🚕 Friends Nostalgia Hits Times Square

Good Morning NY!

Central Perk is finally here — bringing sitcom nostalgia straight to 20 Times Square with themed drinks, character-inspired bites, and that famous orange couch for the perfect photo op.

In Queens, Pierogi Boys reinvents Polish comfort food with schnitzel, caviar deviled eggs, and a stylish grocery packed with Eastern European gems.

NoHo welcomes Godunk, a cinematic Thai street-food newcomer serving bold noodles, seafood soups, and cocktails inspired by classic romance films.

Downtown, KIMMI debuts as NYC’s newest 100% gluten-free restaurant, offering miso-roasted cauliflower, vermicelli bowls, and low-ABV sips near the Manhattan Bridge.

And Greenwich Village preps for carb chaos as Moonrise Bagels launches its stuffed-bagel concept — already poised to be NYC’s next viral bite.

Stay tuned as the city serves nostalgia, innovation, and a fresh wave of global flavors.

Central Perk Brings Friends Nostalgia to Times Square

Central Perk Coffeehouse is opening its first permanent New York City location at 20 Times Square on December 5, 2025.

The café will feature the iconic orange couch and décor inspired by the original “Friends” set, creating an immersive fan experience.

Chef Tom Colicchio has curated the menu, which includes playful drinks like “The One with NYC Matcha” and “NY Relaxi Taxi Tall Iced Cooler.”

Food offerings include sandwiches and desserts named after beloved show characters, blending nostalgia with tasty modern bites.

The space is designed for both cozy sit-downs and fun photo opportunities under the bright lights of Times Square.

Central Perk promises a mix of New York energy and sitcom charm for longtime fans and casual visitors alike.

This opening is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy coffee, culture, and a touch of TV magic in the heart of the city.

Pierogi Boys Brings Modern Polish Comfort to Ridgewood

Pierogi Boys has opened a full-service restaurant and marketplace in Ridgewood, Queens, in a former funeral home.

The new space operates as a daytime café, evening restaurant, and artisanal grocery all in one.

Classic pierogies are on the menu with fillings like potato, cheese, mushroom, and meat.

Modern takes include deviled eggs with trout caviar, pork schnitzel with endive-anchovy salad, and a Polish Banh Mi.

The interior features a bright, stylish design and a mural by Polish illustrator Gosia Herba.

The attached market offers craft beers, canned fish, imported condiments, and other Eastern European pantry items.

Pierogi Boys aims to offer a fresh, contemporary take on Polish cuisine, moving beyond traditional diner-style vibes.

It’s a must-visit for fans of comfort food looking for elevated Eastern European flavors in Queens.

Godunk Brings Thai Street Food to NoHo

A new Thai street‑food spot called Godunk has opened at 332 Bowery in NoHo.

The restaurant is led by Chef Nate Limwong, known for her Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Chalong and hot-pot concept Unglo.

The menu showcases flavors from across Thailand, including dry pok pok noodles, Godunk fried rice inspired by Chinese ba jang, and seafood yen ta fo.

Godunk also features a cocktail program curated by mixologist Ryan Saputra of Angel’s Share, with drinks inspired by classic romance films.

The space itself has a vintage-cinema–inspired style that adds to the immersive dining experience.

Godunk aims to bring bold, authentic Thai street flavors to New Yorkers in a relaxed yet stylish environment.

It’s a must-visit for fans of Thai cuisine and those looking for a cinematic twist on street-food dining.

KIMMI Brings 100% Gluten-Free Dining to the Manhattan Bridge

A new fully gluten-free restaurant called KIMMI has opened at 125 Canal Street, right by the Manhattan Bridge.

Every dish on the menu is safe for people with celiac disease, eliminating worries about cross-contamination or hidden gluten.

The menu highlights Asian-inspired flavors with dishes like grilled prawns in chili-tomato sauce with Thai basil oil and miso-aji amarillo roasted cauliflower.

Vermicelli bowls with baby bok choy, snap peas, and chili-ginger-cilantro sauce add light, flavorful options for lunch or dinner.

Heartier plates include pan-seared market fish with green-chili garlic sauce, grilled pork belly skewers with green-papaya chutney, and five-spice braised short rib over miso sweet-potato purée.

The drink menu features low-ABV options such as natural wines and cocktails made with vermouths, aperitifs, or soju.

With seating for 47 and a warm interior featuring terracotta-tiled bar and wooden banquettes, KIMMI offers a welcoming atmosphere.

Dinner service runs Wednesday through Sunday, and reservations can be made via Resy or by walking in.

Moonrise Bagels Brings NYC Its Next Viral Carb Obsession

Moonrise Bagels is taking over Greenwich Village with a whole new way to eat a bagel.

Each bagel is baked with fillings sealed inside, transforming classic sandwiches into dough-wrapped pockets.

Stuffed options include bacon-egg-cheese, Reuben, and Buffalo chicken baked directly into the crust.

Vegetarian and vegan choices are also on the menu for a more inclusive lineup.

Pizza-style bagels add another twist, merging slice culture with NYC’s signature carb.

Customization goes beyond fillings with everything and sesame toppings plus sauces like ranch, Calabrian-chile aioli, and “Mooney” mustard.

At around $11, these creations are designed for portability without sacrificing indulgence.

As Greenwich Village prepares for opening day on December 5, Moonrise is already being called NYC’s next viral food star.

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