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

A Tour of Tribeca

A Tour of Tribeca

art & design
bars & nightlife
food & drink
stories
From a landmark liquor store turned menswear shop to farm-to-table dining in a three-story townhouse—our guide to the best spots to eat, drink, gallery hop and shop.
The Grandlife Guide to NYFF

The Grandlife Guide to NYFF

film
food & drink
stories
Must-see movies, where to watch them and other helpful hacks.
Sustainable Fashion, NYC-Style

Sustainable Fashion, NYC-Style

fashion
stories
The forward-thinking creators blending covetable design with eco-friendly practices.
The Best Cheap Eats Below 14th Street

The Best Cheap Eats Below 14th Street

food & drink
stories
From Vietnamese bánh mì to Eastern European comfort food—the flavor-packed offerings that hit the spot without breaking the bank.
Under The Radar Museums

Under The Radar Museums

art & design
fashion
film
music
stories
From a museum displaying historical artifacts of the NYC Subway to the house where jazz legend Louis Armstrong lived, we explore ten hidden gems.
Latest & Greatest: Best New Openings

Latest & Greatest: Best New Openings

bars & nightlife
food & drink
stories
From a glamorous martini bar to a French café and bistro housed inside the legendary Hotel Chelsea—the new top spots to check out downtown.
Glasses of Bubble Tea

Boba Fab! NYC’s Best Bubble Tea Spots

food & drink
stories
All you need to know about the sippable Taiwanese treat and where to find the best in the city.
The Grandlife Guide To Coney Island

The Grandlife Guide To Coney Island

travel
stories
From how and where to beach to the best spots to grab a bite—everything you need to know for your Coney Island day trip.
Choose Your Stay
logo-sg
The Hotel That Made Soho Grand
Meet Me At The Roxy
Book Now