During Fashion Week, it’s imperative to know where the coolest bars and tastiest cafes in Manhattan are. I got you covered. Here are some of my top picks for places to eat, drink and vibe in the city before or after a show. If you didn’t get the chance to check these places out throughout this season of NYFW, you can try them out outside the fashion calendar and even during the next season of NYFW (February 2025).

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Brunch

Dimes

Dimes is quite the hidden gem full of hipster vibes and LA flair. At the intersection of Division and Canal Street, Dimes gave way to the naming of the micro-neighborhood “Dimes Square,” a nook on the edge of Chinatown and the Lower East Side. In addition to the geographic location, which is a take on the one and only “Times Square,” Dimes Square is also a play of the same name, and the topic of numerous explorative pop culture articles.

Dimes has two options, each a block away from each other. The delicatessen and market is on 143 Division St while the restaurant is located around the corner at 49 Canal St. If you want something quick to go, hop into the deli and grab a Green Smoothie with pineapple, kale, apple, avocado, coconut water, date, mint, and ginger. Or, try the Figgy Piggy sandwich which includes salami, piave cheese, arugula, and fig jam on brioche pullman bread (both are a steal at only $10). But, don’t forget to grab some snacks and groceries from local vendors on your way out. At the restaurant, don’t sleep on the unique seasonal porridges. This season’s selection is Matcha Porridge with guava raspberry compote, maple, coconut, and pistachio.

Photography by Dena Brody.

UT47 Manhattan

UT47 Manhattan is a new Korean fusion spot that offers tacos and dumplings, as well as vegan and gluten free options galore. It’s named after both the owner's nickname growing up (UT) and the street it lives on (47th). This place is stellar, with diverse options for benedicts, paninis, and toasts. Heart-shaped strawberries and homemade brownies frequent the dishes. The Watermelon and Lemon fresh pressed juice is a must. It’s the perfect sunny day beverage.

Image from UT47 Instagram page.

Sunflower Gramercy

For a positive and vibrant atmosphere, head to Sunflower, where the walls are painted bright yellow. Known for their aesthetically pleasing plates, this is the epitome of a restaurant with a sunny disposition. Every plate is laced with floral and fruit garnishes. I love their Break’ Bowl which is full of cheesy and garlicky potatoes with eggs and avocado. It’s a brunch lover’s dream. Other favorites are the Oat Pancakes, French Toast, and Burrata Toast. If Gramercy isn’t a neighborhood you’re interested in checking out, you’re in luck. The new East Village location just opened.

Image from Sunflower NYC Instagram page.

Lunch

Ambo

Build your own Indian bowls at Ambo, a fast-casual eatery located in Greenwich Village with delicious authentic recipes and beverages like Mango Lassi. Choose a base, beans, protein, veggie, toppings, and drizzle. The homemade naan comes fresh out of the oven and they even sell the dough to make at home! The chicken tikka is perfectly seasoned and the falafel is a surprise stand out while the buttery black dal and coconut chutney are some of my favorite add ons. You can even shop here for ingredients such as saffron, ghee, and chai spice. This is the perfect spot for a flavorful and easy lunch when in a hurry. Take to go and enjoy on a bench in Washington Square Park while listening to live music.

Photography by Dena Brody.

CHLOE

The new restaurant opened by vegan chef Chloe Coscarelli has arrived! Chloe was the past owner of successful vegan spot By Chloe, which parted ways with the chef herself in 2017 and changed its name to Beatnic. According to Chloe’s own Instagram, By Chloe was “co-opted by a deceitful partner.” The chef is now back and better than ever, doing things on her own terms right where her journey began years ago. CHLOE is Located on 185 Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, the same corner of Manhattan where the By Chloe brand got its start in 2014. For vegan and non-vegan eaters alike, this opening is very exciting. Chloe is known for her unbelievably delicious vegan dishes like the Quinoa Taco Bowl and Guac Burger. Now check out new dishes like the Summer Corn Mac and Butternut Nachos. Her sweets section has had a major face lift, now serving Matcha Soft Serve in a coconut and whole cakes for sale. Also included on the menu is her Cupcake Wars winning Chocolate Strawberry Cupcake.

Image from BYCHLOE Instagram page.

Dinner

Nowon

Korean cuisine superstar Nowon is a hot spot in the East Village. After a fashion show, venture downtown and split the Classic Pre Fixe Meal for 7 courses with your bestie. Everything is a highlight. If you love a good Caesar, Nowon’s take on it with Broccolini will be a stand out for you. The perfectly named Legendary Burger has rightfully earned its fame, made with two forms of kimchi: a kimchi special sauce and roasted kimchi. And the pickled veggies don’t end there since pickles are also added separately on top. The Honey Butter Tots are highly addictive so you’ve been warned. Then of course the delicious Nowon Fried Chicken is wonderful. Reservations strongly recommended.

Photography by Dena Brody.

Lil’ Frankie’s

Owned by successful restauranteur Frank Prisinzano, also known for restaurants like Frank and Supper, Lil’ Frankie’s is a dependable and sought after restaurant in the Lower East Side. I can tell you right now, this spot has the best Chicken Parm I’ve tried in New York City thus far. The breading on the chicken is so special and delicious. Lil’ Frankie’s is also known specifically for their burrata cheese which is brought in directly from Puglia, Italy. Frank himself has mentored and employed many who have gone on to open their own restaurants in the area and add numbers to the authentic Italian restaurants in the city. Lil’ Frankie’s is a local favorite, so make sure you snag a reservation if you can. This place gets even better because next door is a grocery of the same name. Stop by for Italian packaged goods and scrumptious classics like The Employee of the Month sandwich with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and arugula on focaccia. Or, if you’re craving something sweet, check out The Molly tartine with dark chocolate and fresh raspberries on a baguette. Then come back at night between the hours of 12:30am and 4:30am on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday for a late night slice of homemade Margherita pizza.

Image from Lil Frankie’s Instagram page.

Bars

Bar Valentina

Amidst the buzzy streets of Orchard and Broome, Bar Valentina gives off romantic and grungy vibes at the same time. Reserve the private room for a small get together and order their Tini Tini’s, half portion martinis, perfect for trying something new. Manager Nolan, whose background is in mixology, created the drink menu, including the unique Peppertini with the brine of guindilla pickled peppers. For my spice and pickle lovers out there, this one is for you! We tried a couple appetizers when visiting, and were very impressed. We ordered the Snacks & Dips which includes fried olives and panisse, herbed labneh and roasted red pepper dip. The panisse, AKA chickpea flour fries, were amazing. We also ordered Zucchini Chips with a spicy marinara sauce. The chips were seasoned perfectly, and we enjoyed experimenting with different app and dip combos.

Photography by Dena Brody. Courtesy of Bar Valentina.

Paradise Lost

Speakeasies are a major piece of nightlife in NYC because exclusivity and secrecy elevates a business’s intrigue. Named after the poem by John Milton, Paradise Lost is a new Tiki Bar in the East Village with speakeasy vibes and creative jungle themed drinks. To get inside, you have to look for the restaurant symbol on the front door. If you don’t know what you're looking for, you will miss it. Then walk down a long dark hallway to a neon sign directing you to a hidden door. On the other side is what can be described as an adult themed Rainforest Cafe. Order the flame topped El Diablo drink and the whole bar gets a fire show! The menu illustrates zombies on a deserted island, which perfectly captures the tropical hellscape vibes of this spot. If Bar Valentina is R&B music, Paradise Lost is Heavy Metal. After opening just last year, it was recently named a top 4 finalist for Best New US Cocktail Bar by the Tales of a Cocktail Spirited Awards®️.

Image from Paradise Lost Instagram page.