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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Midtown East

Cool ice cream

An ice cream shop that feels genuinely cool, avoiding the tourist-trap vibe that usually plagues high-traffic areas.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated April 2026
01
Yezo Thai Isankaya image 1
Yezo Thai Isankaya image 2
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Thai restaurant

Small space combines cozy Thai dining room style with Japanese decor and Thai movie posters. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting with live jazz music that supports conversation. Seating uses tiny kitchen stools, adding to the casual, intimate vibe.

Coconut jackfruit ice cream offers a sweet finish. The dessert includes tiramisu paired with ice cream for a special touch. Complimentary ice cream is sometimes given on the house.

Cool vibe fills the space with energy. Walls feature anime posters and cool figures that brighten the atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious and fresh food here."

"The homemade coconut ice cream is creamy, nutty, and delicious."

"The atmosphere here is so cool, with anime posters and a welcoming vibe."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has live jazz music from 8-9pm on Fridays.

2

There is a lunch special available.

3

Yezo Thai Isankaya does not have liquor but offers BYOB for beer and wine.

02
The Smith image 1
American restaurant

American restaurant offers a crowded and lively atmosphere with comfortable booths and benches amid close table arrangements. Outdoor seating expands options, while live bands contribute to the energetic vibe. Noise levels can be high, creating a bustling environment.

Ice cream comes with cookies, chocolate, and sauce to make it special. It pairs well with warm desserts like sticky date pudding and apple pie, melting perfectly and tasting really good.

Superb atmosphere combines with cool vibes that keep the place lively but not overwhelming. Sundays bring a bustling yet balanced energy without being too loud or crowded.

People are saying

"The food here is seasoned and cooked perfectly."

"The brunch food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The mac and cheese here is SO GOOD."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

The restaurant offers half-price happy hour items from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

3

Brunch is served at 11 a.m. on Saturdays with bottomless options available.

03
Tomi Jazz image 1
Jazz club

Small basement jazz club with live Japanese jazz bands playing close to diners creates an intimate atmosphere. Dim lighting and walls lined with books and knickknacks add to the cozy, eclectic vibe. Cocktails and Japanese-inspired dishes complement the engaging musical experience.

Matcha ice cream stands out here, often paired with red bean paste for extra flavor. It has a strong green tea taste that can convert non-fans.

Unique decor sets a cool vibe here, paired with talented jazz musicians playing live. The okonomiyaki, an octopus pancake with bacon, tastes distinct and adds to the cool experience.

People are saying

"The live jazz here is incredible, complementing the amazing Japanese-Italian fusion dishes."

"The matcha ice cream with red bean paste is a favorite menu item."

"The wait to get in here is often three hours long."

Good to know

1

Arriving at 4:30 PM guarantees a seat even on the busiest days.

2

There is a $10 live music cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

You should come during weekdays before 5:30 PM to avoid long waits.

04
Charoen Krung Thai image 1
Thai restaurant

Elegant decor and cozy ambiance create a warm, inviting atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Upstairs party space adds a lively dimension on weekends, while a well-stocked bar offers unique cocktails like lychee martinis and refreshing soju blends. The place balances authentic Thai flavors with a comfortable, airy setting.

Desserts feature coconut ice cream with a perfect sweetness and come with varied toppings that add texture and flavor.

Cool vibe shines through with cutesy decor and a relaxed atmosphere. Cocktails and menu items add to the overall cool experience for dates, brunch, and chill events.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The Thai-style ice cream brought me right back to Bangkok summers."

"The atmosphere here is really cool for dates or chilling with friends."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Sunday to Thursday from 4-7 PM with specials under $10.

2

Lunch specials include a meal for low $20s with salad and dumplings.

3

Reservations are recommended to avoid long waits, especially for lunch.

05
OBAO Midtown Thai & Vietnamese restaurant image 1

Spacious Thai restaurant with outdoor seating and a full bar featuring large drinks and a variety of cocktails. The atmosphere combines pretty decor and great music, creating a lively and enjoyable vibe. Indoor seating is tight, but the back area offers more space and a cozy garden spot.

Condensed milk ice cream stands out with its rich vanilla flavor. Complimentary scoops like matcha green tea and mango sticky rice ice cream add a sweet and salty twist, often served with sticky rice or sorbet.

Cool vibe comes from the natural lighting and indoor plants that brighten the space. The manager keeps things smooth, and the spot offers draft beer and cool drinks with great music.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The mango ice cream here is the best I've ever had."

"The atmosphere here is cool, with great music."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour features $3 Sapporo beers from 11 AM to 6 PM.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special with a free appetizer on weekdays from 11:30 AM to 4 PM.

3

There is a $20 all-you-can-drink beer special available.

06
Rosemary's Midtown image 1
Italian restaurant

Indoor and outdoor seating blend with big windows that open, creating an almost indoor/outdoor dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and buzzing, with high noise levels that make conversation difficult. Tables are cramped, adding to the energetic but crowded vibe.

Chocolate and vanilla flavors appear as classic choices. An affogato combines ice cream with amaro, sometimes served with a candle for celebrations.

Cozy yet cool atmosphere sets a relaxed tone for the evening. The vibe feels inviting without losing its edge.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"I found the atmosphere here to be pretty cool."

"The ice cream portions here are shockingly small."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are not required, but it's best to arrive early.

3

The restaurant charges $21 to store birthday cakes, $7 per person.

07
Monkey Bar image 1
American restaurant

Bar area features Jazz Age murals and dim, intimate lighting that create an elegant, old-school Manhattan vibe. The space combines classic New York decor with lively jazz music and a bustling bar scene. Patrons enjoy carefully crafted cocktails and a setting that feels like stepping into another era.

Celebrations come with free ice cream treats like banana splits and scoops of vanilla. Strawberry ice cream and ice cream sundaes appear as popular dessert choices that pair well with other sweets.

An old-school NYC vibe sets the tone here, creating an atmosphere that feels genuinely cool. Monkey Bar stands out as a spot for a cool drink in this setting.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the cheeseburger, is outstanding."

"The food here is amazing, especially the monkey bread."

"Phillip's thoughtful service made the ice cream experience special."

Good to know

1

A reservation is effectively REQUIRED to be seated for dinner service.

2

They take reservations 14 days in advance at 9am.

3

Without wine, expect to spend at least $100-150 for a meal.

08
Bar Orai image 1

Apartment-style bar with live jazz and vinyl records creates a moody, soulful vibe. Cozy, upscale decor features Japanese whiskey and creative cocktails. Space feels intimate and relaxed, ideal for quiet listening or dates.

Ice cream comes with fries as a fun play on McDonald's. The flavors are very basic but pair well with the salty sides.

A cool spot with a classy vibe that feels relaxed and not overly trendy. Music adds to the laid-back atmosphere perfect for chilling or a date.

People are saying

"The Japanese whiskey here pairs perfectly with the chill vinyl jazz."

"I loved the cool vibe and music here."

"The music here has a retro feel, like vinyl jazz."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is recommended because the bar gets packed on weekends.

2

The bar has a wait time of 2 hours during peak hours.

3

Bar Orai does not accept cash; credit cards only.

09
Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecรดte image 1

Seating feels extremely cramped with tables placed shoulder to shoulder in a lively, noisy atmosphere. The space fills quickly, creating a crowded environment that suits casual dining rather than intimate occasions. Wine selections often complement the menu well, adding to the energetic vibe.

Scoops come in an assortment with some melting but still tasty. The chocolate tower features a deep chocolate sauce that is rich but not heavy. Vanilla ice cream covered in dark chocolate offers a simple, decadent treat. Hazelnut ice cream stands out as crazy flavorful.

A cool atmosphere sets the tone with a vibe that feels fresh and engaging. The overall experience carries a unique charm that stands out during visits.

People are saying

"The steak frites here are a tasty treat with a secret recipe sauce."

"The steak and fries are served with a delicious secret sauce."

"The steak sauce here is a tasty treat."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not take reservations, leading to long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of up to 2 hours during peak times.

3

Arrive before opening at 5:30 PM for the shortest wait.

10
Hutong New York image 1
Chinese restaurant

Sleek interiors blend Art Deco style with Shanghai and New York influences, creating a stylish, futuristic vibe. Live jazz and a chilled bar atmosphere add to the sophisticated energy. Signature cocktails and a flaming Peking duck presentation highlight the experience.

Soy milk ice cream with sesame and caramel flavors pairs with a soft bao for a nostalgic dessert. The bao comes with a white chocolate shell and soy milk gelato, creating a unique texture and taste.

Decor and vibe feel like a futuristic Art Deco luxury club. The ambiance stays consistently upscale and cool, fitting for a relaxed lunch with colleagues.

People are saying

"The Peking duck here is the best in the city."

"The ambiance here is classy, intimate, and elegant."

"The food here is delicious, especially the crispy Peking Duck."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must, with a cancellation fee for late cancellations.

2

The Emperor Dinner Menu is available for a set price of $65.

3

Happy hour offers BOGO martinis, but the second one is charged initially.

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Midtown East, New York

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