Spots in NYC

A few spots in New York that have created a sense of home for me.

Explorer at heart

Hopefully taking my dreams seriously will lead to a greater sense of fulfillment ❤️

Books

  • The New York Public Library: (the 5th Avenue location) is a safe space to get work done with beautiful art all around.

  • McNally Jackson: This cozy bookstore has so many wonderful locations in the city. (PSA: One if it’s locations has a coffee shop attached to it too!)

  • Rough Trade: This space is one of a kind. It has a suspended trailer turned cafe area. It is mainly a record store with books in it. In addition to the awesomeness it has a cafe, bar and live music at the same venue!

  • The Mysterious Bookshop: I’m very into the BBC Sherlock Holmes tv series and they have a huge collection of the books!

photo 6.jpg

Coffee Shops

  • Butler: the kindest baristas you will ever meet and freshly baked pastries! (PSA: they also serve breakfast, lunch and much more). Located in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

  • LADURÉE: the company that created macaroons and rightly so. If i tried to describe how rich in flavour and texture these macaroons are we would be here all night. Please try it for yourself. (PSA: the Soho location does have a restaurant attached to it but I always stop for some quick macaroons). Multiple locations in Manhattan.

  • Think Coffee: my favourite Think Coffee location is the one right by Washington square park. It has beautiful lights, dessert and wine/beer. It has a great study space and lounge area! Multiple locations in Lower Manhattan.

  • The Poke: This shop has so many good things. I love the rose and lavender bubble tea served in light bulb shaped containers. The poke bowls are also delicious and refreshing. The secret to this shop is to walk all the way to the back and then you discover the cozy nook filled with books and warm lights. Located in Williamsburg

  • Little Skips Coffee: The salmon and avocado sandwich is a yes yes yes. This coffee shop has a nice long table for communal working and it happens to have the coolest bathroom. (space themed! Shh! don’t tell them I told you). Two locations in Brooklyn.

Restaurants

  • Benemon : where i truly discovered my love of Japanese food. If you want to take your tastebuds on a honey moon. This is the place to go. Located in Lower Manhattan, Bowery District.

  • Bed Stuy Fish Fry (The one on Halsey): seriously, the best soul food you’ll find. Oxtail, Mac and cheese, collared greens and sweet yams for the soul. Mmhmm writing this is making me hungry lol. Located in Bedstuy, Brooklyn

  • The Butchers Daughter: a beautiful restaurant in Greenwich village with kind waiters. The banana bread and tart sides are so yummy. If you go, sit by the big open windows so you can people watch and slow down. Located in the Meatpacking district, lower Manhattan.

  • Jacobs Pickles: The closest I will ever get to Pine State Biscuit on the East coast. Your stop for comfort food. Location I visited with as in Manhattan Valley.

  • Max Caffe: i’m a sucker for comfortable furniture and this cafe has all the comfortable couches adequately spread out. The music fits the space and decor perfectly too. (Permanently closed. RIP!!!)

  • La Mercerie: a beautiful restaurant in Soho with ample sunlight for creatures of the day. It also happens to have a florist and furniture store connected to it. #BeautifulArchitecture. Located in Little Italy

  • Okonomi: My love of Japanese food has only been heightened by this quaint little spot in Williamsburg.

  • House of Small Wonder: A Williamsburg gem that is built around a tree. This Japanese/European cafe is an enclose that transports you to another world as you step into its doors. Easy to miss as you walk the streets of Williamsburg.

Bars

  • White Horse Tavern: a very cozy bar with a European feel. Located in the West Village



    Parks

  • Battery City Park, Manhattan: one of New York cities most breath taking parks and trust me there are quite a few.

  • Sheep Meadow, Central Park: there are so many mini parks in central park. The one I have come to love the most is sheep meadow. it is something of a movie scene. everyone is there so at peace and life continues to happen before your eyes. it’s quite magical.

  • Williamsburg Park, Brooklyn: for a great view of Manhattan. This is the place to go! It gives you the perfect silhouette of New York City. A great place to spend the 4th of July celebration.

  • Pier 64, Manhattan: A great place for a nice picnic by the water. Bring a blanket, chair or your guitar!

  • Domino Park, Brooklyn: what doesn’t Domino Park have? It has benches for sun bathing, a sand box for volley ball, fountains for kids and grass for picnics. Oh! It also has an amazing view of the Manhattan Bridge.

 

Lola Ayodele