For NYC newbies, NoHo stands for North of Houston Street and is generally used to describe the area directly above SoHo, east of the West Village, and south of Union Square. Once simply NYU’s stomping grounds, the neighborhood has transformed into a hotspot of its own in the past few decades. Keep reading to learn what restaurants, bars, and shops you need to check out the next time you set foot in the 10003.
Where to Eat
il Buco
47 Bond Street
Known for its top notch eats that fuse Italian and Spanish cuisine, il Buco has been a NoHo mainstay for over twenty years and shows no signs of slowing down. Expertly executed dishes such as the Garganelli (artisan pasta with pancetta, peppers, and tomatoes) and the house-made Tagliatelle with black truffles and butter are served in a decidedly fuss-free and inviting atmosphere.
Gato
324 Lafayette Street
Owned by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, Gato certainly lives up to the press surrounding it. The menu focuses on Mediterranean staples like tarragon chicken with crispy potatoes and goat cheese and halibut with olives, mint, anchovy-saffron broth and couscous. The NoHo restaurant is as vast as it is inviting, and it’s the perfect destination for group dinners and celebrations.
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Lafayette
380 Lafayette Street
Lafayette does French food right; croissants with ample butter embedded in the layers of pastry and a multitude of main courses that are satisfyingly rich without feeling heavy or overdone. With flowers and greenery adorning the entry way and ample dining space both indoors and outside, Lafayette is a solid option for dinner, brunch, or a mid-morning coffee.
Where to Drink
The Wren
344 Bowery
If you’re looking for an upscale take on a traditional pub, look no further. The Wren looks quaint and rustic but just wait until Friday night rolls around; the bar is perpetually packed with fresh-off-work locals and in-the-know out of towners. There are a variety of creative cocktail offerings including The Tempest (rum, cranberries, ginger beer, and lime) and The Woodsman (bourbon, allspice dram, peach bitters, scotch.)
310 Bowery
310 Bowery
Adorned in candles and bounded by walls of exposed brick, 310 Bowery can be a romantic NoHo date spot, if you come early enough to the beat the crowds. Weekends are more of a raucous affair fueled by a variety of cocktails, including the bar’s infamous Frosé, as well as updated takes on classics such as Moscow Mules and Mint Juleps.
Botanica Bar
47 East Houston Street
Looking for a no-fuss watering hole with just the right touch of grunge? Botanica bar serves up classic well drinks and beers at dirt cheap prices, a rare find in the NoHo neighborhood. There’s a DJ and plenty of space to dance, making the Botanica Bar the perfect late night destination.
What to Do
Sweat
NoHo is home to a variety of boutique fitness spots, including Rumble for boxing fans and Mile High Run Club for treadmill fanatics. There are also outposts of major chains including Barry’s Bootcamp, Flywheel, and Soul-Cycle.
Shop
If you’re a fashion fiend, NoHo is a great shopping spot for you. The neighborhood is home to a variety of high-end and up-and-coming clothing labels including Billy Reid, O.N.S Clothing, OAK NYC, and Joie.
Get Cultured
In the mood for poetry? Check out The Bowery Poetry Club, which hosts a variety of readings, open mic nights, poetry slams, and improv sessions. If fine art is more your scene, be sure to check out NoHo’s The Hole, which features a rotating roster of emerging artists working on multiple mediums.
The next time you’re considering taking a stroll downtown, be sure to hit up NoHo for its top notch bites, sips, and shops.
Featured Image Credit: Flickr