By The Editors By The Editors | August 18, 2022 | Lifestyle Guides
NYC's West Village and Greenwich Village are home to some of the city's hottest restaurants, top shops and best kept secrets. Here's everything you need to know.
Where To Eat
181 Thompson St. / Website
This timeless Italian restaurant is a venerated institution in NYC. Their spicy rigatoni vodka is some of the best in the country, and noteworthy is the outstanding veal parmigiana and the fresh and aromatic mozzarella.
152 W. 10th St. / Website
Van Leeuwen started in NYC in 2008 with a mission to make ice cream that makes you feel good. They focus on natural ingredients in both their dairy and vegan flavors. While it can be shipped to your doorstep nationwide and bought in local grocery stores, there's location across the city, including in the West Village. With flavors like Honeycomb, Brooklyn Brown Sugar Chunk and Vegan Oatmilk Churros and Fudge, it's a source of local pride.
42 Grove St. / Website
This French spot in the West Village is quaint yet lively and evokes a charming Parisian essence that New Yorkers can't get enough of. Pro Tip: Go at an off time—The lines are crazy for brunch.
90 Bedford St. / Website
The quintessential neighborhood nook if there ever was one, what The Little Owl lacks in reservation availability and elbow room, it more than makes up for in charm—especially if you can score the window seat overlooking Bedford Street.
401 Bleecker St. / Website
Magnolia Bakery's original location on the corner of Bleecker and W. 11th St. is a West Village institution. This OG location opened in 1996, and today, is still as hot as ever.
56 Seventh Ave. / Website
Local favorite Birch Coffee's West Village shop is a go-to for all your caffeine cravings. Whether you're on the run and grab a cold brew to-go, or are looking for a spot to kick back over a warm cup of joe, Birch is the place for you.
Where To Stay
113 Jane St. / Website
Entering the Jane Hotel feels like stepping on to a movie set back in time. It recalls old New York glamour and is a West Village favorite for good reason.
5 W. Eighth St. / Website
The Marlton is a haven for history buffs and literary-lovers. The 107-room hotel features an enchanting design inspired by postwar Paris and Rosemary's small hotel in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender Is the Night.
Where To Relax
11 Christopher St. / Website
This spa specializes in medical-grade treatments ideal for prevention and maintenance. Like its namesake, some of the most popular services at JECT are injectables such and the Aquagold Fine Touch treatment. The New Standard facial performs a process of cleansing, hydration, exfoliation and firming massage techniques to eliminate redness, blemishes and irritation—making it a perfect base layer to add a light peel, microneedling, extractions or a number of other addons.
23 Jones St. / Website
The staff at this mini Zen palace has buffed the nails backstage at Alexander Wang, Derek Lam and Rag & Bone shows, so expect top-notch quality. Flip-flop-ravaged feet and dry hands are soaked in water with refreshing cucumber and mint leaves, then sloughed with a cucumber scrub, massaged and polished to perfection.
343 Bleecker St. / Website
This Bleecker Street boutique and spa offers the ultimate escape that gets guests glowing by the time they walk out the door. We recommend the 60-minute New York State of Mind facial for a full refresh.
Where To Shop
548 1/2 Hudson St. / Website
A seemingly endless stock of amazing vintage lamps and decor await at this interiors shop adored by top designers like Jonathan Adler. Aside from the collectible pieces shoppers may leave with, everyone walks out inspired after a trip to The End of History.
400 Bleecker St. / Website
At this Marc Jacobs shop, look for shelves stocked with coffee-table books, merch that bears the Bookmarc name and so much more.
377 Bleecker St. / Website
Iconic perfumier diptyque is most known for its luxe candles and fragrances, as well as skincare and home decor. The Parisian brand's Bleecker Street atelier is the perfect place for some retail therapy.
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
19 W. Eighth St. / Website
This sophisticated watering hole is a favorite among whiskey and bourbon lovers, but its low-key ambiance makes it a true NYC gem. All the drinks are great, but we love the Lavender Menace.
551 Hudson St. / Website
Dante's West Village space offers a traditional atmosphere with modern flair. Be sure to try the Dante Martini before heading out to dinner.
Where To Hit The Town
510 Hudson St. / Website
Employees Only is an iconic Prohibition-style bar that's perfect for after-work or pre-dinner drinks. The Ginger Smash is a huge hit, so be sure to order a round for the table.
113 Jane St. / Website
Waiting in line to get in here is so worth the wait. Expect DJs, dancing on couches, and a nightclub feel that makes the perfect scene for a night out on the town.
Cultural Experience
38-64 Christopher St.
Stonewall National Monument, in Greenwich Village's Christopher Park, is the first LGBTQ national monument, dedicated to the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.
Hidden Gem
20 Seventh Ave. S. / Website
Step past the unmarked door and down the staircase to land at LB, an intimate cocktail bar with live music Sundays though Thursdays.
Photography by: Photo by Simi Iluyomade/Unsplash
