Discover SoHo's Hidden Art Gems & Trends
New York Locals
The Commodore I and Commodore II are iconic spots known for serving up some of the best crispy fried chicken and refreshing piña coladas in Williamsburg. 🍍✨ Founded by Chris Young and Taylor Dow, their success led to Commodore II’s opening in Manhattan’s East Village, bringing their famous menu to a whole new crowd. 🙌 With a strong focus on community and nightlife, Commodore II is already becoming a local favorite for both food lovers and partygoers alike. 🪩 🍽️ Stop by for a lively atmosphere, great eats, and a taste of what made The Commodore a Brooklyn staple! 🎉
Time Out New York
Halloween revelers of all ages—and all species—will descend upon the Meatpacking District on Saturday, for the area's annual Halloween celebration, Treats in the Streets. From 11am to 6pm, the west side neighborhood will offer all treats and no tricks at participating restaurants and businesses, including pumpkin ring toss, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, cornhole, pumpkin painting Halloween mask making, spooky storytime readings and plenty of sweet treats, including mini dipped croissants from Maman, Petrossian chocolates and signature tea, Halloween cookies from RIVIAN, mini apple cider donuts at The Standard, High Line and more. And, of course, Treats in the Streets' headlining event will return: the Meatpacking District’s 6th Annual Doggie Costume Contest, taking place on Gansevoort Street and Ninth Avenue. After both pups and their owners strut down the runway showing off their costumed best, a panel of judges will decide the top three looks of the day. The winner will receive an overnight stay at The Standard, High Line, while all three finalists will take home a personalized pet portrait by artist Laura Baran.
New York Locals
Lately Cafe Bar & Bistro has quickly become a Long Island City favorite since opening in April 2023. Founded by Eric Lee, this cozy neighborhood spot is known for its expertly brewed coffee and mouthwatering egg sandwiches. 🍳☕ But Lately is more than just a cafe—it’s a vibrant community hub that celebrates art, culture, and music, hosting events that bring neighbors together. 🎶✨ In May, they expanded with a new dinner menu and downstairs bar, offering a fresh take on seasonal ingredients and creative dishes. Join them for a memorable evening of great food, drinks, and local vibes. 🍽️
Secret NYC
Open House New York Experience the unique opportunity to explore over 200 of New York City’s iconic buildings and landmarks during the Open House New York (OHNY) weekend from October 18th to 2oth. This event, celebrating its 22nd year, offers a mix of in-person tours, self-guided explorations, and digital content of skyscrapers, power plants, artist studios, and everything in between. The festival is 100% free to the public, making it accessible for everyone. Discover more about the event and plan your visit on the Open House New York website.
Little Kid Big City NEW YORK
Hidden Gem in NYC - Chinese Scholar’s Garden 🌳 Summer is the perfect time to explore some of the city’s fabulous gardens. One of New York City’s greatest hidden gems is the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, located at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden in Staten Island. The design is based on gardens from the Ming Dynasty in China, and one of the few authentic gardens that were built in America. All the materials you see here (including the rocks and the tiles on the floor!) were made or sourced in China. The Chinese Scholar Garden has much to explore! There are eight pavilions, three ponds with koi fish, a waterfall, and many picturesque areas, including the unique shaped doorways seen on this clip. It’s a treasure. Why a hidden gem? Because It’s hard to find it! The NYCSG is behind a stone wall and not visible from the road. To get to the entrance you must walk through a cottage. The sign marking this is small and easy to miss. It truly is hidden!
Infatuation
Ras Plant Based A vegan and a meat-eater enter a plant-based Ethiopian restaurant. A couple of hours later, they both leave completely satisfied—and with the newfound knowledge that vegan nacho cheese is far superior to the real (fake) stuff. Such miracles can happen at the second location of Ras Plant Based in Greenwich Village. The menu here is essentially the same as their original spot in Crown Heights, except for the injera nachos, which you must order, because that’s where that melty vegan cheese comes into play. Add on a few cocktails and a mercato platter, with lots of spongy injera for scooping up creamy ground chickpeas, and you’ve got a feast for friends who love legumes, and those who'd normally rather be eating meat.
Eater
Textbook, a Fort Greene cafe known for its tahini-coffee shakes, has opened in Bed-Stuy that’s a bakery doubling as a bar called Understudy. Fresh bread should be affordable for everyone. That’s why they have a “Name Your Price for Bread” policy. Their Chef Tony, the master baker behind Bakery by Textbook. Chef was born and raised in New York, and now calls Bushwick home. With over a decade in the industry, Chef Tony’s journey began as a dishwasher and has finally landed him the opportunity to run his own kitchen. His speciality? Bread! From working in kitchens in Italy, to building bread ovens in Morocco, he’s excited to show you everything he’s learned along the way. At Bakery by Textbook, expect a focus on Mediterranean ingredients and flavors, as Chef Tony eagerly prepares some of his favorite recipes. He can’t wait to break bread with this amazing community 💛
See also
Dining in Willowbrook: Explore Local Dining Experiences & Foodie Favorites Near NYC
newyorkcity.explore
🍦🚇 All aboard the sweetest ride in NYC! 🚇🍦 This is definitely the coolest (and yummiest) subway in New York City! 📸🍭 Check out the pink subway at the Museum of Ice Cream – it’s like stepping into a candy-coated dream.🍨🍭 Perfect for getting those Insta-worthy shots and having a blast with your friends! 🎀✨
Natasha Husein
This is your sign to host a summer soirée (aka block party) in your neighborhood! Make new friends, meet your neighbors, go offline and be present with community in real life! Also if you’re in the Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens area we do these gatherings once a month in Cobble Hill Park.
Crown | NYC
Outdoor movie nights at Hunter's Point South Park, Long Island City. Summer is the best for such spending the time! Experience the magic of movies under the stars at Hunter's Point South Park! Bring your friends, family, and a cozy blanket for an unforgettable evening of cinema with stunning views of the NYC skyline. 🌆🍿 Relax on the waterfront, enjoy the cool breeze, and watch your favorite films in this beautiful setting. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night!
Explore the Local Art Scene in SoHo, NYC
The SoHo neighborhood in New York City is a vibrant hub for art enthusiasts, offering a rich tapestry of galleries, studios, and public art installations. Known for its historic cast-iron architecture and cobbled streets, SoHo is not just about shopping and fine dining; it's also home to a thriving local art scene that invites exploration and discovery.
Trending Galleries in SoHo
SoHo boasts a mix of both established and emerging galleries that are must-visits for any art lover. The Gagosian Gallery, for instance, is a titan in the art world, frequently hosting exhibitions from renowned artists like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst. Meanwhile, Team Gallery offers a platform for contemporary artists who push the boundaries of modern art.
If you prefer something more avant-garde, make your way to the Deitch Projects. Known for its innovative and often provocative installations, this gallery is a hidden gem that continuously surprises visitors. Many locals frequent these spaces, so chatting with them on Kikihub can uncover even more about the trending galleries making waves in SoHo.
Art Events You Can't Miss
SoHo is not just a static museum of beautiful art; it's a dynamic community pulsating with creativity. Throughout the year, various art events and festivals make the neighborhood come alive. The SoHo Art Walk is a favorite, allowing you to explore multiple galleries in one evening, often accompanied by wine tastings and live performances.
Another significant event is the Tribeca Film Festival, which spills over into SoHo. While mainly focused on film, many events feature large-scale installations and visual art exhibitions. And let's not forget the Open Studios event, where local artists open their private studios to the public, providing a rare glimpse into the creative process.
Hidden Gems and Local Secrets
While well-known galleries and events are reason enough to visit SoHo, the area’s real allure lies in its hidden gems. Take a stroll down its less-traveled alleys and you may find Street Art Murals that can’t be missed. These pieces, often created by anonymous artists, add a raw and unfiltered voice to the local art scene.
For those who enjoy sculptures, the Spring Street Park often features temporary installations that capture the imagination. Additionally, SoHo's bookstores like McNally Jackson frequently host art book readings and signings, offering a more intimate experience with authors and artists themselves.
The Art Community in SoHo
SoHo's art scene is also deeply rooted in its community. Many local artists have lived and worked here for decades, contributing to its unique, eclectic vibe. Interact with longtime residents on Kikihub to gain a deeper understanding of the community’s history and its evolving art landscape.
Artist collectives like The Drawing Center and ART SOHO provide opportunities for artists to collaborate and showcase their talents. These collectives frequently host workshops, discussions, and community events that are perfect for anyone looking to dive deeper into SoHo's art world.
Support Independent Artists
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in SoHo's art scene is by supporting its independent artists. Shopping at pop-up markets and independent stores like Artists & Fleas offers a chance to buy original art directly from the creators. Many local artists also sell their work at smaller galleries like Curated and Tiny Showcase, which often feature unique and affordable pieces.
Engage in conversations with the artists at their exhibitions; many are more than willing to share the stories behind their work. Use platforms like Kikihub to find out which local artists are generating the most buzz and where you can see their latest creations. This personal interaction can make your exploration of SoHo's art scene even more enriching and memorable.
