I recently returned from a trip to New York City in which I finally checked off a major portion of the tourist bucket list.

The Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Rockefeller Centre, Central Park, Upper East Side, Brooklyn Bridge, the list goes on. But the following three experiences were the ones that made the trip special for me. I realize that two of them are food, but it’s not your place to judge me. I LOVE FOOD OK!!!!!

Katz Deli

The famous Katz’s Deli (seen in an episode of Impractical Jokers) has been serving up stacked pastrami and corned beef sandwiches since 1988. This traditional Jewish Deli is always packed with customers but the service is fast and the atmosphere is authentic Big Apple. You’ll hear the staff chatting with one another (even from across the room) about current events, sports, entertainment, etc.

A single sandwich will cost you $23USD but your mouth will thank you for it. I recommend the pastrami on rye and add Swiss cheese because…CHEESE! Don’t forget to ask for pickles.

Ray’s or Slice pizza

If you want real New York pizza and believe me you definitely do, you’ll have to order a pie from one of these two locations. Ray’s if you’re near Times Square and Slice if you’re in Astoria.

These two pizzerias orchestrate the perfect symphony of crust, sauce, and cheese on the ensemble that is your taste buds. Slice’s pie also comes in the most entertaining box you’ve ever seen. You’ll read the entire thing before opening it. Be prepared to spend upwards of $30USD for a large pizza. Keep in mind that in NYC when you order a large pie you get 8 slices, but the slices are the same size as an individual slice and THEY.ARE.BIG, unlike here in Toronto where individual slices are far larger than the ones you get in a large pie (10 slices).

I recommend keeping it simple and going for a straight up pepperoni pizza so that you don’t distract from the perfection with unnecessary toppings. You can also find a dozen or so restaurants in Little Italy (say it 5X fast) that offer stone baked or wood-fired pizzas. Wherever you choose to order your pizza from, for the love of God don’t forget to fold it when you eat it.

The Comedy Cellar

This is an absolute MUST in Manhattan. Located in Greenwich Village, for anywhere between $8 and $25USD (depending on the night) you get entry into one of the country’s most prestigious comedy clubs. There are 3 clubs which the Comedy Cellar operates out of so be sure to know which club you’ve booked tickets for. All of the greats have performed there and still do when they feel like working out new material. Even on a Monday night for $14 I was fortunate enough to witness quality comics like Jim Norton, Judah Friedlander, Rachel Feinstein, and Ryan Hamilton.

If you happen to reserve at the Village Underground location, turn left when you step out after the show and mosey on into the 3 Sheets Saloon next door for great deals and even better staff.

The next time you’re in the Empire City be sure to insert at least one of these recommendations into your trip experience, because I’m confident that after you enjoy the one you’ll follow my advice and try the other two.