In Rotation: NYC, Spring 2025
The places and spaces I'm visiting the most in New York City
Striking a balance between new and tried-and-true restaurants is a constant challenge. It’s hard to resist the magnetic pull of a fresh opening — the allure of a new space and concept, and the hum of a packed room of curious diners. Flood’s is, after all, built on the inspiration from new sights, scenes, and experiences.
But revisiting the known hits — going somewhere because you’re craving a specific dish or being greeted by a host you’re on a first-name basis with — can be an equally, if not more enjoyable, experience.
I moved to New York in 2021, and not long after, I found myself caught in a wave of restaurant discovery. The city was a blank slate — everything was new for me. Seeking out restaurants took me to unfamiliar neighborhoods, immersed me in the food scene, and introduced me to friends and connections.
But after a while, the narrative started to shift. I’d ask my friends, “Any good meals lately?” and be met with, “I’ve been so bad about trying new places.” Everyone’s first thought when booking dinner became “Where should we check out?” rather than “Where should we go?”
I was noticing a rising obsession with the next new thing, only further intensified by influencers screaming at you to run, not walk, to Nomad and hit Miami transplant Pura Vida, or eat a caviar-topped chicken nugget. Beli — the social app that tracks where you’ve eaten — pushes users toward novelty with a leaderboard, and a prompt to set a “New Year's goal” of new restaurants tried. I was never a Pokémon-er, but the “gotta catch ‘em all” mentality started to freak me out, turning me against the hype wave and the seemingly default new new new mentality I was observing.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t try new restaurants — I’m still hitting openings that captivate, and working my way through the city’s great institutions. But sometimes — oftentimes — the best place to get a bite is somewhere you already know and love. There’s excitement in the new, but there’s an irreplaceable comfort in the familiar.
In Rotation is a series that captures the places I’ve been visiting the most in New York City. There are a lot of restaurants I enjoy and am inspired by, but far fewer that I frequent. This isn’t about one-off meals — it’s about sustained excellence. It’s a snapshot of New York as I’m currently experiencing it.
I consider “frequenting” to be at least three visits in a six-month rolling period. That might not sound like a lot, but with the boundless options in this city, I promise it is. There are places I love, and routinely cite among my favorites — Misi, for example — that I look up and realize I haven’t been to in almost a year. The spots In Rotation are a mix of approachable, accessible, and repeatable.
In Rotation draws inspiration from
’s excellent column, My Los Angeles Right Now, which captures the beauty of life in L.A. — a city I know very little about, but am deeply captivated by. What I love about Emily’s segment is that her list ebbs and flows. Great new finds enter the mix, and other places fall out — maybe because of seasonality, occasionally because they actually fell off. Altogether, it gives a vivid sense of what it’s like to be an L.A. local. I hope to deliver a similar feeling for those curious about New York.Alongside In Rotation, I’ve included updates to the Flood’s Worldwide — New York for paid subscribers: New hits added to the mix, and freshly awarded stars.
Flood’s Worldwide is where I track every hit, along with star ratings and a practical Google Map. If you’re looking for a way to support what I’m doing, this is it. You’ll get a lot of value from it — and you’ll be backing my goal of exploring, capturing, and sharing new places around the world.
Since this is the first edition of In Rotation, everything is technically new to the list. When we reassess in a few months, I’ll indicate what’s truly new and call out what’s been dropped. The list is sorted by proximity to home, which for me is lovely Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Frequenting a place on my block often means utility, while trekking across town means a place has something special to offer.
In Rotation: NYC, Spring 2025
SUKH Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Having a rock-solid neighborhood Thai spot is a godsend. SUKH is my workhorse. On a rainy weeknight, a carryout order of their somtum thai kai kem salad with a side of berry rice and grilled chicken hits incredibly hard. It’s also a great place to sit down for a casual meal — I just don’t very often.
Forma Pasta Factory Fort Greene, Brooklyn
There’s no better way to spend $14 than on pipette ragu at Forma. Homemade pasta with crumbled sausage, in a creamy, herby sauce that hits like swanky mac and cheese. Wipe up the residual sauce with their rosemary focaccia. Hard not to love this place — evident by the small army of delivery drivers standing out front.
Sailor Fort Greene, Brooklyn
“A world-class restaurant and a neighborhood gem — a casual version of the former, a sophisticated take on the latter.” Sailor is my top spot in the neighborhood. I was on a bit of a brunch hot streak here, but recently went back for dinner and remembered how fucking good that roast chicken is.
Radio Bakery Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Very much in the rotation, however, I wouldn’t even think of coming here on a weekend. It’s gotta be a weekday, late morning hit… otherwise, I’m strutting right past that heinous line. Last week, I slid in on a Tuesday at 10:45 am with no queue. I watched as the lunch sandwiches were set out, and happily ate tofu cabbage on a baguette plus a rhubarb danish for good measure. That’s the utility a neighborhood bakery should have.
Otway Bakery Crown Heights, Brooklyn
And if I don’t want to consider lines and wait times, I hit Otway. I think it’s the most slept-on bakery in Brooklyn. I love their bread — and their slightly Asian-influenced pastries. Sesame kouign-amann, furikake parmesan pinwheel — both so killer. No hype, just really, really good bakes that surprise and impress every time.
Cafe Mado Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
A true utility player — Mado is great at all hours, for all situations. A cold brew and pain suisse to start the day, a wicked good breakfast sandwich, a leisurely late lunch, a celebratory dinner. I have, and will continue to call on Mado for all of the above. Quality fare, a range of price points, exceptional hospitality, and a perfect space.
Yemen Café Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
I wrote fondly about my habitual Yemeni dining here. It’s as comforting and nourishing as can be. Always dine in, never carry out. Sip that tea, eat that haneeth.
Ha’s Snack Bar Lower East Side, New York
The most prolific and exciting opening of the past year. The only thing that could knock Ha’s off this list is if I can’t get back in. After a hot streak of resos right after they opened, I’ve been stonewalled. Here’s to hoping they get restaurant number two open sooner than later.
THISBOWL Noho, New York
I’m addicted and I just can’t get enough (of the OG bowl with salmon sashimi and miso eggplant, specifically). I wish I were joking.
Torrisi Nolita, New York
Torrisi is, unfortunately, a walk-in-only affair for a guy like me (not an investment banker). But one I’ve voluntarily stood in line for — on multiple occasions. Count on flawless service, potent drinks, and perfectly executed food. Torrisi has earned its spot as a mainstay for special-ish occasions. This is the priciest place I’ve routinely gone back to — realistically around $150-200 a head, which I can’t be doing too often.
Kisa Lower East Side, New York
Damn, Kisa rocks. It took me a while to get here, but now I’m majorly hooked. The menu is tight — just four options — but the variety of bites you can concoct with the plethora of seasonal banchan and accoutrements is not. It’s a tremendous place to start your night on the Lower East Side. And at $32, it’s a damn good value.
Mariscos El Submarino Greenpoint, Brooklyn
I find myself craving the spicy, acidic aguachile verde on a very regular basis… and often act on that impulse.
Taqueria Ramirez Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Ramirez is an opportunistic hit for me. If I’m in the neighborhood (which I often am), and there’s no line as I stroll past… best believe I’m getting a couple al pastor tacos and a cold Topo Chico.
Most Visited Cafés: Villager Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Abraço East Village, New York, Gem Home Nolita, New York
I’m hitting Villager two or three times a week — best café in Brooklyn. Abraço was my daily driver when I lived in the East Village, but now I go out of my way to visit. I was posted up at Gem for a lot of the winter — great space with big communal tables that unfortunately is getting a little too busy these days.
Most Visited Bars: Hartley’s Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, Gold Star Beer Counter Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, Bar Americano Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Hartley’s pours the best pint in New York — I’ve gone on and on about it. I slide into Gold Star all the time for a quick bev. Americano is a newer place in my mix, but one I’ve come to really enjoy.
