#outsideny

MIGHTY QUINN’S

NY’s very own pit master comes from Houston, TX. Arguably the best bbq in the city, Mighty Quinn’s surely has a tasty meat to offer in all the traditional shapes and forms (brisket!!!). Get your basket ready! Seven locations in NY: 4 in Manhattan, 3 in Brooklyn.

EXIT 9

This independent store has a knack for finding spot-on inexpensive gifts that the future owner will undoubtedly find enjoyable, probably funny, even memorable. It’s also a vibrant part of the Cobble/Boerum Hill areas in Brooklyn. Smith, between Dean and Pacific St. 

XI’AN FAMOUS FOODS

For whomever has lost all faith in Chinese cuisine, Xi ‘An will prove you wrong. Granted, the name and midtown location a few feet away from Herald Square lack appeal, but the food will certainly have you come back. This 10-year old family business offers delicious casual meals of all sizes and all degrees of spiciness, all with a smile and diligent service. You’ll find five locations in the city and Brooklyn. One is at 34 St, between Madison and Fifth Ave.

LIBERTY STATE PARK

It’s amazing the amount of things you can do in the Liberty State Park. Segway, boat, bike, run, science, trains, sightseeing, nap... you name it! A tad bit hard to find, as if it was protected, this park owes its name to its location right behind the green lady’s, offering you a unique point of view (in every way). Head to Jersey City and follow your instinct, you’ll find it.

RESTAURANT 1915

The stunning panoramic views and the all-you-can-eat brunch will make you forget the desperately long trip to get there. The miles don’t matter, traffic is the issue. Anyway, Bear Mountain Inn is the prefect escape from the City. Breathe deeply and get your comfy shoes, nature’s calling.

DOUGH

I generally don’t eat donuts. But when I do, I eat Dough Donuts. Born and raised in Brooklyn, the fame of the place obliged it to bring its 20 different donuts to the City. Service is not their forte but their dough is something. Try the original spot on Lafayette and Franklin in B’klyn.