NEW YORK — A woman alone traveling in New York: It can be exhilarating or overwhelming. Where to stay, have a drink, eat? There are plenty of hot spots here with warm welcomes.
MOMOFUKU KO Treat yourself to a 10-course dinner (or 16-course lunch) at this teeny 12-seat Asian hot spot. Part of the allure of eating here is the chase: The only way to get one of the coveted seats is by reservation which must be made 10 days in advance for dinner and 14 days in advance for lunch. And, because of its intimate space, reservations can only be made for one, two, or four diners, so you’ll feel right at home with many other solo diners. 163 First Ave. www.momofuku.com/new-york/ko/
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BALTHAZAR There are many compelling reasons to dine in this sprawling bistro-style eatery with its red leather banquettes, smoky mirrors, and joie de vivre. Come for breakfast, with your laptop, and you’ll be in good company — this is a writer’s morning hangout hot spot. Tip: The croissants and eggs Benedict are standouts. Or come later in the day or evening to enjoy the steak frites or the raw bar (think 75 varieties of oysters). Tables are close together — perfect for eavesdropping or striking up a conversation. 80 Spring St., www.balthazarny.com
GRAMERCY TAVERN Sit at the bar in the Tavern Room of this wildly popular eatery that has a separate menu but shares the same kitchen as the main dining room. Getting a seat is also easier in the Tavern Room without a reservation — in fact, they don’t even take reservations. You can’t go wrong with anything off Danny Meyer’s menu here. 42 East 20th St. www.gramercytavern.com
CAFÉ LALO Come to sip a latte or a cognac and to nibble on a piece of cake. Café Lalo is a hip Upper West Side cafe with exposed brick walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, a neighborhood hangout, and a Hollywood set. (“You’ve Got Mail” was filmed here.) Stop before or after a movie, to enjoy classical and jazz music, and to sip a frothy cappuccino — you’ll be seduced by the more than 100 cakes, pies, and desserts. Cheesecakes rule here and Lalo’s signature creme brulee is also a standout. Or come for a meal — a salad or quiche, maybe. You’ll be in good company; lots of solo diners come to Lalo. 201 West 83d St., www.cafelalo.com
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CAFE 2 There is something so endearing about dining in a world-class museum like the Museum of Modern Art. It is home to Moderne, a fine dining restaurant, on the first floor with a separate street entrance (and open even when the museum is not; the Bar Room is bustling and perfect for a casual meal). But Café 2, on the second floor, is ideal for solo diners. Tables are communal so you’ll meet visitors from all over the globe who are there to admire MoMA’s art. Sip an Italian wine and nibble on Italian-inspired cuisine. (And we mean nibble — portions are small, but the energy is huge.) Menu items include handmade pasta, salumi, and antipasti.) 11 West 53d St., www.moma.org
ROOF GARDEN CAFE AND MARTINI BAR It’s no secret, of course, that the Metropolitan Museum of Art is celebrated for its enormous and impressive art collection. But the museum’s rooftop is a clandestine spot that even the savviest New Yorkers don’t know about. The views of Manhattan from this vantage rival the art hanging in the museum. The scene is low-key and unpretentious. Come at sunset to sip a glass of wine and drink in the intoxicating views. Oh, yes, you’ll find sculptures up here, too — exhibits rotate annually. Take the hard-to-find elevator in the European Sculpture and Decorative galleries to reach this special spot. Note: Open only May through late fall. 1000 Fifth Ave., www.metmuseum.org
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MICHAEL JORDAN’S THE STEAKHOUSE N.Y.C. Come at rush hour. Snag a seat at a table in the bar balcony area for a slam-dunk view. Sip a martini and order the Gorgonzola fondue with warm garlic bread and enjoy one of New York’s best off-Broadway productions. 23 Vanderbilt Ave., Grand Central Terminal, www.michaeljordansnyc.com
GABY You’ll feel perfectly at home dining alone at this French-inspired brasserie. Dig into the signature Franburger (a hamburger topped with brie and served on a baguette) created by executive chef Sylvain Harribey (a champion on Food Network’s “Chopped”); the foie gras and French onion soup are also exceptional. Order a cocktail from the “Hers” drink menum, such as Le Sidecar (Hennessy VS, Cointreau, lemon juice, orange juice, bitters). You’ll hear just as much French spoken in this popular eatery as English, and that is part of its allure. Bonus: Spend the night upstairs; the brasserie is located street level in the elegant Sofitel New York Hotel. 44 West 45th St. www.gabynyrestaurant.com
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MUSE HOTEL The 200-room boutique hotel in Times Square has a complimentary wine hour every night for guests, as well as a “Forgot it? We’ve got it” program designed for female travelers (think straightening and curling irons). And “On Demand Glam” features makeup artists and hair styling professionals available in-room, seven days a week between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., for discounted blow-outs and make-up applications. www.themusehotel.com
HOTEL GIRAFFE Each night the lobby turns into a friendly, casual cocktail lounge with lots of sofas and chairs, wine and such snacks as olives, cheese, crackers, and nuts. There is table service (or you can help yourself at a bar) and a pianist. The best part: It is complimentary to hotel guests. And in the morning, the same lounge becomes a spot for fresh-baked pastries, cereals, fresh fruit, cappuccino, and coffee. Read a complimentary newspaper, work on your laptop, a perfect retreat. www.hotelgiraffe.com
HYATT 48 LEX This 116-room hotel in Midtown is a respite for female travelers to the city, thanks in part to the second-floor Lexicon Lounge, a retreat just for guests that serves complimentary coffees, teas, and snacks throughout the day — a great way to meet other travelers. www.48lex.hyatt.com
Laurie Wilson can be reached at laurieheather@yahoo.com.