Nation

Posnov/Moment/Getty Images

Travel

Explore adventure guides and design a custom itinerary for the destination of your choice in and around the city.

Best Travel Guides, Cool Hotels and Interesting Events - Thrillist

Great Basin National Park is a land of extremes.

This National Park Has Some of the Oldest Trees on Earth

San Francisco

Find the best spots daily to eat and drink in hipster neighborhoods. Hit the roof, drink a beer and eat delicious at top-tier restaurants. Plan your nightlife adventure with maps and reviews of unknown micro-brews, rooftop parties, and independent drink.

Best Restaurants & Bars - Places to Eat & Drink - Thrillist

Oracle Park—formerly AT&T Park, SBC Park, and PacBell Park—has the best views of any ballpark in the country without a doubt, but since this is San Francisco, you’ll also find some of the best food of any baseball stadium, namely the Crazy Crab sandwiches, garlic fries, pizza from Tony Gemignani’s Slice House, and Ghirardelli sundaes.

Where to Eat and Drink Near Oracle Park Before or After a Giants Game

Nashville

The Nashville Sundae Club


Summer came early to Nashville this year, with one of the hottest Junes on record, so we might as well all embrace the heat by indulging in some delicious ice cream.

 The 14 Best Ice Cream Shops in Nashville

Photo courtesy of Alex LaRosa

In the world of soft crumbs and silky buttercream, you might not think of cakes as a medium for advocacy.

How Bakers Are Organizing to Raise Funds for Reproductive Rights

Shopping

Shopping - Deals, New Products & Gift Ideas From Across the Web - Thrillist

With so much of the world opening up again post-pandemic, we are itching to jump back into travel this summer.

The Best 4th of July Luggage Sales to Shop This Weekend

Mighty Swell

Drink

How Rocket Pop Became the Drink Flavor of the Summer

Airbnb/CoCo

If you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, Costa Rica needs to move to the top of your travel list.

The Best Airbnbs in Costa Rica, from Luxe Treehouses to Refurbished Airplanes

Design by Mallory Rosten for Thrillist

In the blistering summer heat, nothing beats a beach day with your friends—especially if you have plenty of cold drinks, solid snacks, and good music.

25 Must-Have Items to Hit the Beach Like a Pro This Summer

Denver

Colorado Rockies


Events

Independence Day is fast approaching, and Denver always knows how to celebrate.

How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Denver this Year 

Los Angeles

If you couldn’t tell from the sweltering temps in LA lately, summer is officially here.

The Absolute Best Ice Cream Shops in LA

Unsplash/Tom Briskey

You probably moved to LA for some other reason—for school, a partner, or to escape your small town and make it big in Hollywood—but the reason to stay after everything else goes up in flames (hopefully not literally, but maybe literally) is that big blue space on the left side of the map.

The Definitive Guide to LA’s Best Beaches

San Diego

It’s summer in San Diego, and in addition to beach trips and road trips, our thoughts naturally turn to cold, creamy refreshments, like big scoops of ice cream piled into freshly baked waffle cones, swirls of soft serve topped with sprinkles and crumbled cookies, thick shakes and malts, and tangy, refreshing sherbets and sorbets.

The Absolute Best Ice Cream Shops in San Diego

Bernie's

United States

Bernie’s

New York's best mozzarella sticks range from classic options to cool new pairings.

New York

Photo by Evan Sung

From local pizza joints to Smorgasburg’s <a href="https://bigmozz.com/" target="_blank">Big Mozz</a>, there’s no shortage of spots to find mozzarella sticks in NYC—but lately, the indulgent dish is really <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/29/dining/mozzarella-sticks.html" target="_blank">having a moment</a>. 
 
And it’s not just that mozzarella sticks are surging in popularity—they’ve also gotten a glow-up. When chef Dan Kluger set out to open <a href="https://www.pennybridgelic.com/" target="_blank">Penny Bridge</a>, his third NYC restaurant, in Long Island City this August, mozzarella sticks were one of the first dishes he tested. The dish is a natural fit on his comfort food-focused menu because Kluger says: “it’s a classic, approachable appetizer that everyone is familiar with.” But his version is not your average mozz stick. “It can be done really well when you are using fresh ingredients,” he says, so his version starts with a blend of cheeses coated in Parmesan-panko crumbs and fried to crispy perfection before being plated with a smoky tomato sauce for dipping. 
 
And he’s not alone in giving mozzarella sticks the star treatment. At <a href="https://www.carnemare.com/" target="_blank">Carne Mare</a>—Andrew Carmellini’s upscale Italian steakhouse that opened in a shiny new Seaport space in June—the dish is dialed up several notches with the help of caviar served atop each stick. For Carmellini, the dish works alongside steakhouse classics salads coated with creamy dressing and rich steaks, but “it's the things you pepper the menu with that make it unique and interesting.” 
 
So from classic versions that stick true to form to creative options that push the boundaries of this simple dish, here are all of the places you can enjoy glowed-up mozzarella sticks in NYC.

From local pizza joints to Smorgasburg’s <a href="https://bigmozz.com/" target="_blank">Big Mozz</a>, there’s no shortage of spots to find mozzarella sticks in NYC—but lately, the indulgent dish is really <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/29/dining/mozzarella-sticks.html" target="_blank">having a moment</a>.

And it’s not just that mozzarella sticks are surging in popularity—they’ve also gotten a glow-up. When chef Dan Kluger set out to open <a href="https://www.pennybridgelic.com/" target="_blank">Penny Bridge</a>, his third NYC restaurant, in Long Island City this August, mozzarella sticks were one of the first dishes he tested. The dish is a natural fit on his comfort food-focused menu because Kluger says: “it’s a classic, approachable appetizer that everyone is familiar with.” But his version is not your average mozz stick. “It can be done really well when you are using fresh ingredients,” he says, so his version starts with a blend of cheeses coated in Parmesan-panko crumbs and fried to crispy perfection before being plated with a smoky tomato sauce for dipping.

And he’s not alone in giving mozzarella sticks the star treatment. At <a href="https://www.carnemare.com/" target="_blank">Carne Mare</a>—Andrew Carmellini’s upscale Italian steakhouse that opened in a shiny new Seaport space in June—the dish is dialed up several notches with the help of caviar served atop each stick. For Carmellini, the dish works alongside steakhouse classics salads coated with creamy dressing and rich steaks, but “it's the things you pepper the menu with that make it unique and interesting.”

So from classic versions that stick true to form to creative options that push the boundaries of this simple dish, here are all of the places you can enjoy glowed-up mozzarella sticks in NYC.

From local pizza joints to Smorgasburg’s <a href="https://bigmozz.com/" target="_blank">Big Mozz</a>, there’s no shortage of spots to find mozzarella sticks in NYC—but lately, the indulgent dish is really <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/29/dining/mozzarella-sticks.html" target="_blank">having a moment</a>.And it’s not just that mozzarella sticks are surging in popularity—they’ve also gotten a glow-up. When chef Dan Kluger set out to open <a href="https://www.pennybridgelic.com/" target="_blank">Penny Bridge</a>, his third NYC restaurant, in Long Island City this August, mozzarella sticks were one of the first dishes he tested. The dish is a natural fit on his comfort food-focused menu because Kluger says: “it’s a classic, approachable appetizer that everyone is familiar with.” But his version is not your average mozz stick. “It can be done really well when you are using fresh ingredients,” he says, so his version starts with a blend of cheeses coated in Parmesan-panko crumbs and fried to crispy perfection before being plated with a smoky tomato sauce for dipping.And he’s not alone in giving mozzarella sticks the star treatment. At <a href="https://www.carnemare.com/" target="_blank">Carne Mare</a>—Andrew Carmellini’s upscale Italian steakhouse that opened in a shiny new Seaport space in June—the dish is dialed up several notches with the help of caviar served atop each stick. For Carmellini, the dish works alongside steakhouse classics salads coated with creamy dressing and rich steaks, but “it's the things you pepper the menu with that make it unique and interesting.”So from classic versions that stick true to form to creative options that push the boundaries of this simple dish, here are all of the places you can enjoy glowed-up mozzarella sticks in NYC.

Chef Dan Kluger is pushing the envelope of this comfort food classic at his newest restaurant, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pennybridgelic/?hl=en" target="_blank">Penny Bridge</a>. His version blends mozzarella and fontina cheeses for a richer, creamier flavor, and each stick is coated in Parmesan-panko crumbs and given some added brightness from the addition of a bit of lemon zest. Finally, the mozzarella sticks are served with a rich, smoky tomato sauce that adds a kick.

Penny Bridge

This neighborhood favorite is a mainstay for a reason. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/berniesnyc/" target="_blank">Bernie’s</a> has cheeseburgers, hearty plates of chicken parm, and wedge salads to round out the American comfort food menu. But the must-have atop every red-checkered table is an order of mozzarella sticks. This version comes a bit oversized and fried to crispy perfection with a welcome bit of extra cheese grated on top.

When chef and restaurateur Andrew Carmellini debuted his Italian-style chophouse in Seaport earlier this year, mozzarella sticks were the spot’s unexpected hit. One may not expect the dish to stand out alongside decadent options like a sirloin cured in gorgonzola cheese and a 45-day dry-aged porterhouse steak, but these aren’t just any old mozz sticks. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carnemare/" target="_blank">Carne Mare</a>’s version comes a bit oversized for maximum cheese-pull potential and the starring feature is a dollop of caviar resting upon each stick—making it the ultimate high-low food experience.

Carne Mare

This is not your ordinary diner. At <a href="https://www.instagram.com/champsdiner/?hl=en" target="_blank">Champs</a>, the entire slate of diner favorites—from cauliflower wings to housemade veggie burgers and milkshakes—is all vegan. So, of course, the Williamsburg favorite has its own version of mozzarella sticks served with marinara sauce. And with a cheese pull that good, you won’t miss the mozzarella.

Champs Diner

This Chicago-style pizza joint is basically the holy grail of cheesy, saucy creations in the city, and that reputation goes far beyond <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emmettsnyc/" target="_blank">Emmett’s</a> killer deep-dish pizza. Owner and Chicago native Emmett Burke supplements the deep-dish and tavern-style, thin-crust pies with sandwiches and a Chicago dog—and the menu also offers a handful of starters like a classic order of mozzarella sticks with a rich, thick marinara sauce for dipping.

Photo courtesy of Emmett’s

Emmett's

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/korean-corn-dogs" target="_blank">Korean corn dogs</a> have been taking the city (and our Instagram feeds) by storm. Beyond hot dogs fried in batter or tiny cubed potatoes, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ohkdognyc/" target="_blank">Oh K-Dog</a> offers mozza dogs that are basically like one giant mozzarella stick. Choose the traditional mozza dog for a classic option or mix things up with a potato- or sweet potato-coated mozzarella stick.

Oh K-Dog

Oh K-Dog & Egg Toast

This casual offshoot from Major Food Group has been a mainstay for more than a decade, so <a href="https://www.instagram.com/parm/?hl=en" target="_blank">Parm</a> has always been a go-to for mozzarella sticks. Whether at the Upper West Side or Little Italy location, order the spot’s namesake dish as a hero or with a side of pasta. But an order of expertly crafted, fresh-cut mozzarella sticks is a welcome addition to any table.

Parm (New York)

Parm

Aj Pappalardo’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rubirosa_nyc/" target="_blank">Rubirosa Ristorante</a> is known for giant pies dressed up with vodka sauce or in a tie-dye style with a hypnotizing swirl of pesto. But even one of the city’s most <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/the-best-pizza-in-new-york-city" target="_blank">well-loved pizza shops</a> offers mozzarella sticks to kick things off. The restaurant’s version remains true to the classic, with golden fried sticks served with a marinara sauce that you know is on point.

RubirosaNYC

Rubirosa Ristorante

With locations in the West Village and on the Lower East Side, this slice shop is making plant-based pizza the new norm. Sure, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zazzyspizza/?hl=en" target="_blank">Zazzy’s</a> has regular pies with all the melty high-quality cheeses you’d expect, but New Yorkers will be converted by top-notch vegan pie options and an entire appetizer menu made up of plant-based dishes. It may seem impossible, but the shop successfully executes mozzarella sticks with homemade marinara sauce and a “secret blend of plant-based ingredients” that your non-vegan friends won’t even know are cheeseless.

Zazzy's Pizza

Zazzy’s Pizza

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/liz-provencher" target="_blank">Liz Provencher</a> is an associate editor at Thrillist.

Snacks

Mozzarella Sticks Are Getting a Major Glow-Up in NYC

Best Mozzarella Sticks in NYC Right Now

Chefs are putting their own spins on the classic dish, here’s where to try them.

From local pizza joints to Smorgasburg’s Big Mozz, there’s no shortage of spots to find mozzarella sticks in NYC—but lately, the indulgent dish is really having a moment.

Bernie’s

Featured In

Mozzarella Sticks Are Getting a Major Glow-Up in NYC

More From Thrillist

This National Park Has Some of the Oldest Trees on Earth

Plus the best stargazing the desert can offer.

Where to Eat and Drink Near Oracle Park Before or After a Giants Game

Whether you’re looking for a raucous crowd, stunning views, cheap eats, or a date spot, there’s something on this list for every fan.

The 14 Best Ice Cream Shops in Nashville

Cool off with ice creams, milk shakes, floats, shaved ice, and more.

How Bakers Are Organizing to Raise Funds for Reproductive Rights

America’s pastry pushers are pulling out the sugar and flour for abortion organizations.

The Best 4th of July Luggage Sales to Shop This Weekend

Save up to 65% on bags and suitcases from brands like Samsonite, Calpak, and more.

How Rocket Pop Became the Drink Flavor of the Summer

This childhood favorite is blasting its way into seltzers, beer, and energy drinks.

The Best Airbnbs in Costa Rica, from Luxe Treehouses to Refurbished Airplanes

This is jungle living at its absolute best.

25 Must-Have Items to Hit the Beach Like a Pro This Summer

From portable coolers to waterproof speakers, here’s everything you need for the ultimate beach hang.

How to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Denver this Year

Here’s how to watch fireworks and party on the Fourth of July in Denver this year.

The Absolute Best Ice Cream Shops in LA

From Persian ice cream to Halo-Halo, Philly-style water ice, soft-serve, gelato, and the classic flavors you love, LA’s ice cream shops have you covered.

The Definitive Guide to LA’s Best Beaches

Our favorite places to enjoy sand, sun, and surf, and snacks nearby.

The Absolute Best Ice Cream Shops in San Diego

In San Diego, it’s always ice cream season.