Bleecker Street is the hub of Greenwich Village's nightlife
Manhattan's Bleecker Street is famous in its own right. Nobel laureate Derek Walcott wrote a poem entitled "Bleecker Street, Summer," and musicians Simon and Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen and Steely Dan mention the famed street in their songs. Bleecker Street runs through Greenwich Village from Hudson Street to the Bowery, and is lined with nightclubs, bookshops, cafés, theaters and restaurants. Does this Spark an idea?
A.O.C. L'aile ou la Cuisse
A.O.C. L'aile ou la Cuisse ("the wing or the leg") brings a touch of Paris to the West Village. Chef and owner Romain Bonnans recreates classic French fare from recipes that have been handed down in his family for generations. The cozy and intimate dining room features dark wood tones, exposed brick walls and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing diners a view of Bleecker Street. A quaint outdoor garden offers al fresco dining in the summer months.
The thoughtfully prepared menu offers a selection of appetizers, soups, sandwiches, burgers and salads as well as beef, poultry, veal, seafood, lamb, pork and vegetarian entrees. Popular dishes include Moules au Safran (steamed PEI mussels in a creamy white saffron sauce), Coq au Vin (chicken stew with red wine, bacon, mushrooms and carrots) and Cotes d'Agneau (grilled Colorado loin lamb chops in a red wine sauce). Breakfast and lunch are also available during the week, and brunch is served on the weekends.
A.O.C. L'aile ou la Cuisse
314 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014
212-675-9463
aocnyc.com
August
When West Village locals want to experience urban rusticity, they head to August. Distressed plaster walls, cast-iron serving vessels, antique floorboards next to cobblestone flooring and wine bottles tucked into small nooks and crannies create an atmosphere "where you just might forget you aren't in Provence or Tuscany," according to New York Times food critic Frank Bruni. A wood-fired oven lends a bit of earthiness to the food, which can be consumed in the main dining room or in the heated outdoor atrium.
The Mediterranean-inspired cuisine changes seasonally to reflect the fresh locally-sourced ingredients. Entrée selections may include linguine with sea urchin and broccoli, cider-braised veal cheeks or a grilled onglet of beef. Arrive early as the restaurant is small and does not accept reservations.
August
359 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014
212-929-4774 (information)
212-929-8727 (reservations)
augustny.com
Café Espanol
Café Espanol has been serving up authentic Spanish food on Bleecker Street since 1976. The intimate dining space features exposed brick, hand-painted murals, colorful artwork and a lively atmosphere. Zagat says that the restaurant is "reliable year after year" and delivers "more than your money's worth." Along with its house-made sangria, Café Espanol has an extensive wine list featuring a variety of vintages from Spain.
Diners may choose to order from the tapas menu or the dinner menu, which offers a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, sides and entrées. Customer favorites include the shrimp and lobster in the house signature garlic sauce, paella with sausage, and the grilled Veal a la Plancha. Reservations are suggested.
Café Espanol
172 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
212-505-0657
cafeespanol.com
Tags: Bleecker Street, aile Cuisse, Bleecker Street York, Street York, appetizers soups, dining room