a worth mentioning guide to
NEW YORK CITY
This is not a guide full of Big Apple cliches or trending TikTok spots. It’s a curated list of 70+ local recommendations and hidden gems, designed for you to experience. Everything has been vetted by me - a Creative Strategist and studio founder, who’s been lucky enough to call NYC home for the last two years.
From bars to burgers, thrifting and gallery hopping, keep scrolling for our worth mentioning™ guide to this one-of-a-kind city.
New York, a city of neighbourhoods.
With over 339 neighbourhoods in NYC, it's impossible to cover them all in one guide. Instead, we’ve focussed on a few of our favourite areas, each with its own unique vibe.
east VILLAGE
East Village is a vibrant, young and eclectic neighbourhood, with a mix of amazing restaurants, niche stores, community gardens and funky bars.
Lower East Side
There’s always something happening in LES. Located below East Village, it’s a little on the grungy side and where you go for a good night out and great food.
west VILLAGE
Here is where you’ll feel like you’re in a Manhattan movie. Tree-lined streets, brownstones and the cutest corner stores await.
soho / noho
Short for South of Houston and North of Houston (very handy for when trying to navigate downtown). You’ll find lots of shops and eateries in this central spot.
Williamsburg
Located just across the bridge in Brooklyn, Williamsburg has everything you could want, but at a slightly slower pace and with marginally more hipster vibes.
chelsea
North of West Village, along the Hudson River, Chelsea is home to the famous and fabulous High Line walk, and of course Chelsea Market.
Financial district
You’ll find more than just Wall Street here. Despite being known for its high rises, FiDi (as locals call it) has old charm in cobble stone streets and historic buildings.
Flat iron
Just below Midtown, this central area is full of tall buildings and busy streets. It’s always bustling and is home to an array of New York institutions.
Upper East Side
As far north as this NYC Guide goes, but we couldn’t leave out this iconic hood on the edge of Central Park. It’s not just museums and meadows on offer here.
La Cabra east VILLAGE
These guys are serious about their coffee and their pastries. Plus they know how to create the perfect coffee shop ambience.
Devocion Williamsburg
Unassuming from the outside, coffee haven on the inside. The space itself is awesome, and the coffee is even better.
Sey Coffee east williamsburg
Nestled between Williamsburg and Bushwick is a slightly grungy industrial area. But where there are warehouses, there is also Sey Coffee, a coffee oasis.
Irving Farm multiple locations
For when you’re on the go. Get them to add a ‘bit of Maple’ to your latte and thank me later.
Poetica east VILLAGE
A charming corner spot with really friendly service. Great wifi too.
St George Coffee west VILLAGE
Sip your coffee while basking in the sun of this light-filled cafe. Their sandos are delish too.
Cafe Lyria soho / noho
A creative and vibey hangout with an artsy aesthetic in the heart of NoHo. Note: has recently become a bit of an influencer spot.
Coffee
Sey Coffee in East Williamsburg
Prefer a Google Maps version? Get access here.
Smor Bakery east VILLAGE
A cute Scandi-inspired cafe and bakery. Great for brunch and coffee, or try their sister spot for a sit-down meal a couple of doors down.
smorbakerynyc.com @smorbakery.nyc
Ruby’s multiple locations
An Aussie-inspired menu makes Ruby’s a go to for good food and chill vibes. The bondi burger is a winner. Although I've filed this under breaky/lunch, it’s also a great shout for dinner.
Russ & Daughters Cafe Lower East Side
Known for their smoked fish, this is the place for the flavours of classic Jewish delicacies in an old-school cafe setting. They also have a deli around the corner where you can pick up a bagel to go.
Baby Blues Luncheonette east williamsburg
This Brooklyn backstreet diner serves up the best breakfasts. Go early to avoid a long wait.
S&P Lunch Flat iron
A quintessential diner experience with some of the best sandwiches in the city. You have to try the tuna melt.
Brunch
Smor Bakery in East Village
Baby Blues Luncheonette in East Williamsburg
Apollo Bagels east VILLAGE
My go-to bagel place. They’re open-faced style which I love. Go early, as the line can get long.
Leon’s Bagels Williamsburg west VILLAGE
There are so many good bagel spots in New York (obviously). But this one is also up the top.
7th St Burger multiple locations
Prepare yourself for possibly the best smash burger you’ll ever eat. Thank me later.
Los Tacos No 1 multiple locations
Hands down the best tacos in the city. Once you've tried the OG, you might want to head to their sister seafood outpost, Los Mariscos.
C&B east VILLAGE
Grab a breakfast roll and a coffee and take them across the street to Tompkins Square Park and enjoy some people watching.
Bobwhite Counter multiple locations
Finger-lickingly good fried chicken. Highly recommend the buffalo tenders box.
Sunny & Annie’s Deli east VILLAGE
No trip to New York is complete without a no-frills bodega sandwich and this one’s it.
Artichokes Pizza multiple locations
For a piece of pizza a little different to the standard cheese or pepperoni, order a slice of the artichoke. You won’t regret it. They’re sizable, so I recommend sharing one slice between two.
Shake Shack (the original) Flat iron
What started out as a hotdog stand in Madison Square Park is now the flagship location of this burger and shake chain. Grab your feed and find a table open-air, under string lights and surrounded by the trees.
Quick Bites
Leon’s Bagels
Los Tacos No 1 in Noho
Levain Cookies multiple locations
These cookies are hard to beat - the caramel coconut choc chip is my fave. Grab a couple of favours and stroll to Washington Square Park.
From Lucie east VILLAGE
A quaint french-inspired neighbourhood shop serving delicious baked goods and flowers.
Bananas Lower East Side
The perfect treat on a warm day, dairy free soft serve. The original banana vanilla flavour is the bomb.
Magnolia Bakery west VILLAGE
Speaking of bananas, the Banana Pudding from Magnolias is a must. Not to mention their store in West Village is the sweetest.
L.A. Burdick soho / noho
Chocolate lovers, this ones for you. Get a takeaway hot chocolate and stroll the surrounding streets.
Sweet Stuff
Bananas in Noho
From Lucie in East Village
Dinner
Cervos Lower East Side
A vibey Lower East favourite with an ever-evolving coastal -inspired menu.
Fiaschetteria east VILLAGE west VILLAGE
Traditional Italian in a rustic setting with a simple but delicious menu and ‘wine list’.
Claud east VILLAGE
A sophisticated spot with a minimalist aesthetic and amazing food. It's the place to go where you’re after something a little more fancy.
Wildair Lower East Side
Small plates with a modern twist on American classics. It’s a small but lively restaurant and has a great wine selection.
Casino Lower East Side
For a delicious Italian in a chic setting. Be sure to book in advance.
Thursday Kitchen east VILLAGE
Korean meets Spanish tapas. Sounds interesting, but the food here is insanely good. Try the edamame dumplings - chef’s kiss. Oh and if you can’t get in here, head around the corner to their sister restaurant, Mokyo
Momofuku east VILLAGE
For some of the best ramen in town. It’s a super simple menu set in a slick, modern interior.
Cafe Mogador east VILLAGE Williamsburg
A casual Middle Eastern eatery with an eclectic aesthetic. It’s a bit of a New York institution. The food is authentic and delish.
Rubirosa soho / noho
Fun but loud spot for an Italian feed. Put your name down early then grab a drink at one of the many surrounding bars while you wait.
Yellow Rose east VILLAGE
A laid-back and fun Tex Mex spot, where the margs are strong and the food hits the spot. Definitely order the queso dip.
Kiki’s Lower East Side
Delicious, no-frills Greek food served in a New York style ‘tavern’, which is actually an old print shop. There’s no bookings, so go early. And get the Saganaki, obvs.
Four Horsemen Williamsburg
An exceptional wine bar come elite eatery, by James Murphey of LCD Sound System. Everything about this place is 10/10.
Cervo’s in LES
Casino in LES
Four Horsemen in Williamsburg
Bars
Sauced Williamsburg
The perfect late-afternoon spot. You’ll feel like a local while you sip a natty wine and pick at a cheese board under the tree in their ‘backyard’. They also just opened a LES location.
Nat’s on Bank west VILLAGE
The perfect West Village people-watching spot. Sip a midday spritz or a pre-dinner martini.
Le Dive Lower East Side
The place to be on a warm night or sunny afternoon. Sit and sip alfresco while immersed in the energy of the Lower East Side.
WXOU west VILLAGE
A classic New York dive bar with a jukebox and guaranteed good vibes. Bring cash.
Bandits west VILLAGE
Step back to the 70’s in this funky spot with great tunes. The perfect spot for an after dinner boogie.
Book Club Bar east VILLAGE
An all-day spot that transforms from cafe to bar by night. As the name suggests, it's a book shop with a bar. The perfect place for a solo date with a vino and a good book.
Hotel Delmano Williamsburg
A cosy corner bar with old-world charm. Great food too.
Little Branch west VILLAGE
A moody underground spot. Perfect for a pre or post dinner cocktail.
Please Don’t Tell east VILLAGE
You’ll have to dial 1 to access this speakeasy. Located within Crif Dogs hotdog shop, this bar has a quintessential New York vibe.
Hard to Explain east VILLAGE
A tiny East Village bar spinning vinyls and serving up delicious cocktails in fancy vintage glassware. Due to their small capacity it's best to go solo or in a pair.
Joyface east VILLAGE
Best place for a weekend boogie. Go early-ish to avoid a long line.
Bar Jamon Flat iron
A charming Spanish wine bar with small plates. And if you feel like something more substantial, put your name down next door at Casa Mono for dinner.
Sauced shot in Williamsburg
Hard to Explain in East Village
Shops
Big Night Shop west VILLAGE
For those big on cooking or hosting, this store is for you.
Beacon’s Closet Williamsburg
A huge vintage store with men’s and women’s fashion. I doubt you’ll leave empty handed.
D.S & Durga Williamsburg
Born in Brooklyn, this perfume brand is a must visit. Their scents are so immersive and unique. For $40 you can choose 4 x samples.
Fishs Eddy Flat iron
A store full of new and vintage plates and dishes, sourced from old hotels and restaurants. Their in-store signage is the best.
Elizabeth St soho / noho
Not actually a store, but one of my favourite little streets for shopping. You’ll find American Vintage, Sezane, Le Labo, Still Here, Abbode and Clare V to name a few.
Mr. Throwback east VILLAGE
Great place for vintage starter jackets and other sports gear.
Big Night | West Village
Things to do
Washington Square Park soho / noho
THIS is the place for people watching. You’ll probably recognise the iconic arch from many movies and shows. This park is never empty and there always seems to be some sort of event or activation happening. In summer they even host salsa classes and movie nights.
Bathhouse Williamsburg
For a spot of relaxation secure yourself a day pass at one of the two Bathhouse locations. You can hop from pool to sauna to your heart's content. An awesome winters day activity.
Walk the High Line chelsea
An iconic New York activity, this elevated park walk follows an old railway line that runs from Hudson Yards to the top of the West Village. It gets busy so aim to go before midday, and ideally on a week day.
Bike Williamsburg Bridge Williamsburg
No shame to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, but I recommend riding a Citibike over the Williamsburg Bridge. It’s less crowded, has a dedicated bike path and takes you from the Lower East Side to Williamsburg, or vice versa.
Oysters and paper cup prosecco at Chelsea Market chelsea
Another spot to hit up on week day to avoid the crowds, Chelsea Market. A favourite activity is taking a seat at the Lobster Place Oyster Bar, where you can select oysters by their taste as depicted on a big sign. Plus drink bubbles out of paper cups. Fancy.
Sleep No More chelsea
It's not cheap, but it's an immersive experience you’ll be talking about for years to come. The less you know before you go the better.
Take an art class at Happy Medium Lower East Side
The coolest concept - an art cafe. You can either drop in and choose an activity off the menu or book a class in advance.
Read a book in Elizabeth St Garden Lower East Side
This small-ish garden is well loved by the community. It’s a lovely spot to sit and read a book or enjoy your coffee.
Catch a show at the Comedy Cellar west VILLAGE
You’ll want to book this in advance, but it's a New York bucket list experience.
An evening at The Met Upper East Side
No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the Met Museum, but if you happen to be travelling between March and October you can also take advantage of ‘Met Date Nights’. It’s where they open the rooftop overlooking Central Park, with live music and a bar.
9/11 Memorial & Museum Financial district
It’s a sombre experience, but the 9/11 event shaped this city. The public memorial is very moving, but if you have time the museum is well worth a visit.
The Tin Shed at Seaport Financial district
The Financial District has many hidden gems. One of them being the newly restored Tin Shed, now home to a multi-level fancy grocer, mini restaurants and a speakeasy.
Eataly Flat iron
Not too dissimilar to the Tin Shed, this huge food hall features pasta bars, cheese counters, a rooftop restaurant, pizza and all the Italian groceries you could ever wish for.They sometimes have live jazz too.
The Metropolitan Museum
Lobster Place at Chelsea Market
About Claire, founder of Worth Mentioning.
This NYC guide is an ode to my chapter of living in this magical place. As a Creative Strategist, I find so much inspiration from the streets to the stores. All the places mentioned in this guide are host to many memories, unexpected discoveries and special moments while living in New York.
Worth Mentioning is a brand studio and community platform, growing and spotlighting small businesses.
Get in touch, if you’d like to connect.
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