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Washington Square Diner

Opening Hours
Today: 6am–12am
Fri:
6am–12am
Sat:
6am–12am
Sun:
6am–12am
Mon:
6am–12am
Tues:
6am–12am
Wed:
6am–12am
Location
150 West 4th Street
Neighborhoods
Washington Square Diner 1 Diners Greenwich Village

We decided to grab a quick bite in this historic site while walking one day. Needless to say, the menu was your typical diner fare, the people were all very nice and it was fascinating to hear more about the urban legend surrounding this property. The Mad Hatter, a tea salon, is said to have actually been at this same address frequented by many a scholar and artist. It is believed that this is where the West Village began to adopt its bohemian character. In the mid-1800's the land surrounding the diner, which is now The Golden Swan Garden, was the Golden Swan Cafe, run by Irish prizefighter Thomas Wallace. Among the writers and artists who frequented the saloon was playwright Eugene O'Neill. It is thought that his Iceman Cometh was influenced by those he met at this legendary bar that he and other patrons later coined the "Hell Hole." Of course, as tales often go, we were unable to get a firm confirmation or denial of any of the fine details. And so, it shall remain the stuff of legends.

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Washington Square Diner 1 Diners Greenwich Village
Washington Square Diner 2 Diners Greenwich Village
Washington Square Diner 3 Diners Greenwich Village
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More places on 4th Street

Lost Gem
Pageant Print Shop 1 Bookstores Family Owned undefined

Pageant Print Shop

Pageant Print Shop’s entirely glass storefront bordered by light blue is instantly eye-catching and proudly displays the treasure within. Inside its bright, buttercream interior, an immense assortment of old prints and maps line every wall and fill neatly-labeled display racks. This sanctuary of beautiful historical pieces was created by Sidney Solomon and Henry Chafetz in 1946. It was originally one of the many second-hand book stores on Fourth Avenue, an area that was then known as “Book Row. ” Now under the leadership of Sidney’s daughters, Shirley and Rebecca, Pageant Print Shop primarily sells old prints and is thriving at its current 4th Street location. Having worked with historic pieces her whole life, Shirley knows how to get the best prints. She has amassed her impressive collection from antique book auctions as well as other various sources that she has built up over the years. Roger, who has been working at Pageant Print Shop for over a decade, told Manhattan Sideways that “what we are looking for are old books with the bindings broken that are really not in very good shape on the outside, but still have good quality prints, maps, or illustrations on the inside. ” Although they search for old books based on the contents within, the shop also sells the old bindings for creatives looking to make decoupage and other fun art projects. Pageant Print Shop is definitely a fixture in the East Village, and in the words of Roger, is “one of those neighborhood jams. ” They enjoy “a loyal group of people that have been coming here for eons, " tourists looking for something authentically New York City, and neighborhood people walking by. He told us that newcomers are often “surprised that they are able to buy a piece of history, ” and return for more of their authentic, beautiful, and historic prints. Pageant Print Shop is unique in its extensive, high quality, and affordable selection. Roger affirmed that “It’s going to be hard for you to find someone who has this kind of a collection at these kinds of prices — it’s just true. ”