Meet 5th Street
When I set out on 5th Street, I knew that it would be one of my shortest walks. But what I did not realize was that this quiet, tree-lined street — only five blocks long — was packed with personality and charm.
After a few surprising detours (5th Street is discontinuous, and can’t be walked in a straight line), I stopped in at Filament, a small hair salon whose hip interior decorating immediately caught my eye. When I chatted with Alexandra, one of the owners, I discovered that it was Filament’s opening day! A little farther down 5th, I came across Barbiere, a charming, old-world barbershop framed by a whimsical wrought-iron gate. 5th Street’s wealth of grooming options extends to dogs and cats, too — at Doggie Dearest, pets receive individualized care and grooming from Evelyn, the friendly owner.
As much as I enjoyed visiting 5th Street’s nail and hair salons, I was especially excited to sample its many restaurants. The street is home to a delicious burger place, Black Iron Burger (Lost Gem). I have had delectable dining experiences at Risotteria Melotti, an intimate, family-owned Italian eatery that serves some of the best risotto in Manhattan.
White Trash has an inventory filled with mid-century modern furniture that changes constantly, so every visit is a new adventure. And anyone who is nostalgic for the days before iPods and MP3s will love Good Records NYC, which offers a wide range of vintage vinyl.
The East Village is full of terrific dive bars, but 5th Street might win the prize for having the most in one small enclave. Ace, Fish Bar, Scratcher and Sophie’s, each with its own personality, laid-back atmosphere and history, sell reasonably priced drinks that attract both college students and a loyal neighborhood crowd. Sure, 5th may be short and disjointed, but with its hidden treasures, this quiet and charming street should not be sidestepped.
