Off the MRKT Favorites: Must-Have Picks for May 2025
May is made for indulgence—and this month, Off the MRKT Favorites is satisfying every craving. From rooftop sushi experiences with skyline views to dollar oysters at golden hour and a ribeye menu that could make a grown carnivore cry, this roundup is all about bold bites, elevated sips, and unforgettable menus. Whether you’re slipping into a mezcal-laced cocktail at Akoya or discovering a collectible bottle of The Macallan at JFK, we’ve served up the most delicious ways to toast the season. Come hungry, leave inspired.
Few things scream spring in New York like waterfront cocktails and oysters at golden hour. This season, The Fulton by Jean-Georges brings back its iconic $1 Oyster Hour, offering pristine, freshly shucked bivalves Monday through Thursday from 5–6 PM. Nestled at The Seaport with sweeping views of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge, The Fulton sets the stage for a luxurious yet laid-back happy hour. Whether you're winding down post-meeting or kicking off date night, pair these oysters with a chilled glass of wine or a sharp martini—and revel in a New York moment that’s as breezy as it is indulgent.
Just when you thought Times Square couldn’t surprise you, Akoya arrives—an intimate, 33-seat sushi and cocktail haven perched atop The Knickerbocker’s iconic St. Cloud Rooftop. This refined newcomer is a collaboration between culinary luminaries Charlie Palmer, Taishi Yamaguchi, and Adam Raksin, delivering hand-rolled temaki and small plates with a purist’s eye and a tastemaker’s flair. From yuzu-cured scallop to wagyu topped with Platinum Osetra, every bite is a study in precision. Add in a bar program with shochu spritzes and global sake, and you’ve got a scene where minimalist design meets maximal flavor—right in the electric heart of Manhattan.
Photo Credit: Jhienes Moreira
Elevating your pre-boarding ritual to an art form, The Macallan debuts a limited-edition experience at JFK Terminal 4 with its latest release: Harmony Collection IV Guardian Oak, a tribute to global travel, sherry-seasoned oak, and theatrical storytelling. In collaboration with Cirque du Soleil’s SPIRIT, this immersive activation weaves scent, taste, and narrative into one opulent stopover. From interactive trays of oak-scented chippings to collectible bottles wrapped in purple-hued elegance, it’s a sensory showcase for the whisky connoisseur on the move. Rich with notes of orange peel, sticky ginger syrup, and baking spices, this expression is as transportive as the journey it accompanies.
Photo courtesy of Tacombi
This spring, Tacombi levels up its street food cred with the launch of its Ribeye Revue, a limited-time collaboration with Mexico City’s celebrated Chef César de la Parra of La Once Mil, available through May 18th. The menu is a carnivorous dream—featuring Pat LaFrieda-sourced ribeye wrapped in Vista Hermosa’s artisanal tortillas. Whether you’re biting into a flame-seared Ribeye Taco with charred serrano salsa, indulging in a gooey quesadilla layered with Chihuahua cheese, or diving into the decadent burrito (fries included), every dish is a smoky, spice-laced celebration of bold Mexican flavors and masterful technique.
And that’s your taste of May—layered, luscious, and best enjoyed with a glass in hand. From refined rooftop rolls to tacos with a flame-seared edge, this month’s edit proves that the best way to experience New York is through its flavors. Stay tuned for June, where we’ll be chasing summer’s first heatwave with ice-cold pours, curated menus, and all the insider picks worth a reservation. Until then, stay sharp, stay thirsty, and stay Off the MRKT.
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