Bryan Greenberg (left) with crew on HBO's How to Make It in America.
Bryan Greenberg doesn't just act like he knows NYC. Before the star of HBO's new series How to Make It in America moved to L.A. to further his acting career, he went to NYU, worked shit gigs, and shacked up in a shitty apartment in downtown Manhattan (literally—check out his Mantras Interview for the disgusting details).
The 31-year-old actor and singer-songwriter grew up in St. Louis but found himself at home in Gotham, and now he's back, acting the fool with on-screen homies Victor Rasuk and Scott "Kid Cudi" Mescudi in the show about a young entrepreneur trying to hustle his way into success in the fashion industry. Complex caught up with Greenberg to get his five favorite real-life NYC spots. Keep reading to see what they are and why he loves them...
CHELSEA GUITARS, 220 W. 23RD ST., 212-675-4993
Bryan says: I'm a sucker for great used guitars. They always have a few gems there. Plus it's right by the Chelsea Hotel. Rock 'n' roll ghosts everywhere.
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BROOKLYN BOWL, 61 WYTHE AVE., 718-963-3369
Bryan says: This is the coolest place to hang in Willamsburg. It's a bowling alley, concert venue, and restaurant/bar all in one. I go there with my friends and rent out a lane, eat some Blue Ribbon [BBQ], and listen to great music at the same time. Place is huge, too. Good times.
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TOMPKINS SQUARE PARK DOG PARK, 9TH ST. BETWEEN AVES. A & B
Bryan says: I don't own a dog but one of my favorite things to do is grab a coffee and watch the dogs run around the park. I make up characters and story lines for each dog and watch how it all plays out on a Sunday afternoon.
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DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE, 646 W. 131ST ST, 212-694-1777
Bryan says: Best BBQ in the city, hands down. I love riding my bike along the West Side Highway up to Harlem. The chicken wings are grilled not fried and the hot sauce is tadow!!
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CONTINUUM CYCLES, 199 AVE. B, 212-505-8785
Bryan says: I shipped my fixed gear to NYC [for] while I was shooting. I'm constantly tweaking my bike, and this is the coolest little shop in the East Village. The best thing about it is the staff. Super nice and friendly. They also build great custom bikes. It's also a good place to talk to other gear heads.
RELATED: Mantras Interview (Feb/March 2010 Issue): Bryan Greenberg
Marshall February 11th, 2010 at 01:35 PM
Big shout outs to Alphabet City. The man knows NYC.
Restless Native February 11th, 2010 at 03:33 PM
Corny. Go back to the Midwest with that yang.
word is bond February 11th, 2010 at 06:34 PM
as a native new yorker - i'm pleasantly surprised w the list better than expected
Jake February 16th, 2010 at 06:57 PM
THIS SHOW IS CLEARLY ABOUT THE STORY OF MARC ECKO!
brklynboy February 17th, 2010 at 03:34 PM
yeah the Marc Ecko thing is obvious - but the best part is the Seth G character