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It was with great joy that my husband and I stumbled on Red Horse Cafe. The decorations are chill and modern without being chilly or unwelcoming; seating options include armchairs, couches, window-mounted bars with stools, and traditional cafe tables. The baristas play music at just the right volume that is cool without being obnoxious. There's free wireless, and you can sit there for hours without anyone bothering you or without feeling like you're hogging the space. The coffee, of course, is superb, with every traditional espresso option as well as a myriad of teas, juices, and even wine and beer. There's also an assortment of tasty pastries and other edibles. Budget conscious? On weekend nights from 7-10pm, selected beers and wines are two-for-one. And their hours are extensive enough to satisfy anyone's coffee consumption schedule. It's the kind of neighborhood cafe you've only dreamed about - until now. Red Horse Cafe Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 10:00pm Red Horse Cafe, Park Slope written by Alissa Wilkinson on September 7, 2007
Stain is the place you've been looking for. It's conveniently situated in Williamsburg, but just enough off the beaten path to have avoided the Williamsburg cliches. The owner, Krista, painstakingly renovated the space to be eclectic and homey without being fussy or awkward. There's free wireless internet, a back garden, and goodies like really great pretzels and mulled wine. And Stain is devoted to all things local; their drink list only contains beers and wines from New York State, and their performers and artists are all local and unsigned. They host craft nights, open mic nights, art openings, costume theme parties, and too many other cool events to name. There's a giant nickel made of car parts on the wall. And did I mention the mulled wine? It's really good. Stain Bar Stain Bar, Williamsburg written by Alissa Wilkinson on August 21, 2007
Grey Dog's sandwiches are legendary, and rightly so, with dozens of mouthwatering options for everyone, no matter your diet restrictions. They've brought in all the best ingredients and put them together in yummy, why-didn't-I-think-of-that ways; one of my favorites is the apple bacon pressed sandwich with smoked cheese. The coffee is strong and plentiful, the kind that really fuels a much-needed break with a friend or inspires for the next chapter in your novel. Or, on a cold winter's afternoon, try out some of their spicy mulled wine. Smoothies, tea, and beer round out the drink selection. There's a lot of tables at Grey Dog, but if you stop by at a busy time you may have to wait around. Once you're there, you can stay for hours. And they're open late. Grey Dog delivers, as well, for when you need a taste of home, at home. Update: In July 2007, Grey Dog opened a new location in the East Village! Check it out on University Place at 12th Street. Grey Dog Cafe 90 University Place (at 12th Street) Monday-Thursday 6:30 am-11:30 pm Grey Dog Cafe, Greenwich Village written by Alissa Wilkinson on August 11, 2007
Admit it, girl - sometimes, you get a teensy bit tired of the ubiquitous "mixed greens" for lunch. Don't you secretly just crave . . . a burger? Well, when you're ready to admit it, head down to Paul's in the East Village for a no-frills, affordable burger with all the traditional trimmings. Paul's is the kind of place you remember from back home - a bit like a roadside diner, filled with Americana, and serving up burgers, cheesesteak, fries, beer, and milkshakes for a great price (the burgers start at $4.20). Feeling guilty about your diet? You can order a small burger. Out with your guy? There's a deluxe for him. And while you're there, enjoy it. There will always be more salads. Paul's Paul's - East Village written by Alissa Wilkinson on August 9, 2007
I had a hard time locating a good haircut I could afford when I moved to New York; everyone was either off-the-charts expensive, or wouldn't let me choose exactly what haircut I wanted, or just plain scared me. Like you, I'm pretty picky about who cuts my hair and how they cut it. I want it done right. And I don't want to have to forfeit two weeks' worth of groceries for it. Enter the Aveda Institute. The Institute trains hairdresser, colorists, and aestheticians, and to help them learn, they provide low-cost haircuts, facials, and other spa treatments to clients under the watchful eye of an instructor. Unlike some training programs for hairdressers, Aveda allow clients to choose exactly what haircut they'd like. I brought pictures and was thoroughly pleased with the results. And best of all, treatments use Aveda products, which are manufactured using natural ingredients from sustainable and organic sources and "green" power (100% wind power). So you can look pretty and feel good about what you're contributing to society and the environment. Expect the haircuts and treatments to take longer than most - one to two hours for a haircut - and book the appointment weeks in advance. Aveda Institute New York Aveda Institute, Soho written by Alissa Wilkinson on June 11, 2007
With inside and outside seating, including a huge window nook, Philip Marie provides a view of Hudson Street and some excellent cuisine in the "innovative American" genre, guaranteeing both your vegetarian best friend and your meat-and-potatoes brother can happily sup together. They even serve gluten-free options for celiacs. Their brunch (accompanied by live jazz music) focuses equally on breakfast and lunch - so if you got up early and your girlfriend slept in, you can both be happy. The variety spans from salads and omelets to chicken and lobster ravioli to my favorite, a white chocolate French toast. Philip Marie has two private rooms downstairs for more specialized events. The first is the Tasting Room, an 18th-century farmhouse kitchen that was built over and then unexpectedly unearthed a hundred years later. Up to 20 people can eat in the Tasting Room. And next door is the Wine Room, a two-person private dining room and wine cellar that started life as a door to the tunnels that led to a Speak-easy during the U.S. Prohibition in the 1920s. Be sure to ask your waiter for the full history of both rooms. Philip Marie accepts all major credit cards. Reservations are accepted, but with a small enough crowd you can usually be seated quickly without one. Philip Marie Philip Marie, West Village written by Alissa Wilkinson on June 4, 2007
Aroma is a branch of the popular Israeli coffee shop, filling the scarcity of good inexpensive places to grab a sandwich or cappuccino in upper Soho. It's just a short walk from the Angelika, making it a great place to meet with friends before your art-house fix. Aroma has some of the best espresso in town, as well as standard coffee and espresso drinks that look lovely and taste even better. And what girl wouldn't love a place that includes a piece of chocolate with every coffee drink? Also on the menu are sandwiches, in half- and full-size, with choices for everyone (vegan? celiac? love meat? they've got you covered) and reasonable prices. Aroma looks a lot like it's was outfitted by IKEA - sleek and sparse decorations keep the environment fuss-free. And free wi-fi, plenty of electric outlets, lots of seats, and 24-7 service round out the mix for an altogether satisfactory hangout. Aroma Espresso Bar Aroma Espresso Bar, SoHo written by Alissa Wilkinson on April 16, 2007
Eschewing the indistinguishable mordern aesthetics of a drugstore - including the word "drugstore" - Bigelow Chemists makes shopping for toothpaste or a hairbrush a complete joy, especially for the modern girl. It's a real live old-timey apothecary, carrying modern products in a vintage space. You'll feel you've stepped into a black-and-white 40's movie as the elegant woman with tortoiseshell hair combs. Indeed, Bigelow Chemists is the oldest drugstore in the United States, harkening all the way back to 1838. Bigelow carries their own brand of beauty items, including the ever-popular lip glosses, facial creams, masks, hair products, and hand and foot care. They peddle a host of other lovely toiletry lines, including Bumble & Bumble, Bliss, Frederic Fekkai, and many others. Try some new brand-name makeup at the stands around the counter. And they do sell those tortoiseshell hair combs, along with barrettes and other hair accessories, Mason Pearson hairbrushes, cosmetic boxes, toothbrushes, and umbrellas. You can find Diptyque candles, homeopathic remedies, and novelty scarves. And if it's something simple you're after, there are rows ands shelves of modern drugstore brands and over-the-counter medications. Bigelow also has a full-service pharmacy in the back. So go ahead. Pamper yourself a little. And enjoy the old-time New York feel. C.O. Bigelow Chemists C.O. Bigelow Chemists, West Village written by Alissa Wilkinson on March 19, 2007
The vibrant main dining room is cozy and warm with its red-checkered tablecloths, framed vintage French cinema posters, neighborly banquettes, charming French waitresses - and their signature onion soup, well, I've been to Paris and La Bonne Soupe does compare. For $15.95, dine all the pre-fix, which includes their dinner soup selection, a glass of house wine, a fresh baguette, salad (with a dressing you will want to rob right off the table) and ribbon-whipped chocolate mousse. From the Croque Monsieur with its rich béchamel, to the buttery Filet Au Poivre simmering in a fragrant cognac sauce to the Fondue au Fromage which might very well inspire ecstasy cries, or pleas for seconds - you simply won't be disappointed. With prompt, friendly service, downtown prices in a theater location and tender chicken sautéed in a light white wine and butter sauce (did I mention the mousse?), La Bonne Soupe offers a little bit of Paris in the heart of New York City. La Bonne Soupe La Bonne Soupe, Midtown East written by Felicia Sullivan on March 8, 2007
From the owners: "Bar Veloce opened its doors in March, 2000 in Manhattan's East Village. Fusing an Italian-style paninoteca (panini bar) with a modern wine bar, its goal was to deliver exciting, reasonably priced Italian wine and food to discerning New Yorkers." Since the March opening, the owners have branched out to key downtown neighborhoods. Combining a sleek modern interiors (Dutch chairs) and soft track lighting with smooth sounds and the buzz of the after-work crowd, this Chelsea gem is not only stylish, but affordable. The wine list is selected with great care (I found the rich, cherry & bark Nebbiolo superior) and the bartender is an expert at fine pairings. Flavorful bruscetta (the olive tapenade and parmesan cheese topped with a slice of red vine tomato is divine!), light, savory panini and a selection of rich desserts (the nutella panini will make you howl with pleasure) make Bar Veloce a haven for sampling great fare, sipping wine and enjoying conversation with your best friend or after-work mates. Bar Veloce Bar Veloce, Chelsea written by Felicia Sullivan on February 18, 2007
Stand at the Lincoln Center fountain and look across the street. See the sign for Cafe Fiorello? Good, head there. Cafe Fiorello is a sophisticated Italian restaurant that glows with shiny dark wood paneling, lots of mirrors, and candlelight. The booths have small signs that say things like "Reserved for Renee Fleming" on the wall. The bread (divine) comes with olive oil for dipping, and if you order a Sprite, it comes in a glass carafe. The antipasto bar greets you at the door with a colorful riot of seafood and vegetables. Also on the menu is thin-crust pizza, salads, pastas, and other Italian specialties. The food here is amazingly good, and the service matches; you'll never go wanting, and they'll bring you more bread if you ask. Don't fill up too fast, because dessert is not to be missed. The menu includes such delights as oversized cannolis, amaretto cheesecake, and homemade sorbet. My personal favorite is the chocolate mousse with whipped cream, which the server brings to the table in two big buckets and ladles out till you say "stop". One bite and you're in heaven. During the afternoon you can generally walk in and get a table; however, if you plan to catch an evening performance at Lincoln Center and have dinner afterwards, you can make reservations via the phone or internet. It's well worth the effort. Cafe Fiorello 1900 Broadway between 63rd and 64th Street Cafe Fiorello, Upper West Side written by Alissa Wilkinson on February 2, 2007
Well-known to Brooklynites, Beacon's Closet has outposts in the two Brooklyn neighborhoods of Park Slope and Williamsburg. This isn't your grandmother's thrift store. Beacon's Closet caters to the hipster crowd, carrying only clothes that are vintage enough to be "cool" or are new enough to be in style. I have picked up shirts and dresses that I saw last season on the racks at Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters - for about fifteen dollars. And if you're interested in getting rid of old duds to make room for new ones, Beacon's Closet can help, too. Bring your old clothes, neatly folded and in bags or boxes, and leave them with the staff. They will sort through to see what they can use and buy it from you. You can receive a percentage of the selling price of the clothes, either in cash or store credit. But be forewarned - they're picky. Beacon's Closet carries both men's and women's clothes, accessories, shoes, outerwear, jewelry, and even some music. And they're a store with a conscience; they donate a portion of their profits to shelters and relief organizations, as well as giving old clothing to groups who distribute the garments to the needy. So, you can be stylish for less, and you can make a difference. Beacon's Closet 88 N. 11th Street, Williamsburg (between Berry & Wythe) 220 Fifth Ave, Park Slope (between President & Union) Beacon's Closet, Williamsburg and Park Slope written by Alissa Wilkinson on January 22, 2007
The owners of the Joschi Body Bodega, Joschi and Monika, put a lot of effort into creating a studio with a relaxed, inviting, family feel. There's no loud aerobics going on in the next room, and there's no set program. Instead, members can take a variety of classes with a variety of exertion levels, including vinyasa yoga, pilates, conditioning classes, and a series of signature classes. One of these signature classes, Energy Balancing, includes innovative wholistic techniques such as light therapy, aromatherapy, and music therapy into a yoga class, aiding in deep relaxation. The studio is rounded out with changing rooms, cubbies, fresh towels, a shower, yoga mats, and a private training room. Joschi hopes to expand into training other teachers and incorporating new and innovative techniques into the schedule. There are several levels of membership (unlimited, per class) and the personal attention ensures they'll work with you to help you design the program that fits your lifestyle. Joschi Body Bodega Joschi Body Bodega, Chelsea written by Alissa Wilkinson on November 29, 2006
Jonathan Rubinstein was working as a talent agent when he realized how difficult it is to find a coffeeshop that focuses on both their atmosphere and their coffee. He opened Joe the Art of Coffee in 2002, and four years later, he's providing coffee for David Letterman and pulling espresso shots at three successful locations in downtown Manhattan. There's no question that the focus is on the coffee here. The hazelnut lattes have rendered me (a confirmed coffee snob) speechless on many occasions. They are big and creamy, with just the right amount of foam, and the baristas are skilled in latte art. Joe also serves some of the best chai in town; my mother, who doesn't like to drink anything too sweet, will request a trip to get chai when she comes to visit. The atmosphere is quiet enough for writers and students, despite the steady stream of traffic. The music is always eclectic and at a pleasant background level, and there's usually a pile of recent issues of the Times and some postcards for indie films. Joe the Art of Coffee has acquired the undeniable "cool" stamp as well, and it's not just the Letterman connection. My husband and I have personally bumped into Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jake Gyllenhaal there. And Amy Sedaris bakes the cupcakes. One caveat: all the locations are relatively small, with about a dozen cafe tables apiece, so you may have to hover for a while to stake a claim on one. But once you're there, you can stay for hours. Joe the Art of Coffee 9 East 13th Street between Fifth Avenue & University Place 130 Greene Street between W. Houston Street and Prince Street Joe the Art of Coffee, Various Locations written by Alissa Wilkinson on October 26, 2006
I don't really know what makes a wine good or bad. I usually wander around the store, trying to look like I know what I'm doing, and once I'm confused enough, I pick the bottle with the prettiest label. Not the most sophisticated method, and never too successful. At Red, White, & Bubbly, however, I'm in good hands. Darrin Siegfried, the operating partner, selects the wines carefully and describes them in witty layman's terms on the tags. The staff is accommodating and refreshingly unpretentious; if you know what you want, they can help you find it, and if you don't know what you want, they can help you figure it out. And there's more to this store than wine - they have an excellent selection of liquors, champagnes, and all the accoutrements, all at affordable prices. For me, Red, White, & Bubbly's most exciting offering is Darrin's monthly "best buy 4 pack". Four wines (generally two red and two white) are selected and boxed and priced at 10% off, and each four-pack is about $32. The store also carries larger hand-selected sets of wines from around the world, and quantities are discounted 10-15%. In keeping with their "fine wines, great spirits, no attitude" motto, Red, White, & Bubbly holds wine tastings on Fridays and Saturdays, with good snacks and lots of great information. It's well worth the trip to Brooklyn. Red, White, & Bubbly Red, White, and Bubbly, Park Slope written by Alissa Wilkinson on October 12, 2006
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