The "up market" drives me nuts. There is no place to grab-and-go a normal dinner or snack. All of the food court restaurants are so upscale you need to queue for them to make you a $18 sandwich or $20 salad. FFS, I have a train to catch! If you don't plan ahead your only option is Duane Reade.

They have been really difficult the last month or so, right about when they started putting up stantions/ropes on Friday. I would assume it cools down after the holidays.

Real estate that is appealing to young professionals that work there then hightail it out at 5pm.

Another vote for New Haven area. We're in the same boat as you and there is a ton going on, both during the day and at night. Lots of bands come through town if you like music, a few different theater options, great restaurants and several museums. Feel free to DM if you have any questions!

I was caught in the station during that pepper spraying on Friday, it was terrifying. No one on the uptown R platform knew what was happening but out of nowhere were choking/gasping for breath all a the same time. I thought it was a terrorist attack.