NoMad

Dig Inn’s philosophy is “farm to counter,” which means that they serve sustainably sourced, usually local food in a casual setting and in a price range that makes it a reasonable option for everyday lunch. The salads and the market plates are easy to take back to the office (or home for dinner), and the menu changes with the seasons, so you won't ever be bored with the offerings. There are locations in Morningside Heights, Union Square, Tribeca, and in Midtown on 52nd, Madison, and 55th, in Lower Manhattan on Pine, Liberty, and Broad St., in Nomad, and off Madison Square Park.

This fusion joint mixes Mexican cooking techniques with American barbecue, resulting in some unique twists on old favorites, like shrimp jambalaya enchiladas, or smoky carnitas. It’s a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner to-go, but we like it best for happy hour: Order some margaritas (or one of their excellent bourbon-based cocktails), Mexican corn, and the guacamole, which is served with watermelon radish chips. There are two locations, in Times Square and NoMad.

These grilled cheese aficionados have four locations in Manhattan—with two outposts in Midtown (50th Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue, and 8th Avenue between 52nd Street and 53rd Street) along with one in Lower Manhattan, they pretty much have the lunch rush figured out. (Pro tip: They have a slick online ordering system that lets you skip the 1pm line.) Those with gluten allergies will appreciate that all of their indulgent, melty sandwiches are available with gluten-free bread. There's also a location in NoMad.

This Stumptown outpost is the one you want to go to if you’re in it for the long haul. It’s conveniently set up right next to the lobby of the Ace Hotel, which means access to food from the lobby restaurant and your pick of comfy couch and chair seating; communal tables come with personal outlets. There’s a second location in Greenwich Village.

This is one of the most trusted names in spray tanning in New York, and for good reason. Under the watchful eye of the owner, Tamar, you'll never step out with a weird, orange undertone or that terrible fake tan smell. The tiny salon is in a random building on Broadway, but no matter: You'll be in and out in under 15 minutes (and they're open until 10pm). They also do house-calls.

Unlike any other store in the country, Secondhand Rose deals in vintage wallpaper—rare chinoiseries, damasks, and geometrics that you won't find anywhere else. They generally have large quantities, too, which means you can source enough for a room or even an entire house.

Interior designer Thomas O'Brien is known for his elegant yet laid-back interiors and his store is a reflection of exactly that. Furnishings in luxe wood, textiles in a tempered palette of greys and off-whites, select industrial finds, and small home accents are jumbled together for an almost flea-market like effect, bringing a sense of discovery to any visit. It's easy to walk in and covet the whole package, particularly because his design sensibility fits right in with a range of aesthetics. (Note that Aero has recently moved to a new location at the New York Design Center building.)

Sitting on the edge of Chinatown, this is one of those spare boutiques where everything is impeccably (and simply) designed, whether it's a leather mouse pad from Isaac Rena, a Lindsey Adelman necklace, or a funny little keychain from Various Projects. Their second boutique—in The Ace Hotel—is full of small objects and gifts, like knitted stuffed animals, simple gold rings, and PB0110 totebags.

While the name might invoke childhood memories of fear and loathing for the subject, this super interactive museum might inspire an affection for math. It revolves around hands-on rides and activities that employ mathematical concepts to function—a tricycle with square wheels that rolls across a track, a chair that drifts across a pool of acorn shapes—meaning that a few hours spent here will be both fun and insightful.

As serious home cooks attest, Kalustyan’s may just be the best international food stockist in the world. Operating out of the same Lexington Avenue location since 1944, they stock every spice, grain, cracker, and chutney in the world from India to Italy, along with just the right implements, whether it be a tortilla press or a tagine. The sheer size of the honey aisle alone is enough to drop jaws. It’s a foodie mecca, not just for the seemingly infinite varieties of foods and international kitchen tools, but for the outstanding sandwiches and middle-eastern/mediterranean nosh served at their cafe upstairs.