7.4 out of 10

West 4 St, Greenwich Village

Ranked 6th best street in Greenwich Village
40.7310487515183 -73.999617893585
Great for
  • Eating Out
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Internet Access
  • Medical Facilities
  • Nightlife
Not great for
  • Cost of Living
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Confusingly located, bohemian vibe"

Your average logically-minded out-of-towner might assume, quite rationally, that West 4th Street is - according to New York street-naming conventions - located immediately west of East 4th Street. Your average logically-minded out-of-towner, however, would be wrong. This quirkily located (running into West 10, 11, 12th, and 13th streets) diagonal street is as eclectic in its layout as it is in its atmosphere. The historical centre of the Greenwich Village scene of artists, writers, and other assorted bohemians, West 4th Street today is home to a number of historic sites of literary, artistic, and musical interest, including the former sites of Bob Dylan's hangout venue Gerde's Folk City, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney's Whitney Social Club, where artists like John Sloane, Edward Hopper, and Isabel Bishop premiered their work, and Eugene O'Neill's famous watering-hole the Golden Swan. Also worth seeing is the "Peace Church," the marble Washington Square Methodist Church famous for its role in pacifist campaigns during the 1960's, as well as for its support of other more radical activists, including the Black Panthers. Today, the street is perhaps best-known as a tourist destination (although it's far from "touristy" in the Times Square sense), and while it's perfectly pleasant for a stroll or for entry into the West Village, it no longer possesses the same free-wheeling spirit that may have inspired Bob Dylan's "Positively Fourth Street." It's a worthwhile destination, however, and like the rest of the West Village, a fine, if pricey, choice for families looking to bring culture to their family life.
Pros
  • Tons of historical buildings
  • Pretty
  • Bohemian legacy
Cons
  • Hard to find
  • A bit crowded
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
2yrs+

"As Village as a street can possibly get"

West 4th is just about as West side as a street can possibly get. First of all, it's pretty much The street that makes the West Village confusing as hell. It changes directions and intersects with streets like West 10th. Secondly, it's got a lot of trees, a lot of restaurants and a lot of hustle and bustle to it. As far as activities, it's the most all-around street on the west side of Manhattan.
The Corner Bistro at west 4th and Jane is probably the best burger spot in the city. It's very old school-- it has been a bar since the 1870's and was disguised as a butcher shop during Prohibition. It is still quite inexpensive and very cozy. They serve McSorleys ale and you can sit at the bar, drink beer and eat a burger over the course of a very long afternoon; and only spend about 20 bucks. That is quite a feat for anywhere in NY, let alone the West Village.
Cafe Cluny (at 12th) is another great place to eat on West 4th. This place is always packed, and I mean ALWAYS. I have walked past this place at 8 am on a Wednesday, and there are people in there eating breakfast. Weekend brunch? Forget about it. The food is great, the room always has a bustle and the place is really cute. So, I can see why you can almost never get a table. It's also very hip with the west village set to be seen here. It's pretty much the polar opposite of Corner Bistro.
Right at West 4th and Perry are two Italian joints that I basically live at: St Ambreous and Extra Virgin. They are both a little overpriced, they both have lovely outdoor seating on a beautiful intersection, and they are both quite popular. I have spent many afternoons out at the corner table of St Ambreous with wine and friends. I would say, for my money, though, if you want to try both, do Ambreous for brunch and Extra for dinner -- not the other way around. But, both are worth doing just for the outdoor ambience. The corner of Perry and West 4th just can't be beat.
Another great restaurant, Sevilla, (at Charles) has been around forever. They have pretty incredible paella and the interior is darling.
There's a plaque at the corner of 4th and 7th ave that is the last remaining little chunk of private property that the Hess family maintained when their land was taken to build the Avenue. I find it pretty funny. It's this tiny piece of sidewalk that basically says, "if you stand on this, I will have you arrested for loitering." Ahhh, New York.
Once you get east of 7th ave, West 4th starts looking very Greenwich-y. Tourists don't understand that, I guess, but you'll notice how grubby the street starts to become. And, how all of the old federal style houses are no longer houses on tree-lined streets. They are now "houses" that have bars on the ground floor such as Down the Hatch. What used to be the parlor of a grand old home is now a college bar with beer pong in the back. Unreal. There is a marked difference in the street as West 4th turns from tree -lined with uppity restaurants to trash lined with Benny's Burritos and bars with names like The Slaughtered Lamb -- not that that bar isn't great. But, a lot of the others are just way too rowdy.
The rest of the street is pretty much Washington Square Park and NYU stuff peppered with some hole in the wall restaurants and bars that I don't set foot into because I'm not 20 years old. If you're a college kid: West 4th at 6th ave is your spot. If you're old and like to relax, West 4th West of 6th is the place. Either way, West 4th has something for pretty much everyone.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5
2yrs+

"So cute, and So fun!"

I am writing specifically about the area of W 4th street and 6th ave. This might be one of the hippest areas in NY, especially if you're into novelty sex shops, sushi, and good vegetarian food. Right off the corner of 6th ave, there are two delicious vegetarian restaurants, "Vegetarian's Paradise 2" and "Red Bamboo" The difference between the two of them is that Vegetarian's Paradise 2 serves more comfort food type meals with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and soyburgers. Meanwhile, Red Bamboo offers up an Asian twist, and has some of the best soy shrimp I've ever had! Both of these restaurants are cozy, comfortable, but usually quite crowded, it is better to go during off-peak hours, or just be prepared to rub elbows with fellow animal lovers. Otherwise, this area is never boring, even if you don't go into one of the shops or restaurants, the people on the street are a treat on their own. It is a friendly area, and definitely worth a stroll.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
5/5
2yrs+

"A wonderful and charming street...."

I have been coming here since the mid-70’s every time I am in NY. There are a lot of charming little places to eat and shop in the West Village, but the Corner Bistro on the corner of Jane Street brings me back to this area every time. The Bistro burgers are not to be believed. You can play chess and I once overheard two men talking about signing Lee Remick and Steve McQueen to a movie deal. Ok, it was over 30 years ago, but it is still full of artsy and entertainment types. This street is a wonderful place for a romantic stroll on a Sunday afternoon.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5
2yrs+

"West 4th Street"

West 4th is an interesting find on the Lower West Side near the financial district. The street is overall very vivacious and artsy and appeals to both a young and old crowd. You might enjoy eating at Mary's Fish Company, Extra Virgin, or the Chow Bar! In terms of being a residential street, I think that the prices might be a little too steep for people on a tight budget!

West 4th Street is close to the following metro stations: many metros and It is also accessible to many buses. Foot traffic is moderate, and it is a good neighborhood for most people.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5
2yrs+

"Vibrant city center - a great place for film"

With both IFC Center and Film Forum nearby, West forth street is a great haven for cinema buff's. It is a great place for a date night. Good restauraunts like Red Bamboo, Vegetarian's Paradise, and Gobo are in the immediate vicinity. Lots of nice pubs...and of course the films!! Neighborhood is mixed with young and old and a celebrity or two.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"West 4th - My Favourite St in Manhattan"

We live just around the corner from West 4th, but we spend many lazy afternoons walking down there for coffee or brunch. It's probably one of the most beautiful streets in Manhattan. It's also surprisingly quiet considering how close you are to 7th Avenue. But that's why it's the village, because it genuinely feels like your in a village surrounded by some of the best restaurants in Manhattan.. Many people don't even know this type of area exists in NYC, so come down take a look - but don't stay - we like it just the way it is... BTW, if you need extra encouragement to come down, Gisele Bundchen (Brazilian supermodel) eats at our favourite Brunch restaurant most weekends, 'Extra Virgin'.... go for the French toast...
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles

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