City Girl Guide (Off Season): New York City

Sure, it’s possible to surf year round in NYC, and we encourage it, but sometimes the city that never sleeps is at is best when things get a bit sleepy. Though surf conditions can be some of the best when it’s cold out, we also enjoy NYC and its boroughs when the tourists are away, the bars are cozy, and the cocktails are flowing. Follow us on an off-season tour to our favorite places to eat, drink, shop, and relax in our home - New York City.

Where to Eat

Forgetmenot

138 Division Street, Manhattan

Take in the cozy LES/Chinatown vibes at this small but delicious little spot. Covered in magazine clippings and always busy, it's a hang out for locals and the neighborhood shifts rapidly. Luckily, Forgetmenot's Greek fries, killer chicken sandwich, and stiff margaritas stay the same. 

 

Di an Di

68 Greenpoint Ave, Greenpoint
 
Finally! Greenpoint got some Asian cuisine worth staying in town for! Usually a neighborhood dedicated to perogies and pizza, the new Di an Di is a mega-hip spot decked out in the millennial-tiki trend with pho and Indonesian treats. It's all good, especially the starters like the rice paper salad, but if you're looking for authentic you should probably get the G train up to Flushing. 
 

Chumley's 

86 Bedford Street, Manhattan
 
 Revived from its original form as a dank library-esque speakeasy, known for housing the poets and authors of Greenwich Village, Chumley's now is a go-to spot for a burger and a drink at the leather-clad old-timey bar. It's like a dose of history with a coat of polish, and the perfect place to hide away next to a fireplace.
 

Where to Drink 

Surf Bar

139 N 6th St, Williamsburg 

If you just need a place to dig your toes in the sand over the cold months, Surf Bar could be the place for you. It’s corny for sure, but we can’t remember ever seeing pirate/tiki culture done in earnest. There's a full rainbow of frozen drinks and the food is actually good. Just can’t promise you won’t come across a pile of barf in the sand.

 

 Mood Ring

1260 Myrtle Ave, Bushwick
 
A little kitsch but knows it, Mood Ring is the neon-lit, open-for-anyone bar we can't get enough of. They have an Astrology Special cocktail and a friendly, open, largely queer dance party scene where everyone’s invited. The Bushwick bar’s name and philosophy are visible in the decor with bright neon tubes and tchotchkes impaling the darkness with music that is made to say: feel free to get fucked up, but don’t be a dick. The crowd skews a bit young - but in a nice way.
 
 
 

Diamond Lil

179 Nassau Ave, Greenpoint
  
Named after Mae West and centered around an Ophelia-could-give-a-fuck custom painting by Jenna Gribbon called, “Got no time to be your muse,” Diamond Lil brings a properly thoughtful, beautiful, and delicious cocktail bar to the all-too-often, cookie-cutter-fancy, ever-Williamsburg Greenpoint bar scene.
 
 

Where to Shop

Warm

181 Mott St, New York, NY 10012
 
When you’re tired of being or seeing edgy New Yorkers and want to infuse a little bit of Bohemian luxury into your wardrobe, you’ve got to head to Warm. Flowy dresses, perfect-fitting denim, and bold accessories for the home including nice candles, oils, and incense. There’s usually a section up front for a revolving door of hip pop-up brands. You'll almost forget it's winter outside.

Pilgrim Surf + Supply

68 N 3rd Street, Brooklyn   

Probably the best-known surf shop in Brooklyn, and not without good reason. Pilgrim has a solid quiver of boards and a nice collection of women’s surf-centric clothing for all seasons. If you’re in Williamsburg, it’s worth a stop in.

 

via TheSwellLife.com

The Swellife

91-08 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway

Hot pink walls, multicolored caftans, and cute goodies for you and all the kiddos in your life, this super fun beach and home wares shop brings color to Rockaway all-year-round. And visit The Swellife during off-season and stay all day as their homey space is used as a sun drenched co-working space!

 

Off Season

92-12 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway, Queens
 
The true Rockaway ethos: Off Season. Super cool tees, bathing suits, bags, sandals, plus well-designed, throwback beach gear to keep you in summer even when it’s REAL REAL cold. Check their website if you can’t make it to the shop. Definitely envy-inducing gear.
 

Park Delicatessen

722 Classon Ave, Crown Heights

A skate shop that doubles as one of the best Yelp-rated flower shops in New York City. Sure, Yelp sucks, but if you need a flower shop….and skate shop, this is your go to.

Where to Hang Out

L.E.S. Galleries 

There are plenty of great galleries around Chinatown and the Lower East Side to spend your day dipping in and out of. Most are open on Saturdays but check ahead for details. We love New Release, Jack Hanley, and Queer Thoughts. Also, if you make it out to the beach, check out Rockaway Artists Alliance for goings-on by the beach.
 
 

Metrograph

7 Ludlow Street, Manhattan   
 
Watch a movie, grab a drink, browse their selection of film books upstairs - Metrograph is a retro-chic movie theater and restaurant that brings culture in every form. 
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