Headed back to NYC Thursday-Friday.  Any suggestions?  Trying a new hotel in SoHo.  

I usually like to stay at the James but gonna pass on that one for now.

Thinking of checking out Pianos, Town or Sugar Hill Bistro in Harlem.  Anyone been to these and have any feedback?

Muchos Gracious

Not Harlem but here are some good simple options that you won't find  in the Triangle.

http://www.salumeriarosi.com/en_ny/salumeria_rosi/

Salumeria Rosi
283 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY  

If you are adventurous.. Maylasian in Chinatown.  

Aux Epices  
121 Baxter St, New York 10013
(Btwn Hester & Canal St)  

Lower East Side serving  Bosnian.
Saro Bistro
102 Norfolk Street, Lower East Side, NY

Just heard about these. Sweeping the city I guess...

Oh, If stumble to LES, and you're adventurous ,you should try shopsins. It not for the faint of heart, and not highbrow but it is a  true one of kind NYC experience. So much so, a documentary was made about the place : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Like_Killing_Flies.

http://www.shopsins.com/

The London is a great place to stay for the hobbyist.  
I also liked Andaz 5th Ave

If you want to experience Time Sq The Marriott Marquis is great. Get a TS view King

-- Modified on 9/3/2013 6:35:05 PM

for Labor Day ---
Here's some really good choices:
- Buddakan (would be a lot of fun w/ a date ... very hot scene)
- City Hall (Duane Street --- excellent restaurant that doesn't get the acclaim it should)
- Per Se (expensive, good, loooong)
- Il Cortile (Little Italy)
- Gotham Bar & Grill
- Rosa Mexicano (Unbelievable Tableside Guacamole)
- The River Café (Brooklyn --- UNBELIEVABLE view of Manhattan. Take someone special !!)
Those are a few really good ones.

I would skip "Eleven Madison" --- it is voted as one of the very best along with Per Se, but I hated it. We were there for 4 hours and dropped 7 bills. I was totally UNIMPRESSED.

Here's a couple of low-key bars that have a great vibe:
- Blue (West 44th)
- Flute Champagne Bar (West 54th --- near old Studio 54)

Good luck ........... hope it helps.
KR

END OF MESSAGE