a collection of my favorite places & SPACES around new york city.
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By Chloe ~ Fast Food: Greenwich Village
I'm no vegan, but i could easily say that the mac and cheese here is better than some "non-vegan" that i've tried. Plus, they had the best sweet potato fries i've ever had, healthy or not! the atmosphere at by chloe is so chill and zen too (when the line isn't out the door, which is a normal occurrence for this hot spot). sit in the little swinging window seats while you enjoy a homemade baked good or a pumpkin spice latte (with almond milk of course!).
This little hole in the wall is incredible. The Gnocchi con Funghi (aka gnocchi with brown butter, sage and mushrooms) is out of this world. This place has quite a rustic feel, but the atmosphere is warm and cozy. There is also a little wine bar and eating area downstairs in the basement, if you want to get even more romantic, or are waiting for your reservation. Second favorite item on the list was the razor clams, but you really can't just pick one. Everything is perfect here.
CHELSEA MARKET ~ MARKET: MEATPACKING
One of my favorite spots in the city. You can find anything and everything here, from the best donuts I've ever tasted, to incredible sushi, a whole lobster steamed right in front of you, sample sales, and unique, handmade jewelry. I've spent more than I'd like to say on little delicate rings and necklaces here too - it's my go-to spot for jewelry. Just walking through this market is well worth the visit, with its lights, fountain, and just the whole atmosphere. I take everyone that visits the city to this spot and it never disappoints.
LITTLE PRINCE ~ RESTAURANT: SOHO
This is my go-to place in my hood if I'm looking for an amazingly delicious meal. I've tried about half the menu and each meal is better than the last. I highly suggest the quinoa salad, the chicken, scallops, the ricotta toast... honestly everything on the menu I recommend. One little secret I'll let you in on: Little Prince has one of the best burgers in the city but it's not on the dinner menu. It's called the french onion soup burger. Order it!
THE MERCER KITCHEN ~ RESTAURANT: SOHO
This is one of my main staples in my neighborhood - I've never had a bad meal here. I've also never sat downstairs in the main restaurant area though - the first floor bar area has such a fun, casual atmosphere, that I always choose that. They have probably the best salad I've ever had: the steamed shrimp salad. I could eat that baby all day every day. The roast chicken is incredible too, as are the mashed potatoes, and OMG the fries... One of my top favorite restaurants in NYC.
THE FAT RADISH ~ RESTAURANT: LES
I discovered this adorable restaurant tucked down in the les recently when brunching with a big group of friends, and it was to die for. they serve the best french press coffee - the perfect pick me up after a long night. we tried the warm banana bread and plenty of orders of the avocado toast with spicy eggs (may be my new favorite avocado toast to date). I also had the "all greens omlet", which was delish, and the green fresh squeezed juice. one thing to remember is that they are cash only, so make sure you come prepared! I'd also recommend following along on their Instagram. Their photos will make your mouth water immediately.
Thompkins square bagels ~ restaurant: Alphabet city
TSB is an east village staple (and a new sunday "I don't care what I eat" staple). I claimed not to love bagels until i visited this place. I could most definitely eat a bagel for every meal of the day if it came from here. They bake them fresh almost every hour. I got a ham, egg and cheese sandwich on an everything bagel (so basic), and it was the best thing I've had in a very long time. They are pretty famous for their variety of cream cheese flavors too - chocolate chip cookie dough on a chocolate chip bagel? It's a no brainer.
Juice Press ~ Juice Bar: Locations all over Manhattan
Juice press is probably the place i frequent the most in the city, especially when I'm needing a detox or a pick-me-up. Doctor Earth is my favorite juice, because it is a combination of the two best green juices in their collection (meaning, it has pretty much everything under the sun in it), but all of their juices are really delicious and seriously packed with nutrients and healthy ingredients. Again, another pricey place, but worth it for a visit or two a week.
sotto 13 ~ restaurant: west village
this is absolutely the best brunch spot for large groups of people. they have an incredible boozy brunch menu, where you choose three types of plates and three types of pizza (family style for the whole table to share), and then of course you get unlimited mimosas and such. there is also a "build your own" bloody mary bar, which (if i liked bloody marys) would be total heaven. their breakfast pizza and scrambled eggs with crab are easily two of the best brunch dishes i've ever had at an unlimited boozy brunch. as for dinner, again, pizzas are the way to go. they do them right at sotto 13.
EATALY ~ RESTAURANT/MARKET: FLATIRON
Food unites us all.... (A little part of Eataly's manifesto). Eataly is just what it sounds like - a little bit of Italy, where you can shop and eat (incredible gourmet food I might add) smack dab in the middle of NYC. I've only eaten in the vegetarian section numerous times, as well as the rooftop area, which has a great atmosphere and super fun bar. The dessert area is beyond tempting, with little personal sized creme brulees, custards, and more; so don't go wandering down there if you don't plan on indulging! Definitely one of the staples you need to visit when in NYC.
Pressed Juicery ~ Juice Bar: Noho
This brand new juice bar is already a favorite of mine, right up there with juice press. What is great about pressed juicery (such similar names!) is the prices and the rewards program. They sell for just $6.50 a bottle, and customers receive rewards like 25% off when they hit certain spending marks. They also let you taste whatever juices you want - just so you don't go buying one that isn't a favorite... LOVE this place!
This may be the most amazing espresso I've ever had. I randomly swung in here during a long day of shopping in Soho needing a little pick me up, and ordered the Cortada. Well, I think I could have about 3 of these every morning and be a happy camper. I won't explain what a Cortada is (although you could google it); you should probably just go and try it for yourself. It's a super casual atmosphere, and nothing too special about the place itself, but the coffee is worth it. Also, all their food and baked goods are homemade, so the menu changes on a daily basis which always keeps things interesting.
Juice generation ~ juice bar: multiple locations in nyc
i've developed a recent obsession with acai bowls, and juice generation makes my favorite one. With paleo granola, peanut butter, hemp seeds and greens, this one is delicious plus incredibly healthy. they also offer delicious smoothies, juices, and other small bites. highly recommend!
THE CUPPING ROOM CAFE ~ RESTAURANT: SOHO
This is my tried and true hangover or just need a big huge brunch, breakfast spot. It's about a block away from my apartment, which is too convenient, but it's also delicious, and the service is wonderful. The proportions are large - as you can tell from the oatmeal, but worth taking home. Everything I've tried here is delicious, from their eggs/toast/hashbrown combo to their homemade bagels. If you're in the neighborhood, definitely check this place out for brunch.
Momofuku Milkbar ~ Bakery: SoHO (+ other Locations)
My definition of heaven. Literally. Here is what you need to order: b'day cake truffles, cereal milk soft serve with cornflake crunch, and blueberry & cream cookies. If you're really looking to splurge, or you're needing something for an event, get the birthday cake - it has cookie dough balls and is just the most amazing cake i have ever tasted. Momofuku has a few different locations - soho, lower east side, midtown, etc. so you really can't have an excuse for not visiting!
ABC KITCHEN ~ RESTAURANT: FLATIRON
I think this one is on everyone's "to-do" list. It's one of the hottest restaurants currently. I got to test it out for brunch, and it definitely didn't disappoint. The roasted carrot/avocado salad was to die for, as were the creamy scrambled eggs. Since were there, we had to try the famous salted caramel sundae, which included caramel popcorn... YUM. Make a reservation for this place way ahead of time (as in a month) - it's quite hard to get one.
DOMINIQUE ANSEL ~ BAKERY: SOHO
Ohh the famous Dominique Ansel bakery. It really is worth all the hype (and the price), I swear. You'll agree with me once you taste one of these delicious cronuts, if you're lucky enough to get your hands on one before they sell out. You'll wait at least an hour in line (make sure you go around 7 AM), and can only buy two cronuts at a time, but really, I promise it's worth it. Grab one before a day full of shopping in SoHo!
this is My absolute favorite bar in the whole city (wilfie & nell, their other bar coming in at a close second). This place is such a blast on weekend nights, or to come for a date or a cocktail during the week. it has the perfect dim, romantic lighting, and a cozy, low-key atmosphere. i've never actually had the food, but i've heard it's great also. go for their spiced hot apple cider in the winter months, and the mule in the others. it gets pretty packed on friday & saturday nights, so I'd recommend going on the earlier side if you plan to check it out.
Chalk Point kitchen ~ restaurant: Soho
I live almost above this place and it took me almost 6 months to check it out. I sure didn't know what I was missing. Their whole menu speaks to me - its full of things i love like egg hash, avocado, crab benedict, delicious salads, quinoa bowls, and so much more. They have some great healthy options, including fresh juices. I could live on their egg/avocado hash (shown here) though, and probably will be ordering at least once a week. If you hit CHalk Point for dinner, they also have a really cool speakeasy in the basement below, so you can make a night of it.
BUVETTE ~ RESTAURANT: WEST VILLAGE
Buvette is the cutest little french restaurant nestled in the West Village. They don't take reservations, so you're probably in for a bit of a wait (it's worth it, trust me). I've only been there for brunch, but the dinner menu looks incredible too. The french press coffee is to die for, so are all of the egg combos, the side of carrots, and the octopus salad - I should probably just list the whole menu here. If you're looking for the perfect little spot to eat with a friend, their outdoor patio is the place to go as each table only fits two people.
SAXON + PAROLE ~ RESTAURANT: BOWERY
Best Bloody Mary bar in the city. Can't you just tell by the picture? This place is insanely delicious. Think big, huge sandwiches served on a thick cutting board (the BLAT to be exact). The Green Goddess salad is one I'd never get tired of either. They also have a pretty reasonable prix fixe lunch, which includes a cocktail... perfect for weekend brunch. The atmosphere is cozy and fun, with booths and a great bar if you're just looking to drink. It's right on the edge of Soho also, so nothing better than a little tipsy shopping after!
You would never find this little store unless wandering down Crosby St. in SoHo, because it is quite tucked away. I tried out their tea (they have the loose tea, each flavor in it's own copper mug so that you can easily choose your flavor), and they mix/make it right there in front of you. May be the best tea I've ever tasted... Not only that, their Salt Flats candles are the most amazing candles, period. I buy them in bulk now. The one thing Miansai is most well known for though, are their accessories. They have the most gorgeous, nautical inspired bracelets and gold cuffs. One of my favorite little hidden gems in SoHo.
CAFE GITANE ~ RESTAURANT: NOLITA
Baked eggs & avocado toast. Does anything sound better than that for breakfast? They have a few different varieties of the baked eggs, all of which I could eat on a daily basis. Cafe Gitane is incredible. It's a cozy little old school looking diner, and they take cash only, so plan ahead. It's not insanely expensive though, unless you plan on doing a boozy brunch. Everything on the menu is absolutely delicious, and worth the trip. Great place to meet a friend or take the parents.
THE MALT HOUSE ~ RESTAURANT: GREENWICH VILLAGE
This is my neighborhood go-to brunch spot, and in my opinion, the best boozy brunch spot in the lower end of the city. $15 for all you can drink delicious cocktails such as mimosas, bloody marys (bacon included), screwdrivers and more, for 4 hours! How can you beat that? Their evening atmosphere is great too - super casual and chill if you're looking for a first date spot or to meet a friend for after work drinks. Their food isn't half bad either!
The City Bakery ~ Bakery & Cafe: union square
Yes, that is most definitely a home made marshmallow right there. This is a photo of probably the most famous hot chocolate in the city. A must-visit winter destination, and an especially good one to take guests to. Honestly, I couldn't even finish the whole thing, it was so incredibly rich (like drinking straight chocolate), but it was worth the $7 splurge. They also have deliciously yummy cookies and incredible looking flatbreads.
Clinton Street Baking Company ~ Restaurant: LES
You go here for the pancakes. Or maybe for the maple butter more specifically.... That's what they serve with them instead of syrup. They are melt in your mouth amazing. You can order breakfast At all hours of the day, which is my favorite part about this place. It smells like heaven, its warm and cozy, and the serving staff is super friendly. You'll definitely wait no matter when you go though, so plan ahead. I'd also recommend the bacon too - why not go all out!?
Two Hands Cafe ~ cafe: Italian village
Two hands is the coziest little cafe tucked away in the italian village. they offer homemade teas, coffees, snacks, and my favorite (pictured here), make your own juices. you have the option to select up to 4 flavors from a list to create your own, home made juice, that they then make for you and deliver in a mason jar glass with the cutest straw. my favorite spot is the windowsill seat so you can sit and look out at the street. people watching is always a great activity in nyc...
The cutest coffee shop in NYC (with the cutest cups!). This place is the perfect little spot if you're looking for a place to study, read, or catch up with a friend. their food is delicious, as is their coffee. Looking fr the perfect instagram shot? Come here. Oh, and stroll around soho afterwards for some quick shopping!
