Downtown New York City: A Resilient Revival

The blocks south of 14th Street may have felt unusually quiet of late, with fewer tourists and office-goers on the streets. However, New York has faced crises before, and the city always endures. This time, Downtown is returning to life with new draws that speak to this spirit of resilience.

Exciting New Dining Destinations

One of the most notable debuts is Great Jones Distilling Co., the first whiskey distillery in Manhattan since Prohibition. The expansive 28,000-square-foot facility debuted in NoHo in August and offers tastings, tours, and three separate dining venues.

In the West Village, restaurateurs John McDonald and Serge Becker have joined forces this fall to create the American bistro Hancock Street. Nearby, Saint Theo’s serves a grand tour of Italy and has quickly become a hotspot for the style set.

Tribeca has a new culinary destination in One White Street, a townhouse transformed into a three-story restaurant and wine bar; chef Austin Johnson, formerly of the Michelin-starred Frenchie in Paris, uses produce sourced from the restaurant’s dedicated farm in upstate New York.

In the Seaport, Andrew Carmellini’s highly-anticipated Italian chophouse Carne Mare serves up top-tier cuts grilled to perfection.

Sixty Three Clinton, on the Lower East Side, offers a tasting-menu experience from a pair of longtime friends, chef Samuel Clonts and beverage director Raymond Trinh. Acclaimed Tokyo yakitori restaurant Torien has established its presence in Nolita, where chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa skewers and masterfully cooks every part of the chicken, from thigh to cartilage, over charcoal.

The Nines, just opened above its sister spot Acme in NoHo, combines timeless elegance with contemporary elements in its 70-seat space designed for dining and live piano entertainment. Additionally, buzzworthy KYU has opened, featuring an enticing array of Japanese-inspired barbecue, including smoked wagyu beef brisket and multi-layered coconut cake. To end a night out, head to Overstory, a rooftop lounge offering inventive cocktails and breathtaking views.

Shopping Haven in SoHo

SoHo has long been a premier shopping hub of the world, and it’s truer now than ever. A new boutique from Versace, which opened in July, adds the label’s signature glitz to the cobblestones of Greene Street. Moreover, tennis outfitter Wilson will soon open a permanent location on Broadway after hosting a pop-up for the U.S. Open. New York staple Tory Burch has opened shop on Mercer Street this fall, with a new location of Mallorca-based brand Meermin next door, offering sustainably made hand-welted shoes at an affordable price point. Additionally, Rothy’s has opened a second NYC storefront in nearby NoHo, known for making knit shoes and bags from recycled water bottles.

Free Activities in NYC

The iconic Pearl River Mart, considered the world’s first Chinese American department store, has just reopened in SoHo after being priced out of its previous location. It’s now celebrating 50 years as a favorite destination for homewares, decor, and foods from across Asia.

Take a break from shopping and NYC’s busy streets at Aire Ancient Baths on Franklin Street. Built in an 1883 textile factory, this expansive spa offers guests an incredible escape with candle-lit rooms housing five different bath options, a steam room, and revitalizing massage areas.

A Stylish New Stay

Downtown visitors will find a stylish new stay in ModernHaus Soho, the first hotel project from the real estate developer Thor Equities Group. This property, which opened in May, features Bauhaus-inspired furniture and an impressive contemporary art collection, including works by Jean Dubuffet and Kaws, spread among 114 rooms and suites. On the ground floor, chef George Mendes serves a globally inspired menu at Veranda. On the rooftop, the redesigned Jimmy remains a fixture of Lower Manhattan nightlife after more than a decade. Consequently, grab a Sazerac tonic for a nightcap and raise a glass to the Big Apple.

A version of this story first appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of iBestTravel under the headline Downtown on the Upswing.