Hi Gooner,
NYC is about 5-6 hours for me so I don't go there very often.
One thing I did in NYC that I really enjoyed was go to the top of the Empire State Building.
I don't remember what the tickets cost and we had to wait about an hour, but it was well worth it.
I also went to Sparks Steak House in Manhattan. That was a truly decadent meal and if you want a great steak that is one of many wonderful steak houses in NYC.
I have several customers and friends that grew up in NYC. My wife grew up in NJ (in Sopranos country), and her siblings all have lived and worked in NYC and can pass on good info.
Because NYC is so big, it would be best to email me your itinerary and where you are staying, and all these folks will be happy to let me know what I can pass on to you for recs for things to see and places to visit.
Happy to help mate. I hope you enjoy your visit to the US. Will you be traveling anywhere other than NYC on this trip?