Filed under: attractions from movies, film sets nyc, top-feature
Bringing Movies to Life in NYC
Have you ever been watching a movie and wondered what bar, restaurant, park, or even neighborhood the scene is set in? There is no shortage of films that choose to shoot on location in New York City, and sometimes seeking out these spots can be a fun way to discover a new neighborhood. When planning to visit these locations, the journey is part of the fun too, so take the time to explore the neighborhood, whether it’s the Lower East Side or the West Village.
The 1989 film ‘When Harry Met Sally’ was filmed at locations throughout New York City – but the most delicious is definitely Katz’s Delicatessen. This is the famous scene where Meg Ryan shows off her ‘acting skills’ and the impressed woman at the next table comedically states, “I’ll have what she’s having.”
The sandwiches here are still incredibly pleasurable, including classics such as pastrami and corned beef along with other Jewish deli specialties.
Katz’s Deli is also famous for being the oldest deli in NYC, established in 1888. Located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, right on bustling Houston Street, don’t be surprised if there’s a line outside of the praised deli. To minimize your wait time, arrive during the week. Ordering at the counter is all part of the fun, and be sure to go for one of the classics, such as pastrami on rye for $14.85. Bring your appetite!
Even if you don’t like Sex and the City, it is hard not to swoon at how New York City shines both in the television show and the films. While there are endless stores and landmarks that appear in the show, one of my favorites is Pete’s Tavern. This little pub on East 18th Street is the oldest continuously operating bar and restaurant in NYC – and also the location where Miranda chose to propose to Steve. This memorable moment takes place at one of the tables at the outdoor sidewalk cafe.
While many Sex and the City locations might be too expensive to warrant a visit, Pete’s Tavern is an exception. Pete’s complete brunch on Saturday and Sunday is a steal at $9.95 and includes an entree (such as smoked salmon and cream cheese on a toasted bagel or eggs benedict) along with coffee or tea and one brunch cocktail. Located on Irving Place just south of Gramercy Park, this is also a beautiful part of town to go for a stroll and walk off some of those delicious home fries.
BONUS: Sex and the City fans will have their choice of spots throughout the city, but some other popular choices are the fictional home of Carrie Bradshaw on Perry Street in the West Village and the restaurant Buddakan where Carrie and Mr Big have their rehearsal dinner in the first Sex and the City Movie.
Woody Allen’s 1977 film Annie Hall has enough scenes set in Manhattan to convince you to plan a trip. One location where Woody Allen and Diane Keaton exchange their humorous banter is Washington Square Park. Budget travelers looking for affordable eats will want to stop by the most famous food cart in Washington Square Park, New York dosas. This filling and healthy meal will give you all the energy you need to keep exploring the West Village.
Just as Woody Allen and Diana Keaton strolled through the park people watching, the same is true for visiting today. Just this weekend I was passing through and a musician had wheeled in a piano and was filling the park with classical music. Expect to see anything from swing dance to NYU students getting some exercise with a game of football.
This Meryl Streep and Amy Adams film depicted one blogger’s ambitious goal to cook all of Julia Child’s recipes from ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ in one year. Set in New York, this film used locations in multiple boroughs, but one fact many viewers don’t know is that even some of the scenes that were supposed to be set in Paris were filmed in New York. This shouldn’t come to a shock to anyone who has had a perfect meal that could’ve come from a traditional brasserie in the French capital.
One restaurant that appears in the film is aptly called Provence. The Soho restaurant has since closed, but the charm of the interior space remains in a new restaurant called Hundred Acres. Wandering the streets of Soho to find this restaurant on the corner of Prince and MacDougal is a pleasure in itself – before you even set eyes on the menu. Prices are in a higher bracket, so if you’re on a budget, go for lunch when entrees range from $14 – $20.
From classic films to modern representations of New York, movie audiences never grow tired of seeing features set in the Big Apple. While New York City does have very high fees for using its picturesque streets, some directors still aren’t daunted by the rates and choose to film in New York instead of Toronto or other cities that are growing in popularity for movie sets. With a little research, you could be dining at the same table as your favorite film stars during your next trip to New York City.
The Basics:
- Katz’s Delicatessen, 205 East Houston Street, New York. (map)
- Pete’s Tavern, 129 East 18th Street, New York. (map)
- Washington Square Park, New York. (map)
- Hundred Acres, 38 MacDougal Street, New York. (map)
Photo Credit: Kats’z Deli from jooOey on Flickr, Pete’s Tavern from flickr4jazz on Flickr, Washington Square Park by j_bary on Flickr, New York City skyline from the personal collection of Jessica Colley.
