Welcome to Times Scare. Although the crossroads of the world has seen better days, The New York Post’s New York City Survival Guide has your back.
Here’s a roundup of insider tips and restaurant logs to get you across Times Square—roughly the Western 40s along Broadway—whether you’re a tourist or feel the local vibe like you’ve ever shot yourself going there.
The first step to surviving in midtown Manhattan is sidewalk etiquette. In the Big Apple, it is better to walk as if you were driving: pass on the left, ride on the right. Don’t be afraid of the back door for slow pedestrians. And make sure to “stop” if you’re going to stop and look at your phone.
If you find yourself in the middle of a boba jump shrimp area, whatever you do, avoid crawling with clothes. If you’ve seen “Elmo,” just know that this character is far from Sesame Street. As for Times Square superheroes, they aren’t your friendly neighborhood Spider-man. In 2016, a man in a web-thrower costume physically attacked a family after they crucified him on a limb.
Avoid anyone who dances, shouts, sings, makes eye contact, or asks, “Do you like comedy?” These street hawkers actually covet stand-up comedy in hopes of luring you into their show. Stick to legitimate places like Gotham Comedy Club where you might see Jerry Seinfeld.
Hate people? So, you might want to avoid the busiest part of Times Square, which is called the “bow tie.” It runs between Broadway and Seventh Avenue from 41st Street to 47th Street.
There are a few secret passages and shortcuts that pedestrians can use to avoid crowds: Schubert Alley at 45th Street, Minskoff Theater Tunnel at 46th Street, Marriott Marquis Tunnel at 47th Street, or Gershwin Theater Tunnel between 50th Street to 51st Street.
While Times Square is best known for chain restaurants like The Olive Garden, there are a few restaurants that real New Yorkers still frequent.
For something diving, try Jimmy’s Corner on W. 44th Street. While you’re there, pour one for boxing legend and owner, Jimmy Glenn, who He died of the Corona virus last year at the age of 89. The walls of this storey bar are covered with pictures of fighters he has met over the years. The final scene of “Raging Bull” starring Robert De Niro was also filmed.
For a taste of old New York, The Lambs Club on 44th Street dates back to 1905. It began as the home of Lambs, America’s first professional theater club.
Ditch the Times Square Taco Bell, which serves alcohol and is now digital only. Alternatively, head to Los Tacos No. 1 at 43rd Street for a chance to try birria, the biggest traditional Mexican food trend of the year.
As you wander through this often dingy neighborhood, you might get a whiff of those honey-roasted nuts spouting on every corner. While it smells like sweet fragrance, be warned that it tastes like chewing wood chips.
If you want street food, go with the classic dirty water sausage, which could take years of your life and taste as if it was boiled in the tears of anyone who has spent a long time in Time Square. In other words, delicious.
.
