Manhattan Café & Slow-Time Route

4.7 (620)

Mon – Fri, 07:00 – 20:00; Sat – Sun, 09:00 – 18:00

685 3rd Ave

Price guide: $. Warm pão de queijo, tapioca crepes and açaí bowls make this Midtown East Brazilian café a light first stop. Its menu is listed as entirely gluten-free. Seating is limited and there is no public restroom, so plan on a quick pause or takeout rather than a long lounge.

4.4 (486)

Mon, Sun, 11:00 – 01:00 (+1); Tue – Thu, 11:00 – 02:00 (+1); Fri – Sat, 11:00 – 04:00 (+1)

411 3rd Ave

Price guide: $$. Settle into a three-level American saloon with warm vintage interiors and a rooftop overlooking the Empire State Building. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch bring heartier food to this slower stop, with non-alcoholic drinks also listed. Check current menus and any specials before ordering; rooftop time depends on the weather.

4.3 (392)

Mon – Wed, Sun, 10:00 – 01:00 (+1); Thu, 10:00 – 03:00 (+1); Fri – Sat, 10:00 – 04:00 (+1)

390 3rd Ave

Price guide: $. Choose a classic New York slice or pie, then take a breather in a spacious, air-conditioned dining room. This Kips Bay pizzeria also lists hot sandwiches, pasta and cakes. Opinions on value vary, so check slice prices before ordering. Think of this as a casual food pause rather than a coffee stop.

4.6 (438)

Mon – Sun, 11:00 – 22:00

75 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

Price guide: $$. Finish on University Place with wood-fired Neapolitan pizza: thin crusts and lighter toppings are the house style. Gluten-free options are listed, and there is outdoor seating alongside dine-in and takeaway service. Check current prices and dietary details with the venue before settling in for the final meal.