2 New York Jets Share Their Favourite Places In NYC
You were in the UK for the game – did you enjoy your time here?
Tyrod: It was amazing. It was my fourth time in London, but I’ve only ever come for football. I’d love to come back and actually enjoy the city – it reminds me a lot of New York.
What’s the vibe like in New York these days?
Tyrod: Very energetic. There’s always something going on. After a game, the whole team can go out with family and still not bump into each other because there are so many restaurants and things to do. The cliché is true: the city really doesn’t sleep. Over the past four years, the energy has only grown. It’s beautiful in summer, and winter has its own charm too.
When friends or family come to visit, where’s the first place you take them?
Tyrod: Mēdüzā in the Meatpacking District. It serves amazing Mediterranean food and there’s a great vibe. Catch nearby is another favourite – the original turns into a lounge at night. Restoration Hardware’s Guest House is also up there for me. There’s steak, caviar and a private champagne room.
Andre: I like to take them for a walk over Brooklyn Bridge. The views are iconic, and you get a real sense of the city.
Do you have any favourite neighbourhoods?
Tyrod: Soho, Downtown and the Meatpacking District. Most of the restaurants and shopping I do are in those areas. Brooklyn’s great too – it has a slower pace but with its own culture and vibe.
Andre: Probably Williamsburg in Brooklyn. There’s a lot going on there, but it can also be peaceful. I also love the Lower East Side around 5 o’clock on a Friday when everything starts to feel lively.
Where do you go for breakfast or brunch?
Tyrod: The rooftop at Restoration Hardware in Meatpacking – great vibe and views.
Andre: I’m a deli guy. I just want a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich.
And where do you go for a late-night bite?
Tyrod: Due to our training schedule I don’t really eat late or go for pizza, but there’s a place called Artistic Pizza near a comedy club that I know well. That one looks pretty good.
Andre: I’m a ramen guy. There’s a joint all over New Jersey called Ani Ramen which is one of my favourites.
Where would you take someone on a date?
Tyrod: Mamo. It’s a small, intimate restaurant on Broadway with amazing food. I like the Centurion members club too – the bar upstairs has probably the best panoramic view of the city about 60 floors up.
Andre: Aurora in Williamsburg. It’s covered in green foliage out front, and there’s a relaxed outdoor courtyard. The pasta there is next level.
What about classic comfort food in the city?
Tyrod: Carbone is obviously very famous. The same group owns places like the Lobster Club and Dirty French, which are super hard to get into, but the food never disappoints.
Andre: You can’t go wrong with a New York steakhouse. I love Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. It’s a great place to take in NYC’s skyline, the steak is cooked to perfection, and it has a good vibe.
Favourite hotels?
Tyrod: Aman New York. It opened a few years ago and there are two great restaurants there – another contender for a date night.
Andre: 1 Hotel Central Park. You’re close to the park and its wellness facilities are first class: sauna, blanket in your room, infrared mat, great gym, sustainable food menu. An oasis in central NY.
What NYC experience should visitors do at least once?
Andre: Take a helicopter around the city. The perspective from up there is amazing.
Any hidden gems you love?
Tyrod: The speakeasy at The Nines is a fun spot.
Andre: Movies in the parks throughout the summer – Brooklyn Bridge Park, Prospect Park, Domino Park. This year they showed Interstellar, Ocean’s 8, Dazed & Confused and Anchorman, all for free.
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How do you like to unwind?
Tyrod: Comedy Cellar is my go‑to for shows. For lounges, I rotate between Zero Bond and Crane Club. Otherwise, I like riding my bike along the Hudson River.
Andre: When I’m not training, you’ll find me courtside at a Knicks game. There’s always a good atmosphere.
Where do you buy your clothing from and what’s your off-duty style?
Tyrod: Dover Street Market, ESSX, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman. I like Bottega and Margiela. Sometimes I shop online to avoid the hassle. Off duty, I’m rarely casual – clothes are an extension of my personality. Comfortable, but not sweats or a hoodie. I dress like I’m headed to dinner most days.
You’ve got a day off – how are you spending it?
Tyrod: Wake up and go to a spa – maybe Equinox or Aire Ancient Baths. Grab brunch, hit an art gallery in the afternoon. If it’s warm, walk around the city, do some casual shopping then finish with a nice dinner.
Andre: Coffee shop to start. Then the first movie of the day. Walk around Central Park or over the bridge into a ramen spot. Then Chinatown for ramen and dumplings. After that, a quick matcha break. Shopping in Soho, then end with a fancy dinner.
Anything you haven’t done yet that’s on your NYC bucket list?
Tyrod: I haven’t taken the subway in over a decade – I should, just to refresh my perspective. I’d also like to see an opera.
Andre: Bring my dog Apollo along to the city park – he’s a social soul, and the company of other dogs is his idea of heaven.
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