Destination • July 2017
Seven need-to-know USA neighbourhoods
Whether it’s spawning new ideas, musical revolutions or culinary scenes, neighbourhoods are the cultural and creative cornerstones of great cities – nowhere more so than the USA. The Club’s Anisha Patel meets seven local tastemakers to find out which up-and-coming districts should be on our radars
NoMad, New York
Says who? Zach Udko, writer and senior lecturer at NYU
Sandwiched between two icons – the Flatiron and the Empire State Building – this previously unnamed no man’s land just north of Madison Square Park was once dominated by wholesalers hawking electronics and accessories. Now it’s Midtown’s hot spot, bursting with hip brunch options like La Pecora Bianca and creative Hawaiian poké concoctions at Maui Onion. After a stroll through the park, pop into Rizzoli, one of the city’s last independent bookstores, and finish with a negroni at my favourite low-key lobby bar, The Vine.
Little Havana, Miami
Says who? Annie Vazquez, style blogger, The Fashion Poet
With Cuba a hot travel destination, Miami’s burgeoning Little Havana – specifically Calle Ocho street – has become a stop for tourists who crave a taste of the tropics. Colourful buildings, salsa music and even cigar rollers line the streets. Classic establishments for Cuban food like Versailles are now neighbours with trendy craft cocktail bars such as Bar Nancy and eateries like Mr. Yum
Bernal Heights, San Francisco
Says who? Veronica Belmont, product manager and podcaster, veronicabelmont.com
Bernal Heights doesn’t have the same name recognition as the Mission District or The Castro, but we like it that way. Nestled in the shadow of Bernal Hill – you can catch amazing views of the city from the top and it’s home to a massive off-leash dog park – are tons of small and independently owned restaurants and bars, such as The Front Porch, PizzaHacker and Virgil’s Sea Room. But walking around the neighbourhood is the true adventure – get lost on winding steps that open up into local gardens, and keep an eye out for the local coyote.
Highland Park, Los Angeles
Says who? Krista Simmons, food and travel writer
Complete with the benchmarks of a great up-and-comer – from taco trucks to killer craft beer – Highland Park definitely embodies the modern Los Angeleno neighbourhood. You’ll find cute brunch spots such as Good Girl Dinette (above); historical landmarks (hello, Highland Park Bowl); great vintage shops (try The Bearded Beagle for unique clothing and homeware) and even a sweet-treat spot imported from San Francisco, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, all rubbing shoulders in northeastern LA.
Wicker Park, Chicago
Says who? Nathan Michael, branded content creator, Low Res Agency
This vibrant, always-bustling hub in the heart of Chicago is filled with a diverse mix of independent shops, restaurants, cool cocktail bars and boutiques, offering something for everyone. Take a walk down the 606 trail, grab a fish taco at Antique Taco, discover Asian fusion cuisine at Mott Street, and get some shut-eye at The Robey (pictured).
Shaw, Washington, D.C.
Says who? Alicia Chew, style blogger, aliciatenise.com
It's no secret that Shaw is the place to be in D.C. right now. This neighbourhood is packed with independently owned restaurants such as Chaplin’s and Eat the Rich, and has a lot of great boutiques – I love Lettie Gooch and Blush Skincare.
South End, Boston
Says who? Tiffany Lopinsky, food blogger, Boston Foodies
Tucked behind the more touristy and bustling Back Bay, South End is comparatively quiet and quaint, filled with lovely Victorian brownstones and small shops. It is a must-stop for foodies – you can find everything from charcuterie and cheese at renowned chef Barbara Lynch’s The Butcher Shop to incredible dim sum at Myers + Chang.
This article has been tagged Destination, Culture