I may just be biased here, but I’m pretty sure New York is one of the best places on earth to live. It’s like Carrie Bradshaw once said, if “you only get one great love, New York might just be mine.” Moving away for school made me realize how much I took it for granted. I’m constantly thinking of all the things I miss the most, so I decided to form a list. I asked some other fellow New Yorkers what they miss most as well and found out which ones were the most common. Here they are.
1. Bagels
Photo courtesy of foodbyskyler.com
Let’s face it. There’s nothing like a New York bagel. No out-of-state bagel can compare to the crunchy exterior and chewy interior, especially when you get ’em nice and fresh in the mornings with scallion cream cheese. Plus, we’re home to the Rainbow bagel, so you know, there’s that, too.
2. Pizza
Photo courtesy of @laurenscala on Instagram
Yea, you can get pizza anywhere, but there’s something about a $1 slice that’s actually good, especially late at night.
3. Fast Walkers
Photo by Alexa Levitt
Walking fast in New York is like a common courtesy. I can’t even begin to explain how frustrated I get when I’m walking with or behind people who STROLL everywhere.
4. 24/7 Public Transportation
Photo courtesy of latintimes.com
Oh how I miss being able to stay out late and not having to worry about what time the train stops running. Although it may be gross and sleazy, it’s nice to know it’s there.
5. Brunch
Photo courtesy of meetup.com
You can brunch anywhere, but what really makes brunching special in New York is that it’s almost like a weekend ritual for us natives. Of course, there’s also the fact that there are what seems like a million different places to try each weekend.
6. Late Night Deliveries
Photo by Alexa Levitt
There’s a reason NYC is known as the city that never sleeps. While not everything stays open 24/7, most places don’t close for the night until the early morning hours — which is great when you’re craving Chinese food at 3:30 am.
7. Jewish Delis
Photo by Jade Silva
Katz’s Deli, anyone? Although typically packed full with tourists, Katz’s doesn’t disappoint. They definitely have the best knishes and matzo ball soup I’ve ever had (and of course their pastrami sandwiches are pretty damn great, too).
8. Bodegas
Photo courtesy of Shawn Hoke on Flicker
Possibly the one thing I miss the most about New York. Where else can you buy a sub, four bags of chips, and a pint of ice cream all for under $10 at two in the morning? When no else is there for you, you can count on the lil’ cat (the one that always seems to be roaming around) to be.
9. A Good Bacon, Egg, and Cheese
Photo curtesy of loving-newyork.com
Said as one word — “baconeggandcheese” — these bad boys are the perfect hangover cure. Served on a roll or bagel, there’s nothing like a bacon, egg, and cheese to start your morning off right.
10. Pretzels and Dirty Water Hotdogs
Photo courtesy of @eastcoast_treats_and_eats on Instagram
You can get pretzels and hot dogs anywhere, but there’s honestly just something so great about getting them from a beat down food cart on the corner of the street.
11. Food Carts
Photo curtesy of spoilednyc.com
The food carts that sell pastries and coffee in the morning were honestly my savior when I was running late to work or class in high school. And if you go often enough, the workers are sure to know your order by heart.