White Horse Tavern

The White Horse Tavern is a funky old tavern located on the corner of Hudson and West 11th street.  The bar opened in 1880 and has been a hit ever since.  In the 50s and 60s the White Horse Tavern became a hot spot for writers to come talk, drink, and get inspired.  One of the things this bar is best know for is that it is the place writer Dylan Thomas supposedly took 18 shots of whiskey before passing away that night.  On a more pleasant note, the White Horse Tavern is also very well known for its patio area which seems to always draw a big crowd in the spring and summer months.  The patio is dog friendly which is convenient for so many people in Manhattan with dogs.  The food at the White Horse Tavern never disappoints and the beer is excellent and moderately priced.  Whether you're looking for a breezy lunch or a cozy escape from the cold winter weather, the White Horse Tavern is a great place with a lot of interesting history.

St Marks Place

St Marks Place is a hipster street known for its tattoo parlors, vintage stores, hookah bars and great little restaurants.  Don't be surprised if you find yourself in a grunge thrift store or a comic book shop, this street really has it all.  Merchants who literally have holes in the wall to sells their products out of (as pictured) compete in bargaining with their customers over real turquoise and silver jewelry.  If you go deep enough into these tiny shops you will see water pipes and hookahs for sale, most of which have very detailed decorations on them.  St Marks Place has a funky eclectic vibe with its unique finds.  Teenagers and young adults love this street for its cool cheap eats and sighting of huge mohawks and absurdly dressed people.  St Marks Place is definitely a must if you're in to fun funky things and a good bargain or two.

Tortilla Flats

Tortila Flats is a great place to go in Manhattan if you're in the mood for Mexican food.  The relaxed vibe is felt as soon as you walk through the door thanks to the music and smell of fresh tortillas and mexican spices. Located on a side street in the West Village, Tortilla Flats has a cozy atmosphere with its over-the -top decorations and festive lights.  Your meal always starts with complementary chips and salsa which are enough to make you go crazy over this place but wait because the food is even better! The authentic spices definitely show as soon as you get your meal and give your meal a mexican zest like no other.  The servers are always friendly and are easy to talk to.  Tortilla Flats has an outdoor patio area which is enjoyed greatly during the warmer months of the year. People watching is always fun in the West Village, why not do it over a delicious mexican dish.

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is a hole in the wall in its own way.  From the outside it looks like an old brick building but on the inside it is a bustling market with lots of shops, restaurants, and even a grocery store.  Many years ago this old brick building was the Nabisco factory where the Oreo was invented! Now you can find shops like Amy's Bread, which is famous around New York for their freshly baked breads, or stores like The Lobster Place which has the best fresh seafood in the area. Other stores include Fat Witch Bakery which is home to my favorite brownies, and Ronnybrook Dairy which has the most amazing homemade ice cream.  The Chelsea Market is also known for hosting sample sales for various designers throughout the year.  If for nothing else, just take a stroll through the Chelsea Market, I'm sure you'll enjoy the aromas and a little bit of people watching as you walk through.

Yafa Cafe

Out of the hundreds of 24 hour cafes and diners in Manhattan, the Yafa Cafe is by far my favorite.  Its low lights and floral patterns give the place a fun hippy vibe which always makes dining enjoyable.  The staff do their share to make sure your experience is wonderful too.  No matter what time you stroll in to the Yafa Cafe, you are always greeted with a genuine smile and don't be surprised if you share a laugh or two before you even make it to your table. The cafe is sunken so if you get lucky enough to sit  at one of the window seats you'll be eye level with the side walk and that's always fun for people watching.  The Yafa Cafe has an outdoor patio which is beautiful in the spring and summer months.  There's always a nice breeze and plenty of shade.  The Yafa Cafe is a great place for a quick bite and a cozy atmosphere at any hour of the day.

Pepe Verde

Pepe Verde is the definition of a hole the wall restaurant. Located on Hudson Street in the West Village, it is easily my favorite Italian food restaurant in Manhattan.  Pepe Verde is mostly a take out restaurant since they only have about 10 tables but thats enough to set a cozy vibe with its brick walls and the aroma of freshly baked bread.  A majority of the menu is in Italian but the staff are friendly and always willing to help.  The food is always bursting with the flavor of Italian herbs and sauces and your meal always starts with complementary bread and olive oil.  The front of the Pepe Verde has large doors which open when the weather gets warm to give restaurant a breezy summer feel.  If you enjoy Italian food you'll be crazy about Pepe Verde and if you don't enjoy Italian food I'm sure Pepe Verde will change your mind. 

The High Line

The high line is a relatively new addition to Chelsea's meatpacking district and up to west 30th street.  It is a one mile long park which was built on a section of the former West Side Line which was part of the New York Central Railroad.  I've done most of the walk and it is amazing how they transformed rooftops and railroads to make this park.  The High Line is open to the public and is without a doubt the most spectacular view on this list. Starting in the meatpacking district you have a perfect view of the Hudson river and the relaxing walk has view points where you can literally stand over New York City traffic and watch taxis speeding right under you. You do not have to commit to the entire walk once you start because there are stairs places evenly throughout the walk but its hard to find a place to want to stop once you've started.  If you're looking for a nice relaxing evening in a big crazy city this is the place for you. 

The Magnolia Bakery

The Magnolia Bakery is located in the famous West Village in Manhattan and is located on the corner or Bleeker Street and West 11th street. Sound familiar? This small bakery has had many cameos in movies and books over the years and for good reason.  On any given day you'll see customers waiting in a line around the corner just waiting to satisfy their sweet tooth. As you can see in the pictures, the weather isn't holding these dedicated customers back from their neighborhood bakery.  As a result of this branch's fast growing popularity, Magnolia has opened 3 more branches including one in Grand Central Station for the convenience of travelers from all over the country and another in Dubai for international fans.  Magnolia is famous for their cupcakes as well as their banana pudding and friendly staff.  If you have any kind of sweet tooth The Magnolia Bakery is must stop in New York.

  

CHELSEA PIERS

I had to add three pictures for Chelsea Piers because this place is unreal.  Chelsea Piers is located in none other than Chelsea, New York and has something to offer people of every age.  They are a facility that offers sports such as golf, swimming, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, bowling, boxing, ice skating, ice hockey, and many more for all levels of skill.  Many free trial classes are available to the public and classes are open for anyone to take for reasonable prices.  Chelsea Piers also has restaurants scattered throughout their premises, including the Chelsea Brewing Company which is another recommendation of mine.  The best thing about the Chelsea Piers is that the majority of the activities available here are indoors.  This is perfect for a place like New York City where the weather is so unpredictable.  It also allows for sports to be played all year round with a gorgeous view of the Hudson River.  Whether or not you are feeling active, I suggest you at least take a walk around the piers.  Sometime watching the sports is just as entertaining as playing them and the views will not disappoint.  Dont forget your camera!

MILAN

Although I said my list was is no specific order this restaurant is definitely one of my favorites in New York City. Milan is located in the lower east side of Manhattan and is without a doubt a hole in the wall Indian food restaurant.  However, it may not be so easy to miss with the thousands of lights hung (as seen in the picture) from the ceiling all year round. Guests of Milan are greeted at the top of a steep set of stairs by a friendly member of the staff.  As soon as you duck your head and enter this mini Indian oasis (and by mini I mean they only have about 15 tables in the restaurant), you can smell the authentic spices adding perfection to the dishes being made in the kitchen.  The wait staff are more than willing to help their guests translate anything on the menu so that you order something to your liking.  When your food comes you will not be disappointed, given you like Indian food.  Close your eyes and you could be in the middle of India, music and everything! If you can, go to Milan close to your birthday because their celebration is not to be missed.  No one sings awkwardly at your table, instead the staff, and usually the guests, start clapping and singing along to a traditional Indian birthday along as all the lights go off except for the strobe light in the back which set the 30 second birthday party mood. Birthday or not, every meal is finished with complementary mango ice cream which is not to me missed!