NEW YORKER ON THE GO
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SOHO

+ SOHO +

SoHo, standing for South of Houston, is right in the middle of quintessential downtown, but it has had an interesting past. There’s so much history that has passed through Soho throughout the years. It has the largest concentration of cast iron architecture in the world and is home to several beautiful lofts. At one point in the mid 19th century, it was filled with luxury and theaters, and plenty of brothels on the side streets. Once these establishments started moving uptown, factories began moving in. However, the manufacturers eventually left as well. By the 1950s, Soho was desolate, often being referred to as “Hell’s Hundred Acres.” Artists saw the neighborhood as an opportunity and began to move in in the 1960s, giving Soho life again. From there, everyone followed. Today, the neighborhood is vibrant and still one of my favorite areas in the city. It is the epitome of downtown cool, encompassing restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and history. These streets are usually packed, the energy there is contagious, and it’s not only a destination for New Yorkers, but tourists alike.

SHOPPING

  • ROMAN AND WILLIAMS GUILD - 53 Howard: High end home decor store

  • BLOOMINGDALE'S - 504 Broadway: Higher end department store that throws occasional in-store events

  • WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND - 351 West Broadway: High end vintage shop

 

LANDMARKS

  • THE E. V. HAUGHWOUT BUILDING - 488 Broadway: Mary Todd Lincoln bought fine china from the store that was previously here; first building with Otis passenger elevator

  • THE LOST ST. NICHOLAS HOTEL - Broadway btwn Spring & Broome: Luxury hotel that opened in 1853

  • CAST IRON DISTRICT: Largest concentration of cast iron architecture in the world

  • THE “KING” OF GREENE ST - 72 Greene St: Cast iron facade building designed by well known architect, Isaac Duckworth

  • THE “QUEEN” OF GREENE ST - 28 Greene St: Designed by Isaac Duckworth

  • THE LITTLE SINGER BUILDING - 561 Broadway: Unique L shaped building, designed by Ernest Flagg, that ends on 88 Prince St

  • FLOATING SUBWAY MAP - Greene St btwn Prince & Spring: Artistic subway map on the sidewalk in front of 110 Greene St

 

NIGHTLIFE

  • PAUL’S CASABLANCA - 305 Spring St: Busy lounge with good music and dancing

  • A60 @ THE SIXTY SOHO HOTEL - 60 Thompson St: Cozy rooftop bar with 360 degree views

  • GOSPEL - 281 Lafayette St: Exclusive, nightlife venue with a good looking crowd

  • KENN'S BROOME BAR - 363 West Broadway: Basic bar with a surprisingly good food menu

  • GILLIGAN'S @ THE SOHO GRAND HOTEL - 310 West Broadway: Seasonal outdoor bar that is open in warmer weather

  • JIMMY @ THE JAMES HOTEL - 15 Thompson St: Rooftop hotel bar that has a small, seasonal pool

  • FANELLI'S - 94 Prince St: Historical Soho pub that has been operating since 1922

  • THE EAR INN - 326 Spring St: Unpretentious bar and restaurant housed in a historic, landmarked building, which is sometimes referred to as the James Brown House

  • TOAD HALL - 57 Grand St: Chill neighborhood bar with no frills and a pool table

CULINARY

  • LA MERCERIE - 53 Howard St: Adorable French eatery with a small menu

  • BLUE RIBBON - 97 Sullivan: Fine dining open late

  • RAOUL'S - 180 Prince St: Classic French restaurant in Soho with a lively atmosphere

  • BALTHAZAR - 80 Spring St: Classic Soho bistro open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • PICCOLA CUCINA - 184 Prince St: Delicious Italian restaurant with three locations

  • CIPRIANI - 376 West Broadway: Euro style restaurant with an upscale crowd and several locations

  • LADUREE - 398 West Broadway: French bakery with an interior that transports you to an Alice in Wonderland scene

  • LA ESQUINA - 114 Kenmare: Cool corner restaurant with a lounge downstairs

  • FELIX - 340 West Broadway: Hip spot for brunch

  • LOVELY DAY - 196 Elizabeth St: Trendy Thai restaurant that seems to draw a fashionable crowd

  • UNCLE BOON'S - 7 Spring St: Thai restaurant with a unique menu

  • CAFE SELECT - 212 Lafayette: Cafe with a cool vibe and a back room that opens in the evenings

EVENTS

  • SOB'S - 204 Varick St: Live music venue, also known as Sounds of Brazil, that has special events and performances

ENTERTAINMENT

  • THE DRAWING CENTER - 35 Wooster St: Museum, and non profit exhibition space, that explores the medium of drawing

  • ELIZABETH STREET GARDEN - Elizabeth St btwn Prince & Spring: Sculpture garden that will most likely be demolished for affordable senior housing

  • THE LESLIE-LOHMAN MUSEUM OF GAY AND LESBIAN ART - 26 Wooster St: Exhibitions that highlight the LGBTQ experience

  • NEW YORK CITY FIRE MUSEUM - 278 Spring St: Museum dedicated to the history and techniques of firefighting

  • CANAL ST MARKET - 265 Canal St: Market with various vendors