Lyft offers affordable lifts around New York City, during which drivers pick up various passengers along the way (that’s the “share” part of “rideshare”). Lyft records its passengers’ destinations and has awarded the most-visited-spots prizes called, adorably enough, “Lyfties.” Below are the most recent recipients of Lyfties in New York!
Most Visited Restaurant: Vandal
The hip Lower East Side eatery Vandal reigns supreme as Lyft passengers’ preferred restaurant. With a wide-ranging menu—they offer pizza and poke bowls—you’re sure to find something tasty for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Popular entrees include the bao buns and sea bass tacos. The restaurant, plastered with bright, edgy murals, is below-ground, while the street-level area is a lounge where you’ll enjoy, among other things, frosé.
Most Visited Event Space: Madison Square Garden
With nearly 21,000 seats, Madison Square Garden could win this prize on capacity alone. But the venue also delivers on awesome events. Whether you’re into sports like hockey or basketball, or you’re looking for some Billy Joel in your life, or you enjoy comedy stars like Chris Rock, you’ll find it all at the Garden. Fun fact: the MSG event with the most Lyft passengers in 2017 was the UFC fight between Bisping and St-Pierre in November.
Most Visited Bar: House of Yes
Brooklyn won the fight for the most visited bar this year with Bushwick’s House of Yes, although this space is much more club than bar. Holding outrageous dance parties featuring circus performers and aerial dancers, House of Yes certainly puts on a show. And they ask for showmanship from patrons as well, asking that you at least get some face glitter on before you walk in the door. Check out their events page for holiday parties and other performances throughout the year!
Most Visited University: NYU
Whether you have friends in acting at Tisch or are attending a lecture at the campus, NYU is a mecca of higher learning—and fun!—in New York City. The Skirball Center hosts comedy, theater, and other performances for the public, while smaller venues like the Writers House on West 10th St. hold literary events. If you’re in town, at least take a stroll around Washington Square Park, the beautiful green space full of music and interesting people, which is smack-dab in the middle of the NYU campus.
Honorable Mentions: Katz’s Delicatessen and The William Vale
Lyft gave extra props with two final awards. Katz’s Delicatessen on East Houston received the “Only in New York” award. This deli is a legend and famously featured in the film When Harry Met Sally (“I’ll have what she’s having”: the ultimate one-liner). Day and night, you’ll meet incredible lines and a slightly confusing ordering system, but your corned beef sandwich will definitely hold you over before you head back out to the bars. The Lyftie for “Trending Destination” went to the Westlight bar at The William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Its incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and stylish crowd make it a must if you’re into rooftops.
