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

Chumley's
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
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
Where to Shop

Warm

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

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
