Hipster’s Guide to NYC

The unofficial “hipster” capital of the world, the Big Apple offers some of the trendiest hotels, shops, and attractions. If you’re keen on independent music labels, vintage clothes, and artisanal coffee (a.k.a. a hipster), the following guide will help you to discover NYC at its best! Top knots and beards not required!

Shop

ODD Boutique
164 Ludlow Street

New York, NY
www.thisisodd.nyc

To some, ODD Boutique in the Lower East Side might seem as peculiar as its name. But for you hipsters who prefer shades of black and white to vibrant colors, it’s a neo-gothic paradise. ODD is a multi-brand luxury boutique celebrating daring personal style, the evolution of textiles, and serving as a reminder that fashion should be fun.

Cloak and Dagger
334 E 9th Street

New York, NY
 www.cloakanddaggernyc.com

Playing upon vintage elements with chic accents, Cloak and Dagger is where classic styles meet current trends. From bohemian lace tops to bright retro trench coats, C&D is a treasure chest of unique finds. This small boutique is a hipster’s hot spot, featuring apparel & accessories from the namesake brand & other exclusive designers. P.S. According to them, it is “The cutest store for the most badass babes!”.

Eat

Delice & Sarrasin
20 Christopher Street

New York, NY
www.delicesarrasin.com

This cozy West Village creperie is quaint enough to make you feel like you’ve wandered into a cafe in Paris. Though the restaurant itself is small, holding only about 8 tables, the space’s intimacy boasts an unconventional charm. Whether you’re looking for a meal or something to satisfy a sweet tooth, Delice offers galettes, which are buckwheat crepes filled with ingredients like goat cheese, vegetables, and smoked salmon, as well as traditional dessert crepes topped with chocolate, whipped cream, and fruit. Unlike other creperies, Delice & Sarrasin’s use of simple, fresh ingredients makes for an authentic taste that’s not overstated.

The Heath
542 W 27th Street

New York, NY
www.mckittrickhotel.com

A dimly lit tavern with low ceilings and mahogany accents, this charismatic Chelsea bar and restaurant is a reminiscent of a New York City circa 1920. The speakeasy atmosphere makes it a prime spot for live music, featuring jazz quartets as well as independent artists on their stage throughout the week. The nostalgic, laid-back ambience paired with its delicious dishes makes it a hipster’s must-visit in NYC.

Estela
47 E Houston Street 

New York, NY
www.estelanyc.com

This hip spot is set above Houston Street, serving food inspired by the Mediterranean, cooked with a personal approach that incorporates the distinct flavors of New York. Estela first generated buzz when President Barack Obama and the First Lady were spotted dining there in September 2014. (In case you’re wondering, they allegedly noshed on the burrata and croquettes.) With small tables, a sleek marble bar, and tapas-style plates, the menu brings a European flair to traditional American dishes paired perfectly with a deep wine list and bar serving cocktails late into every evening.

Stay

Hotel Americano
518 W 27th Street 

New York, NY

www.hotel-americano.com

Located in the heart of Chelsea, not far from the High Line, this chic, sleek contemporary hotel is a minimalist hipster’s dream. Designed by New York-based Mexican architect Enrique Norten, the muted grey exterior makes for an aesthetic unlike any other. The hotel offers just three types of rooms: the uptown studio, the uptown queen, and the downtown king – all with stellar views of the city. The main restaurant, called the Americano, offers French cuisine with Latin influence and features an outdoor patio open in the summer. In the winter months, Americano features Arriba, an enclosed rooftop bar with a panoramic view of the skyline. Tapas, tequila, and traditional Spanish dishes like Croquetas de Bacalalo, and Merluza en Salsa Verde make for a unique atmosphere with a flavorful flair.

Ace Hotel 

W 29th Street 

New York, NY

Located in a historic building in Midtown Manhattan, the Ace Hotel is a quintessential hipster New York experience in itself. The lobby is a social center, bustling with hotel guests and Manhattanites day and night – but even amidst the hectic city, the atmosphere is still casual yet refined. Ace offers seven room choices – the smallest being the “bunk bed” and the largest “the loft suite”.. With locally-crafted vintage furniture, turntables, and original contemporary artwork, you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled into a stylish Brooklyn loft. For food and drink, Ace boasts the wildly popular Stumptown Coffee, the Breslin Bar & Dining Room, and the John Dory Oyster Bar, all of which culminate a nostalgic, turn-of-the-century meets the new millennium New York ambience.

What to Do

The Denim Exhibit at the Museum at FIT

Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology

7th Avenue at 27th Street

New York, NY

www.fitnyc.edu/museum

From bell-bottomed jeans in the 70’s to full-fledged outfits in the 90’s, denim is arguably the most multifaceted fabric of the last century. And thanks to FIT, there’s an entire exhibition dedicated to the beloved material. The exhibit, called Denim: Fashion’s Frontier, explores the history of one of the world’s most versatile fabrics and its influence in the realm of fashion throughout the years, showcasing antique military uniforms, hand-embroidered jeans, and high-fashion pieces.

Gotham West Market

600 11th Ave,

New York, NY

www.gothamwestmarket.com

Forget the crowded indoor Brooklyn Flea and the tourist-infused Chelsea Market, this hidden gem in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood is a foodie’s paradise. Swing by alone for a hearty lunch and indulge in some people-watching, or with a group of friends – but rest assured that everyone – from the picky eater to the culinary enthusiast – will be satisfied. From ramen and fish tacos to hand-rolled sushi, Gotham West is an upscale food court that showcases a diversity of cuisines and products. The open, industrial layout of the space makes it easy to navigate, and since there are less than 10 vendors, there is plenty of seating.

Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club

514 Union St

Brooklyn, NY  

www.royalpalmsshuffle.com

When you first hear the name, The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club sounds more like a senior citizen activity center than a trendy weekend hangout spot. Located in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, the warehouse-based cocktail bar is an indoor hipster oasis. Dim lighting, turquoise blue courts, hip-hop music, and of course – strategically-placed palm trees – make the cold weather and city buzz seem far away. For $40 an hour, groups of 4 can face off amidst craft beer, tropical cocktails, and selections from local food trucks. While waiting for a court, Royal Palms encourages you to indulge your inner-hipster with life-size board games like Jenga and Connect Four.