Gift for girl going to NYU?

[Anonymous]

I want to get a gift for a family friend who will be moving to NYC for grad school at NYU. I would ideally like to get her a gift card for some place (restaurant, coffee shop, shopping, etc.) that is typically NYC but easy access to the area around NYU. Unfortunately, I don't really know NYC so I am seeking some help. Does anyone have any suggestions? Bonus points if I can guy a gift card for the place online. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Well, there's always Starbucks....

I went to NYU, but it's been a while. Grey Dog cafe had good sandwiches - no idea if it's still in business. Most of the places we went to were small independent shops. That said, I really loved drinking coffee then, and would have been happy to have someone help me fund the habit!

[Anonymous]

You could see if Corner Bistro sells gift cards. Beer, burgers, fries.

[Anonymous]

A charged subway - the train that is - card

[Anonymous]

How much do you want to spend? Here are some favorite restaurants that are nearish to NYU- Union Square Cafe, Dos Caminos, Blue Smoke, Gramercy Tavern, Coffee Shop, Mesa Grill, Otto, Mercer Kitchen, Blue Ribbon Brasserie.. they range from cheap (Coffee Shop) to $$$ (Gramercy Tavern). If you are looking for mid range, I loved Otto. It is a very trendy, upscale pizza/wine place, very "New York" and visitors loved it.. but it's not very expensive.

[Anonymous]

9:11 here- just checked and you can get gift cards to Otto on their website. Definitely go with that idea.

[Anonymous]

Barneys!

[Anonymous]

pepper sprays

[Anonymous]

I'm a professor at NYU, and i agree with the Otto recommendation. The Campus Eatery is also a good place for her to get sandwiches, snacks, salads, etc. I also like Apple for lunch or drinks. Otto is very "New York," and Campus Eatery and Apple are very "NYU."

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks so much for all the replies!