{Update from previous post} My best friend Kasie has lived in Manhattan for over a decade, so I try and make a trip out every year. Somehow it became a tradition to visit in the fall, which is truly my favorite time to go. It is just magical when the leaves start to change and the air gets crisp. It gives all the feels of an 80’s/90’s rom com – a la When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail. New York will always be one of my favorite cities. My mom was born and raised in Manhattan so it has always felt extra special seeing her old hangs and putting a visual to the stories I heard throughout my childhood. Every time I visit I get a lot of questions about my favorite places in the city to eat, drink and stay, so I thought I would share a little list. While this is definitely not a thorough guide, I have amassed quite a few favorites and spots I look forward to visiting every trip. The West Village has always been my favorite neighborhood and where I like to spend a majority of my time, although every neighborhood is incredible in its own way. I just live for the charming streets, cozy downstairs restaurants and the festive fall stoops.

A festive scene on Grove Court

(On the left) It wouldn’t be a trip to New York without a stop for drinks at The Bowery Hotel. You don’t have to be a hotel guest and can enjoy a seat by the roaring fireplace if it isn’t too crowded. (Left) A delicious dirty martini at the Waverly Inn

EAT
When in NYC, I gravitate towards a classic dimly lit, packed restaurant for dinner (which is why I currently have no voice). These are all over the city, but the West Village has a ton! Most of these places are also great for getting drinks only. Almost every trip I go back to Joesph Leonard and The Waverly Inn – they are just staples that make me happy. The drinks, the food, the atmosphere 10/10 cozy, especially in October!

Joesph Leonard

Waverly Inn

Fairfax

Cafe Cluny (great for breakfast)

Boucherie

Petite Boucherie (Christopher Street)

OLIO E PIÙ

Via Carota

Little Owl

Jack’s Wife Freda (West Village & Soho)

Il Buco

The Commerce Inn

Bar Pitti

Tartine

Minetta Tavern

Carbone

La Mercerie (Roman & Williams restaurant – stunning interior & partial home store)

Llama San

The Odeon

Laconda Verde

Tribeca Tavern

La Contenta

Friend Of A Farmer

Eataly

Rubirosa

The Polo Bar

Monkey Bar

Uva

Lilia (Brooklyn)

DeKalb Market Hall (Brooklyn, cool place for lunch)

Day or night Joseph Leonard never disappoints

Drink

Central Park Boathouse

Weather Up (Tribeca)

Titsou Bar (inside Hotel Barrière Fouquet)

Laconda Verde

Smith and Mills

Tiny’s

Little Branch

Dante Aperitivo Bar

Dante

White Horse Tavern

The Golden Swan

One If By Land Two If By Sea (also a restaurant – has a fireplace, so extra cozy in Fall/Winter)

Marie’s Crisis (only if you love show tunes and are prepared to sing them loudly)

Bar Pisellino

Bandits

The Bowery Hotel

McSorley’s

Melody’s Piano Bar

Bemelmans

The Champagne Bar (at The Plaza)

Please Don’t Tell

Grand Banks

Harriet’s Rooftop (Brooklyn)

Shop

This might be surprising, but I really don’t shop much when in New York. There are a few stores I can’t miss, but we have a lot of the same brand options in the Bay Area. Of course I would love to do more antique shopping and exploring (especially in Brooklyn), but since we only go for less than a week at a time I always feel like I would rather be enjoying the city itself. However John Derian is a can’t miss – sadly the Christopher St location closed, but the bigger location in the East Village is great and Il Buco Vita is right next door!

Il Buco Vita

John Derain

Nickey Kehoe

Fishs Eddy

Ralph Lauren Flagship

KRB

La Mercerie

Bleecker Street

Shop Quarters

Porta (Brooklyn)

The Six Bells (Brooklyn)

The top floor of the Ralph Lauren Flagship in Madison Ave is my absolute favorite for inspiration.

Il Buco Vita has the best selection of kitchen ceramics. If you are not going to New York anytime soon you can order all of these pieces online.

Nickey Kehoe is so incredibly stunning! Such a great chance to see their beautiful textiles in person. Also the Plain English showroom is next door. Also great for inspiration!

The lobby at The Marlton is always packed and so incredibly cozy

Stay

The Marlton Hotel (photos above, where we stayed on this past trip. The best location – highly recommend!)

The Frederick Hotel (great affordable hotel in Tribeca. It is nothing special, very tiny rooms, but clean, wonderful location if you like Tribeca and right next to the subway. Also has a cute bar)

The Greenwich Hotel

Walker Hotel Greenwich Village

Soho Grand

The Bowery Hotel

The Ludlow Hotel

1 Hotel (in Manhattan or Brooklyn)

The Carlyle

WHAT I PACKED