Locals' Picks #4 - Tips and advice from NYC locals - Shad Ahmed
Local's Picks features exclusive insights and recs from NYC locals, showcasing their favorite spots, hidden gems in the city plus personal stories.
I love to rely on tips, recs and advice from locals when I travel - and I also appreciate that in my own city. Bringing other people's perspectives is a win-win: I can learn a lot, and you can learn as well. New York City is such a huge city, with so many things to do and places to explore and I believe every person has their "Tiny Apple” and why not taking a slice of that?
Meet Shad Ahmed - aka The Brunch Guy. Shad is a fellow content creator based in NYC and we met in some event for creators and I absolutely loved his energy and generosity. As his handle suggests, he shares tons of tips of restaurants - and brunch deals are his expertise! He has a special series called “Brunch around the world” where he showcases food from other countries and it is so cool!
I'm very excited to feature him on The Tiny Apple today!
Tell us who you are, where you're from and how long have you been living in NYC?
Hi! I’m Shad, a content creator and NYC native. Born and raised in Queens, I went to school in Manhattan, and I’ve spent all 29 years finding the best spots, hidden gems, and local favorites that make this city so iconic
How did you start The Brunch Guy? And why brunch?
I’ve always loved the concept of brunch ever since I discovered it during college. There’s something so enjoyable about waking up after a long night, meeting friends at a cute spot, and catching up over delicious food and bottomless drinks, all at a set price.
Back in 2017, I put together a list of the best bottomless brunch spots in NYC, which was quite a gem at the time as there weren’t nearly as many options as today. I posted it on Tumblr as my only post, titled 'NYC’s Top Bottomless Brunches,' and it quickly gained traction. Friends and friends of friends started reaching out for brunch recommendations.
I initially tried to expand this into an Instagram and a website, but nothing really clicked until TikTok. Who knew that simply setting up my phone and sharing my love for brunch would evolve into what The Brunch Guy is today?
Since brunch is your expertise, tell us your top 5 brunch spots in the city - and why did you pick those?
Rosemary’s in the West Village – This one comes as a surprise to myself, as I'm usually not a big fan of Italian food due to its abundance in the city. However, Rosemary’s stands out with its exceptional Italian cuisine. The ingredients, sourced from their rooftop garden, bring a fresh and flavorful touch that's hard to find elsewhere. The ambiance is both beautiful and classy, and they offer a surprisingly delightful bottomless champagne option—something rare for places with this level of sophistication.
Calle Dao in Chelsea – This Cuban-Chinese fusion bottomless brunch is always a mind-blower. The menu perfectly blends the distinct flavors of both cultures, creating dishes that complement each other beautifully. The bottomless options are so extensive, it’s practically an open bar. I love that guests can enjoy a variety of drinks without compromising on quality or selection.
Crave Fishbar on the Upper West Side – This is a recent addition to my top picks, having discovered it in January 2023. Their fresh seafood shines in inventive brunch dishes, like their “Fried Fish ‘N’ Waffles,” which is paired with kimchi butter and Fresno chili maple syrup. Their bottomless options are impressive, featuring an award-winning Bloody Mary, well-balanced mimosas, and a range of liquor-based cocktails.
Lighthouse Rooftop in Long Island City - This rooftop has massive floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor area that wraps around the restaurant, and a sleek, modern vibe. It feels like stepping onto a grand movie set, complete with bottomless espresso martinis, acrobatic dancers, and talented DJs to keep the party going.
Tanner Smith’s in Hell’s Kitchen - Set in a 1920s speakeasy with a bottomless brunch featuring gin cocktails in teacups, the aesthetic here is impressive. What truly sets it apart, though, is the food— as it outshines the glitz and glamour, which is rare for a place all about the vibes. Every dish was not only incredibly creative but also a solid 10/10. I still think about the collared green waffle topped with hot chicken, sweet potatoes butter, and habanero honey
What it's your go-to order when brunching?
I love a good chicken and waffle combo. It's sweet, savory, and the best of both worlds—exactly what brunch should be
Putting brunch aside now, what are your top 3 favorite restaurants in NYC?
KUUN in Downtown Brooklyn, a Korean restaurant that is my #1 go-to spot to feel comfort.
U Omakase in Greenpoint, a one-of-a-kind experience offering its own spin on the classic omakase experience
Pig & Khao, a Filipino-Thai spot on the Lower East Side has been on top of my life for the past 5 years
And a place for drinks?
Evil Twin Brewery - People find this surprising about me, but I’m a big IPA guy and I think this spot has some of the best ones.
Mickey Spillane’s just because of the insane deal. $4 beers, wine, and well drinks... 24/7? It’s also a gay bar that’s very hetero-friendly, which I love.
The Rockwell Place - I’m not a big fan of cocktails, but this hidden gem does them really well and can customize to your taste preferences
Favorite spot for a sweet treat?
Petee’s Pie Company holds a special place in my heart. Specifically, the sour cherry pie with vanilla ice cream.
Can you share a hidden gem in NYC that tourists often miss? Or a place that 's underrated in your opinion?
Jackson Heights, Queens. It is a melting pot of culture and cuisines that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. I strongly suggest spending a day exploring the food in that area.
What's your favorite thing to do in the city?
My favorite thing to do in the city is meet new people and go on new adventures!
What's your favorite place to party?
It has to be Hell's Kitchen, with its dozens of gay bars. I don’t have a single favorite since they all kind of blend together for me. You just hop from one to another and end up where the night takes you
What's the piece of clothing or accessory that it's your must-have while living in NYC?
My ring light. It’s a must-have to always be ready for content!
What are your favorite activities or places to visit in NYC during each season?
Summer: I love hitting up rooftops. Whether it’s brunch at Elsie, happy hour at The Ready Rooftop, or a night out at The Dickens, I’m all about soaking up the fresh air!
Fall: I’m all about pumpkin picking, apple cider, and capturing cute photos at cozy spots.
Winter: I enjoy visiting bars that go all out with Christmas decorations, like Pete’s Tavern.
Spring: Anything by the water is perfect, like exploring Dumbo or Seaport.
Do you have any favorite local shops or boutiques that you recommend?
I’m the worst - I only shop online
Describe your ideal day in NYC from morning to night.
My ideal day starts with a Taylor Swift-themed SoulCycle class. Then, I’d rally a big group for brunch at Calle Dao in Chelsea. After that, we’d bar hop to The Meatpacking District and go wild at Le Bain for a few hours. For dinner, I'd go for something quick and delicious like Pelicana Korean fried chicken in K-town. To wrap up the night, we could hit up karaoke or party in Hell’s Kitchen. Maybe even both.
Is there a particular neighborhood you think everyone should explore?
Cobble Hill is a must-visit. I've lived in NYC my entire life and didn't realize such a charming neighborhood existed. It’s packed with shops, restaurants, bars—everything you could want. It's really lovely
Do you have any memorable stories or experiences that highlight why you love NYC?
One of my most memorable NYC experiences was making friends with three different groups at Mickey Spillane’s. I ended up bringing everyone together, and we spent the entire day bar hopping. The night ended with an impromptu after-party at my place. It was such a magical day, full of unexpected connections and fun
What's the advice you would give to someone moving to the city that you wish you knew sooner?
New York City is full of people with unique perspectives and experiences, so my advice is to step outside your comfort zone. Don’t just stick to what you already like—explore and give new things a chance. You might discover something amazing you never expected
Why New York City?
New York City is home for me and has shaped who I am. It's ambitious, energetic, vibrant, and sometimes chaotic—all qualities that reflect my own personality.