I go here mostly because of the vibe, it”s a French bistro meets a plant shop and the sister restaurant to Tartine in the West Village. The Shakchuka and the fennel salad is delicious, so is the onion soup. Cute Rooftop during the summer. 

Offering 20% off on current “indie bestsellers” (and 10% off picks from their well-read staff), you can still get a good deal while supporting one of the city’s last independent bookstores. They also carry an impressive selection of magazines and literary journals that you can flip through in their café. McNally’s event calendar is packed with appearances and readings by authors like Zadie Smith and Chris Kraus, but they're perhaps best known for their in-store printing press and self-publishing services.

This little French-Morroccan restaurant is a perfect place for meeting artist friends and, of course, great escargot.

Good vibes bar with some of the best food-next-to-your-drink in the city.

The only graphic design bookstore in New York City. Shameless plug—it's also my company! Our design office, Order, is operated in the back, in full view of all visitors. Come say hi!