Think of the West Village as the East Village’s older, classier cousin. With quieter streets, small boutique stores and historic buildings, this neighborhood is refined yet dynamic. Most parts of New York City that surround NYU’s campus are known for their boisterous nightlife and eclectic shops — but in the West Village, where cobblestone streets and picture-perfect brownstones live alongside classy Italian restaurants and bustling bars, comfort meets class. From iconic TV landmarks to an intimate bookstore, here are the Culture Desk’s suggestions for a full day in the West Village.
“Sex and the City” Apartment, “Friends” Apartment
66 Perry St., 90 Bedford St.
You may have binged “Friends” or “Sex and the City” at home, but in the West Village, you can swing by their iconic apartments in real life. The exterior of “Sex and the City” character Carrie Bradshaw’s home features classic brownstone architecture with a set of stairs leading up to a dark, wooden door. These steps are a recurring motif in the series, where Carrie is often found musing over the ever-enticing drama of finding love in New York City. If you’re a “Friends” fanatic, the base of Monica Geller’s apartment is the Little Owl, a quaint cafe where many fans stop to immerse themselves in the cozy neighborhood of where “Friends” takes place. These apartments are a starting point to explore the rest of the West Village and its many filming locations — including the original Magnolia Bakery, where Carrie and Miranda Hobbes famously indulge in cupcakes, a spot that draws visitors and locals for its legendary banana pudding.
— Daphne Zhu, Beauty & Style Editor
Daily Provisions | $$
29 Bedford St.
When you first walk past Daily Provisions, you’ll see a typical cafe scene — New Yorkers sipping on dark blue coffee cups, laptops up and headphones on. But look closely, and you’ll see customers with tuna melts, filets of seared salmon or even a roast chicken. Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., this bakery, restaurant and cafe from the Union Square Hospitality Group — think longtime favorites like Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe — is modern yet homey, with navy walls, dark wooden tables and trays of freshly-baked molasses cookies. If you’re still craving breakfast food, opt for one of Daily Provisions’ morning sandwiches — the Lovechild and Goldilox are served on housemade Everything Croissants, and the Lumberjack puts thick-cut bacon between two maple crullers. Quick and not too expensive, Daily Provisions is an extremely reliable lunch spot — and home to my favorite bacon, egg and cheese in the city.
— Lauren Ng, Culture Editor
Paquita, Three Lives & Company | $
242 W. 10 St., 154 W. 10th St.
To escape the freezing temperatures that have painfully marked the start of the semester, make Paquita your next stop in the West Village. With a classic wooden interior and shelves lined with an assortment of teas in bronze-colored canisters, this small corridor of a tea shop is a simple but cozy place to spend your afternoon. In addition to its standard selection of coffee and pastries, Paquita sells more than 100 varieties of loose-leaf teas, such as hibiscus berry and rose congou, that you can individually sample before having them served in a robust teapot with glass tea cups. Because of its small interior, Paquita can easily become busy, so make sure to snag a reservation beforehand if you want to sit inside. If you don’t mind waiting for a table — or would rather take your tea to go — take a five-minute walk to Three Lives & Company to pass the time. The bookshop, on the corner of Waverly Place and West 10th Street, has been a neighborhood staple since 1978, and its shelves are the perfect place to find a novel to enjoy with your tea.
— Julia Kim, Deputy Culture Editor
Bar Pitti | $$
268 Sixth Ave.
Known for its expansive outdoor patio and forest green awning, Bar Pitti is just as comforting in the winter as it is boisterous in the summer. While the patio is perfect for people watching, sitting shoulder to shoulder in the booths of the restaurant’s cavernous dining room is a great way to spend a chilly evening. Chalkboard menus and selective wine lists transport you into the home of an Italian grandmother cooking for her family. The Pappardelle alla Fiesolana is a must-try — originally from the town of Fiesole, Italy, this pasta has a creamy tomato sauce with smoked bacon and a mountain of Parmigiano-Reggiano. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so either eat on the earlier side or prepare to do some shopping in the West Village while you wait. Servers running rampant and the looming scent of garlic create the perfect backdrop for a casually intimate dinner with friends.
— Bella Simonte, Dining Editor
IFC Center
323 Sixth Ave.
If you’re looking for a cozy way to wind down the night, try a film at the IFC Center. Considered a cultural institution for independent film enthusiasts, this art house theater hosts a variety of new releases and old reruns. Some past showings include international art movies like “Fallen Angels” and American cult classics like “Jennifer’s Body”. If you plan far enough in advance, you can even snag tickets to a special showing and a director Q&A. When you first enter the building, stop by the concessions stand for movie theater classics like popcorn and soda as well as tote bags and T-shirts of famed directors like Jean-Luc Godard and David Lynch. The IFC Center is small and intimate, with vintage film posters lining the hallways. There are only five theaters, one of which seats only 35 people, making it the perfect spot to hide away from the cold and escape to cinematic universes both near and far.
— Grace Tan, Identity & Equity Editor
Contact the Culture Desk at [email protected].
