City Guide: New York
There is so much written about New York that it’s hard to write a proper introduction. The capital of the world, the city that never sleeps, the big apple – you’ve heard it all. Perhaps the most attractive and repulsive, and I am not talking physics here, New York’s feature is its relentless energy. Sometimes it feels amazing, sometimes unbearable. This guide will help you navigate this sprawling metropolitan, so you can avoid the usual tourist crowds and get the best of New York.
shop.
Atelier
This menswear boutique represents the best that contemporary high-end menswear has to offer. The carefully edited, monochromatic merchandise ranges from the well-respected Yohji Yamamoto and Ann Demeulemeester to newcomers Julius and Damir Doma. Another part of the shop is dedicated to artisanal brands like Carol Christian Poell and Maurizio Amadei. If you want a truly unique addition to your wardrobe – this is the place.
304 Hudson St
Barney’s New York
This infamous department store has been styling on all other department stores since 1923. The store’s menswear buy has been criticized in the past couple of seasons, but with designers like Rick Owens and Ann Demeulemeester in the selection, it has remained a fashionista favourite.
660 Madison Ave
IF
This SoHo stalwart hails from the days before the neighborhood was turned into another suburban mall. It’s been in business for over 25 years and it still attract loyal clientele of artists, architects, and people who love interesting fashion, and their adventureous buy reflects that. The store carries clothings, shoes and accessories for men and women from Comme Des Garcons, Junya Watanabe, Y’s, Dries van Noten, and Paul Harnden. Oh, and did we mention they were the first store to bring Margiela to New York?
94 Grand St
Comme des Garcons
The New York flagship of the venerable Rei Kawakubo carries everything from the CDG universe – including Junya Watanabe and Tao. The beautiful white curvilinear space that looks like props from Kubrick’s 21: Space Odyssey was actually entirely made in Japan by Future Systems and assembled on site in New York.
520 W 22nd St
Odin
Portraying a slightly more classic style of menswear boutiques, Odin has two main locations in Soho and East Village. The clothing matches the refined style of the store, featuring such labels as Band of Outsiders and Obedient Sons along with designers Robert Geller and Richard Chai.
199 Lafayette St
328 E 11th St
Seven
Loved by many and hated by some, this hipster favourite has been around for some time. The shop boasts a slightly awkward mixture of designers ranging from the likes of Bernhard Willhelm and Castelbajac to Raf Simons, Gareth Pugh and Damir Doma. Other highlights include Bless and Juun J. Odd or not, its always worth a look.
110 Mercer St
Amalga
This relatively new, small boutique on Wooster Street stocks a peculiar mix of Japanese labels such as Volga Volga, Kiminori Morishita and LGB alongside European and American designers such as Michel Berandi. The dimly lit space is also worth a look.
114 Wooster St
Rick Owens
New York ended up being the second flagship location for LA-grown and now Paris based designer Rick Owens. The store features a full line up of everything Owens – from the buttery leatherwear he has become known for, to sheer t-shirts, drapey cardigans and his daring sneakers. The tall space is entirely white putting an emphasis on the muted palette of the clothing.
250 Hudson St
Martin Margiela
Much like in his other stores, the floors, walls, furniture and décor pieces are all white in the Margiela New York boutique. Also similarly to some of the other shops worldwide, the location is slightly off the path, but the trip is worth especially for fans of the Belgian designer.
803 Greenwich St
Butter by Eva Gentry
Having been around for a decade, Eva and Gentry Dayton’s Brooklyn based boutiqe carries one of the nicest selection of exclusive labels for women. Ranging from designers like Ann Demeulemeester and Rick Owens to leather goods by Guidi and Maurizio Amadei, the selection is a joy to look at and also caters to men in the form of accessories.
389 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn
food.
Shorty’s.32
What happens when a chef goes from working 12 years with Jean-Georges Vongerichten to opening a neighbourhood bistro? Josh Eden gave it a go and with great success – his Soho restaurant Shorty’s .32 is modest, friendly and welcoming. The food is fantastic with classic Americana cuisine that balances well between comfort food and gourmet.
199 Prince St
Café Ino
It might be slightly off the path, but Ino is definately worth the walk. Excellent sandwiches, desserts and drinks paired with a great, tightly packed atmosphere make this one of the best breakfast, lunch and snack spots in the city.
21 Bedford St
The Little Owl
This small corner bistro in Greenwich captures the essence of neighbourhood dining. The excellent plates mix Mediterranean influences and classic American food, appetizers are tasty and the specials offer interesting variety. The small space provides a warm atmosphere but also means that a reservation comes in handy. Calling earlier in the day might get you lucky with a cancellation, though.
90 Bedford St
Delicatessen
The name can be easily mixed with a dozen sandwich shops, but the all-window wall and lit-up interior set Delicatessen apart from the surroundings. Food might not be the fanciest in town, but it’s certainly good and the somewhat pseudo-trendy atmosphere can be enjoyable and entertaining especially later in the evening. Try the cheese burger spring rolls.
4 Prince St
Angel’s Share
The fact that this lounge/bar is well hidden inside a Japanese restaurant already hints of the secluded atmosphere. Described as elegant and unique, this East Village spot offers a very intimate and cozy vibe and a nice selection of drinks and snacks.
8 Stuyvesant St, 2F
Yakitori Taisho
For a slightly different dining experience, head to Yakitori Taisho. This hole-in-the-wall Japanese grill is one of many restaurants located on the somewhat raunchy St. Marks Place. Here, next to various tattoo shops and other alternative retailers, you’ll find groups of Japanese teenagers lining up for tables in the evening. The reason is simple – food is reasonably priced and good, and the atmosphere lively to say the least.
5 St. Marks Place
WD-50
some might say that WD-50 has seen it’s best days, but Wiley Dufresne still excites with unusual and tasty dishes of experimental gourmet. Playful and interesting – think peanut butter pasta and eggs Benedict – on a dinner menu.
50 Clinton St
stay.
Soho Grand
Everything about the Soho Grand feels old school New York, from the moody lobby with a heavy steel staircase to the dimly lit elevators – all very Gotham City in a charming kind of way. With a great location in the heart of Soho, the only downside can be the price during peak times.
310 W. Broadway
Hotel on Rivington
Don’t let the fact that this is one of the “hip” places to stay turn you away, because the Hotel on Rivington has been praised for a reason. With a modern, even slightly futuristic façade, the rooms are equally impressive with sharp décor and fantastic views of the city skyline through the massive windows and the balconies.
107 Rivington St
UrbanLiving Apartments
Lets face it – hotel prices in New York City are what they are and chances of finding a very good accommodation for cheap is quite unlikely. Renting an apartment can be significantly cheaper and you will most likely end up with much more space then in a small hotel room. The great number of short term rental apartments in the city gives a good opportunity to find an alternative to expensive hotels.
www.new-york-apartment.com
further reading.
TimeOut Shortlist New York – a compact guide book that is up to date and trendy, in a good way.
superfuture :: supertravel – comprehensive shopping listings
ontheinside – a guide to the city by locals