We get it—she’s everywhere. The West Village girl with her slicked-back bun, gold jewelry, and a $8 oat milk matcha latte in hand. She’s gliding from LoveShackFancy to Via Carota, mentioning something about her family’s vacation house while scheduling her next Pilates workout. Her world is curated, filtered, and just a touch too beige.
For anyone craving a taste of the West Village before it became, as writer Brock Colyar puts it in this now-viral article, “a fabulous theme park for young women of some privilege to live out their Sex and the City fantasies,” this guide is for you. Here you’ll find unique bookshops instead of curated shelves, wine bars where no one’s filming a TikTok, and just enough to remind you why this neighborhood became cool in the first place.
To Stay
Walker Hotel Greenwich Village
Technically in Greenwich Village but less than a block from the heart of the West Village, the Walker Hotel is a luxe, low-key hideaway. It has cool Art Deco vibes and a velvet-draped lounge, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy authentic neighborhood vibes (minus influencers), with a stiff cocktail in hand, of course.
To Eat
No, it’s not Neapolitan. And no, it’s not gluten-free. It’s a way-better-than-average coal-fired, thin-crust piece of pizza. Grab a booth, order a large pie with pepperoni, and an ice-cold soda, and you’ll quickly understand why this spot has been around since 1929.
Here is a reborn classic that manages to be upscale without being totally insufferable. It has a dose of old New York charm—dim lighting, strong drinks, and servers who actually know what they’re doing. It’s great for a date where you want to impress without looking like you’re trying to impress. Plus, it has a good happy hour.
This playful dim sum spot finally reopened after a two-year closure, and trust us, it’s better than ever. Think Pac-Man dumplings, famous pastrami egg rolls, mouthwatering noodles, and cocktails with a kick. Head to Decoy (right below) for a nightcap, and we can guarantee you’ll have a fabulous night. It’s a West Village fan favorite for good reason.
To Drink
This is a cozy, Greek-influenced wine bar where the pours are generous and the vibe is laidback. Not to mention, it’s a refreshing change from the $26 spritzes down the block.
For something intimate, candlelit, and just the right amount of moody, head to Lelabar. It has a happy hour, oysters, and a great selection of wine. Need we say more?
A true West Village institution, White Horse Tavern has been serving pints since 1880. Once the stomping grounds of Dylan Thomas and Jack Kerouac, it really does ooze old-school charm, thanks to its dark wood interiors, strong drinks, and gritty vibe.
By day, it’s a coffee spot that can make a great espresso. By night, it turns into a bar with espresso martinis that taste as though they were made with care. (They are.)
To Shop
Casa Magazines is the kind of magazine store that feels like it shouldn’t still exist in 2025—it’s just that good, old-school, and timeless. Whether you want your very own HAP magazine (!), a coffee table book, or a niche Japanese photography read, Casa has it.
Creaky floors, dusty shelves, and the smell of paper that’s older than your dad’s vinyl collection is what make up this used bookstore. Left Bank Books specializes in rare finds and out-of-print gems, meaning you’ll find something truly unique. Basically, it’s a literary cool girl’s dream.
Visit this old-school apothecary where you can find everything from peppermint shampoo to your new signature scent. The staff knows what they’re talking about, and the wood-paneled walls give vintage drugstore vibes in the best way.
To Do
Plain and simple, Village Vanguard is a legendary jazz club. This is where Miles Davis and John Coltrane played, and where the energy is still just as cool. Oh, and don’t worry, you don’t need to dress up or even know anything about jazz to enjoy it.
Cherry Lane Theatre is the city’s oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater, and yet, it still punches way above its weight. It has smart, thought-provoking productions that aren’t overrun by tourists or West Village girls.
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- A Neighborhood Guide to New York City’s NoMad Neighborhood
- Acclaimed Italian Restaurant Don Angie in NYC’s West Village Lives Up to the Hype
