Looking for off-the-beaten track ideas of things to do in New York?  No worries! Very Auguste has got you covered.  Here are our top 3 non-touristy outing ideas in New York. Whether you already live here and are eager to rediscover this magical whirlwind of a city, or are spending a few days in town, hear us out!

#1: Food Getaway: Crab Rolls + Free Boat Ride + Manhattan Skyline 

Yes, you'll get all 3 perks in one quick boat ride from Wall Street's Pier 11. Destination:  Red Hook, BK, with an absolute beautiful view of Gotham City /FiDi in the backdrop.  Brooklyn Crab has been one of  my absolute NYC favs for the past 3 years.  Think oysters. Think wine. Think surf bar. Think view (from afar but still counts) on the Statue of Liberty.  

This go-to place -year round-  does a great job at making you feel on vacation as soon as you get there.  Ideal for boozy brunch, lunch or early dinner with friends, family (kids-friendly space in the backyard), a date or a silver bullet after a crappy day at work. 

"Sounds Amazing! I Want to Go There!"

Easy!  Uber, via, lyft, or metrocard your way to Wall Street's Pier 11, Slip A. Hop on the IKEA boat (free on weekends, $5 on weekdays) and get off at Fairway (2nd stop).  Just plan your way back at night since ferries stop at 9p-ish.

#2: Me Time + Date Night + Friends Night + Music + Cosy + David Lynch

Smalls is also on our top list of not too touristy things to do in NYC.  It's hard to keep this gem hidden any longer. But if you want an authentic jazz experience with NY musicians, for $20, and at the last minute,  head to the West Village, to W10th between 7th Av South &  W4th St.  Buy a ticket at the door and you're off to a David-Lynchesque world crossed with Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, and many more.

Smalls Jazz Club is like its name:  cosy, intimate, dark, welcoming, free-spirited, not-selfie proof (you're almost sitting on the stage...). I found it perfect for many occasions: me-time at the bar, sipping my cognac, date night over a glass of wine, friends night (ending at Emmett's  for instance) and family time whenever I have people visiting.

Special Recommendations:

You cannot be disappointed at this NYC jazz club. One recommendation though:  Try to see the Ehud Asherie Trio (every month). I've seen them several times and they do make you travel in time and unwind.

#3: Sake Bar + Dancing on Tables + Sriptease of the Bartender + Make Yourself at Home

Ok. Until I moved to NYC, I was never into sake (the Japanese version, not "God's sake"). But then I discovered Satsko in East Village. It was NYE,  a typical cold January night in New York: snowy, -15C aka temperatures "in the teens".  Yet happy crowd of friends, ready to make the most of the night but not ready to pay $$$ for a New Year's Eve party.  After unsuccessful walks, we finally end up in this really tiny sake bar between Alphabet City and EV.  A one-way ticket to non-pretentious fun with fellow patrons, discovering that sake is way more than this tasteless rotgut you're usually being served in Asian restaurants in Europe.

The Plus Side: 

Dancing on tables is allowed. "Sake sake sake bombs" are highly recommended. You can play your own music. And if you're lucky (or just stay late enough), Austin the owner will improvise his own burlesque show, on demand.