Inside New York City's West Village

The West Village runs below 14th Street. It is historically known as the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement.

The West Village runs below 14th Street. It is historically known as the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement.

The editors at Luxury Travel Advisor, like so many others, can’t get enough of New York City this time of year. For travelers visiting this season, we have some West Village insider tips.

Let’s start with our favorite part, the food. Dining in the West Village, found below 14th Street, is a worldly experience with cozy restaurants like the French bistro Buvette and the speakeasy-style Hudson Clearwater and Decoy. For dim sum, a neighborhood favorite, eat at RedFarm. Hint: We always see lines of people waiting to eat at Pearl Oyster Bar on Cornelia St. This place doesn’t accept reservations, but we imagine it is worth the wait in line. Also, don’t forget that some of the best pizza joints can be found around the corner, including Joe’s and John’s on Bleecker St. Note: You can only order full pies at John's. Looking for more artisan-style pizza? We suggest dining at Kesté Pizza & Vino (on the same block as Joe's and John's). 

Big Gay Ice Cream
nycgo.com/ChristopherPostlewaite

For dessert, nothing is better than Big Gay Ice Cream, located on the corner of Grove St. and Seventh Avenue South. Here, we suggest ordering the festive “Mermaid.” It’s a sweet delight with vanilla ice cream, key lime curd, crushed graham crackers and whipped cream.

Looking for just a relaxed drink? Head to Blind Tiger ale house at 281 Bleecker St. This place is a local favorite with a lively crowd. The menu is mostly beer and cider, but there are lots of food options (including cheese plates) to fit every palette. And in the winter they sometimes have the fireplace going. Tip: The bartenders actually offer good drink advice here, so don’t be shy. Blind Tiger does get crowded, especially on weekends, The Slaughtered Lamb Pub is a good alternative with a little more room to spread out and a pool table in the basement. 

st. Lukes
St. Luke in the Fields/nycgo.com/TaggerYanceyIV

For a fun-themed outing, check out the narrowest house in New York City at 751Z2 Bedford St., and the apartment building that inspired the popular show “Friends” on 90 Bedford St. (go ahead, take a photo). While in the area, we suggest grabbing a quick bite at Hudson Bagels on 502 Hudson St., try the everything bagel with cream cheese. And we almost hate to tell the world, but our favorite, secret hideaway in the area is the garden found at The Church of St. Luke in the Fields. Located on Hudson St., this beautiful hideaway has fabulous flowers and benches for relaxation. It is truly a quiet escape in the middle of the city and is worth a walk through in summer or winter.

Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park/nycgo.com/AlexLopez

Tip: Washington Square Park is another relaxing place in the area. During the warmer months, the park is filled with people on blankets in the lawn, musicians and locals and tourists alike. There is also a special section where kids can play. 

Visit nycgo.com for more about the West Village and New York City. Visit our Instagram @luxurytraveladvisor and stay tuned for more from New York City.