Times Square is an American icon. The blinding lights, yellow cabs and -- of course -- the horde of tourists. Everyone goes to Times Square to take a selfie, but there is so much more to do! I am a proud expert of Times Square, since I spend most of my time there seeing Broadway Shows. Next time you take a trip to New York, explore Times Square a little bit deeper (you'll thank me as you avoid the mob of tourists).
1. John's of Times Square
John's of Times Square is a pizza lover's dream. Pizzas are made in coal-fire brick ovens. Pizzas are around $20 and you can experience all this New York goodness while sitting in an abandoned church. That's right, John's of Times Square is located in the old Gospel Tabernacle Church. The founder of this restaurant discovered that the church was made of eight equal parts, just like a pizza. Illuminated by glass windows, John's of Times Square is truly one of the most unique pizzerias in the world.
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2. The Drama Book Shop
Made famous by "Hamilton" actor and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda, The Drama Book Shop is a must for any theatre lover. For more than a century, this shop has sold plays, musicals, memoirs as well as acting and directing books. Unfortunately, this quaint book shop suffered from a flood -- damaging most of their collection. With the support of Lin-Manuel Miranda, many theatre devotees have purchased countless books to keep this shop alive.
3. Joe Allen Restaurant
Joe Allen does not have your typical restaurant decor. In 1965, the Broadway show "Kelly" gave the restaurant a poster of their show. Well, after only one performance, the show flopped. Thus began the tradition of collecting failed Broadway show posters and hanging them on the walls of Joe Allen. Menus change daily, but if you want to catch dinner and a show, Joe Allen is a cozy restaurant with plenty of conversation pieces.
4. Schmackary's Cookies
If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, Schmackary’s is the place to go. Raved about by Broadway actors, Schamackary’s cookies don’t just stop at chocolate chip. Menu options include Pina Colada, Red Velvet, Key Lime and Dirty Peppermint. Like I said, not your typical bakery menu. With 12 cookies for $25, this is a deal that is just too sweet to pass up.
5. The Red Caboose
Although a little outside the Times Square area, this hobby shop is worth the excursion. The owner of The Red Caboose, Allan Spitz, has been running his hobby shop for 40 years. This small shop is packed from floor to ceiling with model trains, plans, cars and model building kits. He sells everything from standard models to limited edition versions starting at $1,600.
6. Midtown Comics
Midtown Comics was founded in 1997 and provides a wall-to-wall collection of comics. Hardcore fans and newbies alike love looking around the extremely large selection of comics. Midtown Comics often hosts signings and special events, so keep a look out on their website. The store doesn't close until midnight Monday-Saturday, so you're in luck if you get a late-night Marvel or DC craving.
7. New Year's Eve Ball
The top of the Walgreens tower at Times Square stores the iconic New Year's Eve Ball. While ascending the Walgreens tower, you will see an access door that leads outside. Open it, and there it is: the glorious, giant, glowing New Year's Eve Ball. The Ball is made of Waterford Crystal and LED lights. The 12-foot diameter Ball is completely computer controlled. I recommend everyone takes the flight to see those 12,000 pounds of light and crystals face-to-face.
8. Junior's To Go
While Junior’s restaurant and bakery is a popular tourist destination, many people don’t know that on the side of the restaurant, in Shubert Alley, there is a Junior’s To Go. A personal discovery to mine, I love going here because of its convenience. After seeing a three-hour Broadway show, my sweet tooth starts getting to me. Located in the center of the theatre district, Junior’s is a wonderful option for a milkshake or a slice of their famous cheesecake.
9. Times Square Sound Installation
Times Square uses a machine underneath the pedestrian walkway that amplifies the resonance of the tunnel junction. The result is a humming sound that is barely recognizable underneath the honking horns and subway rustles of the city. The magic of it is, no one notices it. There are no signs or markers pointing towards this work of art in the center of Times Square. Neuhaus wanted the beauty of the work to be people discovering this underground gem for themselves.
10. The Midnight Moment
Lastly, The Midnight Moment might be one of the most magical
hidden gems in Times Square. Premiering in 2012, this is the largest
coordinated effort by the sign operators of Times Square. At the stroke of
midnight, the billboards of Times Square are synchronized to display creative,
artistic content. This magical display of lights happens every single night in Times Square.
