.webp)
TLDR: Reddit's r/AskNYC community reveals Midtown Manhattan's best kept secrets: luxury hotel bars worth the splurge, a hidden tropical garden, free museum hours, authentic Korean food in K-town, and the Rose Reading Room at NYPL.
Midtown Manhattan gets a bad reputation. Ask most New Yorkers about it and you'll hear complaints about tourist crowds, overpriced restaurants, and soulless office buildings.
But when someone posted "What's your favorite thing to do in Midtown?" on Reddit's r/AskNYC, the responses painted a different picture entirely. Turns out, Midtown has genuine gems hidden between the chain restaurants and Times Square chaos.
The trick is knowing where to look. I've compiled the best recommendations from that thread, focusing on spots that actual New Yorkers visit and enjoy.
Upscale Hotel Bars Worth the Splurge
One of the top-voted comments praised Midtown's concentration of "super nice hotel bars and restaurants you only find in Midtown." The standouts mentioned were Monkey Bar, King Cole Bar, and Palm Court.
King Cole Bar at the St. Regis got special attention. One Redditor raved about the complimentary bar snacks: "I had a glass of Roederer Estate sparkling wine and they served a trio of house made bites, spicy olives, mixed nuts, and Parmesan crisps. It was a delight." Yes, cocktails run around $25, but commenters noted they contain more alcohol than three shots at a regular bar.
The Monkey Bar earned praise for its burger specifically. One Brooklyn resident admitted to "regularly coming to the city for that burger." These aren't everyday spots, but when you want to feel like you have your life together, they deliver.
The Secret Tropical Garden Most Tourists Miss
Multiple Redditors mentioned the Ford Foundation building atrium as one of Midtown's best secrets. Located on 43rd Street off 2nd Avenue, this "secret verdant tropical garden with a reflection pool in center" is free and open to the public.
It's the kind of place you'd never stumble upon accidentally, which is exactly what makes it special.
Libraries and Museums That Justify the Trip
The New York Public Library's Rose Reading Room appeared in multiple comments. One Redditor advised: "Bring any type of book (they won't let you in otherwise) and go in the Rose Reading Room." The space is stunning and completely free.
The Morgan Library & Museum got mentioned with a useful tip about free admission: "Free Tues and Sun 3-5 pm. Reservations for these free hours are not required." College students also get free admission on the first Sunday of each month.
For art lovers, Christie's auction house viewings came up as an unexpected recommendation. "Anyone can go in and look at the artwork during viewing hours," explained one commenter. "It can feel a little intimidating when you first go in, but everyone is welcome." Their blockbuster end-of-season sales offer chances to see museum-quality pieces up close.
Where Reddit Actually Eats in Midtown
K-town dominated the food recommendations. The neighborhood around 32nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues serves authentic Korean food at all hours. Gaonnuri on the 39th floor got specific praise for "the seafood pancake and the INCREDIBLE views." Multiple users vouched for Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen for Chinese food.
For Italian espresso, Redditors named two spots: Zibetto on 6th and 56th, and Macchiato on 5th and 46th. "Some of the best Italian espresso bars are in Midtown," noted one commenter with 112 upvotes.
Keens Steakhouse was called someone's "#1" Midtown destination. Los Tacos No. 1 brings people to the area specifically. And for pre-Broadway dining, multiple commenters recommended 9th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen between 42nd and 55th Street for "multiple great restaurants without Times Square tourist prices."
Budget-conscious visitors should know about Jimmy's Corner, described as "NYC's best bar" with $3 beers. Liberty Bagels got a shoutout for jalapeño everything bagels before a Central Park morning.
Unique Shopping Beyond Fifth Avenue
While Fifth Avenue's flagship stores got mentions, Redditors highlighted lesser-known spots.
JJ Hat Center is "the oldest hat shop in NYC" for quality hats. The fabric shops in the garment district were called "really cool" by several users. The Compleat Strategist on 33rd Street is "a Mecca for board/tabletop/card game enthusiasts" that's been open 50 years.
Kalustyan's near Little India got special mention as an essential stop. And while it might seem obvious, Macy's earned praise for its wooden elevator between the 2nd and upper floors, something most visitors never experience.
Entertainment Beyond Broadway
Broadway shows were obviously mentioned, but Redditors added context. Pair your show with dinner in Hell's Kitchen rather than suffering through overpriced Times Square restaurants. The AMC 34th Street location got called out as "pretty good" for movies.
Bryant Park appeared repeatedly. In winter, you can sign up for free ice time if you bring your own skates. Year-round, it's a genuine oasis in the concrete jungle. One commenter noted it's perfect for relaxing after grabbing that Liberty Bagels breakfast.
For something unexpected, several Redditors mentioned artist-run printmaking studios in Midtown, including cooperatives where you can take classes or view member work.
Grand Central: More Than a Train Station
"I love passing through Grand Central to see just how stunning it is," wrote one longtime New Yorker. "I grew up here and oh boy, it wasn't this beautiful decades ago."
Multiple commenters agreed that simply walking through and looking up at the ceiling makes Midtown worthwhile.
Is Midtown Manhattan Worth Visiting?
Reddit's verdict is nuanced. One highly upvoted comment said: "Midtown is great. I don't know what people are talking about."
The key distinction users made is between living in Midtown versus visiting. It's a "mundane business district" for residents, but has "attractions and things that are fun" for visitors who know where to look.
The real issue is price point, as one user explained: "There are places that are fun in Midtown. To me the problem is they are typically at price points that are much higher than other neighborhoods."
What Parts of Midtown Should You Avoid?
Redditors were specific about problem areas. "The only part of Midtown I really dislike is right by Penn near the crackheads outside the McDonalds," admitted one user. Times Square restaurants were universally panned for quality and price.
Several commenters noted these restaurants "are allowed to up charge by a certain % because their rent is so high." Midtown East was called "cleaner and nicer" with better restaurant options.
What's the Best Time to Visit Midtown?
One poetic response suggested "walking through the area in the middle of the night when fewer people are around and soak in the gaudy, but oh so marvelous sights."
Bryant Park's Christmas market got mentioned as worth braving winter crowds. Weekday mornings at the NYPL and museums mean smaller crowds.
The Real Midtown Experience
Reading through this Reddit thread changed how I think about Midtown. Yes, plenty of New Yorkers joked about their favorite thing being "leaving Midtown." But between the sarcastic comments, genuine recommendations emerged for hotel bars with character, hidden gardens, free museum hours, and food scenes that rival any neighborhood.
The trick is approaching Midtown strategically rather than stumbling through tourist traps. Skip the Olive Garden in Times Square (yes, someone made that joke). Instead, duck into the Ford Foundation atrium, browse the Rose Reading Room, grab espresso at Zibetto, and save your real dining dollars for K-town or Hell's Kitchen.
Midtown Manhattan isn't soulless. You just need to know where the soul is hiding.
Explore Midtown your way
Want to discover Midtown Manhattan's hidden gems without the tourist crowds? StoryHunt's Personal Tour Guide creates customized audio walks based on your interests.
Whether you're hunting for secret gardens, architectural landmarks, or the best espresso in Manhattan, the interactive map guides you through the city with stories that bring each location to life. Explore at your own pace and find the Midtown that locals actually enjoy.
.jpg)
.avif)
