The West Village is a labyrinth of shady brownstone-lined streets, hidden gardens, corner shops, and a mix of sophisticated culinary temples and casual downhome joints. It’s also a place I’m proud to call home.
I often find myself thinkingI feel like I’m on the set of a moviewhile wandering this charming Manhattan neighborhood. Only, in this corner of New York, I actually often dofind myself stumbling onto film sets. In fact,some of the movies and TV shows filmed here have become worldwide cultural phenomena, drawing millions of visitors each year to spots like theFriendsbuilding and Carrie’s apartment fromSex & The City.
Despite all the rubbernecking, I love my neighborhood and have spent a great deal of time exploring its offerings. I should say getting lost. The West Village’shaphazard streets were laid out before the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811cemented the city’s much-celebrated grid,so it’s very easy to lose your way.It took me years to understand why W. Fourth and W. Tenth streets intersect, and how Seventh Avenue cuts through the streets. But that just adds to the neighborhood’s charm.
Here’s my guide to getting lost in the West Village:
Get Oriented:
Take a walking tourto get acquainted with the West Village’s unique history (I recommend one led byContext Travel),including its rich Native American heritage, the impact Dutch settlers had on the neighborhood’s character, and the Bohemian poets and artists who have called it home over the years.
Bleecker Street has always been the Village’sbuzzing main street. If you start at Sixth Avenue and work your way west, you’ll find Amy’s Bread and the famous Murray’s Cheese Shop (they offer classes). Bypassing frozen yogurt and souvenir stores brings you to more sophisticated shops like Reiss London, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren.
Greenwich Avenue, whichruns northwest from Sixth Avenue to Eighth Avenue, is rife with vintage shops, casual eateries, and design stores like Jonathan Adler. It’s also a traveler’s dream. Pick up a cool passport cover and luggage tag atFlight 001, then stop by neighborhood staplePer Tuttito peruse the delightful assortment of luggage and umbrellas on offer. Looking for gifts?Myxplyzykis a gold mine.
Hudson Street is another main thoroughfare that’s fun to wander. Here you’ll find Myers of Keswick for all things British,Beasty Feast for great finds for the furry friends in your life, andsome of the West Village’s most popular restaurants and bars.
Otherquintessential West Village streets: Grove, W. Tenth Street, Charles, Perry, W. 11th, Bank Street, W. 4th Street, and Christopher Street.
Get Cultured:
The IFC Centershows the best documentaries and independent films around, but it also resurfaces movies we’ve loved for decades. Last weekend, they screened Fight Club at midnight, and soon to come is Jaws and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Hudson River Parkis a neighborhood gem.On beautiful days, there is nothing better.Pick up a sandwich or salad atBetter Being UndergroundorSan Panino,claim a bench, and settle in for some great people watchingin this lovely green space.
Jefferson Marketwas once a courthouse that faced demolition. Public outcry took the 19th-century icon off the chopping block andled to its designation as a national historic landmark. The truly unique building isnow a branch of the New York Public Libraryand opens up itsincredible urban garden to visitors in the warmer months of the year.
Shop Smart.Peruse the shelves atThree Lives & Company, a bookstore that teemswith soul and creativity, make the short walk around the corner to Greenwich Letterpressfor the most appealing greeting cards and invitations in the city, then head toBonnie Slotnick Cookbooksfor rare and out-of-print volumes as well as vintage copies of magazines like Gourmet and Cook’s Illustrated. After all that thinking, treat yourself to some sea-salt caramels atVarsano’s.
Get Fed:
For Date Night: TryBarbutofor al fresco dining,dell’animafor killer housemade pasta (just make your reservation well in advance), The Little Owlfor a classic, cozy West Village experience (try the meatball sliders based on a recipe passed down by chef Joey Campanaro’sgrandmother), orL’Artusi,where every single thing looks and tastes fantastic.Wash it all down with a faux-illicit co*cktail atLittle Branch, anabove-board speakeasy that only lets new people in when others leave.
For Ethnic Elan: Hit upBuvette, aFrench “gastroteque” that serves small plates (try the croque madame and fresh-squeezed OJ),Cafe Condesafor delicious, affordable dishes with Mexican flair in an under-the-radar setting,Karahifor animpressive array of Indian cuisine served up in a shoebox-sized space,Kin Shopfor a truly unique take on Thai from Chef Harold Dieterle, who took home top honors in Top Chef‘s first season,Tertuliafor Spanish tapas that rival the best on offer in Spain, or pick up some falafel at Taim Falafel(it’s the best I’ve ever had).
For Quick Bites: Waste no time getting to
Cafe ‘ino‘for inexpensive comfort food (try the much-loved truffled egg toast), Joe’s Pizzafor one of the best slices in Manhattan,
Patisserie Claudefor flaky fare (the pain au chocolate is a neighborhood favorite), then enjoy amid-afternoon cappuccino, croissant, and great people watching atSant Ambroeus.
For Neighborhood Favorites:Impersonate a West Village local atCafe Cluny,a French country bistro that serves a mean mid-week breakfast,Morandi,a spacious, family-friendly Italian trattoria,Pearl Street Oyster Barfor New York’s version of a Maine mainstay (the lobster roll),The Spotted Pig, anever-popular British/Italian gastropub, orTavern on Jane, acasual corner place with seriously good food.
What’s your favorite thing about the West Village? Tell me by leaving a comment.
