New York: Nolita, Soho and West Village
May 5th, 2010 | Posted in: fashion, travel
Alright people. Here is the first of three posts on all the stores, restaurants and other interesting places I have found in NYC while I was there. I have focused on the smaller venues, not the big brands, as you will surely be able to find these. Sure, I have missed out on a lot of places, and this list is far from exhaustive. Just consider it a nice start. Lets kick it off with the stores:
F.S.C. (Freemans Sporting Club)
The F.S.C. brand is built around the craft of handmade clothing, as opposed to the disposable fashion trend. F.S.C. strives to create classically styled clothing to stand the test of time, which also reflected in the style of their products: timeless classics. The collection includes suits, shirts, jackets and ties. Not for the budget traveler though. You can also go there for a haircut and a shave. And don’t forget to check out the restaurant down the alley next to the shop.
8 Rivington Street (between Bowery & Chrystie)
New York, NY 10002
Duncan Quinn
Another shop which is very interesting is Duncan Quinn. This is the place you go for all your bespoke tailoring needs. Only the best fabrics in the world combined with Saville Row quality tailoring put Duncan Quinn at the top of the game. This of course comes with a price. Even if you cant afford it go and have a look. The passion with which this store is run is worth a visit on its own.
8 Spring Street
Fight Club
When you are looking for a pair of exclusive sneakers (or other streetwear) Fight Club is one of the places to go. Having both a new and a second hand collection you will surely find a nice pair of exclusives here. Do check out there different outlets though, as they have a different collection.
120 Nassau Street (New Collection)
254 Greene Street (New Collection)
267 Lafayette Street (Second Hand)
Saturdays
As far as I know, Saturdays is the only surfstore in Manhattan. Besides the surfing vibe they also have a great collection of boards, wetsuits and apparel. Even if you just feel like an espresso and a chat, this is the place to go.
31 Crosby Street
Premium Laces
Premium Laces is a nice little sneaker store on Spring street where I picked up my fresh new RT1′s. Good collection and good prices. Nothing more, nothing less.
68 Spring Street
One has to eat, and party afterwards. So do check out these places:
Submercer
Located in the basement of the Mercer Hotel/ Mercer Kitchen, this club is an interesting one to check out. If you can find it. The address alone, 147 1/2 Mercer Street, must say enough. There is no real entrance to the club, besides a freight elevator which will take you down into the hallway where you can check your coat. After that you enter the small but good club: Good looks, good music, good drinks. Don’t drink too much though, as you might get lost on your way out… (So I’ve been told!)
147 1/2 Mercer Street.
La Esquina
La Esquina is both a mexican reastaurant as it is a booming night club. Nothing wrong with the food up stairs, but the club in the basement is far more interesting. When you want to get in, you’ll first have to find the entrance. After you find it (I’m not going to spoil the fun!) you go down some stairs and through the kitchen before you enter the club, which will surely be filled with fashionable, beautiful people.
114 Kenmare Street
Spotted Pig
Another great destination for food and drinks is The Spotted Pig. This place is pretty much a pub with great straight forward food, or gastro-pub. Go for the Devils on Horseback for starters and take the Burger with Roquefort cheese as a main. You will not be disappointed, trust me. Wash this all away with the specially brewed Spotted Pig bitter.
314 W. 11th Street (@ Greenwich street)
Lombardi’s
This is the first pizzeria to be opened in the United States in 1905. After more than 100 years, they are still serving the best pizza’s in town. ZAGAT reviewers even called it the best pizza on the planet. Summarized: A must see/ eat and definitely worth the wait outside.
32 Spring Street.
Blue Ribbon Sushi
BRS is a must for all sushi lovers out there. I can be short about it: Absolutely the best sushi I have ever had. Not for the financially faint hearted ones though (ouch!).
119 Sullivan Street.
Cafe Gitane
I had lunch here a couple of times and I liked it. Here it is not really about the food (which is good though), but more about the little terrace in the front. Get a seat there, order some food and drinks and enjoy the fashionable view passing by. Unfortunately the waitresses don’t want you hangin’ around to long after you finish.
242 Mott Street.
Cafe Habana
Last in this row, be by far not least is Cafe Habana. A must stop shop for all food lovers. Don’t be fooled by the cramped looking interior of this place, as the awesome Cuban food will surely make up for this. This is confirmed by the ever present line in front of the door. Don’t want to wait? Pick up a sandwich to-go next door.
17 Prince Street.
More NYC tips? Also see:
East Village & Lower East Side
Williamsburg & Brooklyn
