The SNL alumna shares her favorite haunts, from the best coffee shop to her go-to shoe store
Whether it’s Do the Right Thing or Eyes Wide Shut, Annie Hall or Saturday Night Fever, some stories could only happen in the Big Apple. Take Maggie’s Plan, from writer-director-producer Rebecca Miller. The players in this offbeat gem—starring Greta Gerwig and Ethan Hawke—live within the microcosm of New York City academia, and while that sounds like it might make for a tragically dry movie, the community’s self-regard fuels the film’s cliquey comedy. As the drama gets more and more madcap, it’s up to Maya Rudolph, Maggie’s best friend—who is conveniently married to her other best friend (Bill Hader)—to try to keep things sane. “Together they act as Maggie’s emotional sounding board,” says Rudolph.
In real life, Rudolph’s New York exploits are decidedly more low-key, though the Saturday Night Live alumna—who is debuting her own zany NBC variety show, Maya & Marty, costarring Martin Short, on May 31—does admit to enjoying an occasional cocktail at the Carlyle and shopping for gourmet groceries at William Poll on the Upper East Side. Read on to steal a page from her fun-loving itinerary.
For a good cup of Joe “I used to live around the corner from Jack’s Coffee in the West Village, and when I moved back to California, I’d just buy the beans and carry them on the plane.”
For a little spice “Try Melvin’s Juice Box for delicious Jamaican meat patties and fresh juices. When I’m in there, I feel like I’m in a Jonathan Demme movie.”
For picky eaters “Otto is totally kid-friendly, and they have insanely perfect pizza and pasta and great wines. And nothing beats Blue Ribbon’s fried chicken.”
For special occasions “I like Shun Lee for the Peking duck. It will always make me feel like I’m living in Woody Allen’s New York.”
For an afternoon escape “The High Line is such a great way to stroll and feel New York while giving yourself a break from cars.”
For the coolest-ever shoes “No. 6 has my favorite clogs.”
For perfect penmanship “The McNally Jackson Store on Mulberry Street, around the corner from the McNally Jackson bookstore, is a pen lover’s paradise. And they carry my favorite notebooks.”
For movie night “Metrograph on the Lower East Side was clearly made by and for movie lovers. They make their own popcorn with sea salt and olive oil and carry great drinks and juices. There’s a great restaurant upstairs, or, if it’s crowded, go around the corner to Pies ’n’ Thighs for kick-ass chicken and waffles and homemade doughnuts.”
For stylish tots “Trico Field is originally a Japanese store, and it has the most insanely cute kids’ clothing. I’ve been buying it for my kids since my ten-year-old was a baby.”
For late-night dancing “I try to go as often as I can to see Questlove spin at Brooklyn Bowl for Bowl Train nights.”