Thibaut Asso knows TriBeCa’s food and beverage scene.

In 2005, I made my first trip to New York City on business. I made a point of staying close to Central Park, which was the center of the city in my mind. When I moved to the big apple in 2008 I started to explore the different neighborhoods and thanks to other European expats, I found one of my favorites in downtown Manhattan: TriBeCa (short for “Triangle Below Canal”).  The advice I’d give to any foreigner visiting the city is to explore beyond the bustling midtown tourist spots to the cobble stone streets lined with bars, restaurants and boutiques located in the various neighborhoods in the five boroughs of NYC. I’ll start by sharing my favorites in TriBeCa– a radius of just a few blocks.

Let’s start with where to STAY…

A room with a sunny view. Photo Credit: Greenwich Hotel.

Greenwich Hotel, 377 Greenwich St.
Book a room at the Greenwich Hotel, which is owned by the famous and uber talented American actor Robert De Niro. This hotel has just 88 rooms and suites. It is located in the heart of TriBeCa, walking distance from many drinks and dining options, including its own Italian tavern, Locanda Verde by Andrew Carmellini.

After checking in and freshening up, get your night started with pre-dinner cocktails.

Dim lights and a lychee martini at B Flat. Photo Credit: Thibaut Asso.

HAPPY HOUR

B Flat, 277 Church St.
Start with happy hour at B Flat. This jazz bar is located underground with no sign on the street– even locals have trouble finding it! B Flat is small with an elegant atmosphere; arrive early if you want a seat at the bar. My favorite is the lychee martini, a testament to its tastiness considering I’m not even a martini drinker. It’s that good! And at $10 USD a drink during happy hour, I feel both happier and classier for it (and I know, we get jaded in NYC with pricing).

Smith & Mills, 71 N. Moore St.
For a pre-dinner drink, head to the intimate Smith & Mills. From the outside, the joint resembles an auto repair shop, complete with a garage door, and once inside you’ll see the place isn’t much bigger than one. Smith & Mills is open for lunch and dinner daily, offering small plates. The bartender knows how to prepare a perfect old-fashioned, not an easy one to master.

Half dozen seats at the bar and a handful of tables, plus a few more on the sidewalk during the summer. Photo Credit: Smith & Mills.

Terroir, 24 Harrison St.
Terroir has a seemingly endless selection of wine by the glass (from white and red, and of course, rose). It’s ideal for an introduction to the wine world and has a tasty tapas menu to compliment your wine selection. I highly recommend the red wine oxtail risotto balls and the meatballs as an appetizer. The bar is ideal for two, but if you’re out with a group, seat yourself at one of the communal tables. I’ve found the knowledgeable staff can answer just about any question about any bottle of wine, so try something new and follow their expert recommendations. FYI: If you enjoyed your experience, Terroir has three other locations in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn.

DINNER

Locanda Verde, 377 Greenwich St.
There’s so shortage of dinner options in TriBeCa, not unlike the rest of this city! Hands down, my top suggestion in this neighborhood is Locanda Verde. This Italian tavern by famed chef Anthony Carmellini opened in 2009 and quickly became a New York stand-out. It’s not easy to snag a table, but if you are a Greenwich Hotel guest, you won’t have a problem getting a reservation. If the weather is fair, request a table outside on the patio raised above the street. Order the steak tartara piemontese with waygu beef and black truffle or the squid ink linguini. You can bring your own bottle (maximum of two) for a cork fee of $35 per bottle or order from the generous selection of Italian wines. I recommend a bottle of the Elisabetta Foradori Granato, a Teroldego at good value. And keep your eyes peeled, chances are high for celebrity sightings.

AFTER DINNER

Bubble Lounge, 228 West Broadway
Head for after dinner drinks at Bubble Lounge. Yes, it’s exactly what its name implies, a champagne bar. You will go for a glass of champers and stay for the lively atmosphere; it has a cool club vibe with low sofas and chairs. If I have a friend who wants to learn more about champagne this is the place I take them because of the variety of by-the-glass options (15) from non-vintage and vintage to rosé. Pol Roger and Pierre Paillard are my personal favorites. You can also create your own tasting by ordering two or three different flights to compare the flavors, tastes and bubbles.

A glass of bubbly after contemplating all the options. Photo Credit: Thibaut Asso.

LATE NIGHT

Souths, 273 Church St.
And if you are still up for more…Souths is THE night cap spot, a casual bar with good food and restaurant seating in the back– convenient as night turns into early morning munchies. Jason the bartender is a character – boasting a British accent and a Tahitian shirt. You won’t be be disappointed if you order the massive heap of nachos or chicken wings. Sinfully delicious.

Sun set or sunrise at Souths? Photo Credit: Souths.

There you have it, a full night out in TriBeCa from happy hour to late night snacks. More hidden neighborhood recommendations to come!