Lovely Italian restaurant with a beautiful backyard. I usually have the Orecchiette Salsiccia Broccoli or the spaghetti Vongole.

I LOVE going to the movies, so the concept of a dinner-movie theater is pretty darn dreamy. Nitehawk screens the best in independent film, both past and present. This includes a brunch film series; a “Lil Hawks” series (for smaller cinephiles); a “Midnite Movies” series, and more... What a thrill it is to see film classics up on the big screen that you may have missed on their first run. We’ve watched Woody Allen’s 1973 “Sleeper” while eating waffles and seen Buster Keaton’s silent film “The General” with a live band! In addition to their main menu and freshly popped-popcorn (but, of course!), Nitehawk’s staff always offers up a cocktail, main dish, and desert inspired by the flicks currently showing. Sadly their fish tacos, have disappeared from their main offerings, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they may read this and (please!!) bring them back.

Printed Matter—organizer of the NY and LA Art Book Fairs—is a non-profit supporting the work of artists and independent publishers through the circulation of their books. At their store in Chelsea, you can shop an insanely diverse selection of artists’ books, zines, posters, and more. They’re also always hosting awesome in-store exhibitions and events, from book launches and talks to lectures and performances.

Andrew Tarlow's Diner is a neighborhood institution and pioneer of gratuity-free establishments in Brooklyn. This place serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in an old converted dining car under the Williamsburg bridge. A seasonal menu of fresh, New American style food that changes daily.

Spoonbill and Sugartown Booksellers is in a pretty visible spot at 218 Bedford Avenue in the Williamsburg neighborhood. I still can’t help but point it out as one of my favorite places to check out books, especially arts related publications. Needless to say its an easy place to stop by with plenty of things to see in the immediate area.