Union Square New York City

There is really no energy quite like that of Union Square in NYC. From local artists selling and working on pieces; to the so fresh, the so clean, the so local, the so vast Union Square Park Farmers Market; to the seasonal holiday market where you can something for all of your family and friends; to the ability to throw down on a grudge match with a chess player any day, it’s a wonderful world in and of itself. A variety of convenient trains can bring you to its hub, where you can relax in the park for a bit before you visit one of the many top-rated restaurants or bars on the streets surrounding the area. If you’re ever wondering what might be going on in the general Union Square area, check out the Union Square Partnership website. There you can find a lot of postings about the things going on in the area. 

Since its development in the mid-1800s, the Union Square area has remained a lively cultural mecca and national historic landmark. On any given day you are as likely to see peaceful political protesters, as you are new food trucks, dance crews or street musicians. With all the beautifully beatnik vibes of it’s adjacent neighborhood of Greenwich Village, Union Square offers a bit more convenience and variety of places to go. It is home to the iconic Strand Bookstore, the metronome and countdown clock, and the kitschy and niche stores such as Forbidden Planet or the year round Halloween Adventure. 

Some of the best things Union Square has to offer, however, come in the form of food and drink. There is no shortage of bars or restaurants, but sometimes it helps to have a guide to cut through saturated market. Here is the countdown to the best places to eat and drink in Union Square. 

Top Ten Bars or Restaurants Near 14th Street Union Square

10. Pete’s Tavern

129 E. 18^th St

NY, NY 10003

This spot is older than old as it has been around since the 1860s. It’s an Irving Place staple, which you should go to for drinks more than food, but can’t go wrong either way. Chances are if you ask a New Yorker where Pete’s Tavern is, they will be able to tell you, if they simply don’t ignore you and keep walking.

9. Breads Bakery

18 E 16^th St.

NY, NY 10003

This Israeli bakery has everything one would hope for such as a banging babka, but also goes deeper on the bench with deeply-seeded loaves, crusty baguettes and an olive breadstick or seven. You can pop in for some bread on the go or stay for a delicious sandwich or salad.  There may be nothing better than walking through their doors and taking a deep breath in. It’s honestly worth going in there just to do so, but once you do it’s almost guaranteed you’ll become an immediate and loyal customer.

8. Laut

15 E. 17^th St.

NY, NY 10003

It’s pretty easy to find Thai fare in New York City, but a bit harder to find the delicious and well executed Malaysian and Singaporean selections offered up at this low-key establishment. The chili crab or the laksa are just a few of the must haves, especially if you are in the mood for some spicy coconut goodness.

7. Barn Joo

35 Union Square W

NY, NY 10003

With one of the most amazing happy hours in Union Square, as well as delicious small bites and proper Korean BBQ, it’s not hard to see why this has become a hot spot. It’s just a hop, skip and a jump from the subway, and well worth the trip. Though it may hard to pass the seating and offerings of happy hour, do try to get upstairs for the BBQ.

6. Ippudo NY

65 4^th Ave

NY, NY 10003

Located on the ever-allusive 4^th Ave, Ippudo serves up some of the best ramen and pork buns in the city. Hands down. From the greeting to watching the cooks operate in the open layout kitchen, the dynamism of this place is unmatched. No reservations, no take-away, no delivery, no problem. It’s worth the wait, but try to come hungry.

5. Strip House

13 E. 12^th St

NY, NY 10003

Strip House has everything you could want from a classic New York steakhouse: waiters in white coats, celebrity photos covering the red walls, and of course, some very quality cuts. Strip House may kill your budget and your diet, but it is a happy, almost noble death.

4. Tim Ho Wan

85 4^th Ave

NY, NY 10003

This chain from Hong Kong is another 4^th Avenue jaunt. It offers up affordable dim sum of pretty high quality and decent variety. Often there is a wait (especially on weekends), but they usually squeeze you in pretty quickly. It may not have the trollies and banquette seating of traditional dim sum, but after a few bites you’ll recognize it as the real deal. 

3. Dear Irving

55 Irving Place

NY, NY 10003

This establishment harkens a vibe even F. Scott Fitzgerald would toast. It has seasonal concoctions alongside time honored cocktails for you to sip on amongst the cascading ambiance of bead work. Though it walk the line between pretention and approachability, it does let you push a button for service at your table, which always makes you feel a bit regal. 

2. Holiday Cocktail Lounge

75 Saint Mark Pl

NY, NY 10003

To the untrained eye, this would be any other dive bar on Saint Marks or near Union Square, but upon closer inspection anyone who tries one of their many delicious cocktails or bar bites realizes this team knows exactly what they are doing. They serve a sneaky brunch that will absolutely blow you away with either the fried chicken or sausage and gravy pizza, but the nights are also well spent there sipping on one of the inventive cocktails. Always, this cannot be emphasized enough, always trust a place where bartenders and chefs hang out on their down time. You won’t be disappointed.

1. The Winslow

243 E. 14^th St

NY, NY 10003

This gin bar and eatery is surely a shiny diamond among the rough.  It’s slightly obscured amongst the sirens and sports bars on 14^th Street, but if you find it you’ll be back many a time over. You should be able to find it as it’s conveniently located steps away from all the trains of Union Square making it a great spot to meet up with friends. The Winslow boasts over 40 different styles and brands of gin, but it doesn’t stop there. They have a bit of everything—from a well crafted beer and wine selection to a pretty deep bench of bourbons, ryes and scotch, even if you’re not into gin The Winslow is known to have one of the best brunches near Union Square. With a seasonal cocktail list created by Beverage Director and GM Cait Moorhead, and a seasonal menu designed by Executive Chef Nathan Pauley (if you love your taste buds, try his specialty “Duck Wings”), this team never fails to disappoint—whether it be their boozy brunch, food and cocktail pairings, or just coming in because you want a tasty drink and meal, it’s by far one of the best finds in the Union Square area.  It is quite rare in this city so nice they named it twice to find a spot that serves up refined yet affordable dishes and drinks, all wrapped up in a friendly and welcoming environment.