Make sure you know the size of your party when you arrive, or the formidable looking bouncer may give you a hard time at the door (they prefer no standing inside, all parties must be seated), but once you’re in, the drinks are fantastic and the staff is friendly and accommodating. In addition to cocktails, Pouring Ribbons features an impressive selection of Chartreuse.

Little skips is my place when I need to refill my energy with some morning sunlight. The big windows facing the street let all the light in while you can drink some coffee. My favorite thing to eat is the grilled cheese sandwich with some avocado. Out of rush hours or weekend mornings, it's a pretty good space to take your laptop and get some work done.

The Office NYC showcases a deep spirits collection; pre-Prohibition style cocktails; signature offerings and “Dealer’s Choice,” where bartenders create a tailored drink based on patron’s preferences, ranging from citrus or herbal tones and favorite seasons to their favorite movie characters, destinations and more. (It also has an awesome icecream sundae)

Patisserie Tomoko is a French/Japanese bakery tucked away at the base of a condo building on Union Avenue. Patrons are seated at a U-shaped bar that overlooks their busy open kitchen, allowing you to feast on their sweet delights, while you sneak peeks at how pastry Chef Tomoko and her talented staff create. Known for their Prix Fixe menu that pairs wines, teas, or coffee with three courses of sweets as divinely delicious as they are beautiful, Tomoko also offers à la carte desserts like my favorite year-round pumpkin pie (unlike any you’ve tried before), or you might choose layered yuzu or green tea cakes, divine cream puffs, and a variety homemade ice creams and sorbets. Freshly baked yuzu doughnuts appear on the weekends. And no matter when you visit, Billie Holiday will likely be singing soulfully to you as you sup.

Having the experience of owning and running a coral reef aquarium (and frequenting this particular shop about once a week) - I was sad to hear it closed it's doors. Their reef display tank was always amazing. These pictures were taken from PetCo at Union Square (I also used to go there for my saltwater needs).