This was my third time visiting NYC in October, and it is one of my favorite traditions ever! The weather is perfect, the stoops are decorated for Halloween, and the sun is still out during the day. Now that I’ve been a few times, I have spots I love and visit each time, but I also always stumble upon fabulous places! Sharing my New York City fall 2025 recommendations, from spots to grab a bite to eat or drink to the pieces I recommend packing.
My friend Nikki lives in Harlem, but we spent a lot of our time in the West Village and Upper West Side during this trip! Everything in Manhattan is fairly easy to get to through the subway, but I always recommend making plans for where you want to go so you don’t have to go back and forth on the subway.
WHERE WE ATE
Sugarfish
Every time I visit NYC, I have to get omakase (chef’s choice sushi), and this year, I went to Sugarfish again. Sugarfish is a chain that has a more basic omakase, and at $69 for their more expensive option, I think it’s a consistent, delicious option. Courses include edamame, sashimi, nigiri, rolls and hand rolls, and they’re open to substitutions. If you’ve never had omakase but want to try it, I think Sugarfish would be a great choice.
Ambra
On a night in the West Village, Nikki and I stopped in Ambra for dinner. It’s an Italian restaurant with a cozy, intimate ambiance, good drinks and a wonderful dinner menu. We split the olive focaccia (you must get this if you’re an olive fan), and I got the mafaldine with short rib ragu. This meal was so delicious and the perfect end to an evening in the West Village.
Burgerhead
After a solo day exploring the West Village, I randomly stopped by Burgerhead and was very pleasantly surprised! I got a charburger combo with their beef fat fries and a soda, and the burger was honestly exactly what I needed for lunch.
Yasaka
We grabbed sushi takeout from Yasaka, and if I lived in NYC, this would be a regular spot for me! Their deluxe combo was $29 and included a roll and 9 assorted nigiri pieces. Everything was fresh and delicious, and I only wish there was a list of which pieces we got because I’m not enough of a sushi expert to know the difference between my albacore and yellowtail.
De Mole
De Mole was an unexpected favorite! Nikki and I stumbled upon it on Sunday while walking through Brooklyn, and next time we’d want to go for their $79 bottomless brunch. We split their (expensive but so worth it) guacamole and tacos, and I cannot stop thinking about the housemade tomatillo sauce they bring to every table.
Ainslie
On every fall trip to NYC, I’ve grabbed dinner at Ainslie with an Instagram friend, Francesca. Their Williamsburg location is huge and full of gorgeous greenery (and this time, it was full of NYC Marathon winners). They’ve got a great happy hour, and I always get their pasta. This time, I got something different than usual, but my go-to (and preferred) order is the penne alla vodka with burrata.
The Grey Lady
This was another repeat for us because we didn’t want to miss their $1 oyster happy hour. We also got drinks (they have BOGO Aperol spritzes and espresso martinis on Thursdays) and their crinkle cut fries that came with a delicious basil aioli. I love the ambiance here, and I will gladly eat a dozen oysters for $12.
COCKTAIL BARS + BEER GARDENS
Dante
Dante is a well-known martini bar, and while they don’t serve my absolute favorite dirty martinis, their vibes are really just unmatched. I’m not sure about the other cocktails, but the dirty martinis are pre-made, which is why they’re not my absolute go-to, but sitting outside with a martini and little cup of olives while people watching is the perfect evening.
Golden Years
On Sunday, we made our way to Brooklyn and happened upon this spot which had a fun Sunday happy hour. Nikki grabbed a Paloma, and I got a spicy margarita, and we loved sipping our drinks on the patio. The ambiance of this bar felt like the bars I love in Birmingham—super cozy and clearly a spot for regulars.
WHERE TO GRAB COFFEE IN NEW YORK CITY FALL 2025
10,000 Coffee
The Einspanner at 10,000 Coffee was my favorite coffee I had during this trip (which is saying a lot considering how much money I spent on coffee…). It’s an espresso-based drink with a super creamy top and cocoa powder dusting, and when it all melts together it’s so thick and creamy. Sooo good.
Hungry Llama
I went to Hungry Llama twice on this trip because it’s so nice to find a spot that has plenty of room, bathrooms and working outlets to charge your phone, lol. They’re known for their whipped honey latte, and I really liked it. The latte itself is plain (unless you choose a flavored one), but the whipped honey is delicious and you can stir it in to make a really delicious, frothy drink.
Fellini Coffee
Fellini was such a cute spot, but I did not love my coffee… I did, however, love what Nikki ordered. I got one of their (expensive) specialty lattes, and Nikki got the dolce vita, which is a more basic caramel latte for $6 or 7. Definitely go for that option, because it’s half the price and really good.
WHAT TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY FALL 2025
There’s so much to do in the city, but here’s what I did on this New York City fall 2025 trip! Lots of walking around and exploring compared to other more touristy things, just because I was visiting a friend who lives there.
Shop in the West Village
The West Village has sooo many cute shops to check out. I grabbed a fun necklace from Mure and Grand, and my favorite store to browse was Big Night.
Grab snacks at Ten Ichi Mart
Ten Ichi Mart is a Japanese market, and they sell packaged goods and grab-and-go food. The chicken, pork and leek gyoza are incredibly delicious and I got them twice on the trip! They’re a great deal and really flavorful. Plus, you can grab them and enjoy at Washington Square Park if you go to their West Village location.
Stop by Artists and Fleas
This market in Brooklyn is amazing and full of booths of makers selling vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, beauty products and more. I stocked up on rings and loved browsing all of the different booths, and you can see something new every time you go!
TOP PACKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEW YORK CITY FALL 2025
- A pair of comfortable shoes (my favorites that are comfortable and cute are from Sam and Libby)
- A neutral pea coat that matches most outfits
- Your most fun patterns that you’ve been saving for a night out
As usual, I had a fabulous time in the city! It was so fun and bustling, but I’m excited to be back home for fall in Birmingham.
- Related posts: New York City Fall 2024 Travel Guide | 72 Hours in New York City | New York City Fall 2023 Travel Guide
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