5. Be regular
Still not sure how to make friends in NYC? No problem, we have more suggestions for you!
If you come across a pub or a casual eatery that you like, then become a regular there. You may not know anyone there at the beginning, but as you become a regular over there other regulars will start mingling with you, and the staff as well. This worked for me when I moved to a new place, and I did not know anyone there. I hung out at a local eatery during the evenings, and first, the staff became friends with me, and then the other regulars as well. Now, it has become one of my hang out spots with friends.