Travel 4 minutes 06 September 2024

Justin Theroux's Guide to New York: Hidden Gems, Dog-Friendly Spots, and Must-Visit Restaurants

The 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' star dishes on the best coffee spot, where to unwind, and his favorite Italian restaurant. 'I want to attach a chute to my face and have their lasagna shot into my mouth.'

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Justin Theroux is known for his sharp wit and versatility, appearing in everything from American Psycho to Zoolander. But Theroux is more than just one of the most compelling figures in Hollywood—he’s also a devoted New Yorker. Lower Manhattan locals often catch him strolling the streets with his beloved pit bull mix, Kuma, whom he adopted in 2018.

Ahead of his role as Rory in Tim Burton’s highly anticipated Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, we sat down with Theroux to discover his favorite New York spots. From dog-friendly spas and gyms to a hidden coffee shop that doubles as a flower store, here’s a guide to New York through the eyes of one of its coolest residents.

Explore more insights on New York from our Inspectors, chefs, and celebrities.

Tough question: Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

Impossible to choose. There are too many great spots, so here’s a little smattering. EN Brasserie for Japanese food. It's stunning for so many reasons. Massively high ceilings, an incredibly consistent and healthy menu, and private rooms for when you want to get a gang together and get boisterous.

Want to get weird but not too weird? Go to Foul Witch. I don’t even really know how to describe the menu (Italian? I guess?), nor do I want to try. But Carlo Mirarchi, the genius who gave us Blanca and Roberta’s Pizza, is the chef, and he blows my mouth off with whatever he makes.

For more straightforward Italian, Don Angie is unbeatable. Three MICHELIN Stars from me. I want to attach a chute to my face and have their lasagna shot into my mouth.

And for date night, the Waverly Inn. Kuma and I have a standing table that they are kind enough to let us have to ourselves. It's a restaurant for all seasons. Nothing beats the center room in winter and the chicken pot pie. Garden seating for brunches in spring/summer and outdoor drinks in the fall before it gets too cold. If it does, you can always tuck back into their cozy bar.

New York is known for its frenetic pace. Where do you go when you need to de-stress?

If I want to truly unwind, the real answer is I get the f*** out of New York. Every city dweller knows this to be true and necessary. Barring that, there’s an amazing gym called S10 on Leroy Street. It's an incredible underground oasis with an amazing gym and wonderful trainers but has the added benefit of private infrared saunas and ice plunges. You can go there to work out your stress, but afterward (or without even working out) hit the spa in the back, which offers sports massage, a sensory deprivation tank, and has an incredible vibe that leaves you feeling very unplugged and zen. It's also dog friendly if there’s not already a dog there, and if your dog behaves.

Expertly sliced sashimi and elegant interiors at EN Japanese Brasserie (© EN Japanese Brasserie)

What is your favorite park or outdoor space?

Washington Square Park, but not because I love it. The place is a complete disaster at times for totally random reasons, but I guess that’s part of its charm. Washington Square is kind of like a shitty roommate situation on a grand scale. You love everybody there, some of them drive you totally nuts, you wish you weren’t all there at the same time, and when it’s empty it’s absolute heaven. When it's busy, which is anytime the temp is above 57 degrees, you won't find a better-blended intersection of youth, culture, criminal activity, talented performers, non-talented performers (which can be just as entertaining) and passed-out eccentrics. Also, a lot of wildly awake ones.

That being said, I think real New Yorkers know that quiet outdoor spaces are key. They are also closely guarded secrets, so I won't give my favorite one away here lest it become overrun by people taking selfies and pictures of their bubble latte donuts. However, I will say there are all kinds of walled gardens and quiet streets, some yet to be truly discovered by tourists and even New Yorkers. I’ll give you one of my favorites which is an open secret but still amazing: Jefferson Market Garden at 6th Avenue and Greenwich [Avenue]. It's an incredible community garden. If you are stressed, it’s worth doing the short loop inside. Spring/summer is peak, obviously, and it's dog-friendly (leashed) and has wildly varied plantings and water features. Fun fact: It used to be a women’s prison, was leveled, and is now a garden. There is certainly a metaphor somewhere.

Each day, each hour is different at Washington Square Park (© Benjamin Ashton via Unsplash)

Craft coffee spots abound in New York. Do you have a favorite?

If you're already at the old women’s prison slash garden, you can walk across the street to Rosecrans on the corner of Christopher and Greenwich. It's great coffee and a flower shop—two pick-me-ups in one. There’s something wonderful about drinking an iced coffee on a hot day and gazing at all the flowers in the walk-in refrigerator as condensation forms on the inside of its glass doors. It’s one of those combo stops no one asked for but we certainly need. Also, it makes me buy more fresh-cut flowers for home—something I try to make a habit of. As for best coffee, it's Lyria on Crosby, opened by a couple of cool Greek kids a few years back. Order the 'Lyria' signature coffee, hot or iced. You will not be disappointed.

Downtown has no shortage of watering holes. Are there any standout bars for you?

I would be remiss if I did not plug Ray’s Bar on Chrystie Street, a spot opened by my friend Carlos Quirarte, myself, and a few others several years ago. Honestly, it ticks the three boxes of what a great bar should be. It’s pretty dead in the afternoon and a great place to go with a friend to be moody, melancholy, or get stuff off your chest. As the sun sets it picks up and does a great little locals' happy hour. And third, as it gets later, the rails come off and people get wilder.

By the time last call approaches, you’ve probably had a very memorable night, too much whisky, and may question some of your life choices. Pro tip: Do not do all three in the same day. Choose two, then go home. Also, there’s a truly great burger, a pool table, free toilet paper, and it’s air-conditioned. The jukebox has been busted for a while and the floors aren’t too sticky.

*Note to Michelin. Please do not review us. Although, hell, since I’m here, kinda technically writing for a Michelin publication, I’m going to go ahead and give it a Michelin review anyway. “Ray’s Bar: Ten Stars. 1/2 $”
Now I’m going to go put that quote on our merch.