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Originally published April 2023 • Updated and perfected March 2025
Located on a quiet side street away from the busy bustle of the rest of the neighborhood lies the Commerce Inn. This cozy, wood-panelled tavern is the brainchild of Rita Sodi & Jody Williams (of Via Carota fame) and is inspired by American Shaker cuisine and design. A great place to grab a cold beer, a stiff martini, and a hearty meal. Best of all? The tavern area up front is walk-in only!
For something a little more casual, the Corner Bistro’s paper plates are always there for you. Open until 4am on the weekends, this village haunt offers a trip back to a time long before many of us were of age to visit the establishment, but the charm is all the same. Some people say their burger is the best in the city, we don’t agree it’s #1, but it’s easily top 5.
When it comes to meals in honor of a celebration, The Noortwyck is our pick. A focused new-American menu in a modern but warm space makes this spot a repeat in our West Village rotation. While the offerings change often, don’t miss out on the breads which are a mainstay of the menu.
There are some places that we vow never to mention in coolstuff.nyc for fear of, “blowing up the spot,” and Anton’s was nearly left off this list for that very reason. So please, do us a favor, and only tell your coolest friends about Anton’s – the only place (to our knowledge) where you can get a killer French dip, a funky glass of natty wine, and some interesting pastas. Vibes 11/10.
Greydon Carter’s spot spans the garden level of an historic townhouse and gleans all the character and warmth it can. There are multiple fireplaces, including one in the covered back garden. If you must have brunch, plan for it to be here!
One of the most fun spots to hangout in the West Village is Emmett’s on Grove – this Chicago tavern-style pizzeria is casual and fun, yet also has original Cy Twombley artwork on the walls. Be forewarned: it’s going to be loud, but after a few martinis and a few pies, it’ll all begin to fade away.
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As the weather warms, this place to see and be seen may appear to be an influencer hotspot, but let us be the first to confirm that the coffee and cocktails are truly great! We once even spotted Sofia Coppola’s husband (the lead singer of Phoenix) buying out the pastry case of their delicious mini sandwiches.
Located within a running store, the Manhattan outpost of Greenpoint’s most popular coffee shop is a great place to grab a quality cup to go. We love their fun take on an americano – a shot of espresso shaken over ice, and poured into a glass of slightly-sweet coconut water.
For a date in the village there might not be a better spot than Moonflower. The quaint space boasts an impressive list of natural wines and small plates. It’s right next door to another hotspot, Apollo Bagels, but don’t worry, the line should be gone by 5pm…
The Brooklyn-based, woman-owned brewery’s WV outpost flips the expectation of what a beer bar too-often is, and instead brings bright and playful colors to the space. Best of all, wfb (work from brewery) is encouraged – and they open at 11am every day.
Right on the border of the village and Chelsea, along a sometimes rowdy stretch of west 14th street lies Grace’s: the coolstuff pick for the best pint of Guinness in Manhattan. A cozy ode to Irish pubs, Grace’s is complete with a traditional “snug” if you can manage to arrive early enough to snag the coveted table.
The sign of a great bookseller is always curation, and at Three Lives, the selection of reads is top notch. We always find ourselves discovering something new in the staff picks section. Another thing to keep in mind is that given how many writers are known to haunt the neighborhood, there’s a good chance you can find a signed edition of recent releases. Pair that with the beautiful wrapping the staff offers and you’ve got the perfect gift for the reader in your life.
Founded by cool friend Elise Ballegeer, LAHN is a highly curated shop for womenswear with a focus on new and upcoming labels. We love stopping by to discover new brands and to pick up an accessory or two.
Our go-to in the neighborhood for the perfect card for every scenario and every person in your life…is Greenwhich Letterpress. They inject fun and nostalgia in all that they do - head over to shop sticker sheets, cards & the little things you didn’t know you needed.
A store MADE for coolstuff readers, the Locavore Variety Store is a bit of an everything shop. The binding force behind the goods they sell is simple: every single thing is made in or around New York City. Browse everything from industrial pizzeria dish soap to wiffle balls and all the rest in between.
Another great village bookshop, Left Bank Books leans away from the mainstream and offers tight edit of vintage and rare art books, literature, and posters.
Every neighborhood needs a good wine shop and Terry’s is the one for the West Village. From new school Italian reds to funky American pet nats, you’ll find your juice here.
This historic neighborhood pharmacy is an anchor in the neighborhood and is one of the best places in the city to track down niche and rare skincare, toothpastes, and beauty. But don’t worry, they’re still a fully active pharmacy too if you’re a neighborhood mainstay that’s tired of getting your deodorant from behind a plastic jail at Duane Reade.
British eyewear designers Cubitts made a splash when they landed in Soho last year, and their newest location is right in the village’s shopping main-drag of Bleecker street! Pop in to grab a new pair of specs, sunnies, or to browse some of the unique and location-specific frames!
The second Graydon Carter-owned enterprise is the Airmail shop – an IRL manifestation of his digital newspaper’s shop. Alongside niche magazines and a coffee bar, you’ll find a HUGE array of meticulously curated objects. From the small (japanese paper labels, $12.50) to small and pricey (vintage Rolex, $4,200) there is something for every discerning eye at Airmail. PS – great backyard to sip your coffee!
Another British newcomer to the village, TOAST brings a relaxed and earthy energy to the often hyper-trendy neighborhood. In our opinion, it's a much needed reprieve...and a great place to shop for high quality, timeless pieces in a beautiful new space.
If you’re looking for some of the quirkiness and edge that used to define the West Village slightly more than it does today, look no further than Eva Joan Repair Shop. A mecca of vintage patches, buttons, ribbons, and bobs, Eva Joan is perhaps best known for their expert embroidery. In fact, Garrett, one of our co-founders has had multiple pieces embroidered including a very special addition to the shirt he wore on his wedding day.
