Business

What It's Like to Be an Entrepreneur in NYC

January 21, 2022

What It's Like to Be an Entrepreneur in NYC

DaSilva Life Headquarters are based in the Big Apple — New York City! While we have lived here for 3 years, it's also where we started DaSilva Life in 2020. As an entrepreneur, NYC is one of the best places to be. There are so many places to see, so many fellow entrepreneurs and communities to connect with, and you can't beat the food.

Want to see what it's like to live a life in the day of an NYC entrepreneur?

Coffee & Tea Shops to Work + Chill in New York City

Any good entrepreneur knows that their local coffee shop's WiFi just works better and they can focus more. That's never more true than at a few of my favorite places in the city.

  1. Kobrick Coffee: A great spot for a killer cup of coffee or to chill and get some work done. They also have a great Instagram wall.
  2. Starbucks Reserve: This is like the Disney World of coffee. They have exclusive menu items and drinks, and also a bar.
  3. For Five Coffee Roasters: For Five at Brooklyn Place is a great place to stop in for a quick cappuccino and get some work done.
  4. Truedan Boba Tea: Love a good boba tea? I recommend the Passion Fruit Green Tea with boba — to die for!

Quick Bites to Grab in NYC

  1. Mochinut: Two words: Mochi + Donut = YUM. I've tried the Tarro flavor and it was amazing, it kind of tastes like a funnel cake.
  2. Num Pang: One of the best sandwiches of my life was eaten here: the five spice pork belly. When looking for a healthier option, I opt for the Grain + Rice Bowl with the pork belly and it is just as amazing.
  3. Mott Pho Bang: I would opt for ramen over pho, personally, but this place is a great experience if you like authentic pho!
  4. Siena Pizza & Cannoli: one of my fave spot to pop in and grab a quick slice. Their hot honey slice is to die for!

Places to See in NYC

  1. Broadway: When my biz bestie, Laurie, was here, we went to see Wicked — what a great show! Want an insider secret? Use the app Today Tix to get seriously discounted shows!
  2. The M&M Store: Love chocolate? The M&M store is a must-see! It's a fun experience and you can make a bag with all different flavors or just one color if you want!
  3. Times Square: Definitely a spot to hit if you are coming to the city for the first time. One of the most entertaining places to people watch but hold your bags and your children close!
  4. Bryant Park Winter Village: This stop is SO fun and magical. I would recommend stopping by if you're in town during the Christmas season. They have all local booths set up to shop around, an ice skating rink, and a lodge with some of the most bomb treats. I love the spiked hot cocoa at The Lodge and the Raclette sandwich is actually one of the most heavenly things I have ever tasted.
  5. Central Park: It is amazing how a place can be so peaceful in the middle of a huge city. Central Park is truly magical during any time of year. Just plan to wear walking shoes — it's more massive than you think!
  6. Grand Central: Our train station actually looks and feels like the movies! Fun fact: I used to live right around the corner from Grand Central and whenever I stop by it, it feels like I am in a time warp into another life. The market is super cute, too! P.S. there is a Shake Shack in the food court and I would choose Shake Shack over In N Out any day - just sayin'.
  7. Comedy Cellar: One of my FAVE things to do in the city. Seeing a comedy show will absolutely lift your spirits. With shows almost every night, grab a friend and a drink and have the best time. Also, you never know if someone famous will show up!
  8. Brooklyn Bridge: great photo op for all my influencer friends, but also it's just fun to walk across and then go to Dumbo BK for an experience. You get a great view of the skyline from Dumbo!
  9. Highline: Such a peaceful stroll through the west side! It is like a nature walk inside of Manhattan. Fun fact: this is one of the spots I brought Jeff on one of our first dates and his FIRST time to NYC!
  10. The Edge: A really cool sky deck! My stomach totally drops when I get too close to the edge, but it is a really cool way to see all of Manhattan. They have great frosé at the bar, too.
  11. Chelsea Market: Such a fun spot to bop around, shop, and eat some fun snacks!
  12. Barcade: Drinks and arcade games - what more could you want?! Such a fun place to pop in and hang for a little while with some friends!

My Favorite Places to Eat in NYC

  1. Gelso & Grand: This is one of my FAVE Italian spots. The meatballs are to die for and the Fig & Goat Cheese pizza sounds super weird but makes my taste buds sing. Great date night spot and overall ambiance is 10/10.
  2. Berimbau: One of the BEST spots in NYC for authentic Brazilian food. Fun fact, both my husband Jeff and Laura, my biz bestie, are Brazilian! And the cuisine has seriously become one of my all-time faves. I recommend the pão de quiejo, feijoada, and picanha. But everything is honestly 10/10.
  3. San Marzano: Two words: bottomless brunch. It was pretty good Italian food and very reasonably priced! Definitely a lot of NYU kids, but it's still a great deal!

You can't beat NYC (in my opinion)

Everyone knows that there is so much to see and do in New York City. But as an entrepreneur who lives here and gets to feel the energy of the city on the daily, you really can't beat it! Whether you're here for a week or here to stay, I hope this little tour of my favorite places has shown you a bit of the NYC I know and love. Want to hear more about what it's like to be an entrepreneur in NYC, or what it's like to live, work, and be married to your business partner? We talk about all things life + business on our YouTube channel.

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