Downtown NYC: Where to Eat, Drink, Shop and Stay

Senti Senti

Sunscreens and serums and sheet masks, oh my! The sublimely curated shelves at this cosmetics boutique (f.k.a. oo35mm) in Chinatown are packed with reasonably priced skincare goodies from K-Beauty and J-Beauty brands including Hado Labo, Beauty of Joseon and COSRX.

Shapes New York

Shapes New York (est. 2020) is a sun-filled private hair salon tucked away on a residential block in Chinatown. Owner MJ Kim and his superstar crew of stylists turn out crazy, sexy, cool cuts in addition to color and treatments. Trust the glowing Google reviews, book an appointment and feel free to thank me later.

Eckhaus Latta

Where have all the cool downtown kids gone? They’re still shopping for head-turning looks at Eckhaus Latta on East Broadway. Don’t be alarmed if you experience slight rumbling while getting your shopping on — the edgy store is tucked right under the Manhattan Bridge.

Tokio 7

Comme des Garçons, Balenciaga and Rick Owens are just some of the big-name labels you’ll find on the racks at this high-end East Village consignment store.

Angelika Film Center

Since 1989, this classic downtown theater has screened arthouse, indie and foreign films. Post-film, grab a drink/bite and enjoy some people-watching in their popular cafe.

Beverly’s

Find impeccably curated and beautifully crafted home and lifestyle goods at this new-ish stylish homewares store on the Lower East Side.

AIRE Ancient Baths New York

Pamper yourself at this glorious TriBeCa hidden gem. Modeled after ancient Greek and Roman bathhouses, the cavernous, candle-lit underground oasis features thermal baths, steam rooms and saunas.

Niconeco Zakkaya

This tiny Japanese stationary store in the East Village sells a thoughtfully curated collection of handcrafted in Japan items, like notebooks, stamps, washi tape and more.

Enchantments

This fun and, yes, enchanting East Village occult shop offers books on witchcraft and astrology as well as tarot cards, incense, candles, bath salts, essential oils, herbs and more.

Strand Bookstore

This iconic, sprawling bookstore in the East Village has welcomed bookworms since opening its doors in 1927.

Tokuyamatcha & Onigirazu Bar

This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hole-in-the wall is known for serving a variety of onigirazu (nori-wrapped rice ball sandwiches), which you’ve probably seen all over TikTok. Their matcha drinks are also excellent. These days, it’s always packed, so bring your order to Tompkins Square Park a couple of blocks away.

Bisou Wine Bar

This new, cozy Parisian wine bar is perfect for date nights in SoHo. Be sure to pair your wine with tasty shareable plates like a killer charcuterie board and macarons.

Raoul’s

Open since 1975, this legendary French American bistro in SoHo overflows with Old World glamor vibes. Framed vintage posters line the walls, guests nibble upon seared foie gras and sip martinis in crimson booths, and a decadent spiral staircase leads to a tarot card reader.

Balthazar

There’s no place like Balthazar, Keith McNally’s perpetually buzzy and celebrity-frequented brassiere located in the heart of SoHo. Popular dishes include steak frites, salade niçoise and a three-tiered seafood platter.

Supper

Craving a great bowl of pasta? Head to Supper (est. 2002), a cozy trattoria in the East Village. The mouthwatering-inducing must-order is the Spaghetti al Limone, although all of the Northern Italian dishes are excellent.

Madeline’s Martini

This glamorous and dimly lit East Village speakeasy is a magnet for designer-clad New Yorkers and martini fans. Inside, you’ll spot peacock paintings and a vintage cigarette machine. Be sure to pair your extra dirty martini with a black caviar and horseradish sandwich.

Jac’s on Bond

Located on Bond Street in NoHo and housed in a historic townhouse, this swanky drinking den comes from the team behind the celebrity-frequented Pebble Bar and Ray’s. Their menu features a variety of craft cocktails, like their famed "Jac’s Caprese Martini," and snacks, like a delectable slice of creamsicle pie.

Scarr’s Pizza

Everyone's obsessed with this perma-packed spot down on Orchard Street, where the slice variations (original, white, pepperoni and Sicilian) are made using locally sourced tomatoes and 100% stone-milled flour, and where the toppings are complimentary.

Hi-Lot

Buzz the doorbell to gain entry to this zany, highly Instagrammable, 70s-themed hotspot, whose drinks have fun names, like "Only Fans (Link in Bio)", and whose bathroom features a clawfoot bathtub.

Abraço

There’s a sea of amazing downtown coffee shops, but not many can compete with Abraço in the East Village. This locals’ favorite, cash-only espresso bar’s beans are roasted in-house. Also on the menu are juices, wines, cocktails and organic house-made pastries like cured olive cookies and their signature olive oil cake.

Outer Heaven

If you like good music but you’re not into big, cheesy clubs, this little Lower East Side "micro club" is the spot for you. It’s divided into two rooms: a cocktail lounge and listening bar with a turntable and mixer, and a laser-lit dance floor where DJs blast disco, techno and underground dance music.