The Level Legal Guide to Legalweek 2025
Welcome to the Big Apple!
The first thing you need to know from The Level Legal Guide to Legalweek is that locals never call it “the Big Apple.” It’s almost always “the city.” Everything vaguely north of the Bronx is “upstate.” New Jersey is “Jersey.” Long Island is “Longisland.” And Connecticut is … “Connecticut.”
This Guide aims to show you the more human side to Legalweek 2025. The information comes from locals, like the New York Hilton Midtown concierge, plus Legalweek veterans. Delight in different ways to experience the conference. Make the most of New York City’s incredible food scene. Give yourself some time away from the Legalweek itself.
Level Legal believes in “Making Legal Human.” This philosophy is at the core of our eDiscovery, managed review, forensics, and consulting services – as well as our approach to this Guide. For us, Legalweek is all about making new and fostering existing connections. Putting faces to names. Exploring the city like a local and experiencing something new, whether this is your first or twenty-first visit.
A Word From a New York Hilton Midtown Concierge
Looking for a spot to have a quick bite, coffee, drink or hold an impromptu meeting? We contacted the New York Hilton Midtown’s concierge for some insight.
Bridges Bar: Tucked away off the lobby, between the elevator banks, the Bridges Bar boasts an extensive brown spirit menu and wine list and gives guests the perfect place to relax while overlooking bustling 54th Street.
Herb N’ Kitchen: Explore sandwiches, salads, and dishes made with honey from our rooftop hives. The barista zone opens at 5 am for coffee and breakfast to go. The marketplace opens at 6:30 am with hot and cold dishes. Opt for a sit-down breakfast with our brunch buffet from 6:30 – 11 am.
Lobby Lounge: In the heart of our energetic lobby, stop by for small bites and crafted cocktails. The kitchen is open until 10 pm.
Beyond the Hilton: If you need a dinner recommendation or other suggestions for what to do in the city, contact the Hilton’s concierge. The team knows the opening hours of nearby restaurants and can make a reservation for you.
New York’s Hidden Culinary Gems: A Legalweek Diner’s Guide
New York City is a culinary paradise, where hidden gems and gastronomic delights await – if you know where to look.
These handpicked spots from our team and trusted partners are perfect for impressing clients, treating yourself and your team to a well-deserved meal, or for a quick bite (with networking built-in). From hidden burger joints to fine dining, each of these venues have been recommended because they accept same-week reservations or do not require reservations.
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Just two-minutes away from the Hilton, this contemporary Asian spot from the Marea team is right next to the Museum of Modern Art. The main dining room features sweeping rainbow-colored blades across the ceiling that might remind you of strings on a giant harp. For your big night out, head here for some of the city’s best soup dumplings, and don’t even try to decide between the sambal-smothered skate and the incredibly moist Hainanese chicken. Just get both.
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Angelo’s Coal Oven Pizzeria
A five to 10-minute walk from the Hilton will take you to the best pizza ever.
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Aquavit
A nine-minute walk takes you to Aquavit, a two Michelin-starred restaurant offering Modern Nordic fare. Led by a talented female chef from Sweden, it’s a Midtown gem for those seeking an exquisite dining experience.
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Bowery Meat Company
If you’re looking to treat clients to a great steak dinner, a 20-minute cab ride will take you to an institution that always delivers.
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Burger Joint
Looking to surprise and delight a client? A five-minute walk from the Hilton leads you to this burger spot, hidden behind a velvet curtain in the Thompson Central Park lobby. It’s a quirky, must-visit place for a great burger and an even better vibe.
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Caffe Panna
A 15-minute cab from the Hilton, this walk-up ice cream shop by the daughter of Shake Shack founder, Danny Meyer, will transport you to Rome after one bite. The menu includes affogato sundaes, pints to-go, and a daily selection of scoops that’s teased on social media. Whatever you get, there’s a good chance it’ll be topped in panna, the lighter-than-air Italian whipped cream this shop is named for.
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COTE
A 25-minute cab ride away, this Korean steakhouse is a client-pleaser. Grab a seat at the cool bar downstairs or enjoy recommendations from their award-winning female sommelier. Just a heads up: COTE can get noisier the later the night goes.
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Culture Espresso
A 13-minute cab or 19-minute walk – if you’re looking to build some fitness into your coffee run! – this coffee shop is locally owned and has fantastic chocolate chip cookies.
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Daniel
This no-reservations-required-two-Michelin-starred cocktail bar and restaurant offers a modern French culinary experience. Enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu or go big with their full tasting menus.
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Gazala’s
Gazala Halabi brings the vibrant flavors of Druze Mediterranean cuisine to New York City. Known for fresh, handmade cultured sweets, traditional Druze saj bread baked fresh daily, and authentic dishes made from scratch, Gazala’s creations feature high-quality ingredients and imported spices.
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Glace by Noglu
The hottest spot for elaborate cups of cocoa. Upper East Side. Son of Eli Zabar, the appetizer and artisanal market impresario. Comes in cool flavors. At least $10 each, expect to wait but will impress anyone who is on TikTok which is how the hot chocolate became so hot.
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Halal Guys
Right across from the Midtown Hilton, this famous gyro spot is known for its flavorful and quick meals, perfect for attendees on the go. It’s a New York staple offering a taste of the city’s diverse culinary scene.
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Stop by and Enter to Win
Come visit us at booth #2303 in Americas Hall 1 for a chance to win:
A mouthwatering 44 Farms gift package or a JBL Flip 6 waterproof wireless Bluetooth
Navigation: Explore the Subway
We know, we know—cabs keep popping up in this Guide, but don’t underestimate the subway! Not only is it way more budget-friendly, but it also comes with a built-in workout (those stairs? Consider them your daily cardio) and a front-row seat to some of the best people-watching on the planet.
So, ready to swap traffic jams for subway stops? Here’s what you need to know:
1) Convenience of Omni Pay
Almost every subway station now supports Omni Pay, allowing you to tap in with your credit card or iPhone. If you have Apple Pay, it’s even more seamless. This modern payment system eliminates the need for buying specific subway tickets, making your transit smooth and hassle-free.
2) Utilize Google Maps
Google Maps is an invaluable tool for navigating the subway system. It provides detailed instructions on which train to take and where to go, making it reasonably intuitive to plan trips to various parts of the city, from the lower financial district to the upper east side. You can also use the MTA website to plan trips and check for delays. (It’s New York City, so you never know what might happen!)
3) Beyond Midtown
While staying in Midtown is convenient, don’t hesitate to explore beyond. The subway system offers easy access to must-see locations throughout New York that you might otherwise miss. For instance, you can find out firsthand why many locals consider Brooklyn to be the hub of cool.
Talk to Our Experts
Connect with our sales team for tailored solutions.
Legalweek Unlocked: Five Insider Tips
1 ) Start Your Day With a Refreshing Walk or Run
Central Park is a few blocks away and provides a green haven to clear your mind. Better yet, go to the 6 a.m. Legalweek Group Run with Ari Kaplan & DraftWise on Wednesday, March 26.
Meeting point: the lobby of the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in front of the sculpture, across from the registration desk. It’s a great way to meet people, especially if you prefer a healthier alternative to evening socials.
2) Navigate Like a Pro
Make sure to check your coat and heavy items for easier movement. Consider staying outside the Hilton for better air quality and to avoid the common “Legalweek cold.” Wear comfortable shoes and carve out time to check out the vendor booths in the exhibit hall.
3) Maximize Networking Opportunities
The Hilton Lobby Bar is a prime spot for networking. Arrive early to secure a good table and be ready to meet a mix of new and familiar faces. First time at Legalweek? Start at the registration desk and be amazed with what an ice-breaker standing in line for your name tag can be.
4) Embrace Unplanned Encounters
Don’t overschedule. Sessions often run over time and there’s value in carving aside time for unplanned meetings. Allowing time for spontaneous interactions often leads to the most rewarding experiences.
5) Escape to Quiet Hideaways
Find your go-to quiet spots, like the food court near 52nd Street and 6th Avenue, early on. The concierge floor at the Hilton is another more controlled spot where you can duck off for that unplanned meeting.
Seek Us Out
Find us in booth 2303 in Americas Hall I at Legalweek for some fun swag for your kids, grandkids, or pets?
Time Bound: Excursions for Every Schedule
When you need a break from Legalweek, or if you have some time around the conference to spare, here are some of our top tips of things to do around the city – from 15 minutes to one day.
Fifteen Minutes
- Quick Art Fix at MoMA Design Store: If you have a short break, visit the MoMA Design Store. Just a stone’s throw from the NY Hilton Midtown, it’s perfect for those who appreciate modern art and design. Open daily, it’s an ideal spot to find unique souvenirs and experience a slice of the New York City art scene.
Thirty Minutes
- Stroll in Central Park: Take a rejuvenating constitutional in Central Park. The southern entrance is a short walk from the Hilton, offering a quick and easy urban retreat. Plus, it ties perfectly with our “Fit & Focused” fitness recommendations.
Two Hours
- Explore Neue Galerie: Dedicated to early twentieth-century German and Austrian art and located on the Museum Mile, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in cultural and artistic history.
- Visit Eataly NYC Flatiron: Less than 15 minute cab ride from the Hilton will transport you into an Italian marketplace. Between the fantastic restaurants, cooking demonstrations, and beguiling produce, 120 minutes will disappear in a blink.
Three Hours
- Visit the Morgan Library and Museum: A must-visit. This historic library and art museum, housed in a stunning 19th-century building, offers a peaceful and intellectually stimulating break from the conference.
