New York, New York — The flowers are blooming, the winter coats are off-ish, and the city is waking up from its cold-weather slumber.
Spring is for long walks, iced coffee, and rediscovering the streets we braved through winter. It’s the season for grabbing an outdoor table, seeing and being seen, and spending a little too much time in a bookstore—if that's even possible.
New York doesn’t just thaw out in spring—it comes alive. In NoLita (a portmanteau for North of Little Italy), one of Manhattan’s most charming neighborhoods, Spring energy is on full display. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, an afternoon adventure, or just looking for a reason to be outside, we offer you our picks for where to eat, shop, walk, and get your caffeine (and sugar) fix. Everything you need—no reservations required.
Read on for Res Ipsa’s Spring Weekend Guide to Nolita.
WHERE TO EAT
Spring means dining al fresco, fresh flavors, and lingering a little longer over lunch.
Breakfast & Brunch
Ruby’s (directions) – Australian café known for their breakfast bowls, scrambled eggs, and great coffee.
Pop's Bagels (directions) — LA-born, NYC-approved. Known for their perfectly chewy, hand-rolled bagels and whipped cream cheese. *Staff Favorite: Kaitlyn and Serenity, Res Ipsa NYC Sales Associates—Kaitlyn loves a BEC with butter. Serenity opts for the BEC with salt, pepper, and ketchup!
Lunch
Cafe Habana (directions) – The legendary Cuban-Mexican spot. The grilled corn with cotija and the pressed Cubano are must-orders.
Upside (directions) – A no-frills, high-quality slice shop. Classic New York-style pizza, perfect for a quick bite between shops. *Staff Favorite: Kaitlyn says try a meat lovers slice and a pepperoni. Serenity always goes for the pepperoni slice and the garlic knots.
5 Spice - (directions) – Fresh, flavorful, and always satisfying. * Staff Favorite: Lexi, Res Ipsa NYC Store Manager, says you gotta go for a real good bánh mì and pho.
Dinner
Spicy Village (directions) – We're loyal to the original. Josh & Odini recommend the Big Tray Chicken and the Pork Pancake, but you can't got wrong with the soup dumplings and Spicy Lamb Hu Mei with hand pulled noodles. Don't confuse it with New Spicy Village. Both are good, but unless you're a family therapist, you'll have to choose one or the other. Cash only.
Saigon Social (directions) – Modern Vietnamese comfort food with a twist, they say. The garlic noodles and crispy fish never miss. The owner, Helen, is a friend and we stan. If you play your cards right she may offer you a dessert shot of Fernet-Branca.
Nom Wah (directions) – A Chinatown staple since 1920 has an updated, self-service outpost on Kenmare Street. Get the soup dumplings, scallion pancakes, and turnip cakes.
Dim Sum Go Go (directions) – A solid dim sum spot just off the beaten path. Pro tip: get the duck dumplings.
WHERE TO SHOP
Nolita is a haven for independent stores, vintage finds, and cool retail.
Res Ipsa (directions) – The thing speaks for itself. Come say hello (:
Love Adorned (directions) – A treasure trove of artisan jewelry, vintage finds, and home goods with personality.
Le Labo (directions) – The iconic perfume shop. Their eucalyptus-scented candle is perfect for spring.
McNally Jackson Books (directions) – A neighborhood institution with a killer book selection. There is truly nowhere else like a good bookstore.
WHERE TO WALK
Spring is meant for wandering.
Elizabeth Street Garden – A hidden gem. Sculptures, benches, blooming flowers—pure magic. Just down the way from our store, the garden is in bloom—stone lions, local artists, and dogs named after Italian cities. You might spot a Neapolitan Mastiff named Napoli or an Italian Greyhound called Roma trotting through the paths. Independently run by volunteers, the garden is a rare green space in downtown Manhattan, a community effort to preserve a little pocket of serenity in the city.
Washington Square Park – The heart of downtown in spring. Live jazz, cherry blossoms, and peak people-watching. It will be weird.
Chinatown to SoHo – Start your walk on Mott Street, where the scent of fresh dumplings fills the air. Grab a quick bite at Nom Wah Tea Parlor or Dim Sum Go Go, then weave through the vibrant markets of Bayard and Elizabeth Streets, past fruit vendors selling dragon fruit and lychee.
As you head north, cross Canal Street, where the energy shifts—Chinatown’s bustle gives way to SoHo’s cobblestone streets and cast-iron facades. Peek into Pearl River Mart for eclectic finds, then make your way toward Crosby Street, a quieter stretch perfect for a moment of calm. End your stroll on Spring or Prince Street, where designer boutiques, art galleries, and some of the city’s best people-watching await.
Manhattan Bridge – If you are up for walking, the bridge is the perfect next step. Start in Chinatown, where the scent of roast duck and fresh scallion pancakes lingers in the air. Step onto the bridge at Bowery and Canal, leaving behind the honking taxis and crowded sidewalks as you ascend into something quieter—just the rhythmic clatter of the subway and the steady hum of the city below.
The Brooklyn Bridge stretches beside you, postcard-perfect, while downtown Manhattan’s skyline rises in the distance. Sunlight filters through the steel beams, casting long, cinematic shadows. Midway through, pause—right where the city feels suspended between two boroughs. This is the perfect place to stop and make a moment. Lean against the railing, feel the wind off the river, and take it all in.
On the Brooklyn side, the bridge delivers you into DUMBO, where cobblestone streets lead to riverfront views, tucked-away bookstores, and cafés built for lingering.
COFFEE & DESSERT
Caffeine is non-negotiable. Iced coffee, please! Something sweet? Always.
Arabica (directions) – Their Spanish latte is a must-try—it's worth the wait. * Staff Favorite: Lexi, Res Ipsa NYC Store Manager, agrees!
Kung Fu Tea (directions) – Solid bubble tea spot. Get the ginger milk tea (hot, no sugar, honey bubbles).
BonBon (directions) – Scandinavian candy heaven. Stock up on gourmet sours and sweets. We love the blue skulls! BonBon is the kind of place you step into for “just a few” and leave with a full bag...
RES IPSA STYLE PICKS
- Crochet Bomber Hoodies – A unique spin on classic outerwear, featuring intricate hand-crocheted designs.
- Men’s Kilim Clogs & Women’s Kilim Clogs – Made from vintage Moroccan rugs, no two pairs are alike.
- 501 Denim + woven belt – Upcycled vintage 501s, giving new life to an iconic American staple. Add a colorful, easy-to-wear belt to complete the sophisticated yet playful look.
- Men’s Cowhide Clogs & Women’s Cowhide Clogs – Luxe, statement-making footwear crafted from premium cowhide.
- Kilim Weekender Bag – Handmade from vintage handwoven rugs—each one telling a story as unique as your travels.
Spring in Nolita is about movement—walking with no destination, stopping when something catches your eye, and letting the city pull you in. Whether you’re lingering at a café, flipping through books, or just enjoying the fact that the sun is still out at 7 p.m., this is the season to be outside.
We'll see you on Elizabeth Street!
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