Month: May 2022

With New York City bathed in glorious spring sunshine, it’s time to seek out the crème de la crème of restaurants offering al fresco dining experiences. The Algin Management team drew from its collective culinary expertise to create this list of Midtown West eating establishments, where you can feast outdoors in style.

Refinery Rooftop | 63 West 38th Street

When the weather turns balmy, savvy New Yorkers head for the city’s rooftop bars, and Refinery Rooftop is a classic of the genre. Here, industrial-chic (think exposed brick and steel girders) meets stunning Manhattan cityscapes, including a view of the Empire State Building worth coming back for again and again. And we haven’t even started on the bar menu. We recommend the zingy 13th Floor Margarita, mixed with mango tequila and fresh habaneros, and the seared ahi tuna salad. No wonder USA Today named this America’s “Best Hotel Rooftop Bar” for three consecutive years.

La Grande Boucherie | 145 West 53rd Street

An entire block of Midtown West is occupied by La Grande Boucherie’s splendid Parisian plaza. Seated beneath its très jolie grand glass roof — dripping with chandeliers — you’ll believe you’ve been transported to the City of Lights, as snappily dressed waitstaff shuttle back and forth with dishes of juicy filet au poivre, and top up flutes with Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Continental atmosphere and high-caliber cuisine aside, this art nouveau-inspired restaurant offers the double delight of spring sunshine, while keeping you covered in case of sudden spring showers.

Sushi Lab | 132 West 47th Street

As its name suggests, Sushi Lab’s aim is to take the bite-sized Japanese dish to the next level. Book a table beneath the rooftop bar’s enchanting floral canopy and get your chopsticks into tasty morsels like charred edamame with black truffle salt and lemon zest; and the “Gold Digger,” a stack of Wagyu beef, scallop, and caviar that is absolutely out of this world. Pair dishes with artisan sake and Japanese whiskey, and find yourself in sushi shangri-la.

Giardino 54 | 400 1/2 West 54th Street

Colorful parasols provide respite from the sun’s rays in Giardino 54’s Italianate garden dining area. Gather around the table with friends and family en masse, just like the Italians do, and while the evening away over mouthwatering plates of gnocchi with gorgonzola and walnut sauce, washed down with carafes of Sangiovese red and Trebbiano white. Giardino is open till 11 p.m. most days, so you can take your time catching up on the gossip over plates of exquisite food.
The Algin portfolio offers a range of perfect no-fee apartments close to all of these top-notch outdoor dining experiences in NYC. Find your dream apartment in Manhattan — contact the Algin Management team today.

There’s no lovelier time to be in NYC than in the spring. And there’s no better place to experience the excitement that surrounds this warm-weather season than in Greenwich Village at the no-fee New York City apartments of Hilary Gardens. 

Perfectly situated in the heart of Downtown, the residences at Hilary Gardens offer modern and luxe living all year long, but when the snow melts and the trees begin to bloom, this 35-story building gives you a chance to experience spring in all its glory: Watch the city come to life as you sit at home looking at the jaw-dropping views from high above. Get a breath of fresh air as you lounge on the balcony. And take in all the culinary and cultural wonders Greenwich Village affords just minutes away from these singular no-fee apartments. 

There’s a lot to do, so let’s head out and see what this charming neighborhood has to offer for the perfect spring day in Greenwich Village.

Start your sunny day with a morning stroll around the area and a trip to nearby historic Washington Square Park. Give yourself a little fuel for a walk with a stop by the Whistle & Fizz for one of their signature sparkling teas or an expertly poured cup of Stumptown coffee. 

A seat in Washington Square Park should be easy to find at this time of day. Indulge as you daydream and people watch while the morning progresses, and the park fills with students, picnickers, and performers who showcase talents ranging from mime to breakdancing to classical piano playing. Yes, occasionally, a pianist with a full-sized piano in tow delights park goers with their skills on the keys.

Even your pooch can enjoy the pup-friendly perks of Greenwich Village, after all, the area’s charming streets are an ideal place for your pup to show off their new style from the groomer or to meet the other neighborhood dogs. But if they really need to blow off steam, Washington Square Park’s fenced-in dog run allows dogs to work out those four legs until it’s nap time. 

When morning breezes into the afternoon, you’re sure to have quite an appetite. Luckily, the options in this part of town are limitless, but there’s one dish you can’t miss, New York pizza, and the choices for a classic New York slice are plentiful in Greenwich Village. 

If you’re hungry for an old-school throwback, get a cozy table at John’s Pizzeria on Bleecker Street for an authentic coal-fired pie. Those who want something on-the-go and quick should hit up the ever-popular Joe’s for what is considered by many to be one of the best slices in the city. This perfectly balanced pizza combines fresh mozzarella, just-tangy-enough sauce, and a crisp yet foldable crust and has made Joe’s a Village institution for decades. Looking for something a little different from your traditional pizza? Artichoke Pizza is your spot for creative creations like the square cut and dense vodka slice or their creamy and over-the-top artichoke option.

After you fill up, find a spot to relax and digest with a drink. The bar and cafe scene in the Village is unsurpassed, thanks to spots like Caffe Reggio and Bar Pisellino, where it’s always nice to read a book or catch up with friends. If you happen to get peckish around dinnertime, no worries: Greenwich Village is a foodie haven that beckons you with some of the top restaurants in the world, including Carbone, Minetta Tavern, and Jane. 

As the nighttime scene picks up, you have the choice of almost any and every bar. But to make your perfect spring day even more special, get ready to laugh at the Comedy Cellar, where you might just see one of the comedy greats walk in and do a set. 

When you’re ready to head home for a serene spring night indoors, you’ll be happy to know that the no-fee apartments of Hilary Gardens are only a few blocks away. For information about the residences at Hilary Gardens or any of the other properties in our portfolio, contact our leasing team.