Wrapping up a week in NYC (first visit in about 10 years and first with kids), so here it goes: Yup, the smell of weed is everywhere. Haven't read the article quoted above, but I was surprised how prevalent it was. Maybe I shouldn't have been, but whatever, it's definitely a thing. I'll save the rest of my thoughts for another day on a different board.
Here were our highlights with kids (15 and 12) in tow:
Dinner at BXL -- dug the vibe, and the staff was great
Sunday brunch at Balthazar
La Ferrara Bakery on Mulberry (went back for more rainbow cookies a few days later)
The Met
The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular
Momofuku Noodle Bar -- perfect pre-theater dinner
Funny Girl -- Lea Michele killed it
Polo Bar -- pain in the ass to get a reservation, but it was so worth it
We also did the Macy's parade (watched a lot from Essex House lobby) and Empire State Building observation decks. Prob not as good as the Summit One rec'd above, but the kids wanted to do ESB because of Elf, so there you go.
Again, thanks to @PenelopeWitherspoon, @The Ace of Aces, and others I know I'm missing for so many solid recommendations.