The Meadow Neighborhood Guide
The Meadow - 240 Mulberry St, New York, NY
North of Little Italy, Heart of Cool
Nolita—"North of Little Italy"—is Manhattan's pocket-sized neighborhood where cobblestone charm meets cutting-edge cool. Wedged between SoHo, the Lower East Side, NoHo, and what remains of Little Italy, Nolita is only a few blocks in each direction, but it packs a serious punch. This is where fashionistas browse indie boutiques, where food lovers chase down the perfect slice or pastry, and where the energy feels distinctly downtown without the overwhelming crush of Times Square tourists.
Nolita's story begins as part of Little Italy, the immigrant enclave that flourished in the late 1800s and early 1900s as Italian families poured into Lower Manhattan. Tenement buildings rose, bakeries opened, and the neighborhood hummed with Italian-American life. By the mid-20th century, Little Italy had shrunk as families moved to the suburbs, but in the 1990s, as Manhattan's real estate boom kicked into high gear, developers and artists rediscovered these charming streets.
The name "Nolita" was coined by real estate agents in the 1990s—a bit contrived, yes, but it stuck. Unlike its neighbor SoHo (which went full luxury retail), Nolita maintained a more intimate, independent vibe. The narrow streets—Mulberry, Mott, Elizabeth—remained walkable and human-scaled. Independent designers opened boutiques in former tenements, chefs launched inventive restaurants, and the neighborhood became a magnet for the creative class.
What makes Nolita different? It's Manhattan's hidden gem—less tourist-clogged than SoHo, less corporate than Midtown, more sophisticated than the East Village. The architecture is stunning (19th-century buildings with fire escapes and cornices), the shopping is boutique-heavy (jewelry, fashion, homewares), and the food scene is killer. You're just as likely to find coal-fired pizza at Lombardi's (since 1905!) as you are modern American fusion at a Michelin-starred restaurant. It's old New York meets new New York, and somehow, it works beautifully.
Independent Retail Treasures Near The Meadow
Goods for the Study ( 234 / 236 Mulberry St) A McNally Jackson outpost, featuring NYC's best selection of pens, pencils, stationery, and more. Even at 400 square feet, you can get lost in here.
The Scent Bar (244 Elizabeth St) A fragrance boutique specializing in niche perfumes from around the world. Sample hard-to-find scents and get personalized recommendations from the knowledgeable staff. Olfactory heaven.
Artists & Fleas (Various pop-up locations on weekends) The Nolita Market pops up on Prince Street between Mulberry and Mott on weekends. Local artisans sell handmade jewelry, vintage finds, art prints, and accessories. Perfect for unique gifts.
Little Moony (230 Mulberry St) A boutique for mamas and babies with a gorgeous selection of high-quality, made in Los Angeles dresses, sweaters, shirts, onesies and more, plus a close selection of baby toys. Odile loves this place!
Housing Works Bookstore & Thrift Shop (Nearby on Crosby St) A nonprofit bookstore, café, and thrift shop supporting HIV/AIDS advocacy. Find vintage treasures, rare books, and feel good about your purchases.
Quality Mending Company (Nearby on Bowery) Vintage clothing with character and quirky décor (and inexplicably, lots of Bob's Big Boy statues). A fun browse for lovers of retro fashion.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry!
Rubirosa (235 Mulberry St) Classic Italian-American pizzeria serving thin-crust pizzas and handmade pasta. It's the perfect blend of old-school Italian charm and new-school execution. The vodka pizza is legendary.
Lombardi's Pizza (32 Spring St) America's first pizzeria, serving coal-fired pies since 1905. Historic, delicious, and essential New York eating. Expect a wait, but it's worth the pilgrimage.
The Mulberry Bar (240 Mulberry St—our downstairs neighbors!) A subterranean cocktail lounge with velvet ropes and a speakeasy vibe. Reservations recommended (or you might not get past Cindy the gatekeeper). Once inside, enjoy craft cocktails, caviar, and dim lighting that makes everyone look mysterious and beautiful.
