Straddling the gap between Downtown and Midtown, Flatiron is one of the most well-appointed neighborhoods in Manhattan. To its north is Madison Square Park, and on the south Union Square, meaning it really is in the center of everything. Within its borders lie eclectic small businesses and some of the city’s best restaurants.
While there are plenty of big named retailers and the famous building which gives the district its name, our friends at coolstuff.nyc have compiled a guide highlighting Flatiron’s lesser known gems.
Where to get a coffee catchup
On a relatively quiet stretch of 19th street, you’ll find the independent coffee shop, Gotham. This spot is especially great to meet someone who is a coffee nerd – they roast all their own beans in Brooklyn and have a rotating special espresso to keep things interesting. On a nice day, take your single origin shot, paired with an included glass of bubbly water, and linger on one of the outdoor cafe tables.
Where to book a power lunch meeting
Rezdôra is a great modern Italian restaurant that began to gain attention immediately after opening a few years ago for their house-made pastas that pay homage to the cuisine of Emilia Romagna. While this Michelin starred spot can be hard to score a table at dinner it’s secretly very accessible during the lunch hour. Whether you’re taking a quick lunch at the bar or embracing your inner Italian for a 2 hour affair, this is a great pick for a power lunch.
Where to go for post-work drinks
This jewel box of a bar may not have many seats, but what it lacks in capacity it makes up for in style. The next door sister to high-end Japanese restaurant ODO, Hall is appointed in beautiful antique millwork and is super cozy. If you need a bite after a drink or two, they also have a great burger.
If your post-work drink vibe aims to be a little more casual, Old Town Bar has been a neighborhood fixture for over 130 years. Nearly untouched by time, the barstools here begin to fill up around 4pm and remain full until the closing bell rings. This is the kind of place where New Yorkers of all walks of life sit elbow to elbow over a martini or a beer. And if Brian’s in, tell him coolstuff sent you.
Go-to fast casual options
There are endless fast casual spots for a quick lunch in the neighborhood, but for us there is nothing better than a sandwich from S&P. This sandwich shop from the pro team behind Brooklyn’s Court Street Grocers occupies the former Eisenberg’s deli and serves a delightful mix of NYC luncheonette classics. Our tip to keep this casual option fast is to call in your order, or try to snag a counter seat just before noon. And you can’t go wrong with the Roasted Turkey or the Flatiron Regular.
Where to to celebrate a win
In New York, there is a certain class of restaurants which will always be popular. Places like The Odeon or Waverly Inn. They require a few things: a good room, warm service, and an experienced bar staff; the food being great is merely a bonus. Gramercy Tavern has all of these things (especially the great food) and it’s a restaurant that New Yorkers in the know will be coming to celebrate for years to come. Why not you too?
Where to get an afternoon sweet treat
This beautiful space from pastry chef Eunji Lee is hands down the best place to find a sweet treat in the neighborhood. Lysee’s luxe pastry display upstairs always impresses us, from their famous Corn pastry to the fast-selling “Experimental Shortbread Cookies,” chef Eunji Lee blends traditional French pastry technique with inspiration from Korean and American flavors.
Where to grab a last-minute bouquet
Bari Bodega
We love that for all the new and niche spots in Flatiron, there are still plenty of places which remind you that you are very much in the city – and what is more New York than bodega flowers? Bari Bodega on the corner of Broadway and E. 18th has a solid selection, and always keeps crisp, fragrant white lilies on hand.
Where to stock up on office supplies
The sprawling city papery might be one of the last independent art supply stores in NYC. While you can certainly find great versions of more traditional office supplies like pens, tape, and moleskin notebooks, City Papery also stocks cards and envelopes in almost every color imaginable. Perhaps the next time you need a pencil sharpener, a trip here could also inspire a new habit of handwritten thank you notes.
Best place to pick up a thank you gift
When picking up a thank you gift, a great bottle of wine is always a great direction. Bottle Rocket Wine makes the choice even easier by curating their displays of wine into useful categories like, “Goes Great with Pizza” They also have a solid selection of natural wines, and are always around to help guide your selection even further.
