Greenwich Village: Where Bohemian Roots Meet Modern Chic

Once the beating heart of beatnik culture, Greenwich Village’s cobblestone streets and electrifying arts scene were so vibrant that they seemed to hum with creativity. This was where legends like Judy Collins and Jimi Hendrix made their mark and Bob Dylan launched his career— and where he and his girlfriend at the time, Suze Rotolo, were photographed for the cover of his 1963 album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. Fast forward to today, and the neighborhood has evolved into a posh enclave, featuring sought-after condos, high-end dining, and celebrity homes. The boundaries of this neighborhood are 14th Street to the North, Houston Street to the South, Broadway to the East, and the Hudson River to the West. As of 2022, Greenwich Village holds the distinction of having the second-highest median income among New York City’s 59 neighborhoods, according to the NYU Furman Center.

Despite this upscale shift, Greenwich Village retains its free-spirited vibe, now more bustling than quaint. Washington Square Park is less about serenity and more about constant action, largely due to the nearby NYU campus, whose students bring energy to the area day and night. Bleecker Street’s nightlife is legendary, with jazz clubs, comedy spots, and dive bars, each steeped in its own bit of history. The Gay Rights movement found its roots here at the Stonewall Inn, and every year the Pride Parade unapologetically takes over the neighborhood. The food scene is pure joy. In just a few blocks, you can find cuisine from all over the world.

The West Village: Greenwich Village’s Quieter, Stylish Cousin

Famously home to Monica and Rachel and the rest of the Friends gang, this cobblestone haven offers upscale condos, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants tucked into quiet corners. The West Village is also perfect for a romantic date night. Snag a table at Petit Boucherie and your date will surely be impressed. Shopping spree? Spend a day strolling the boutiques. Its streets are quintessentially New York, lined with historic brownstones and inviting storefronts. Locals love the West Village because there are so many options for dinner or cocktails and they don’t have to hop on the train or order an uber to get home.

The boundaries of the West Village are Hudson Street to the west, 14th Street to the North, Greenwich Avenue to the East and Clarkson Street to the South. There is always some debate to the “accepted” boundaries of the West Village because the West Village is “off the grid,” meaning that the streets were laid out at an angle to the other streets of Manhattan. The streets of the West Village were designed in the 18th Century long before the Commissioner’s Plan of 1811 laid out the main street grid plan for later parts of the city.

The West Village is a quieter, more residential haven that exudes a unique charm, with hidden gems and cozy restaurants tucked into residential corners. One of our favorite streets is Horatio Street - a charming area lined with beautiful townhouses. But be sure to see tree-lined Bank Street and picturesque Perry Street; each offers that iconic New York feel, with historic brownstones and boutique storefronts that beckon you to explore. Despite its high-end real estate, the neighborhood feels like an undiscovered enclave, with independent bookstores, unique boutiques, and a distinct lack of chain stores all of which add to its intimate allure.

The Gold Coast

This special neighborhood, stretching seven blocks along Fifth Avenue just North of Washington Square Park, is nestled along the North Eastern border of Greenwich Village. This sought after stretch of Fifth Avenue features historic prewar co-ops that rival some of the most coveted on the Upper East Side or any other historic district. Designed by the premier architects of 1920’s, these stately and timeless homes have held onto their-old world prestige. Living on the Gold Coast means one can live in turn-of the-century elegance while the the eclectic energy of the youth and the nearby universities are just blocks away.

A few of our restaurant highlights include:

GREENWICH VILLAGE

Blue Hill Restaurant - This farm to table trailblazer that opened up over 20 years ago still offers some of the most inventive, delicious meals. And that is why a reservation at Blue Hill remains hard to get. It is connected to Blue Hill at Stone Barns, in upstate Pocantico Hills, New York, which is dedicated to raising consciousness about where our food comes from.

Arturos - Some of the best classic pizza NYC has to offer and that’s saying a LOT! We have friends who don’t miss a chance to eat here on each NYC trip (it has simply the best pizza and Italian appetizers around!).

Joe’s Pub - The iconic restaurant, live-music, performance venue located on 425 Lafayette Street is a must-visit for anyone interested in taking in live performances, whether it’s a no singer-song writer or a dance ensemble, Joe’s Pub is part of the Public Theater and is a non-profit dedicated to supporting burgeoning artists in all fields.

WEST VILLAGE

One If By Land, Two If by Sea - This very special place has been cited as the most romantic restaurant in New York City! Given that its name is steeped in American lore — both by Paul Revere’s secret signal, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere — most Americans would not be surprised that the restaurant offers a mix of classic and modern American cuisine. One of the most popular entrees is the beef wellington, but save room for the chocolate soufflé!

Little Owl - Tucked away on a narrow street in the West Village is this is little gem with a neighborly, unassuming feel. Located at 90 Bedford Street, many Friends aficionados might recognize the top of this building since it was often featured as the exterior of Rachel, Monica, Chandler and Joey’s residence. So feel free to snap a photo of the building but do also enjoy the wonderful meals that are served at the Little Owl.

Numero 28 - The original Numero 28 in NYC can be found on Carmine Street. And if you are a little more adventurous with your pizza consumption , we recommend trying the capriciosa Pizza which is the perfect blend of tangy olives and artichokes with savory ham.

Tartine - On the corner of West 4th and West 11th, Tartine serves simple but perfectly-prepared French cuisine. Not so long ago, it was BYOB but now this West Village institution now offers wines, beer and hard cider.

The Waverly Inn - This off the beaten path restaurant feels like a cozy gastropub you might find in Chelsea or Notting Hill, London. Don’t miss the chicken pot pie.

Welcome to Greenwich Village and the West Village