A few favorite spots in the West Village
Although I don’t live in New York City anymore, it’s still one of my favorite cities in the world–and one I’m lucky enough, through work and family and friends, to visit regularly. Whenever I go back, I always make a point to wander through West Village. Since the streets don’t adhere to the normal Manhattan grid, it’s one of the rare spots in the city where I still get turned around: I love getting lost among the brownstones, peeking into the private mews, smelling the flowers in the hidden gardens and overflowing window boxes.
Here are a few of the spots that never get old to me, the stoops and shops and cafes I admire and enjoy again and again.
Where to Instagram
Washington Square Park is one of the great delights of New York City, no matter the season. In the spring, the trees pop pink. In the summer, the fountain is overrun with children splashing, the grass is covered with people of all shapes and sizes soaking up the sunshine, the dog runs are filled with the barking of designer pooches. As the leaves change color and fall off the trees in the fall, the chess tables are still full. And in the winter, there’s nothing more magical than walking by the statues and under the arch after a snowstorm leaves the city silent.
I used to work a short walk from the gardens, and would often stop in on my way to work or to eat my sandwich on a sunny bench. Tucked away behind a brick wall, the Gardens at St. Luke in the Fields are an oasis of calm with plenty of beautiful blooms. In the spring, there are plenty of birds and butterflies buzzing around: a welcome change of wildlife from the rats scurrying or pigeons swooping.
Jefferson Market Library has such a fascinating history: it looks like a church, but it was actually a prison and a market and now it’s a library. The clock tower is only open to the public for four hours a year (and I have been up it!), but there’s also a lovely little volunteer-run garden in the shadow of the building.
I always love popping down Washington Mews, but it’s particularly lovely in the spring and summer when the flower boxes are full. The gated (and technically private) cobblestone lane is lined with two-story carriage houses, all owned and used by NYU.
The one-block-long Gay Street is a wonderfully calm respite from the hustle and bustle of sixth avenue.
If you look above the Little Owl restaurant, you might see something familiar: the Friends building! Even though it’s not anything architecturally spectacular, it’s still so fun to see something so iconic in person.
16 Grove Street is one of the most photogenic front stoops in every season: brick walls, black shutters, creeping ivy. I absolutely love it!
And right past 16 Grove Street, you can peek into the serene sanctuary of Grove Court. Fun fact: two pugs live inside!
Where to Eat & Drink [Morning]
One of my go-to spots for breakfast dates: Buvette! A love of this French cafe on Grove Street is what really inspired my year of coffee dates with Jillian: it was such a treat to wake up early and splurge on lattes and bowls full of yogurt, berries and drizzled honey.
For something a bit more casual, the Toby’s Estate on Charles Street is a solid option for excellent coffee and avocado toast.
Bluestone Lane on Carmine Street is another Australian cafe, complete with fresh and healthy breakfast options and an emphasis on coffee quality.
Located on Sullivan Street leading up to Washington Square, Third Rail Coffee has just enough room to grab a to-go coffee and take it to enjoy in the park.
I also just love these two facades on Waverly Place, just past Washington Square North. The pink one made a cameo in Ladybird!
Where to Eat & Drink [Evening]
I love a cheeky glass of wine and people watching from the window seat at Aria Wine Bar.
One of my go-to options for brunch or dinner with friends is Extra Virgin: the food is good, the drink options are solid, and it’s not too scene-y.
Two words on why I love The Spotted Pig: shoestring fries.
Although it’s not an everyday option, the atmosphere of Minetta Tavern is so old-school New York. The food is heavy and decadent, served in dark and moody overstuffed booths. The burger is a next-level splurge that’s worth doing.
The roast chicken is enough reason to go to Barbuto.
For high-end Italian food and free-flowing wine, head to Babbo.
The Up & Up is underground speakeasy, and home to incredible and inventive cocktails.
And since you can’t go to New York City and not eat pizza, John’s of Bleecker Street is my favorite for a no-fuss pie and beer.
What to Do
I love to pop into Three Lives & Company and browse the shelves. They also do a very nice and classy gift wrap, so it’s one of my favorite places to buy a book as a gift!
One of our favorite date nights is a show at Comedy Cellar: we almost always try to go back when we’re in town, because you just can’t beat the level of talent that regularly shows up here.
Another great option for an evening out is listening to jazz at The Village Vanguard. It feels so quintessentially West Village!
