We’re less than two weeks away from gathering high above Manhattan for our inaugural US Alumni Reunion! Whether you already live in the city or you’re touching down for the weekend, consider this your personal cheat sheet to NYC - straight from those who know it best.  

We tapped our very own Alumni Ambassadors - Dimitri and Kleo - for their unfiltered, off-the-beaten-path NYC highlights. From secret cocktail dens to the ultimate pizza debate, here’s how to navigate Gotham like an insider. 

1. The Classic Escape: From Central Park to The Met 

The Vibe: Cliché, but genuinely so nice. 

Step into The Ramble inside Central Park, and just a few minutes in, you'll feel like you’re in a state park and not in the middle of Manhattan. Then walk straight out the east side into the Met, a museum so big it takes days to get through it all. 

The Play: Grab a flat white, then trace this route: Bethesda Terrace → Bow Bridge → The Ramble. Inside The Met, bypass the crowds and make a beeline for the glowing Temple of Dendur in the Egyptian wing. 

Best Time: Late October to early November, when the fall foliage kicks in. The Met is open until 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and evenings are much quieter than weekend afternoons (note: closed Wednesdays). 

Who It’s For: Out-of-towners for sure, but locals too. An easy, low-key catch-up. 

Practical: 4/5/6 to 86 St, then walk west to the Met at Fifth Ave & 82nd. Tickets are $30 for adults; New York State residents pay what they wish. 

2. Lower East Side Speakeasies: Pick Your Poison 

The Vibe: NYC has a big speakeasy culture, and the Lower East Side is the heart of it. Three very different options: 

• The Back Room (102 Norfolk St) - An actual Prohibition-era speakeasy. You enter through a gate marked "Lower East Side Toy Company," and cocktails still come in teacups. 
• Attaboy (134 Eldridge St) - No menus, no pretense. Knock on the unmarked door, describe your favorite flavor profile to the bartender, and let them invent something custom on the spot. 
• Tigre (105 Rivington St) - A glam, gold, speakeasy-style lounge behind a graffiti-covered door, from the team behind Maison Premiere. 

Signature Order: At Attaboy, let the bartender surprise you - that's the whole point. 

Best Time: Early on weekends, or Sunday to Tuesday. Tigre takes reservations on Resy; Attaboy is walk-in only and best for small groups. 

Who It's For: Date nights, small catch-ups, or impressing visitors. 

Practical: Delancey St–Essex St (F/J/M/Z) for The Back Room and Tigre; Grand St (B/D) for Attaboy. 

3. The NYC Slice Circuit: A Very Serious Debate

The Vibe: Fast, noisy, and non-negotiable. You can't come to New York without grabbing a slice. From classic thin-crust pizza to crispy squares with creative toppings, the city has some of the best pizza in the world. 

Six favorites chosen by our ambassadors: 

• L’Industrie (West Village / Williamsburg) - Famous for its thin, crispy crust and fresh Italian ingredients. Must-order: The burrata slice. 
• Mama’s TOO! (Upper West Side / West Village) - Known for its thick, crispy square slices and creative toppings. Must-order: The vodka or cacio e pepe slices. 

• Prince Street Pizza (Nolita) - Thick, airy Sicilian squares with a crispy, caramelized bottom crust and sweet-savory marinara. Must-order: The Spicy Spring square, loaded with crispy pepperoni cups and Fra Diavolo sauce.

• Scarr’s Pizza (Lower East Side) - An old-school New York slice shop with a retro atmosphere. Known for its excellent dough and classic cheese and pepperoni slices. Must-order: Hot pepperoni slice. 
• Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village) - The quintessential NYC slice. Thin, cheesy, foldable, and simple. A New York institution since 1975. Must-order: Classic cheese slice (fold it in half). 
• Fini Pizza (Williamsburg) - A modern Brooklyn favorite. Must-order: White slice with lemon and fresh cheese. 

4. The 3:00 AM Warehouse Rave: Pacha 

The Vibe: High-energy, open-air euphoria. 

Formerly known as the Brooklyn Mirage, this sprawling East Williamsburg sanctuary is an institution for anyone looking for a proper night out. In the warmer months, the open-air courtyard hosts world-class acts under the stars; come winter, the massive indoor complex keeps the energy going until sunrise. 

Best Time: Outdoors runs roughly June to October. There's an indoor venue too, so there are shows all winter. 

Who It's For: Anyone up for a big night out. 

Getting There: 140 Stewart Ave (East Williamsburg). Easiest to Uber there. 

5. The Post-Night-Out Salvation: The 2 AM Diner

The Vibe: No great New York night out ends at home - it ends in a classic, Greek-owned diner at 2:30 AM. 

Signature Order: Something hearty, like pancakes.  

Best Time: Anytime after 2am. 

Who It's For: Everyone. It’s the ultimate equalizer and the best place to debrief after the reunion! 

A huge thank-you to our U.S. Alumni Ambassadors, Dimitri P. (Class of 2018) and Kleo T. (Class of 2024), for sharing their insider knowledge and helping bring our New York alumni community together. Be sure to grab them for a drink on the rooftop to thank them in person!

Ready to Reconnect High Above Times Square? 

Whether your post-reunion plans lead to a 2 AM diner debrief or a late-night speakeasy, the highlight of the weekend starts at the rooftop. Join us for an evening of warm connections, nostalgic catch-ups, and incredible skyline views as we mark 70 Years of St. Catherine’s. 

Where: VOCO Roof Bar, Times Square, NYC 

When: Saturday, November 21, 2026 | 18:00 – 21:00 

Tickets: Space on the rooftop is cozy and spots are filling fast! 

Reserve Your Spot Today - Sign up here!  

We can’t wait to see you there!  

Want to Get More Involved?  

We are looking for passionate alumni to help us grow our presence in North America. If you would like to shape our local events, mentor recent grads moving to the US, or become an official St. Catherine's U.S. Ambassador, then reach out to us via email at alumni@stcatherines.gr.