This post is dedicated to my mother and father and all the others who came to NYC to follow their dreams.
Little Bio.
For those of you who didn’t know, I am one of the few people who were born here in NYC. I feel like a true New Yorker not because I’ve lived here my whole life but because my parents are the real deal NYC dream. My mother is an American from Pennsylvania and came to NYC to become a model, dancer, and later fashion designer. My father was a young foreigner sent by his family from Albania in hopes of a better life. The two met in Greenwich village on Bleeker street where my mother had a shop and my father worked across the street at the pizzeria. This is the short story of how I exist.
Back to the point.
I have lived here as an adult for 12 years now and these are the real deal best spots of NYC that not only made it more than 10 years, but came long before the IG hashtag world we all live in today. All these spots are downtown Manhattan because that’s where I was born and that’s Lylita’s Way. Like it or leave it for Brooklyn.
These are the OG favorite spots.
Bars.
Rose Bar Gramercy Park Hotel– This is the legendary glam rock star fab bar. Dare to get in, dress to impress.
Bowery Hotel– As I’m a big fan of hotel bars, this is where you can find any given supermodel chillin on a Tuesday
Little Branch– Tucked and hidden downtown 7th Avenue. This is a spot you can impress someone who’s not in the know by creeping in through the unmarked metal door.
Employees Only– A lively speakeasy style bar with pretty good food. Great for a date or a mingle. Bound to make friends of the opposite sex quickly here.
Decibel– Another down the stairs hidden spot. (you’re understanding my style now) Real Japanese street-style bar. Authentic AF, low ceiling, graffiti covered, sake bar makes you think you time warped to Tokyo. Grab a sake and some dumplings before dinner. Great date spot.
Spring Lounge– My personal favorite and long time running dive bar in Nolita. Probably the best looking people you will ever find at a dive bar in America. Every single girls’ dream.
Von Bar– East Village hipster bar before hipsters existed. Always great music and on-going interesting crowd. The tiny nightclub downstairs is a funny jam spot when it’s open.
Rolf’s– An old German bar in Gramercy with great beers would never make the list except for the rediculous Christmas spectacular decor that happens in every year and lasts till May. It’s so kitch it’s cool. If you are a big bah-humbug, avoid at all costs.
Blue Ribbon Sushi– I will still give this place the title of best sushi in NYC especially because it is legit Japanese without the fancy American bullshit and always plays dope classic rock and roll. No reservations.
Blue Ribbon Restaurant Sullivan Street– Couldn’t tell you which I like more, would only depend if I want sushi or not. This is a famous spot the serves gourmet American food in a white table-cloth, upscale, small restaurant till 4am. Yes 4am. You can eat oysters and have champagne at 3:45 in the morning. Shouldn’t all NYC be like this?
Raoul’s Prince Street– NYC, chic and forever cool. Pretty expensive but so awesome. Like a step back into the Sinatra days, this place is the bomb. Steakhouse with an available fish dish. Best skate I ever had.
Peasant– When Pheasant opened we thought life couldn’t be cooler. A tiny wine bar hidden in the cellar of the bigger restaurant upstairs in Nolita. Go down the steps and you will find this tiny Italian cosy candlelit gem.
La Esquina– Underneath the taco shop on the corner of the Lafayette triangle park. If you can get in you will find the coolest mexican glam tequila bar in NY. You have to walk through the kitchen before reaching the hostess stand. Forever a NYC hotspot.
Cafe Habana- This tiny Cuban eatery will always be a hip model hangout in the heart of Nolita. Hard to get a table but def worth the wait.
Cafe Gitane– French Moroccan cute Nolita restaurant. Great food and gorgeous crowd. Don’t be surprised to see the new Vogue cover model at the table next to you.
The Spotted Pig– I don’t even eat meat and I am still putting this on the list. I think they got their fame back in the day when JayZ and Beyonce came on a date here. Needless to say it’s a NYC gem. Great for just a drink or for a carnivorous dinner. Don’t let the grandma house decor fool you. This place will be forever hip.
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