Johnny Motley
Author
Author/Co-Author of 67 articles
Johnny Motley is a writer based in Brooklyn. He studied religion at Harvard and taught humanities before entering the wilds of freelance journalism. He writes about travel, menswear, whiskey, watches, and the occasional offbeat essay on Stoic philosophy. In addition to The Manual, his work has appeared in the BBC, National Geographic, CNN, Wine Enthusiast, and several other lifestyle publications. He is particularly proud of the gonzo travel memoirs he publishes on Substack.
Johnny is an enthusiast of classic literature and cinema, and recently has enjoyed expanding his intellectual horizons through watches, design, and architecture. He lived in Brazil in his twenties, where he acquired a fondness for samba, cachaça, and lusophone poetry. A former Division I wrestler, he still hits the gym to relieve stress and sharpen his creativity.
High Society, Low Alcohol: A Trip to the Hamptons with Heineken 0.0
A tale of old money, padel, and the unexpected pleasures of (near) sobriety on Long Island’s gilded shores.
NYC’s Finest Rooftop for Group Revelry
Splendid cocktails, skyline views, and spirited celebrations above NoMad.
Dispatches from Tohoku, Part 2: Deeper Into the North
A tale of fine whisky, wild country, and the three beauties of Japan’s northern frontier.
Peter Luger and the Great New York Steak Dinner
A tale of steak, shenanigans, and excess at New York’s archetypal steakhouse.
Peak Serves New York Glamour from 101 Stories Up
Porterhouses, seafood towers, and martinis over 1,200 feet above Manhattan.
The French Connection: An Evening at Essential by Christophe
Christophe Bellanca brings classical French technique, Japanese flourishes, and a little Upper West Side serenity to one of New York’s most quietly spectacular tasting menus.
Into Japan’s Wild North: Dispatches from Tohoku, Part One
Sake, samurai, sacred mountains, and Yonezawa beef in Yamagata and Fukushima
Momoya and the Art of the Sushi Dinner
At Momoya SoHo, superb sushi, Champagne, and a little spectacle make the case for skipping the omakase ceremony.
The Culinary Alchemy of Cynthia, the New West Village Wonder
Chef Sherry Cardoso brings Brazilian flair and zero-waste sorcery to a dazzling tasting menu in the West Village.
The Gold Room Is Peak Gilded Age New York Glamour
Martinis, the ghosts of robber barons, and architectural splendor at Manhattan’s most extravagant bar.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Groomsman Gifts
Forget the Registry—Give the Groom Something He’ll Actually Cherish
Matter Is NYC Fine Dining for Fitness Bros
A new Manhattan restaurant proves you don’t have to choose between eating well and staying shredded.
Death & Co. Still Reigns After 20 Years
Nearly 20 years after helping ignite America’s craft-cocktail revival, Death & Co.’s original East Village location remains one of New York City’s essential drinking destinations.
Lalaon Brings the Han River to the East River
A crash course in ssam, banchan, beef, and Korean whisky on the Williamsburg waterfront
From Private Equity to Hip-Hop and Booze: Sovereign Brands founder teaches us about entrepreneurship
Sovereign Brands founder Brett Berish on golden handcuffs, ignoring the big boys, and the hard-won lessons behind building a spirits empire
No Frills, All Flavor: Cospa Brings $9.99 Nagahama Ramen to NoMad
NoMad's Cospa keeps things simple with Nagahama-style ramen, karaage, sake, and Japanese beer.
The Great Montana Road Trip: Exploring what the West has to offer outside the city
A Montana road trip in search of mountains, mining towns, honky-tonks, and the soul of the American West
Imperial Hotel Tokyo review: The Jewel of the Orient Still Shines
The Imperial Hotel Tokyo blends Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy, omotenashi, and old-world glamour.
Force of Nature is elevating the meat delivery game
Force of Nature delivers wild boar, venison, bison, and elk right to your door
Dining With the Ghosts of The Church of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Cathédrale channels the East Village’s rock ’n’ roll past and French decadence into one hell of a date night.
How to Enjoy Fine Tequila Even More? Ditch Limes for an Orange Slice
Take a cue from Keith Richards: buy the good stuff, savor it slowly, and reach for an orange instead of a lime.
I Take Back Everything I Said About Brunch
From Thai breakfast soup to Israeli spreads and Bloody Marys in the West Village, these are the New York City brunches that finally converted a former brunch hater.
The Best Restaurant in New York for Catching Up with an Old Friend
Date restaurants have one set of criteria; restaurants for catching up with your buddies have another.
SailGP: The World’s Most Glamorous Sports League?
Formula 1 thrills, glamorous destinations, and plenty of Champagne.
Alberta Wants to Become the Next Great Whisky Destination
The province has created a legally protected whisky designation and launched an ambitious trail to showcase its distilleries, terroir, and craft spirits.
Dinner at Benoit is like a Graduate Course on Classical French Cuisine
At Alain Ducasse's Benoit, a century of Parisian tradition lives on in Midtown Manhattan.
This New Montana Hotel Captures the Poetry of the Open Road
Helena's newest boutique hotel revives the spirit of the classic roadside motel.
Lucciola Belongs on Every Serious Gourmet’s New York Hit List
An intimate Upper West Side restaurant with extraordinary wines, century-old Aceto Balsamico di Modena, and soulful Italian cooking.
Even If You Don’t Golf, You’ll Want to Wear This New Fabletics x Malbon Collection
New polos, dresses, trousers, and accessories bring streetwear-inspired style to the fairway.
Watches That Celebrate America
What makes an American watch today? We explore the brands keeping the country's horological tradition alive.
A Toast to World Gin Week in New York City
World Gin Week ends in New York with a juniper-fueled celebration at The Ivory Peacock and Ploume.
This Lower Manhattan Bar Will Debut a Bourbon Boat for America’s 250th Birthday
Lucky Tiger's Liberty Boat turns rare Michter's pours, seafood, and Lower Manhattan's maritime history into the ultimate Fourth of July outing.
This New Ayurvedic Cookbook Brings Himalayan Wellness Into Your Kitchen
The famed wellness retreat in northern India has released The Healing Plate, a beautifully photographed cookbook featuring Ayurvedic recipes alongside guidance on digestion, immunity, sleep, energy, and seasonal eating.
Maker’s Mark will Launch a Pop-Up on the Summit of Aspen Mountain
Guests will ride a gondola to a cocktail bar atop Aspen Mountain as part of the distillery's new Perfectly Unreasonable campaign.
Cedar Ridge Unveils a New Limited-Edition American Single Malt
The latest release in Murphy Quint's QuintEssential Series showcases the creativity that has made the distillery a leader in whiskey's newest official category.
Yesterday’s: A New Bar With Old New York Soul
The new neighborhood bar pairs classic cocktails, comfort food, and Knicks fever with the feel of a decades-old public house.
Scotch With Rick Ross and a Taste of Luc Belaire’s New Alcohol-Free Rosé
The Biggest Boss discusses gratitude, hustle, and his new memoir while celebrating Luc Belaire's latest foray into the non-alcoholic category.
American Optical Unveils the Vintage-Inspired Jaguar and Lennox Sunglasses
American Optical is America's oldest eyewear manufacturer, but it remains an if-you-know-you-know brand.
Two Michelin-Starred French Restaurants Team Up for a Bastille Day Feast in NYC
Two Michelin-starred chefs celebrate Bastille Day with caviar, Champagne, and a lavish 12-course feast at l'abeille.
Chelsea Living Room, an NYC Shrine to Caviar, Heads East for the Summer
Chelsea Living Room, the glamorous restaurant inside the historic Hotel Chelsea, has opened a summer pop-up in Montauk.
Mount Gay and Devereux Tee Up a Menswear Collection Inspired by Rum and Golf
The world's oldest rum distillery joins forces with the golf apparel upstart on a limited-edition lineup of polos, hats, and accessories built for the fairway, the sailboat, and the 19th hole.
A Tribute to the Greatest Generation: Praesidus’ New D-Day Watches
Praesidus has built a sterling reputation for handsome tool watches and recreations of historic military watches. The new D-Day watches embody the best of the brand.
The Black Tux Just Dropped a Line of Knit Polos as Dapper as Their Tuxedos
The Black Tux built its reputation on making black tie easier. Its new sweater-knit collection brings that same elegance to everyday dressing.
Bar Bas Brings French Riviera Cocktails to Hell’s Kitchen
In the Friki Tiki's former venue, Bar Bas serves French-inspired cocktails and pre-theater fare in a subterranean lounge
Girard-Perregaux Celebrates 50 Years of the Laureato, an Iconic Sports Watch, With Four New Models
Girard-Perregaux is a brand you should know. The Laureato sports watch is their marquee timepiece, but dress watches are their true metier.
Porter Road’s New Grilling Heroes Box Delivers a Summer Cookout in a Box
The new Grilling Heroes Box from Porter Road delivers cookout provisions straight to your door, a box of ribeyes, burgers, hot dogs and sausages
This Swiss-Japanese Collaboration Is the Prettiest Watch of 2026 So Far
Zenith, a legendary Swiss watchmaker, has partnered with Naoya Hida, Japanese design titan, to launch a sublime watch
Audemars Piguet Unveils Three New Royal Oak Offshore Chronographs
Audemars Piguet's latest Royal Oak Offshore Chronographs are slimmer and more elegant