Meet 36th Street
Walking through snaking inlets to the Queens Midtown tunnel, 36th street begins inauspiciously, but quickly reveals itself to be fantastically rich in gems both hidden and readily apparent. Sniffen Court was one of our more surprising discoveries. In a small alley between old stables is a quaint reminder of the folks who have been living in this city for generations untold. A private theater now sits nearby, and the stables, as one might imagine, have been converted into more modern uses. Moving along just a bit, the architecture along 36th showcases Manhattan’s beautiful history in the Morgan Library and Museum. With its main entrance on Madison Avenue, the Morgan houses an impressive collection of art, rare books and historic artifacts. Originally J.P. Morgan’s private collection, it is a reminder of the powerful elite families who played such an instrumental role in shaping Manhattan.
Continuing onward, I found myself in a bar hotspot with Irish pubs galore and a strong tilt toward happy hour. Each bar had its own unique welcoming personality. The real star, however, was the Ginger Man, where they take their beer very seriously and there are no TV screens to distract one from their chosen pint. It was not all bars in this section of town, though, as Barbes (Lost Gem) and its sister restaurant Arabesque both offer Moroccan cuisine, but in two very different settings. Both the venerable Keens Steakhouse and the very newly minted rendition of the revered Delmonico’s are nearby, serving up sumptuous meat with a side of class.
Continuing my exploration, I walked up a few flights to discover Red Rocket Tattoo. Entering a studio filled with talented artists, I had an engaging experience watching them create body art.
I have never picked up a fishing rod in my life, but learning about the history of Capitol Fishing Tackle, dating back to the 1800s, was intriguing. When I had almost completed my walk, I came upon a number of interesting galleries. Zanne at Lanyon 36 (Lost Gem) has been representing artists for years, but she is now enjoying having her own gallery to showcase their stunning work.
36th Street had a bit of everything to entice the explorer in all of us. I hope that many will venture out to discover this street for themselves, and while walking, take the time to enter into conversation with the incredible people along the way.