Concierge Guides provides a local take by our staff on their favorite places to eat, relax and explore in the neighborhoods where our centers are located. Maybe it’s a favorite happy hour spot, a little-known park to sit and reflect or a hole in the wall heaven for foodies, these guides are curated by Carr Workplaces’ staff, your eyes and ears to the street.
When you think of Midtown Manhattan what comes to mind, a sea of taxis and businesspersons hustling to and fro? The staff at our Grand Central location say that by being in the center of New York and having Grand Central Terminal within arm’s reach, there’s always a plethora of culture and entertainment a quick subway ride away.
Let’s begin at Grand Central: the over 100-year train terminal is indeed grand, having innovative engineering and both practical and elegant design that’s rarely seen today. Inside are 65 shops and 35 restaurants, with fast options for the hurried commuter or Michelin-starred fare for those looking to indulge. Our Grand Central location in the MetLife building has direct access to the Terminal making it an ideal place to dine or shop at any point during the day.
A few blocks west is Bryant Park, a lush verdant square which, despite its modest size, transports visitors into a relaxed and, dare we say, decadent state that feels like stepping into some Renaissance painter’s depiction of leisure. You immediately forget about the city’s frenetic pace and the park has a surprisingly packed calendar of daily events from movies on the lawn to…juggling classes, and quite a lot in between.
New York provides limitless opportunities for great meals but we’re particular fans of the food hall trend as Manhattan has several with delectably niche gourmet offerings. A few blocks south of Bryant Park is Pennsy, which is next to Madison Square Garden and Penn Station and has 6 different eateries by well-known chefs as well as a large outdoor beer garden. Other favorite Manhattan food halls: Mercado Little Spain, Chef José Andrés’ love letter to Spanish gastronomy, and Eataly, where you can not only shop and enjoy the best of Italian cuisine and culinary products but also take classes to improve your skills in la cucina.
Of course, when in New York one craves culture, and there are several world-class art institutions just minutes from our Grand Central center. A quick subway ride north on the 4,5, or 6 trains is the Guggenheim Museum. Our Grand Central General Manager, Wendy Castro, says the retrospective, Implicit Tensions, of the transgressive and groundbreaking fine art photographer, Robert Mapplethorpe, is fascinating and moving. It’s on display until January 2020.
On the subject of art, you could do much worse than the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a neighbor to the Guggenheim on the Upper East Side and tucked inside arguably the world’s greatest urban park.
If you’re craving some entertainment that’s a little less high-brow, every Tuesday the AMC movie theater chain has $5 tickets. The AMC Empire 25 on 42nd Street was built in 1912 and remains one the few great cinema buildings still around.
If your coiffure needs coiffing, our General Manager at Grand Central, Wendy Castro, says that QB House is a gem hiding in plain sight. The Japanese chain prides itself on giving haircuts that are both speedy and affordable, costing just $20. Their Midtown East location is just a five minute walk from our offices.
And for those looking to up their office style, GM Gregg de los Reyes, who, please note, is rather dapper, heartily recommends Paul Stuart, just a block from our Grand Central center.
Not Gregg, definitely not Midtown, but you get the idea.
In Midtown you’ll never be at a loss for great things to do, but if you’re still need of a great office or virtual address come experience our Grand Central center with a complimentary week: www.carrworkplaces.com/promotions
