Luxurious, classic silk and cashmere pieces, eclectic accessories, divine fragrances, Italian hand-loomed paisley prints, and timeless pieces in rich hues are the foundation of this family-owned collection. They also have a tailor shop on the premises.

Evolution
120 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
btwn Mercer and Greene St.

An unusual shop that is filled to the rafters with fossils, shells, preserved skeletons, taxidermy birds, bug candy, medical statues and models, and my personal favorite, shelves full of exotic insects in shadow box frames. I got a pair of framed gigantic horned beetles for a dear friend and they were a big hit (this could also make a great wedding gift, for the right couple).

Forever 21
568 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
btwn Prince and Crosby St.

40 East 14th
New York, NY 10003
btwn 5th Ave and Broadway

50 West 34th St.
New York, NY 10001
@ Broadway

Though some may argue that these would fall into the “disposable clothes” category, Forever 21 is the perfect spot to pick up a bag full of cute sundresses, cheap sunglasses, and floppy summer hats. I’ve had some simple summer things that I’ve worn for years from this store but that’s not always typical, so if you find something that you really love on their racks, pick up a couple in different colors; you’ll thank yourself later.

Intermix
1003 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10021
btwn 77th and 78th St.

Khajak and Haro Keledjian to Intermix in 1993 with the goal of providing the fashion conscious a one stop shop of top lines like Chloe, DVF, LaRok, Mint, and Michael Kors, to name a few. Their shops are quite small, and so is their inventory so make sure to grab your finds when you see them as they may be sold out by the time you return.

Paul Smith
108 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10011
@ 16th Ave

English fashion designer Paul Smith is known for his cheeky twist on the classic styles of years past, with menswear being the focus at this location. Bold colors, stovepipe pants, fitted jackets, and some really fantastic accessories for men are all draws to this shop. Note: those with huge frames or gigantic shoulders may run the risk of ripping a few (very expensive) seams during their time in the fitting room.

Shoegasm
20 West 23rd St.
New York, NY 10010
btwn 5th and 6th Ave

71 8th Ave
New York, NY 10014
btwn 13th and 14th Ave

383 Broadway
New York, NY 10013
btwn Walker & White St.

The name says it all, really.

Sephora
45 East 17th St.
New York, NY 10003
btwn Union Square West & Park Ave South

597 5th Ave
New York, NY 10017
btwn East 48th and 49th St.

I’m only listing a few of the locations here (check their website for more as there are a ton of them), but this is a delectable choice of cosmetics, skincare, and hair products.

Topshop
478 Broadway
New York, NY 10012
btwn Houston & Laguardia Pl.

This recently opened location in New York City is roughly 60,000 square feet of slinky maxi dresses, metallic gladiator sandals, affordable knitwear, and exclusive clothing lines by Kate Moss and Barbara Hulannicki.

* Just a sidenote on street names; make sure to pronounce this cross street name "Howston" and not "Hewston" or run the risk of outing yourself as a tourist!

Strand Bookstore
828 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
@ 12th St.

You will find Strand stalls by Central Park where you can pick up postcards and used copies of classics, and art books alike, but the real treat is to head over to their Broadway location where you can spend an entire day sifting through 3 floors of shelves (and a $1 area outside!) that are packed with new and used cookbooks, travel books, fiction, history, art and photo books, graphic novels, etc. This is also a good place to go if you have a stack of very gently used books that you’d like to sell for a few bucks. Don’t expect enthusiasm, or even friendliness during this process however; the Strand book buyers see hundreds of people a day, and will barely look at you when they mumble “26 dollarsss…” as you make your way to pick up your newly earned lunch money.

Drinks and Debauchery
124 Rabbit Club
124 MacDougal St.
New York, NY 10012
@ Minetta Lane

There is a crazy selection of beers at this bar, including one that tasted like smoked meat. I know, I know, this sounds super gross but really, it was pretty tasty and where else will you get to try that? This bar is rumored to be the home of an old brothel, hence, where the word "rabbit" comes into the name, I suspect.

Apothéke
9 Doyers St.
New York, NY 10013
@ Bowery St.

Alan Trummer opened this apothecary-themed cocktail bar inside a former opium den, with the interior lounge being modeled after old European apothecaries by the bar co-owner Christopher Tierney that includes a marble and pressed-tin (gorgeous!) bar, gold leaf ceiling, red booths, and light sconces that are filled with an herbal scented liquid that soothes the client and helps to bring them that much closer to seeing little green fairies.

Arlene’s Grocery
95 Stanton St.
New York, NY 10002
btwn Orchard and Ludlow St.

This word may induce skull-crunching eye rolling from the metal and punk travelers of the world, but I’m going to write it anyways: karaoke. This is not your average karaoke though, no, no, this is karaoke with a live band, with every imaginable metal and punk song in existence on their song choice list. It’s supposed to be open to all, but I got the feeling that a lot of people practiced their perfect Jello Biafra stance before their big number. A word to the wise: the one guy that I saw do a rendition of some Bryan Adam’s tune… he didn’t fare so well in this joint.

Backroom
102 Norfolk St.
New York, NY 10002
btwn Delancy and Rivington St.

Use the visual markers of a tiny non-descript toy shop sign (and some seriously huge bouncers) to find the entrance to this unmarked bar which is down a typically gritty side alley that will have you looking around in the dark corners for muggers and rats. Once you’re up the metal staircase, you will walk into the large room that is covered in flocked wallpaper, velvet couches, fireplaces, ornate chandeliers, and ancient tin ceilings. Drinks are served prohibition-style, in teacups and paper bags (this is more charming than it sounds), and all will be well so long as you don’t try to talk your way into the bar’s namesake: the backroom that is for friends of the owner, celebrities, and fancy-pants people about town. Just a note on this place if you’re a bunch of guys: find some ladies to go with you or you will most likely not get in. I’m not saying it’s right, but preference is given to groups of women, especially if they’re good looking and dressed to the nines.

Beauty Bar
231 E. 14th St.
New York, NY 10003
btwn 2nd and 3rd Ave

Where can you listen to good music, while having a martini under an old-school dome hairdryer, while getting a manicure by a large man in a blonde wig and pink lipstick? Here!

Bourgeois Pig
111 E. 7th St.
btwn 1st Ave and Ave A

This brocade, marble, and velvet covered spot is seriously feminine and touts a menu that was arranged by mixologist Philip Ward. This is a great place to come after a long day of shopping and gallery hopping as their cocktails are divine and their appetizer-sized food is amazing.

Blue & Gold Tavern
79 E. 7th
New York, NY 10003
btwn 2nd Ave and 1st Ave

This is the perfect mix of a stellar jukebox, intimate booths, a well-loved pool table and, wait for it… $4 glasses of single malt scotch and $2 beers! The first time I ordered drinks here, I thought that they had made a mistake with their math; after the third time up at the bar, I realized that it was just my lucky day and I had now found my new favorite hole-in-the-wall bar. Make no mistake, this fits into the “dive” category, but the bathrooms are clean (most of the time), and you probably won’t walk out with a new jailhouse tattoo like you will from some NYC dives.

Death & Company
433 E. 6th Street
btwn 1st Ave and Ave A
New York, NY 10009

Are there a lot of dive bars in New York? For sure, that’s part of why I loved it so much. Will you simply have a free-poured shot of bourbon plunked down in front of you here? Not so much. These fellas take their drinks seriously and you should expect a wait for your beautifully mixed cocktail that will contain any number of ingredients like frothy egg whites, agave nectar, and fresh juices. Once your drink arrives on your black granite table, even with the $14 price tag, I have yet to meet anyone that did not proclaim it to be the finest cocktail that they have ever encountered.

KGB Bar
85 East. 4th St. 2nd Fl.
btwn Bowery and 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10003

This Communist-themed bar (in the 1940’s, this spot was home to the Ukrainian Socialist party) is a great spot to mix and mingle with the literary types who come to read their poetry and short stories while sipping one of the dozens of vodkas that are offered on their menu.

One great thing to remember about NYC bars is that you can make friends anywhere, at any time, with some chutzpah, a bit of interesting conversation, and a friendly smile. One of my favorites was a guy that I was talking to who was having a much deserved drink after quitting his job and walking the entire way from the state of Maine to New York City to "clear his head". Gotta love it!

Whiskey Ward
121 Essex St.
New York, NY 10002
btwn Rivington Delancy St.

Hundreds of great whiskeys, free peanuts in the shell, cheap beers, dark pressed tin surroundings, and if you’re lucky, you can sit by a the resident dog who spends his days perched on a bar stool here for hours. Don’t try to befriend him though, he’s not there to share stories or socialize; all business!

Eats and Treats
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza & Brewery
328 E. 14th St.
New York, NY 10003
btwn 1st and 2nd Ave

Sloppy, cheesy and delicious, this homemade marvel of a pizza was one of my favorites and seemed to also be a big hit with tons of celebrities (including Mr. Keith Richards himself).

Burger Joint
Le Parker Meridien
119 W. 56th St.
New York, NY 10019
btwn 7th and 6th Ave. (otherwise known as Ave of the Americas)

Hidden away behind floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains in the lobby of Le Parker Meridien hotel, this spot would be nearly impossible to find if it weren’t for the long line of people and a tiny neon hamburger sign that sits over the door. This is a great place to get a noontime burger, fries, and a beer for well under half of what you’d pay with Le Parker Meridian’s room service. It’s more greasy spoon than upscale in the way of ambiance so expect some questionable music and very laid back service.

Cafecito
185 Ave C
New York, NY
btwn Ave B and Ave C

Fresh mojitos, sumptuous Cubano sandwiches, and tangy Cuban fare keep locals coming back over and over for their addictive dishes.

Congee Village
100 Allen St.
New York, NY 10002
btwn Broome and Delancy St.

207 Bowery
New, NY 10002
btwn Rivington and Delancy St.

This is the real deal ladies and gents so no wussing out and ordering fried rice and sweet and sour pork! Chinese classics like bird's nest soup, assorted seafood dishes, and their delectable congee are served family-style on a rotating round table. Their menu is fairly extensive (also includes lots of vegetarian options) and can be mildly overwhelming if you're visiting for the first time. If you find yourself at a loss, fold up your menu and order this: house special chicken, snow pea leaves sautéed with rice water and garlic, salt and pepper squid, jellyfish salad, and congee with duck and meatballs. That’s a ton of food, mind you, so make sure that you have at least 4 people (or be ready to take home leftovers). There are two locations that are within easy walking distance of each other. The Bowery one has live fish swimming under a transparent floor, and is better for large parties, but I always preferred the original location on Allen St. Make sure to order a few of their lychee martinis at the bar if you have to wait for your table (and you most surely will, even with reservations).

Five Points
31 Great Jones St.
New York, NY 10012
btwn Lafayette and Bowery

Five Point’s Chef Marc Meyer's hearty cooking is fresh, daring, passionate, and beautifully presented while calmness floats around you in a sparsely furnished room with a long log that runs down the center of the room that sports a small spring of water that flows down it’s center. Make sure to visit this spot for brunch if you have time as well; you won’t regret it. Hard to believe that this neighborhood used to be one of the most dangerous in all of New York (read Gangs of New York to get an idea).

Freemans
End of Freeman Alley
New York, NY 10002
btwn Stanton and Rivington St.

If you’re out dining with a vegan pal, this probably isn’t the place to go with its taxidermy filled rooms and meat-laden menu. Freemans is a great place to go for a hearty meal of lamb stew or tender rabbit; make sure to try their artichoke dip appetizer (caution: it’s massive and rich; good for sharing), as well as something from their cocktail list.

Georgia’s Eastside BBQ
192 Orchard St.
New York, NY 10002
btwn Stanton and E Houston St.

Even those from the North can appreciate the beauty that is Georgia’s simple bbq fare that packs a low price tag for huge portions of super tasty bbq and sides. Make sure to try the ribs, pulled pork, cheese grits, and moist corn bread at this location that was named after owner Alan Natkiel’s horse-sized beloved mastiff Georgia. Everything is made daily with fresh ingredients and a good dose of Alan’s original Southern roots. Though there is no bathroom at this tiny location, you will leave with a full belly and an exclamation of “those Southerners sure know their bbq!”. Bet you didn’t think you’d come back from NYC saying that!

Kee’s Chocolates
80 Thompson St.
btwn Spring and Broome St.

I’m not really even that much of a chocolate lover and I dream about this place… nightly. If you try only one chocolate here, make sure it is the thai chili versssionnnn… sorry, drifted off to dreamland for a second there!

Klong
7 St. Mark’s Pl
New York, NY 10003
btwn 2nd and 3rd Ave

Downstairs and dark, this St. Mark’s haunt is a cheap, fresh, reliable, and crazy tasty venue for Thai food. The pad thai is served in a gigantic, but thin, egg pancake cover that will leave you craving more. Wash this down with a thai basil mojito or two and you’ll be golden.

Shake Shack
Madison Ave. @ 23rd St.
New York, 10010

It took me forever to get to this Danny Meyer spot, as I never had the time to wait in line during my lunch hour. Fast forward to freelance life and there I was: a perfect burger, a Chicago-style hotdog (do this instead of the dirty water dog that you get on the streets of NYC; trust me on this one), and a milkshake that was so delicious, I finished every last drop!

Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery
126 Rivington St.
New York, NY 10012
btwn Essex and Norfolk St.

Here’s an idea: visit the Magnolia bakery and get a couple of their red velvet cupcakes to go. Here’s a better idea: head to Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery, get some of their heavenly cupcakes to go, and head back to eat them while you watch the people in line for 45 minutes behind the Sex in the City tour bus stop at the Magnolia bakery. Oooh yeah, you may even have time for seconds before they’re in!

Music and Performance
Cornelia St. Café
29 Cornelia
New York, NY 10014
btwn Leroy and Jones St.

This place is brimming with charm and is the site of excellent wine, lovely food, live shows, and amazing NYC history being that it was a huge favorite with all types during the era of the beat poets and writers. Put on your best black turtleneck, and head over to this spot to order a glass of red, and settle back to prep yourself for finger snapping to the cool cat on the standing bass onstage in the café’s lower level.

Upright Citizens Brigade
307 W. 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
btwn 8th and 9th Ave

The site of many an appearance by SNL cast members such as Amy Poehler, Will Arnett, and Horatio Sands, as well as a ton of other talented and hilarious performers, the UCB is unpretentious, super reasonable (usually under $15 per person), and always a great time.

These are some of the better spots to see concerts in NYC so best to check their websites before you are visiting and buy your tickets in advance:

Knitting Factory
74 Leonard St.
New York, NY 10013
btwn Church and Hudson St.

Music here tends to be more on the obscure or experimental side like the annual Valentine’s Day Massacre show by Diamanda Galas (I went to 5 of these shows in my 8 years in NYC; all amazing), or the Beard and Mustache Championships, which can’t be anything but entertaining!

Mercury Lounge
217 East Houston St. #A
btwn Essex and Ludlow St.
New York, NY 10002

Small, intimate, always armed with an amazing roster of shows that include something that will appeal to most musical tastes.

Bowery Ballroom
6 Delancy St.
New York, NY 10002
btwn Spring and Kemare St.

A beautiful venue where I’ve seen some of my most memorable concerts in NYC; all amazing shows but all that much more astounding because they were at the Bowery Ballroom.

Also, check these NYC venues:

http://www.highlineballroom.com/

http://www.terminal5nyc.com/

http://www.carnegiehall.org/SiteCode/Intro.aspx

http://www.smallsjazzclub.com/

So now, we find that the list must end somewhere so I will end it here. This New York guide could indeed be very long, and one that you would find yourself scrolling through for days as I have only touched on a small fraction of the city's happenings. If you have your favorite spots in the city, I’d love to hear what they are, since we all know how everything can change in a New York minute.

Written by Ehren Seeland