West Eighth Street was long known as a bland shoe district that descended into a land of tattoo parlors and massage dens. But the recent debut of several chic restaurants like Rasa is transforming the Greenwich Village block into a gourmet haven. Take a look at some of the hippest hotspots:
Margaux
5 W. Eighth St.
The new cafe, which specializes in Mediterranean dishes by way of France and California, is nestled beneath an atrium inside Sean MacPherson’s hip new hotel, The Marlton. Between bites of spicy squid ink bucatini and cauliflower custard, look for a mix of locals, international guests and celeb scenesters like Anna Wintour and Benedict Cumberbatch, who recently stopped by.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
30 W. Eighth St.
The famed Portland roasters opened here in May, kicking off the block’s makeover. A brew bar, complete with card catalog-style cabinets, exudes a cool apothecary vibe. Neighbors pop in for espresso and squash bread as hipster sippers write their next roman à clef.
Burger Joint
33 W. Eighth St.
The milkshake (and burger) joint has brought all the boys to the yard of Washington Square Park ever since June, when the famed uptown Le Parker Meridien burger mecca added a sister location here.
Greenwich Project
47 W. Eighth St.
Opened last April by the owners of the Mulberry Project, this spot serves small plates, hearty brunches and creative cocktails inside the two-story townhouse, while banquettes and walls covered in Pop Art give a Hamptons feel.
5oz. Factory
24 W. Eighth St.
As of August, New Yorkers can finally get their fill of Midwestern cheese melts, frozen custard and . . . wait for it . . . “authentic Wisconsin cheese curds!”