NYC Neighborhood Guide: Soho

I'm back with another NYC neighborhood guide! Last month I shared some of my favorite spots in East Williamsburg, the neighborhood that I currently call home. Since I loved writing about a place I know so well, it was pretty much a no-brainer that today's post would feature the neighborhood I've worked in for the last year and a half, Soho! When I was in high school and was able to come into the city on the weekends, I always remembered wanting to come to Soho.

The crowd seemed effortlessly cool and I loved the fact that I felt like I was constantly discovering new spots. Not to mention the shopping! From gazing into the windows of high-end boutiques to rummaging through more unknown hole-in-the-wall shops, I always loved the thrill of finding an outfit fit for a New Yorker. Want to know what to do in Soho? Today I'm sharing my favorite spots for breakfast, the best bars, and of course, shopping. I hope you enjoy this post and find it helpful if you're planning a trip to NYC or if you just feel like popping downtown one weekend. PS: don’t forget to check out my Nolita neighborhood guide next.

Breakfast and Brunch

Jack’s wife Freda

A can’t-miss brunch spot on Lafayette street is Jack’s wife Freda. These Mediterranean takes on American brunch classics plus the cute decor will put a smile on your face. If you can, get here early or plan to stop by on a weekday, as you may get stuck waiting in a long line of eager patrons.

224 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

Two Hands

New York’s Australian-owned cafes and restaurants are always gems, and Two Hands is no exception. Nestled on the border of Chinatown, this little spot is perfect for a lover of lattes and avocado toast. If the wait is too long, you can place a to-go order and devour it on a park bench, assuming NYC’s unpredictable weather is cooperating.

164 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Dominique Ansel

Home of the famous cronut, Dominique Ansel is a spot you should definitely check out if you have the time. Be advised that cronuts tend to sell out early, but you can also place an order ahead of time online if you have your heart set on a specific flavor. Plus, they have lots of other yummy pastries and drinks as well.

189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

BoCaphe

This Vietnamese restaurant is a great place to pop in for a nice, sit-down breakfast or brunch. Ease into your morning with one of their acai bowls and an iced coffee. Pro tip: if Jack’s wife Freda is too busy, BoCaphe is just two doors down on Lafayette.

222 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

Sightseeing and Shopping

Glossier Showroom

If you’re a fan of the cult beauty brand like I am (read my complete Glossier guide if you want to know more) definitely pop by the showroom to test out any of the brand’s products. Their knowledgeable showroom editors will help guide you through their skincare and beauty bestsellers and anything you want to take home is available to purchase in store at Glossier.

123 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013

& Other Stories

This & Other Stories location just makes me so happy. Whether you are there to admire all of the brand’s lovely shoes, sniff the luxurious scents from their beauty section, or try on the latest clothing trends, this brightly-lit store has it all covered.

575 Broadway, New York, NY 10012

Coffee Break

Happy Bones

If you’re looking for a no-frills but adorable spot to grab a cold brew, Happy Bones is perfect for you. The Broome street shop is very small and you can expect its three tables to be crowded with laptop-bearing patrons but the delicious blends and great service make it worth the visit.

394 Broome St, New York, NY 10013

Lauduree Soho

The complete opposite of Happy Bones is Lauduree. Not only is the place impeccably decorated in pastel colors to immediately make you feel like you’ve been teleported to Paris for a cappuccino, but it’s also home to the delicious macarons that will make you feel like Marie Antoinette, especially if you try the Marie Antoinette flavor.

396 W Broadway, New York, NY 10021

Cha Cha Matcha

If the adorable pink and lime green decor isn’t enough to draw you in, the delicious matcha drinks and soft serve will have you camped out at this shop all afternoon. The lattes, both hot and cold, are delicious paired with one of their yummy pastries. Be sure to check their Instagram feed to see if they have any special drinks on rotation.

Now or Never Coffee

Home decor fans and caffeine lovers will both feel at home at Now or Never. Their coffee is strong and the store is filled with contemporary interior accents from interesting light fixtures to unique wall hangings and stationary for sale as well, so you’ll leave feeling caffeinated and inspired.

30 Grand St, New York, NY 10013

Dinner

Rubirosa

Do you like pizza? Of course you do. For a truly unique NYC experience, check out Rubirosa on Mulberry Street. My recommendation is the Tie-Dye (vodka, tomato, AND pesto sauce) or the Rubirosa Supreme (loaded with meats and garlic).

235 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

Delicatessen

Delicatessen is the place to grab American classics like BLT’s, burgers, meatballs and more in a super contemporary space. If it’s a nice day, the restaurant will open its doors and windows to let the NYC air in. Grab a seat by the sidewalk and get ready to people-watch.

54 Prince St, New York City, NY 10012

Seamore's

Seamore’s is a seafood lover’s dream. This adorable eatery features dishes like fish tacos and catch of the day, with happy hour drink specials. If you’re not big into fish, try hitting up this spot for brunch, as that menu will cater more to all palettes. Get there early since they don’t take brunch reservations!

390 Broome St, New York, NY 10013

NoMo Soho

I think of NoMo Soho as the ultimate Soho dining experience. Enter through the ivy-covered archway into the hotel lobby and make your way to the restaurant. Dine on delicious American bites underneath elaborate chandeliers and plan to stay awhile.

9 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013

Bars

Lupe’s

This is technically a restaurant too, but I often find myself at Lupe’s when I’m just popping in for a quick drink after work with a friend or co-worker. Enjoy a Modelo Especial or a house marg along with some chips and salsa—and if your stomach does start to rumble, do yourself a favor and order the shrimp chipotle tacos.

110 6th Ave #1607, New York, NY 10013

Papatzul

If you’re a lover of margaritas, you have to check out Papatzul. They have a few different flavor options (hibiscus, anyone?) served on the rocks and they’re as strong as they are delicious. Get there before 8pm to make sure you catch the happy hour deal, and anytime after that it might take a while to flag down a waiter

55 Grand St, New York, NY 10013.

Lure Fishbar

If you’re hoping to expand your Soho bar hop beyond brews and tequila-based drinks (sorry, can’t help what I like), look no further than Lure Fishbar. This classy space is slightly hidden on Mercer street (enter through the stairs underneath & Other Stories) and is the perfect spot to disappear for an hour to with a glass of white wine and a dozen oysters.

142 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012

What are your favorite spots in Soho?

yours,

Austen

Up next: check out my guide to East Williamsburg