Filter by our Side PicksChange has always been a force, for better or worse, along the East and West Village side streets. This is particularly true on the east side of 12th Street, where not one, but two distinguished churches have met their fate. Recently, Mary Help of Christians Church was reportedly purchased for $41 million … read more
Stepping into this family-owned, ten-year old shop feels like entering a charming old farmhouse or someone’s rustic country living room. The warm and inviting vintage country feel comes from the muted pastel colors, distressed and stripped wood and the homey décor. There are antique aluminum stools, … read more
European cheese dishes have long been staples in American cuisine, from fondue to burrata. But as Edgar Villongco noticed, raclette – a Swiss cheese that is melted and scraped fresh from a cheese wheel onto a dish – never caught on in the United States. When the Manhattan Sideways Team met with Edgar, … read more
The concept for Mace, which has been consistent from the original location on 9th Street to the new one on 12th, is centered on the travels of Greg Boehm and the acclaimed cocktail bar’s other owners. When Manhattan Sideways first interviewed Boehm about Mace, he explained that travel is essential … read more
The only genre of music missing in Academy Records is classical….but not to worry, that is completely covered in their shop on 18th. Otherwise, this shop, here on 12th Street, has an impressive selection of rock, jazz, soul, funk, country, and folk. In chatting with one of the owners, he told us that … read more
Considering the multitude of rave reviews that Hearth has received since it opened in 2003, we were pleasantly surprised at the unpretentious and warm greeting we received. Although reservations for the dining room are recommended, especially during peak times, some of the best seats in the house are … read more
Known across the city for its exceptional Neapolitan-style pies, this small pizza lair with low ceilings, vintage light fixtures, and a tiled floor is often on NY’s “Best Pizza” lists. I have been here on a number of occasions and never been disappointed with the simple but perfect Margherita pie. … read more
I would have to say that John’s is about as old world Italian as one can get here in the East Village. The décor, the menu, and the service all take me back to my youth when I adored going out to eat with my family and ordering spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, or veal parmigiana. I do still appreciate … read more
When three of us walked into this thrift shop, we all headed for something different, excited by their vast … read more
When Paul first opened his business in 1973, he did not sell or repair a single watch; he did not even know how. Paul started out in the East Village doing picture framing, and eventually expanded to selling antiques. But one day, a passerby changed Paul’s business entirely. An old Jewish man – broke … read more
