A Stop at Carrie Bradshaw’s Stoop
No NYC girls’ weekend would be complete without a stop to Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic West Village brownstone. Naturally, we had to channel our inner Sex and the City.
Four days, three Charleston girls, countless cocktails, and one unforgettable weekend in New York City.
And just like that… Sips & the City took Manhattan.🗽
We may call Charleston home, but for one long weekend in October, we traded our favorite Lowcountry watering holes for Manhattan cocktail bars, historic Charleston streets for New York City sidewalks, and a little Southern charm for some Carrie Bradshaw energy.
From rooftop cocktails and hidden speakeasies to incredible food tours, historic neighborhoods, live music, and plenty of cosmopolitans, we packed a little bit of everything into our four-day girls' getaway.
And because we're always on the hunt for the best places to eat and drink, you know we had to do our research along the way.
Whether you're planning your own NYC girls' weekend or simply looking for a few new spots to add to your Manhattan itinerary, here's everywhere we stayed, sipped, ate, and explored.
Where We Stayed: Refinery Hotel
For our weekend in Manhattan, we called the Refinery Hotel home.
Located at 63 West 38th Street in Manhattan's Garment District, the hotel is just a short walk from Bryant Park and within easy reach of Times Square, Fifth Avenue, and plenty of Midtown attractions.
Another major plus? The rooms were surprisingly spacious by NYC standards, and the beds were honestly some of the most comfortable we've ever slept in at a hotel. After long days of exploring Manhattan, coming back to those beds was an absolute dream!
The hotel also has its own rooftop bar, Refinery Rooftop, along with Winnie's Jazz Club downstairs. Both are perfect for enjoying a cocktail without having to venture far from your room.
And one of our favorite little surprises? Complimentary wine for hotel guests from 1–7 PM during our stay!
Because who doesn't love a free glass of wine before heading out for the evening?
We were also able to check in early on Thursday, so naturally, our first order of business was heading straight to the rooftop for cocktails and appetizers.
Our take: Between its convenient Midtown location, rooftop cocktails, live jazz, and complimentary wine, Refinery Hotel is a great option to consider for a girls' weekend in NYC.
📍 63 West 38th Street, Manhattan
Day 1: Thursday — Rooftop Cocktails, Oyster Happy Hours & Hidden Speakeasies
First Stop: Refinery Rooftop
After arriving in Manhattan and checking into the hotel early, we wasted no time kicking off the weekend.
We headed upstairs to Refinery Rooftop for some afternoon cocktails and appetizers. With the sun shining and a full weekend ahead of us, we settled in with some fun cocktails and some fries to share.
It was the perfect way to ease into the hustle and bustle of NYC.
Our tip: If you're staying at Refinery Hotel, make time for a rooftop cocktail. You don't even have to leave the building to start your vacation.
A Stop at The Beekman: Old New York Glamour
Next, we made our way downtown, stopping for drinks at The Bar Room at The Beekman, located inside the historic Beekman Hotel.
And wow, what a gorgeous space.
The soaring nine-story atrium, ornate iron balconies, vintage furnishings, and beautiful architectural details make you feel like you've stepped into another era of New York City.
We grabbed a few glasses of wine and took in the incredible surroundings before continuing our afternoon adventures.
Our take: Even if you're not staying at The Beekman, we highly recommend stopping in for a drink. It's one of those places where the atmosphere is just as memorable as what's in your glass.
📍 123 Nassau Street, Lower Manhattan
Afternoon Happy Hour: Evelyn Bar & Kitchen
With a few of our local NYC friends still finishing their workday, we decided to do what we do best: find a good happy hour.
We ended up at Evelyn Bar & Kitchen, located at 11 Hanover Square in the Financial District.
As Charleston girls, we're always on the hunt for a good oyster deal, so the $1.50 Blue Point oysters immediately caught our attention.
And the specials didn't stop there.
The Happy Hour Rundown:
Monday–Friday, 4–7 PM
$1.50 Blue Point oysters
$8 wines
$7 draft beers
$6 canned beers
$12 cocktails
Their specialty cocktail options included jalapeño margaritas, watermelon martinis, and sangria.
Our tip: If you're arriving in NYC on a weekday, the Financial District is worth exploring for happy hour before heading out for the night.
📍 11 Hanover Square, Financial District
Evening Cocktails: The Little Shop
Once our NYC friends were off work, it was time for the next stop.
One of our local friends had made reservations at The Little Shop, a hidden speakeasy in the South Street Seaport neighborhood.
And when we say hidden, we mean it.
From the outside, it looks like an ordinary neighborhood convenience store. But tucked behind the bodega is a cozy cocktail lounge filled with vintage furnishings, eclectic decor, and plenty of character.
What we especially loved was the atmosphere.
It was intimate without being overly quiet, making it the perfect place to catch up with friends over cocktails without shouting across the table.
We could also see this being a great date-night spot if you're looking for something different from the typical NYC bar scene.
Our take: Little Shop is perfect for good cocktails and even better conversation. If you're looking for a livelier party scene, we'd suggest starting your evening here before venturing elsewhere — which is exactly what we did!
📍 252 Front Street, South Street Seaport
Last Stop: Ulysses' Folkhouse on Stone Street
After our laid-back evening at Little Shop, we decided it was time to pick up the pace.
After all, it was Thursday night in Manhattan!
We made our way toward Stone Street, a historic cobblestone street in the Financial District lined with bars and restaurants.
We ended the night at Ulysses' Folkhouse, where we caught a fun live band that made for the perfect ending to our first night in NYC.
If you're looking for live music and a more energetic bar atmosphere, Ulysses' is worth adding to your list.
Our take: Start your night with a relaxed cocktail at Little Shop, then head toward Stone Street when you're ready for live music and a livelier crowd.
📍 58 Stone Street, Financial District
And just like that, our first night in Manhattan was officially in the books.
Day 2: Friday — Central Park, Carrie Bradshaw & a Night Out in Midtown
Friday Morning: Ralph's Coffee & Central Park
We kicked off Friday morning with a stop at Ralph's Coffee, where we came across Ralph Lauren's iconic green coffee truck, complete with a giant teddy bear behind the wheel.
Naturally, we had to stop.
After grabbing our morning caffeine fix, we headed toward Central Park for a leisurely fall stroll.
October in New York is something special.
Between the changing leaves, beautiful scenery, and Manhattan skyline peeking through the trees, it was the perfect way to spend our morning.
Sometimes the best part of exploring a city is simply walking around and taking it all in.
Our tip: If you're visiting NYC in the fall, leave some time in your itinerary for Central Park. It's a beautiful escape from the busy city streets, and you don't need a packed agenda to enjoy it.
A Little Fall Stoop Strolling
After exploring Central Park, we wandered through some nearby residential streets to admire the beautifully decorated brownstone stoops.
And New Yorkers do not mess around when it comes to Halloween decorations!
From gorgeous arrangements of pumpkins and mums to elaborate displays of skeletons, cobwebs, and oversized spiders, the stoops were almost as entertaining as the people-watching.
There was something so charming about strolling past these historic brownstones, each with its own personality. Some were decorated with elegant fall florals and perfectly placed pumpkins, while others went all out with spooky Halloween displays.
It was one of those little moments that reminded us you don't always need a reservation, a tour, or a packed itinerary to enjoy New York City. Sometimes simply wandering through the neighborhoods is an experience in itself.
And as Charleston girls who appreciate a good historic home and a well-decorated front porch, we were loving every minute of it!
Cocktails at The Plaza Hotel
With our Sex and the City Hotspots Tour scheduled for 3:15 PM, we decided to stop at The Palm Court inside The Plaza Hotel for cocktails and a quick bite before meeting our tour group.
And really, what better way to channel a little old-school New York glamour?
Between the stunning stained-glass ceiling, lush greenery, and beautiful bar, the space is worth experiencing for the atmosphere alone.
We're especially glad we made this stop because The Plaza announced plans to temporarily close beginning in January 2027 for a restoration project expected to take at least four years.
We settled in for drinks and a quick bite before heading just outside to the Pulitzer Fountain, where our afternoon tour was set to begin.
Our take: The Plaza is worth experiencing for its atmosphere and iconic New York history. We're so glad we had the opportunity to visit before its extended closure.
📍 768 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
Friday Afternoon: Sex and the City Hotspots Tour
And just like that… it was time to channel our inner Carrie Bradshaw.
With a name like Sips & the City, there was absolutely no way we were visiting Manhattan without experiencing a little Sex and the City magic.
We booked the Sex and the City Hotspots Tour with On Location Tours, and if you're a fan of the show, we highly recommend adding this experience to your NYC itinerary.
Our tour guide, Amanda, was an actress studying at NYU who made the afternoon even more entertaining.
Between famous filming locations, behind-the-scenes stories, and fun trivia about the series, we learned so much that we never would have known simply exploring the city on our own.
Some of our favorite highlights included:
Carrie's Famous Stoop
We couldn't visit the West Village without stopping at Carrie's iconic brownstone at 66 Perry Street. Naturally, we had to get a group photo.
Magnolia Bakery
Our tour included a complimentary cupcake from the famous West Village bakery, another recognizable location for fans of the series.
Buddakan
We visited the stunning restaurant featured in the first Sex and the City movie as the setting for Carrie and Big's rehearsal dinner. The dramatic dining room and chandeliers were absolutely gorgeous.
Cosmopolitans at Onieal's
Because no Sex and the City tour would be complete without a cosmopolitan!
We stopped at Onieal's, which served as the filming location for Scout, Steve and Aidan's bar in the series.
Naturally, we ordered cosmos.
And another major plus? It's a bus tour!
After spending so much of our weekend exploring Manhattan on foot, being able to sit back and enjoy the ride between locations was a welcome change of pace.
Our take: If you love Sex and the City, put this tour on your list. Even if you've watched the series countless times, you'll likely walk away with new trivia and a greater appreciation for the show's connection to New York City.
Tour Details
Company: On Location Tours
Experience: Sex and the City Hotspots Tour
Our Tour Time: Friday at 3:15 PM
Format: Guided bus tour with stops along the way
Friday Night: Dinner at Quality Bistro
After our afternoon of channeling Carrie Bradshaw, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up, get dolled up, and get ready for a night out in Midtown.
Dinner was at Quality Bistro, a French restaurant located at 120 West 55th Street.
And it did not disappoint.
I ordered the hanger steak, and everything was delicious, but the unexpected standout of the night was actually one of the side dishes.
When we asked our server for something a little different, they suggested the Corn Crème Brûlée.
Yes, you read that correctly. Corn crème brûlée.
It's one of the restaurant's signature sides, combining the savory sweetness of corn with the caramelized topping you'd typically expect from a traditional crème brûlée.
The result? Something that tasted like a cross between a savory side dish and dessert, in the best possible way.
We'd never had anything quite like it, and it ended up being one of the most memorable dishes of our weekend.
Our take: Quality Bistro is a great choice for a girls' dinner or date night in Midtown. And whatever you order, don't skip the corn crème brûlée!
📍 120 West 55th Street, Midtown Manhattan
After-Dinner Cocktails at Pebble Bar
After dinner, we weren't quite ready to call it a night, so we headed to nearby Pebble Bar, located near Rockefeller Center.
Tucked inside a historic townhouse, Pebble Bar has the kind of moody, intimate atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for another round.
With its warm lighting, dark interiors, and impressive selection of spirits, it was a fun change of scenery after dinner.
We enjoyed another round of cocktails before making our way back toward our hotel.
📍 67 West 49th Street, Midtown Manhattan
One Last Stop: Winnie's Jazz Club
Our final stop of the night brought us right back to where we started the weekend: the Refinery Hotel.
One of the perks of staying at Refinery is having Winnie's Jazz Club right downstairs, so we decided to stop in for a nightcap.
With its intimate atmosphere, live jazz, and old-school New York feel, it was the perfect way to wind down after a busy Friday.
Our tip: If you're staying at Refinery Hotel, check out Winnie's. And even if you're not a hotel guest, it's worth keeping on your list if you enjoy live jazz and cocktail bars.
📍 63 West 38th Street, inside Refinery Hotel
From Central Park and cosmopolitans to an incredible French dinner and a jazz-club nightcap, Friday was a little bit of everything we love about New York City.
Day 3: Saturday — NYC Landmarks, Greenwich Village Eats & College Football
Saturday Morning: A Little Classic NYC Sightseeing
We started Saturday morning with a little sightseeing, checking off two of Manhattan's most iconic landmarks before our afternoon food tour.
We visited the New York Public Library, known for its beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture and the two marble lions guarding the entrance, affectionately named Patience and Fortitude.
We also made our way to Grand Central Terminal, which is so much more than just a train station.
Between its soaring arched windows, intricate architectural details, and famous celestial ceiling, it's worth visiting even if you have absolutely nowhere to catch a train.
One of the things we loved about staying in Midtown was having so many famous NYC landmarks nearby, making it easy to squeeze in a little sightseeing between food and cocktail adventures.
Saturday Afternoon: Foods of NY Tours — A Taste of Greenwich Village
If we had to pick one of our favorite experiences from the entire weekend, this might just take the cake.
Or should we say pizza, pasta, and everything in between?
We booked the Original Greenwich Village Food Tour with Foods of NY Tours, and it ended up being so much more than just a food tour.
Our guide was incredibly passionate about the neighborhood and its history, sharing stories about the people, restaurants, and businesses that helped shape Greenwich Village into what it is today.
What we especially loved was the variety.
We visited businesses with roots dating back more than 100 years alongside newer restaurants bringing something different to the neighborhood.
Hearing how these establishments have evolved over the decades made us appreciate each stop even more.
And of course, the food was fantastic.
Here's a little taste of what we experienced:
Murray's Cheese — A Cheesy Beginning
Founded in Greenwich Village in 1962, Murray's is a cheese lover's dream.
We kicked things off with their delicious mac and cheese and learned more about this neighborhood staple.
Bonus: You can sample cheeses before buying!
Joe's Pizza — A Classic New York Slice
You can't visit NYC without having a proper slice of pizza.
Founded in 1975, Joe's Pizza has been serving classic New York slices for decades, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
By the time we left, the line was stretching down the street!
Tacombi — Tacos & Cervezas
From New York pizza to Mexican street food, our next tasting took us to Tacombi for fish tacos and cold beer.
A fun change of pace from our Italian food stops!
Faicco's Italian Specialties — Old-School NYC
With family roots dating back to 1900, Faicco's has been part of New York's Italian food scene for generations.
We sampled fresh mozzarella and savory salami while learning more about this longstanding family business.
Ubani Bistro — An Unexpected Favorite
One of our favorite surprises on the tour was discovering Georgian cuisine at Ubani Bistro.
We enjoyed a delicious salad and sampled Georgian red wine, making this stop especially memorable.
It's exactly the kind of restaurant we might never have thought to seek out ourselves, and one we're so glad we experienced.
Janie's Life-Changing Baked Goods — Cookies With a Purpose
This stop offered more than just something sweet.
Founded in 2015, Janie's is known for its pie crust cookies, but the story behind the bakery is just as special.
Inspired by the founder's experiences with addiction and homelessness, the business emphasizes mentorship and second-chance employment opportunities for women.
We loved learning about the mission behind the cookies while enjoying a sweet treat.
Pesce Pasta — Classic Italian Comfort
Another memorable stop was Pesce Pasta, a family-owned Greenwich Village restaurant with roots in the neighborhood dating back to the early 1990s.
We sampled a giant meatball covered in marinara sauce and Parmesan, bringing a little old-school Italian comfort to the afternoon.
Rocco's Pastry Shop — A Sweet Ending
And because no food tour is complete without something sweet, we wrapped things up at Rocco's for some classic Italian cannoli!
After an afternoon of pizza, tacos, Italian specialties, and Georgian cuisine, it was the perfect sweet ending to our Greenwich Village food adventure.
More Than Just a Food Tour
Between tastings, our guide took us through the charming streets of Greenwich Village, pointing out historic homes, architectural details, and fascinating pieces of neighborhood history.
We learned about old carriage entrances designed to accommodate horses, recognizable neighborhood residences, and the changes that have shaped the Village over time.
It was the perfect combination of food, history, and discovering hidden gems.
Our take: We cannot recommend this tour enough. Whether you're a foodie, a history lover, or someone who simply enjoys discovering unique local businesses, there's something for everyone.
We left with full stomachs, a new appreciation for Greenwich Village, and a long list of places we'd happily visit again.
Tour Details
Company: Foods of NY Tours
Experience: Original Greenwich Village Food Tour
Our Tour Time: Saturday at 12:30 PM
Best For: Food lovers, history enthusiasts, couples, and girls' trips
Would we do it again? Absolutely. In fact, we'd love to explore another neighborhood with Foods of NY Tours on our next visit.
Saturday Afternoon: College Football & Beer Buckets at The Village Tavern
After eating our way through Greenwich Village, we decided to stick around the neighborhood for the afternoon.
As Southern girls who love college football, we were on the hunt for a fun, divey sports bar with plenty of TVs, cold beer, and a lively atmosphere.
Enter The Village Tavern.
Tucked away on Bedford Street in the West Village, this neighborhood sports bar was exactly what we were looking for.
Nothing overly fancy, just a lively crowd, football on the TVs, and a good old-fashioned bar atmosphere.
We lucked out and snagged seats right at the bar, which ended up being the perfect place to settle in for a few hours.
While there wasn't a Saturday happy hour during our visit, they offered $35 beer buckets featuring six beers for the price of five.
Not a bad deal for NYC!
We spent the afternoon watching college football, making friends with fellow bar patrons, and enjoying a few drinks before heading off to dinner.
And if you're visiting during the week, The Village Tavern also advertises happy hour Monday through Friday from 4–7 PM.
Our take: If you're a football fan visiting NYC, The Village Tavern is worth checking out. It's a fun, casual neighborhood bar with plenty of TVs, a lively crowd, and beer bucket deals that are great for groups.
📍 46 Bedford Street, West Village
Saturday Night: Dinner at The Smith Restaurant & Bar
After an afternoon of college football, beer buckets, and making new friends, it was time for dinner!
We managed to snag a last-minute reservation at The Smith Restaurant & Bar, a lively American brasserie known for its burgers, seafood, and classic comfort food.
With a menu offering a little bit of everything, it was a great option for a group with different cravings.
Our table included a chilled seafood platter featuring fresh oysters and shrimp, along with pasta and one of their burgers with fries.
After a full day of sightseeing, tastings, and cheering on our teams, it was nice to sit down together and settle into dinner. The lively atmosphere kept the Saturday-night energy going, even after all the walking we’d done.
And of course, leave it to three Charleston girls to find more seafood in Manhattan! Between the seafood platter and classic comfort food, our table ended up with a little bit of home and a little bit of New York.
Our take: The Smith is a solid choice if you're looking for a casual but lively dinner spot with something for everyone. We'd especially recommend checking it out if you're craving seafood or a good burger.
Our tip: If you haven't planned dinner in advance, The Smith is worth checking for last-minute reservations. We lucked out on a Saturday night!
Day 4: Sunday — Bagels, The High Line & One Last Look at NYC
Sunday Morning: One Last NYC Bagel
With our flight back to Charleston not leaving until 6:30 PM, we decided to make the most of our final day in Manhattan.
First order of business? A proper New York bagel.
We stopped at NYC bagel shop for breakfast, and let's just say New York does not mess around when it comes to breakfast sandwiches.
Between the fluffy eggs, melted cheese, sausage, and bagel, this thing was massive.
So massive, in fact, that I was pretty much full for the rest of the day.
Not a bad way to start our last morning in the city!
A Sunday Stroll Along The High Line
After breakfast, we headed toward The High Line, an elevated public park built along a former railroad line on Manhattan's West Side.
It's such a unique way to experience the city, with landscaped pathways, public art, and views of Manhattan's architecture from above street level.
We lucked out with beautiful blue skies and sunshine, making it the perfect day for one last walk around NYC.
After a weekend packed with tours, restaurant stops, and late nights, a leisurely Sunday stroll was just our speed. With a few hours left before heading home, we were happy to spend a little more time outside, taking photos and soaking up the city. Nobody was quite ready to trade vacation mode for the airport just yet!
We also admired The Vessel, the striking honeycomb-shaped landmark at Hudson Yards.
One of our favorite views was looking out toward Little Island, the beautifully landscaped park that sits over the Hudson River. And of course, we had to stop for one last group photo with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
One Last Stop: Chelsea Market
We also spent part of our final afternoon exploring Chelsea Market, one of NYC's popular food halls and shopping destinations.
Between the food vendors, shops, and bustling atmosphere, it's a fun place to wander, especially when you're already exploring the Meatpacking District and The High Line.
While we were still pretty full from our massive breakfast bagels, it was worth stopping by to check everything out.
Our tip: If you're planning to visit The High Line, Chelsea Market is an easy addition to your itinerary. They make a great combination for a morning or afternoon of exploring.
Until Next Time, Manhattan
After one last afternoon taking in the sights, it was time to head back to the Refinery Hotel, grab our bags, and make our way to the airport.
Four days, countless cocktails, some incredible meals, and more walking than we'd care to admit.
From hidden speakeasies and historic bars to food tours, cosmopolitans, and late-night dancing, New York certainly showed three Charleston girls a good time.
And while Charleston will always have our hearts, we're already dreaming about our next visit.
Our NYC Weekend Favorites
With so many incredible places packed into four days, narrowing down our favorites wasn't easy. But if you're planning your own Manhattan getaway, here are a few experiences we'd especially recommend.
Favorite Experience: Greenwich Village Food Tour
Hands down, one of the highlights of our trip. The combination of incredible food, neighborhood history, and discovering both historic and newer local businesses made this experience unforgettable.
Best Experience for Sex and the City Fans: On Location Tours
Between the famous filming locations, behind-the-scenes stories, and cosmopolitans, this was a must-do for our group.
Most Unexpected Dish: Corn Crème Brûlée at Quality Bistro
Who knew a savory corn side dish could taste so much like dessert? We certainly didn't, but we're glad we tried it.
Best Sports Bar Find: The Village Tavern
Cold beer, plenty of TVs, a lively crowd, and beer buckets. Sometimes that's all you need for a Saturday afternoon.
Most Beautiful Historic Bar: The Bar Room at The Beekman
The stunning architecture alone makes this spot worth visiting.
Where We'd Stay Again: Refinery Hotel
Between the Midtown location, rooftop bar, jazz club, and complimentary guest wine during our stay, it was a great home base for our weekend.
A Few Tips for Planning Your Own NYC Girls' Weekend
Book a food tour. If there's one experience we'd recommend to anyone who enjoys discovering local restaurants, it's a neighborhood food tour. We learned so much more than we would have wandering around on our own.
Pack comfortable shoes. NYC is a walking city, and we definitely got our steps in. Plan accordingly!
Mix iconic landmarks with local finds. Some of our favorite memories came from famous attractions, while others happened at neighborhood bars and restaurants we stumbled upon.
Leave room for spontaneity. Don't schedule every minute of your trip. Some of the best places are the ones you discover along the way.
Make reservations for your must-do experiences. We booked our tours and some of our dinners in advance but also enjoyed the flexibility of finding last-minute spots.
Restaurant menus, drink specials, hotel amenities, and tour offerings may change. Prices and promotions mentioned reflect our October 2026 visit.
Final Thoughts: Is NYC Worth a Girls' Weekend?
Absolutely!
There's something special about exploring New York City with your girlfriends.
Whether you're sipping cocktails in a hidden speakeasy, wandering through Greenwich Village, trying a new cuisine, or recreating your favorite Sex and the City moments, there's never a shortage of things to experience.
What we loved most about our weekend was the variety. We got a little bit of everything: historic New York charm, incredible restaurants, casual neighborhood bars, iconic attractions, and plenty of unforgettable moments.
And while Charleston will always be home, Manhattan certainly knows how to show three Southern girls a good time.
Until next time, NYC.
XOXO,
Sips and the City Charleston
