Legendary Locations: How I Met Your Mother's NYC Adventures for the Hopelessly Romantic (or Just Hungry)
Let's face it, Ted's epic quest for love in How I Met Your Mother wasn't all about the emotional roller coaster (though Barney's antics were a thrill ride). The show also offered a delightful glimpse into the vibrant life of New York City, making us yearn for corner booth adventures and legen - wait for it - dary nights out. So, if you're a HIMYM fanatic with a travel bug, this guide is your ticket to reliving your favorite moments in the concrete jungle where it all went down!
MacLaren's Pub: The Epicenter of Awesomeness (and Possibly Laser Tag)
This is it, folks. The booth where a million legendary stories unfolded (and countless plates of wings were devoured). While the actual MacLaren's is McGee's Pub on W 55th Street, a visit here is a must for any die-hard fan. Just be prepared to recreate the iconic booth pose (legendary high fives not included).
Pro tip: If you get there early enough, snag the booth and reenact your favorite scene. Bonus points for themed attire (who wouldn't want to see a Captain or a Robin Scherbatsky in the wild?).
The Burger Quest: A Delicious Detour (with Questionable Hygiene)
Remember Marshall's relentless pursuit of NYC's best burger? Turns out, the contender that finally dethroned the established champs wasn't some fancy gastropub. It was, believe it or not, a random Japanese restaurant on 106th and Manhattan Ave (in reality, Ichie Japanese Restaurant). While the jury's still out on whether it justifies the hype, a visit here is a must for any burger enthusiast (and HIMYM completist). Just maybe bring some hand sanitizer...
Word to the wise: Don't confuse burger bliss with questionable hygiene standards. Maybe pack some antibacterial wipes for good measure.
Beyond the Bar: Iconic NYC Encounters
How I Met Your Mother wasn't just about booth shenanigans. The show also took us on adventures across the city. Here are a few more must-see spots:
- Gray's Papaya (2090 Broadway): Relive the gang's New Year's Eve tradition of scarfing down hot dogs at this iconic New York eatery.
- Empire State Building (20 W 34th St.): Channel your inner Robin and take in the breathtaking city views from the top. Just remember, the locket trick might not work for everyone.
- Corner Bistro (331 West 4th Street): Though never explicitly mentioned, this classic New York burger joint is a popular contender for Marshall's burger obsession.
Remember: New York City is a living, breathing entity. These locations might have slight variations from how they appeared on the show. But hey, that just adds to the adventure, right?
How I Met Your Mother NYC FAQ: Your Questions Answered (Legendary-Style)
How to get to MacLaren's Pub?
McGee's Pub is located at 240 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019. Public transportation is your best bet, but beware, the subway might not always be legendary.
How to recreate the booth pose?
Gather your squad, grab a booth, and strike a pose! Arms crossed, legendary high fives optional (but highly encouraged). Bonus points for recreating a scene or two.
How to find the best burger in NYC (like Marshall)?
There's no single answer, my friend. Marshall's quest is a metaphor for life's delicious (and sometimes messy) adventures. Try different places, embrace the journey, and maybe pack some hand sanitizer.
How to score a view from the Empire State Building (without the locket trick)?
Just buy a ticket! The locket trick might work in TV land, but for us mere mortals, good old-fashioned cash is the way to go.
How to meet the Mother? (Just kidding... mostly)
Well, that's the entire point of the show, isn't it? But hey, if your travels to NYC lead to love, that's a legendary story in itself.
So there you have it! Your guide to reliving the magic of How I Met Your Mother in the vibrant city that never sleeps. Now get out there, explore, and remember: Legendary waits for no one (except maybe Robin Scherbatsky).