Ah, the 1 train. Is the 1 train your train? Is the 2 train your train? What about the 3 train?
It's about to get wild on those trains. Why, you're wondering? Well, it's pretty cold out these days, so all the fun we're going to have in the near future is going to be at bars, attractions, and restaurants that are very, very close to the subway.
We're talking a few paces from the subway. Ideally, we're talking not even stepping foot outside.
Ideally, you can check out some new spots this winter, in parts of town you've never been, all while sticking very close to your subway line.
Below, we've compiled the hottest bars, restaurants, attractions and bakeries, all of which are a laughable distance from the 1, 2, and 3 trains.
You won't have to venture too far from the trains this season to eat, drink, and play well this winter. Read on to find out the best attractions close to the 1, 2, and 3 lines below.
1. The Pennsy (2 Penn Plaza)
thepennsy It's official: The struggle is no longer real by Penn Station. Delicious food has arrived. The Pennsy is now officially OPEN 🎉🎉🎉 Come visit us until 11pm! {@cinnamonsnail @lobster_press @mariobymary @patlafrieda @thelittlebeet}
You can get to Penn Station right off the 1, 2, and 3 trains. That used to be really great for transportation, but not so great for drinking, eating, and having fun. We mean, we don't really consider drowning our sorrows in a Bud Light at the Friday's outside the LIRR "fun."
Luckily, that's all changed now. Penn Station's new upscale food court The Pennsy opened on January 11th, and it's got a full-service bar, more than 8,000-square feet of space, and food vendors like Mario by Mary, The Little Beet, The Lobster Press, Cinnamon Snail, and more.
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The best part? You don't even have to be exposed to the winter elements to get to it.
This is a huge Penn Station win, and one of the hottest new attractions off the 1, 2, and 3 lines for sure.
2. La Carbonara (202 West 14th Street)
La Carbonara less than a block from the 1, 2, and 3 trains at the 14th Street Station. Which, if you ask us, is a total win.
It's also superbly delicious. Want to know what we love the most? It'd have to be the Brasato braised short ribs in chianti sauce, closely followed by the spaghetti carbonara, served in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with crispy chunks of pancetta.
They also have a really wonderful brunch deal at La Carbonara where you can drown in three mimosas, screwdrivers, or bloody Mary's for $18.95. It really is one of the best brunch deals in the city.
We're pretty excited that La Carbonara is out to prove that you don't have to do a lot of walking to have fun this winter in NYC.
3. Bar Thalia (2537 Broadway)
michelamusolino Bar Thalia at Symphony Space #barthalianyc #barthalia #nyc #terrasanguemare #fabioturchetti #musicasiciliananyc #michelamusolino #sicilianfolkandrootsnyc #sicilianfolkandroots #pugheididress #heididress
Check out Bar Thalia. It's less than half a block away from the 96th Street stop off the 1, 2, and 3 trains, and it's a great little jazz bar underneath Symphony Space. It's also a total blast to hang out in. It's got great daily special, and free weekly trivia on Wednesday nights from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
They've also got open mic nights on Monday nights, which attract a lot of really incredible live music performers. Not just anyone can play, though; you have to have sheet music to prove you're legit.
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Oh, also, the guacamole with baked plantain chips tends to go really well with the incredible live jazz that hits Bar Thalia's stage.
It's definitely one of NYC's coolest little gems. If you want some great drinks, live music, and a really amazing vibe, you definitely need to check out the talent at Bar Thalia.
4. Bronx Alehouse (216 West 238th Street)
The good news: it's less than a block away from the very last stop on the 1 line, so you get to check out a hot spot in the Bronx without venturing too far from the train.
The even better news: it's one of the most delicious, inexpensive bars in this town.
We'd be lying if we said we didn't dream about the bacon cheddar burger, the tender pulled pork sandwich, or the hand cut parmesan fries.
Did we mention the free popcorn? Did we mention you can get 11 wings for $11? Also they've got a great variety of beers, and hearty sandwiches. You should check it out.
,5. Gotham Comedy Club (208 West 23rd Street)
It's half a block from the 23rd Street stop off the 1 and 2 lines, and it's a hot spot to snag some laughs this winter.
Our main question is, why should you ever have to traverse city streets in the cold to get to the comedy club where you plan to spend your night laughing?
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That's why we're so pumped that the Gotham Comedy Club is so close to the 1 and 2 trains. The comedians here are top notch, and they've got hilarious stand-up shows every night of the week.
It's seen the likes of performers like Dave Chapelle, Lewis Black and Colin Quinn. More than a few comedians have seen their start at the 3,300-square-foot comedy club.
Check their calendar to see when there's a show for you. Then, get ready to laugh your face off.
6. Fisherman's Cove (2147 Nostrand Avenue - Brooklyn)
It's less than a block away from the end of the line on the Brooklyn side of the 2 train. To get to Fisherman's Cove, take a very jolly ride downtown to the Flatbush Avenue stop.
Getting this deep into Brooklyn is essential. Fisherman's Cove has some of the best jerk chicken in Flatbush. The plantains and cabbage are nothing to shake a stick at, either.
It's only $8.50, and it comes with two slices of bread. It will really set off a tornado of pleasure for your taste buds. We recommend getting half-jerk and half-barbecue. We really can't say much more about the chicken because we passed out from pleasure while eating it.
We're kidding, but you really do need to check out Fisherman's Cove, alright?
7. Red Rooster (310 Lenox Avenue)
Red Rooster is half a block from the 125th Street Stop off the 2 and 3 trains in Harlem. You've got to make sure you get there this winter season.
Why'd we pick it? Well, we didn't want you doing too much walking off those trains. Plus, they've got this super famous cornbread with honey butter, which washes down perfectly with a glass of Rooster Punch.
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It's definitely the best gourmet spot in Harlem. It's always popping with energy and delicious soul food. Don't miss out on the cornbread; it's baked to perfection, soft, and flavorful. Did we mention it's the food baby of famous Chef Marcus Samuelsson? No? Well, it's amazing.
They've got some of the best deviled eggs in the whole city, and those mac and greens though. The mac and cheese is mind blowing on its own, but with the addition of the greens, it'll quickly become an addiction. Do yourself a favor and ride the 2 or 3 train to Red Rooster this winter.
8. Tropical House Baking (267 Schenectady Avenue)
its_philnami I repeat the... BEST #JamaicanBeefPaties around! Right in #Brooklyn Come check out #TropicalHouseBakingCo! On the corner of Eastern Parkway and Schenectady! Their #Veggie patties are #PhilnamiApproved ! #healthy #BetterThanGoldenCrust #patty #FamilyOpperated #Beef #Jamasian #nyc
It's off the Crown Heights - Utica Avenue stop on the 2 and 3 lines, way down in Crown Heights.
We highly recommend you treat yourself to the chicken patty in coco bread. It's delicious, and brings a surprising amount of spice to every bite.
It's definitely got the best patties in Brooklyn, since forever. It sucks having to order through bullet proof glass, but the food is worth the strife.
Also, you can definitely eat your fill on beef or chicken patties for less than $3. Whatever Caribbean bakery items you're craving, breadfruit, coconut cake, or sugar buns, Tropical House Baking will satisfy your craving while being kind to your wallet.
Check out 8 Best NYC Winter Comfort Foods & Where to Get Them.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]