West Village Guide Pt 1: Eat your heart out

& yes, I am pushing turkey cranberry ice cream

The West Village is one of the best neighborhoods in NYC, and I’m not just saying that because I was conceived here (but it proves my point). Word on the street it’s being deemed the new Murray Hill…but this charming neighborhood is one of the things that makes New York… New York. If you don’t believe me, ask Sarah Jessica Parker.

In today’s letter, I’m sharing my favorite West Village restaurant recs. These are my tried and true and they all fuck, obviously. 

BREAKFAST/BRUNCH:

For a great bagel, I avoid the fancy choices (although Felix loves) and pick up a Bacon, Egg, & Cheese at Sofia’s. It’s a lesser known spot owned by a Latinx family whose daughter’s name is Sofia, and they are very friendly and fast.

If you are willing to wait, definitely go to PopUp Bagels. The bagels are my favorite. They come FRESH out of the oven, and are paired with a variety of delicious spreads. Another place to wait on an egregious line for a bagel is Apollo. Get the bagel with lox!

Walk to The Elk, this cutie coffee shop gets pretty crowded, so plan accordingly. Their grab-and-go selection is decent, but I suggest dropping by for their Maple Oat Latte, which used to be the Club Westside Highway Latte, coined by yours truly. 

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Speaking of Club West Side Highway… If you’re single in NYC, looking to meet people IRL, and not through a dating app: GO TO THE WSH! It’s the hottest club in NYC for one reason: The. Prospects. Are. Everywhere. I said it before and I’ll say it again, you don’t have to run to get your heart rate up there. I’ve never once run on WSH…just a strut like I’m on a catwalk and wear your hottest HGW fit.

Cafe Cluny is my favorite cozy French bistro and arguably has the best French Toast in Manhattan. Along the vein of Emily in Paris, go for brunch, and maybe you’ll find your own Alfie or Gabriel…or some guy named Chad.

merci beaucoup for the vibes Cafe Cluny

Merriweather: If Ryan Reynolds and EmRata are waiting in line here, then you know this Aussie cafe is the real deal. I’ve had some amazing croissants in my lifetime, but the almond croissant here? It's flaky, it’s buttery, it’s melt-you type of good. It’s giving pls never leave me loverboy. Breakfast/lunch/coffee run - you know where to go.

Café Kitsuné: This cafe makes you feel like you’re in a French art studio. Read a book outside, sip on a cappuccino, or order a glass of wine. And you want to feel extra elite, get the lavender matcha latte. Trés WOW. Snag a table earlier in the day for hot people watching. The perfect date-yourself spot.

If you’re craving something casual but delicious, queue up at La Bonbonniere (yes there is a line but it moves quickly). This is a no-frills, almost 100-year-old restaurant (it’s a literal shed on the sidewalk lmao) with classic diner food. But heads up: cash only!

Postcard: For all my food allergy friends, this one’s for you! Owned by the genius minds behind Nami Nori (also a great sushi spot for hand..rolls), this Japanese-style, gluten-free, nut-free bakery is insane. They’ve got the viral Egg Salad Sando, and it’s in-fucking-sane. I’m dying to go to Japan, and the Strawberry Sando is just a bomb–similar to a strawberry shortcake. Literally salivating + booking flight right now lol.