‘The Mindy Project’ Actor Adam Pally’s Perfect Afternoon in NYC

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On any given day, New York City can be many things to many people. Williamsburg raves, food markets in Queens, Meatpacking lines, dive bar beers, three-Michelin star-meals, and pub trivia are just some of the endless options. One Perfect Night in NYC explores how locals take advantage of the city that never sleeps.

Adam Pally knows how to enjoy the finer things in life. Namely: caviar, designer clothing, and craft cocktails.

The New York City-based actor — who’s been on television shows ranging from Happy Endings to the Mindy Project — typically spends his days working on projects from his production/clothing company Clone Wolf or hanging with his wife and three kids.

Pally’s latest project is new YouTube show Champaign ILL, in which he plays a rapper’s hype guy who is adjusting to life after the rapper unexpectedly dies and his lavish lifestyle is cut off. Reviews so far are mostly positive.

“It’s one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. YouTube is really hands off in a good way,” he says. “It was a thrill to do something this big and expensive but have it totally be my voice.”

But when Pally isn’t working or at home with his family, things can get a little luxe: Caviar gets ordered, Japanese whisky gets poured, and money gets dropped on designer clothing. Here’s how to spend the perfect afternoon in NYC, according to city-native Pally.

Sadelle’s

Pally and his cousin documenting their feast

Pally recruited his cousin and Clone Wolf coworker Ben Stricof to eat what Pally calls his “comfort food”: bagels and lox. At Major Food Group’s Jewish appetizing restaurant Sadelle’s in Soho, he and Stricof quickly ordered up a feast of bagels, a tuna melt, bloody marys, and full caviar service. He kvelled over the tuna melt sandwich, which came served on an inside out bagel. The restaurant, which comes from the same owners as Carbone and the Grill, is one of the more expensive Jewish institutions in town, but Pally does not mind.

“There’s a certain aesthetic that I like about it. It’s old-school, but it’s not hitting you over the head with its nostalgia. Sometimes other places like this, like nouveau Jew food, can feel contrived and theme-y. This place feels like what it is.” he says. “To me it’s the natural progression of art. You can buy a hoodie from Old Navy for 10 bucks and a hoodie from Off-White for 500 bucks. They’re both sweatshirts that cover your head, but there’s one that’s ‘cooler.’ Not saying it’s better, but one is more interesting to people.”

Pally grew up eating this type of Ashkenazi Jewish food and says he’s a discerning diner of that cuisine. “If it was bad, I would never come here,” he says.

463 West Broadway, between West Houston and Prince streets, Soho

Dover Street Market

Next up was a leisurely stroll through Dover Street Market, a decidedly hip department store in a former bank from the people behind uber-trendy Japanese fashion brand Comme des Garçons. Of course that label is available to buy, along with Gucci fur coats, Raf Simons bags, and Ana Khouri accessories.

“It’s one of my favorite spots in New York,” Pally says. “I get there probably once a month to see what’s going on.”

Pally certainly knew his way around the eight floors, deftly navigating hidden stairwells and zeroing in on items he wanted to purchase. The store is set up by brand, with minimalist areas set up to display fashion that also draws the likes of Maria Sharapova, Jay Z, Pharrell, and Kanye West. Weaved throughout are various art installations, a glass elevator, and a cafe.

Rose Bakery is on Dover Street Market’s ground floor, serving omelets, soup, pasta, and more from Rose Carrarini. Like the store, the cafe is also in Paris, Tokyo, and London. As is Dover Street Market’s MO, there’s a very specific aesthetic here, with custom ceramics from Made in Cley, the elusive but desired oat milk, and seasonally changing dishes. Pally likes to caffeine up here before continuing on with the rest of his day.

During check out, a barista handed Pally an oat milk matcha latte along with a handshake. Pally’s final haul included a Bianca Chandon hoodie, an Awake NY bag, A Cold Wall sneakers, and Nike sneakers.

160 Lexington Ave., at 30th Street, Murray Hill

NoMad Bar

The original plan for the day’s ender was to head to Polo Bar, a place Pally has always wanted to check out.

“I’ve never been before. New York to me is familiar, but different all the time, where it’s like, ‘I didn’t even know this was here,’” he says. “There are too many creative people and too much energy to get it all. That’s the best part of New York.”

But Pally forgot a sports jacket, so the plan was diverted to an equally luxurious place for a drink. There may be no bar in New York more grand than NoMad Bar in the NoMad Hotel, from the Eleven Madison Park team.

The space itself is always buzzing, and on the day Pally went, there was a line of people waiting for the 5 p.m. open. He immediately headed for the bar and went for a Nikka neat — a Japanese whisky brand served without ice.

Pally is familiar with the space, heading here often, especially before a Knicks game.

“And then maybe after,” he says.

10 West 28th St., between Broadway and Fifth Avenue, Nomad

Adam Pally outside the NoMad — Pally outside the NoMad