So You’re Stuck In The West Village

Ever find yourself sorta stuck in the West Village somehow?  Like, you work around there and don’t want to stray very far, or you have to stick around waiting around there before something else you’re going to?  Well, for some reason, I do…like, A LOT, and I really don’t enjoy being there for the most part.  However, here are some shining beacons to keep you from ripping your face off from all the frat goons and tourists:

1. Kettle of Fish

Though you may get a bit of riff raff due to this place being a Wisconsin sports bar, and the choice they make about absurdly bright lighting always mystifies me, it’s a pretty decent place to hang.  It’s a deceptively large space, with plenty of couches, darts, and reasonably priced beer and booze.

2. Blind Tiger Ale House

It can get a bit crowded, especially around Happy Hour, but DUDE, they have the BEST food ever.  Like, I DAYDREAM about the veggie sandwich there.  Oh, and they have a great selection of beer.

3. Treehouse

I guess they call it Treehouse because it’s on the 2nd floor, which is semi-unusual for a bar, and they have one glass wall overlooking the street, which I guess gives it more of a treehouse-y feel.  Also, the actual bar itself is abnormally high–I guess to complete the treehouse vibe?  I’m not really sure.  Be careful what you order though, beer-wise, because some of their stuff is weirdly priced.

4. Bonsignour

So if you just want to get a decent cup of coffee and maybe an AMAZING pastry or salad, this is where you should go.  Best blueberry muffins ever, and their warm goatcheese salad is like whoa.  They don’t have much seating, but on a nice day, you can sit outside on their bench, or take it to nearby Abingdon Square park, which is at its most delightful in the Spring.

5. Zampa

Yes, this place is a little on the pricey side, but they have excellent wine, THE most amazing panninis, and Illy coffee & espresso.  The decor is really awesome retro-60s/70s Italian, and the owner is super nice.  If you go during the day, they have a more affordable menu.

6. ‘Snice

This is my go-to office away from my office or home working space.  They only have vegetarian & vegan food, but I have lots of non-veggie/vegan friends who love it.  My fave thing to get is the curried cauliflower wrap with mango chutney on the side.

7. WXOU Radio Bar

True, seating in this place is kind of a nightmare, but once you DO find a seat with your friends, you won’t want to leave.  Truly the douche-less-iest dive in the entire WV.

8. LiLac

I dunno, if you like chocolate in any way, this is definitely a pit stop you have to make on your way to the bar or wherever you’re going. I just introduced my friend who recently moved here to this place, and she went totally wild for their $5 bags of milk chocolate drops.  Wait till she graduates to the $8 bags.  I used to go blow through that shit DAILY at my old job.  Proceed with caution.