Sofia’s Locals Guide to NYC
Neighborhoods
Our neighborhood is absolutely lovely, we are so lucky! Williamsburg is amazing for the chill culture, great food and awesome small businesses/boutiques. There is something for everyone here.
Our apartment is really conveniently located to transportation to get into the city as well (shared our normal tranportation options below):
1 block from Bedford Ave L Train
5 blocks/10 minute walk to North Williamsburg Ferry (direct shot down N 6th Street)
5 blocks/10 minute to McCarren Park
10 blocks/12 min walk to Marcy Ave J
Uber to downtown is typically around $15
997 locals recommend
Williamsburg
Our neighborhood is absolutely lovely, we are so lucky! Williamsburg is amazing for the chill culture, great food and awesome small businesses/boutiques. There is something for everyone here.
Our apartment is really conveniently located to transportation to get into the city as well (shared our normal tranportation options below):
1 block from Bedford Ave L Train
5 blocks/10 minute walk to North Williamsburg Ferry (direct shot down N 6th Street)
5 blocks/10 minute to McCarren Park
10 blocks/12 min walk to Marcy Ave J
Uber to downtown is typically around $15
West Village is amazing for strolling through the small, winding streets and exploring the amazing restaurants and boutiques.
37 locals recommend
West Village
West Village is amazing for strolling through the small, winding streets and exploring the amazing restaurants and boutiques.
During the day Chinatown is busting with markets, while at night the neighborhood is filled with underground bars and high-end restaurants.
497 locals recommend
Chinatown
During the day Chinatown is busting with markets, while at night the neighborhood is filled with underground bars and high-end restaurants.
Food scene
Reservations here are very tough and need to be booked well in advance, but the food is renowned and really lives up to the hype.
Reservations are available via Resy.com
190 locals recommend
Lilia
567 Union AveReservations here are very tough and need to be booked well in advance, but the food is renowned and really lives up to the hype.
Reservations are available via Resy.com
Owned by members of LCD Soundsystem, this is a local favorite. It is small and should be booked through reservations. However, you can walk-in just expect to wait for about an hour.
89 locals recommend
The Four Horsemen
295 Grand StOwned by members of LCD Soundsystem, this is a local favorite. It is small and should be booked through reservations. However, you can walk-in just expect to wait for about an hour.
A sister restaurant to Lilia, also quite fantastic food and easier to reserve.
42 locals recommend
Misi
329 Kent AveA sister restaurant to Lilia, also quite fantastic food and easier to reserve.
Amazing Szechuan-- prepare for spice and for your mouth to be numb from the Sichuan peppers.
73 locals recommend
Birds of a Feather
191 Grand StAmazing Szechuan-- prepare for spice and for your mouth to be numb from the Sichuan peppers.
Nom Wah Tea Parlor
13 Doyers StBest Noodles in town!
Joe's Shanghai
46 BoweryMust Visit for the Soup Dumplings
Greek restaurant camouflaged as a Chinse restaurant on Canal St. They only talk walk-ins, suggest going early as it is busy every night of the week.
PRO TIP: get the cheesecake.
320 locals recommend
Kiki's
130 Division StreetGreek restaurant camouflaged as a Chinse restaurant on Canal St. They only talk walk-ins, suggest going early as it is busy every night of the week.
PRO TIP: get the cheesecake.
The best brunch in lower LES/ Two Bridges.
Always healthy, freshly made, and delicious. They also own a small shop down the street.
212 locals recommend
Dimes
49 Canal StThe best brunch in lower LES/ Two Bridges.
Always healthy, freshly made, and delicious. They also own a small shop down the street.
My favorite vintage shops
The Quality Mending Co.
329 BoweryStella Dallas
Coffee
Around the corner from our place and AMAZING on-the-go breakfast. I love the izmir sandwich on a simit.
14 locals recommend
Lion's Milk
104 Roebling StAround the corner from our place and AMAZING on-the-go breakfast. I love the izmir sandwich on a simit.
Devoción
69 Grand StBlack Brick Coffee
300 Bedford AveLudlow Coffee Supply
176 Ludlow StFavorite in downtown NYC.
Chai Latte is amazing.
Men's Shopping
Amazing Japanese clothing store-- mostly denim and men's workwear and some home items. $$$
9 locals recommend
Kai D. Utility
230 Grand StAmazing Japanese clothing store-- mostly denim and men's workwear and some home items. $$$
Underground Bar Scene
Locals tip: there is live jazz on Tuesday night
The door is somewhat hidden, but there is always a bouncer waiting outside and is friendly. Suggest going early before it fills up as it is small.
212 locals recommend
Apotheke
9 Doyers StLocals tip: there is live jazz on Tuesday night
The door is somewhat hidden, but there is always a bouncer waiting outside and is friendly. Suggest going early before it fills up as it is small.
During the day this is a diner-like Taco spot, at night there is a beautiful bar underneath. Suggest going early and telling them you will only be getting a drink at the bar.
263 locals recommend
La Esquina - SoHo
114 Kenmare StDuring the day this is a diner-like Taco spot, at night there is a beautiful bar underneath. Suggest going early and telling them you will only be getting a drink at the bar.
et al.
191 Chrystie StFun for dancing and very late nights.
Underground Bar underneath the beautiful restaurant, Chinese Tuxedo.
Right next to Apotheke.
9 locals recommend
Peachy's
5 Doyers StUnderground Bar underneath the beautiful restaurant, Chinese Tuxedo.
Right next to Apotheke.
Art & Sites
New Museum of Contemporary Art
235 BoweryAmazing art exhibits here and has a beautiful terrace on the top floor for a view of Chelsea.
884 locals recommend
Salmagundi Museum of American Art
Amazing art exhibits here and has a beautiful terrace on the top floor for a view of Chelsea.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 5th AveThe Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53rd StreetThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave
Dia:Beacon
3 Beekman St
Storm King Art Center