcrumbs. Fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced, it offered a lighter counterpoint to the evening’s richer selections and earned enthusiastic praise from across the table.
Dessert turned into a celebration as our friend fashion designer Shani Grosz marked her birthday with us. The Molten Lava Cake ($14), finished with salted caramel drizzle, and the classic New York Cheesecake ($14), topped with whipped cream and fresh raspberries, provided the perfect finale. Decadent without being overwhelming, both disappeared remarkably quickly.
Beyond the menu, The Addison succeeds because it understands its neighborhood.
Just two blocks from Schmigadoon!, it makes an ideal pre-theater dinner or post-show gathering spot. Its proximity to Port Authority also makes it an excellent destination for business lunches, after-work cocktails, or meeting colleagues before catching a train out of the city.
Looking ahead, The Addison is equally well-positioned for private events and holiday celebrations, offering ample space while maintaining the intimate elegance that defines the restaurant.
The happy hour alone is worth planning around. Highlights include $8 draft beers, $10 French 75s, Old Fashioneds, and Short Rib Tacos, $14 martinis, a Martini & Truffle Fries pairing for $18, $12 Caviar Bumps, and $2 oysters—a menu that effortlessly mixes approachable comfort with a touch of luxury.
What impressed me most wasn’t simply how beautiful the room is. It was how welcoming it feels.
Too often restaurants choose between elegance and comfort. The Addison delivers both. Portions are generous without being excessive, every dish tastes fresh despite offering satisfying comfort, and the atmosphere somehow manages to be upscale without ever feeling pretentious.
Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team, entertaining clients, grabbing dinner before the theater, or simply looking for one of Midtown’s newest hidden gems, The Addison has already mastered what so many restaurants spend years trying to achieve.
This isn’t just another sports bar. It’s one of Midtown’s most stylish new dining destinations—and one I’ll happily return to again and again.
The Addison: 214 West 39th Street
-
Business4 days agoAI-Generated Content Is Entering the Compliance Era
-
Broadway3 days agoThe Broadway Season of 2026–2027: What to Expect and What to Mark on Your Calendar
-
Broadway4 days agoNew York Theatre Is Seeing Stars: Broadway and Beyond Bring Out the Big Names
-
Entertainment4 days agoIntroducing Doors Tribute Group Carnival Dogs At My Father’s Place September 4
-
Business2 days agoAI Is Getting Cheaper — and That Could Change What Businesses Automate
-
Business3 days agoOzempic Is Changing the Ice Cream Aisle
-
Film2 days agoThe TIFF ’26 Schedule Is Here, and So Is Andrew Scott
-
Cabaret4 days agoMy View: Like A Bolt Of Lightning and Shinny Cloth Isaac Mizrahi hits the Stage of 54 Below











