[Photos By Danté Fattoruso]
Technical recruiter and travel blogger Matt Stabile is a top dog in travel and tech. He founded TheExpeditioner.com in 2008, which has grown into one of the largest independent travel blogs in the world and regularly features high-quality travel content from freelance writers and contributing editors from all around the world.
After graduating law school, Matt decided to start the site as an outlet for his travels while practicing law. Today, his YouTube videos have more than 1.8 million views. Matt always wanted to live in New York, so when he graduated, he packed his bags and parked beside the big apple, in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
What are some of your favorite off-the-beaten-path activities in New York City?
I think more and more, NYC means Brooklyn. I would recommend people spend at least half of their time here in Brooklyn. Wander around the neighborhoods of North Brooklyn such as Williamsburg and Bushwick, and eat and drink throughout the borough at some of the city's best and most unique locations. In Williamsburg, have steak at El Almacén, grab a cocktail at Cubana Socíal and get coffee at Oslo Coffee Roasters. In Bushwick, the pizza at Roberta's and Archie's Bar & Pizza are great, and I love the vibe at The Keep for drinks and the coffee at Kávé Espresso Bar.
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After a long trip, what do you miss most about NYC and its offerings?
When I am away from New York, I do certainly miss the fact that I can basically eat anything at any time—or at least, very late. NYC is a notoriously late city, which means you don't have to hurry during the day if you want to catch a meal later. When I get back, I tend to have sushi or Thai delivered and enjoy good food at home. In Bushwick, I like to order from Note Thai, have brunch at Mominette Bistro or Forest Point, and grab drinks at Miles or The Keep.
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How and where do you stay active in NYC?
NYC is a very walking-friendly city, so you will end up exercising by simply seeing and exploring. Many of the city's best neighborhoods are best seen by foot, and this is also a great way to sneak in some natural exercise. Throw into the mix the fact the city is becoming more and more bike-friendly—including the Citi Bike share system—and it's not hard to burn some calories around the city.
If friends are coming to town, where should they stay?
Manhattan hotels are notoriously pricey, so I would recommend visitors to explore the outer-borough hotels in Brooklyn, Williamsburg specifically. The Wythe Hotel, McCarren Hotel & Pool and Hotel Le Jolie are all good options.
Which historic building or symbol best represents the heartbeat of the city?
It's hard to pin down one particular building or symbol that best represents the city. I would say the lifeblood of the city is its neighborhoods. Each neighborhood, with its unique cultural influence and mix of people, has its own food, drink and vibe. West Village is classic New York City with its small restaurants and bars and walkable streets, Williamsburg and Bushwick are a good example of hip New York and The Upper West Side is perfect for enjoying brunch, wandering the shops and feeling the energy of the Big Apple.
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Eat, Drink, Be Merry
1. Lupolo
2. Dokebi Bar & Grill
3. Kávé Espresso Bar
4. The Rookery
5. Cubana Social
Try This
1. Visit the city's many jazz clubs, including Smalls Jazz Club, Barbès, Zinc Bar and Blue Note Jazz Club
2. Get a drink at one of the city's many speakeasies such as The Raines Law Room, Please Don't Tell, Death + Company, Larry Lawrence Bar, Hotel Delmano and The Back Room
3. Explore the West Village
4. Wander around Williamsburg and Bushwick
5. See music in Prospect Park
Stay and Play
1. Governor's Island
2. Whitney Museum of American Art
3. Museum of Modern Art
4. Central Park
5. Ellis Island
Matt knows a thing or two about travel deals, global cultures and tips for making your vacation count. Follow The Expeditioner on Twitter at @TheExpeditioner for updates, photos and whimsy.
