Spending eight performances a week rocking out in an Irish pub has really rubbed off on Once leading lady Joanna Christie. This Broadway star, who wows audiences nightly as Girl in the Tony-winning musical at the Jacobs Theatre, has learned how to have the best time in New York City. From Central Park fun to swanky bars and restaurants downtown, Christie kindly shares her favorite New York spots with BroadwayBox readers; and after hearing her describe them, these locales will quickly move to the top of your must-see destinations.
Central Park between the Upper West and East Sides
“Central Park. Everyone probably says this but for obvious reasons! Highlights for me include: running round the outer loop in all weathers, boating on the lake in summer, getting lost in the woods, the avenue of huge elm trees in the fall, snowball fights and sledding in the snow, lunch on the terrace at the Boathouse, the reservoir, the Broadway softball league...it is just beautiful all year round and a true haven in the city.”
The Best of New York’s Food & Drink
“Two of my favorite things are food and cocktails, and NY does both extremely well! There are so many to choose from but my favorite finds so far are Minetta Tavern, Mermaid Oyster Bar, Mary's Fish Camp, Carbone, and Acme for dinner; and for drinks: 124 Rabbit Club, Attaboy, Sel Rose, PDT, Employees Only, Apotheke & Amor y Amargo. To name a few! ”
Riverside Drive on the West Side
“I love riding my bike around NY and my favorite ride is up Riverside Drive. You can go all the way up to the Cloisters Museum, which is a fantastic museum and a beautiful peaceful spot away from the madness of the city. Riding back down you can stop and sit on the rocks with the Hudson lapping at your feet and watch the sunset over the water…”
Fat Cat Jazz Club in the West Village
“Another thing that NY does really well is live music and jazz in particular. One of my favorites is Smalls: as it's name suggests it’s a tiny intimate basement with brilliant players. If you can, see Ari Hoenig—best jazz drummer I've ever seen! My ultimate fave late night jazz hangout would have to be Fat Cat though—there's a live jazz band every night AND games!! Ping pong, pool, shuffleboard, foosball...in a down & dirty basement with beer on tap. It's like heaven.”
