Greenwich Village Guide: Top Things To Do

With a history of activism, art, and bohemian spirit, Manhattan’s Greenwich Village is home to small businesses and big ideas. Today, the neighborhood is as diverse and inclusive as ever, housing everything from classic Manhattan landmarks to innovative young restaurants. Here we’ve profiled nine unique places sharing the Village’s streets.

1. Smalls Jazz Club

Music Venue

This music-lover favorite has been around since 1994 when it was founded by one jazz violinist, former Navy submariner, and registered nurse. Its diverse roots are still evident today—in between sets from international quartets and quintets as well as after-hours jam sessions lasting until 4 am, Smalls Jazz Club hosts vocal workshops for aspiring jazz performers. A speakeasy atmosphere lends all of these offerings a retro feel.

2. Caffe Reggio

Cafe, Italian

New York City, view in summer of Caffe Reggio in MacDougal Street in the center of Greenwich Village (West Village), Manhattan, New York City, USA

Caffe Reggio takes credit for introducing the cappuccino to America in 1927. Since then, the staple of New York’s coffee culture has provided New Yorkers with an authentic European dining experience. Here, Italian staples like pasta with homemade pesto, ricotta cheesecake, and popular cannolis are enjoyed amongst Italian Renaissance artwork and on Reggio’s al fresco front patio.

3. Star Struck Vintage Clothing

Store

Travel + Leisure, Time Out New York, and stylish Village residents are all fans of Star Struck Vintage Clothing. The 38-year-old store specializes in quality vintage clothes dating from the 1930s to the 1980s. In addition to Fleetwood Mac concert tees and couture items from Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior, this family-owned shop also sells kid-friendly board games and toys in their original packaging.

5. Sticky’s Finger Joint

Restaurant, American, Contemporary

A favorite kids’ menu staple gets a grown-up twist at Sticky’s Finger Joint, where fried and grilled chicken tenders are served in inventive flavors like salted caramel pretzel and wasabi-ginger. The menu of graduated snacks features elevated classics such as truffle fries and the popular fried green beans. Its late-night hours and familiar flavorful dishes make Sticky’s a great place for kids at heart to cap off a night out.

6. Unoppressive Non-Imperialist Bargain Books

Bookstore

The shelves at Unoppressive Non-Imperialist Bargain Books hold everything from the poetry of William Blake to Civil Service Exam books. The compact store, which also houses Native American activist center Standing Rock East, has always been a place locals can research and practice politics—it hosted the Occupy Wall Street library in 2011 and was a headquarters for Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign.

7. IFC Center

Movie Theater, Theater

IFC Waverly Theatre, in Greenwich Village, New York, USA.

Catch the independent, foreign, and documentary films everyone is talking about at IFC Center. In the past, offerings here have included a festival dedicated to Australian horror and a complete retrospective of Japan’s Studio Ghibli. Tip: A gamble on any of the IFC Center’s unfamiliar titles pays off thanks to its five state-of-the-art cinemas and gourmet snacks menu.

8. Comedy Cellar

Music Venue

Frequent celebrity guests such as Dave Chapelle and Chris Rock make Comedy Cellar one of New York City’s most popular comedy clubs. Come for sets from The Daily Show, Inside Amy Schumer, and Broad City alums, and stay for surprise appearances by Jerry Seinfeld and Aziz Ansari.

9. Washington Square Park

Park

Home to the famed Washington Arch, Washington Square Park is beloved by locals and tourists alike. This iconic landmark is unmissable for its fountain, where New Yorkers like to cool off in the summer, and its street performers, which include singer-songwriters and the occasional amateur acrobat.

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