Local Go-Tos with Todd Snyder, Jesse Harris and Austin James Smith

Grandlife guide

Local Go-Tos with Todd Snyder, Jesse Harris and Austin James Smith

back to list

We asked friends of GrandLife to share their favorite spots to drink, dine and brunch. Here’s what they told us…

Our Locals segment is a treasure trove of insider tips, offering insights into New Yorkers’ preferred haunts—the places they frequent for a meal, happy hour drink, vintage find, a new record, or whatever keeps them going back.

We revisit interviews with menswear designer Todd Snyder, Singer and songwriter Jesse Harris, and jewelry designer Austin James Smith, and share their favorite spots in the city to dine, drink and brunch. Here’s what they told us…

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Hotel Chelsea (@hotelchelsea)

Todd Snyder, Menswear Designer

What are your favorite NYC restaurants and what do you order when you go? 

Todd Snyder: It’s impossible to narrow it down! I’m lucky enough to call some of the best chefs in NYC my friends. My tried and true favorites are Estela, Loring Place, Le Rock, and One White Street. Lately, Le Rock’s ‘Bison Au Poivre” continues to be on my mind.

What’s your go-to spot in NYC for drinks?

TS: I love unwinding at Lobby Bar in the Hotel Chelsea. Not only is it inside one of the city’s greatest treasures, they also make the perfect martini.

What are some of your favorite brunch spots? What do you order when you go? 

TS: Mark’s Off Madison is a great spot near our Madison Flagship store. I love popping in for any meal, but brunch has some special items. They have classic bagel platters, Mark’s famous latkes, or if you’re in a more savory mood, his famous salads.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Café Mogador (@cafemogadornyc)

Jesse Harris, Singer/Songwriter/Producer

What are your favorite NYC restaurants and what do you order when you go? 

Jesse Harris: Cafe Mogador in the East Village, Elias Corner in Astoria.

What’s your go-to spot in NYC for drinks?

JH: I don’t often go out just to drink, but if I do, I like The Ten Bells, cause they have good wine.

What are some of your favorite brunch spots? What do you order when you go? 

JH: Brunch is too late! But Mogador has a great brunch.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Indochine NYC (@indochinenyc)

Austin James Smith, Jewelry Designer

What are your favorite NYC restaurants and what do you order when you go? 

Austin James Smith: Love the vibe at Bernie’s in Greenpoint; very classic American but the vibes are elevated. Definitely get the ice cream sundae!

What’s your go-to spot in NYC for drinks?

AJS: I always find myself having espresso martinis at Indochine.

What are some of your favorite brunch spots? What do you order when you go? 

AJS: Anywhere in the West Village. And always pancakes or french toast for the table to share.

Read more interviews with New York locals—here

You May Also Like

Date Night in SoHo

Date Night in SoHo

bars & nightlife
entertainment
film
food & drink
music
stories
Romance is in the air at these classic local spots.
New York Slice: The Definitive Guide to Pizza

New York Slice: The Definitive Guide to Pizza

food & drink
stories
Welcome to New York City, a hotly debated pizza town famed for those massive foldable slices and tasty artisanal pies.
Downtown Diners Doing Things Differently

Downtown Diners Doing Things Differently

coffee & cafés
food & drink
stories
Retro vibes and nostalgic comfort fare with playful and flavorful twists.
Famed Photo Walls of NYC

Famed Photo Walls of NYC

bars & nightlife
entertainment
restaurants
stories
We line up five of the best, most star-studded photo walls in NYC.
Latest and Greatest: Best New Openings

Latest and Greatest: Best New Openings

bars & nightlife
restaurants
stories
From an impossibly stylish, celebrity-studded boîte to a charming East Village omakase restaurant—the very best of what downtown has to offer right now.
Going Underground: NY's Unique Subway Level Drink And Dining Spots

Going Underground: NY's Unique Subway Level Drink And Dining Spots

bars & nightlife
entertainment
food & drink
stories
Six spots worth descending the stairs for. No Metrocard required.
Keep Your January Dry: NYC's Best Mocktails

Keep Your January Dry: NYC's Best Mocktails

bars & nightlife
food & drink
stories
We roundup the very best spots to enjoy a mocktail worth going out for.
6 Downtown Hotspots That Will Warm You Up This Winter

6 Downtown Hotspots That Will Warm You Up This Winter

food & drink
stories
From a speakeasy-inspired watering hole in Nolita to an impossibly cool “micro club” on the Lower East Side.
Choose Your Stay
logo-sg
The Hotel That Made Soho Grand
Meet Me At The Roxy
Book Now