So I am from NYC and I truly do believe that I know everything, lol. But when I was a kid, my dad always told me, “Never look strangers in the eye and never go east of 1st Ave.” Now thanks to the million dollar condos and lofts that have sprung up all over the old Puerto Rican neighborhood, Alphabet City aka, Ave A, B, and C (still no one goes to D) are now quite hip and cool.
Thanks to my dear wealthy friends that have recently bought a million dollar loft on Ave C, I was able to have a NYC “staycation” as we like to call it. When they went away to Europe this winter, I was so fortunate to live in their beautiful apartment for one month. An area of NYC I had no knowledge of nor had ever even hung out in. Here’s what I discovered living in Alphabet City.
Where to Eat Breakfast/ Brunch
Blackseed Bagels some of the best bagels in the city and a cute cafe to sit in. Go for the classic lox or monthly special. They also have vegan cream cheese varieties. 176 First Avenue
Post small hip restaurant known for their homemade biscuits, made sandwiches. Brunch is ideal but go before 2, or they run out of biscuits (not cool). Bloody Marys are a good addition to the biscuit. 42 Ave B
Where to Eat Dinner (For the Asian Noodle Lover)
Hanoi House might be the best bowl of noodles I have ever had. Vietnamese food at NYC best standard set in a beautiful green house-looking bar with hip music and staff. Appetizers are to die for also. I suggest the soft grilled octopus. 119 St. Marks Place
Minca is arguably one of the best Ramen spots in the city. Very small authentic Japanese and cash only. 536 East 5th Street
Raku is some real deal unbelievably delicious Udon and their vegetarian dumplings are the best ones you will have. It’s very tiny authentic Japanese style but you can virtually put your name on their waiting list online which is a hell of lot better than standing in the cold for an hour. 342 E 6th St
Where to Drink
Wayland has good wine, great live music Wednesday – Sunday and $1 oysters for happy hour. Need I say more? Classic NYC gem. 700 E. 9th St
Loverboy is a hip cocktail bar that serves really good bar food. Perfect when you just want to go have a fun night out with friends for a drink. 127 Ave C
The Diamond in the Ruff
ABC Wine and Beer Bar is a three-part wine shop/ beer bar/ and restaurant. The wine shop alone is worth the trek over to Ave C since the owner only carries a small selection of wines, knows every one, has great prices, and no matter what you choose, it is always excellent. There are no crappy wines sold here. It’s also the friendliest and best wine educated staff in NYC. Really love this place. 100 Ave C.
