Canal Street (N, Q, R, W, 6, J, Z)

Welcome to Canal Street, with access to Chinatown, Tribeca, Soho, and Little Italy.

Canal Street, just outside the eastern station entrances. 

Canal St

This street is a major artery for cars. It cleanly separates Soho (south of Houston) from Tribeca (triangle below Canal street). Canal street is filled with Chinese-friendly commerce and touristy gift shops.

Where’s Waldo: Project 472 Edition. Can you find the green bulb of the Canal St station entrance? 

Chinatown

Southeast of the station is Chinatown. Plug “Doyers Street” into your phone map and walk until you hit it - that’ll bring to you to one of my favorite parts of Chinatown, home to the famous Nom Wah Tea Parlor, the underground neon-entranced Mabu cafe, and two of my favorite cocktail bars, Peachy’s and Apotheke.

Chinatown with just a touch of Jesus influence

Chinatown’s Columbus Park is the gathering place for Chinese elders riveted to outdoor games of Mahjongg and cards. The NYC Parks sign posted in the center is in Mandarin; I couldn’t find an English translation. And I think that’s beautiful. Unless the sign actually says something awful.

Wandering around is always a good bet. That’s how I found my new favorite chopsticks store, Yunghon.

Columbus Park, where I’d certainly lose money if I tried my hand against any of these seasoned ladies. 

Tribeca

Southwest of the station is arty Tribeca. Lispenard, Walker, and White streets have a bunch of fancy shops and small art galleries like the Isabelle Sullivan Gallery. The ground floor of Walker Hotel Tribeca has a Blue Bottle cafe with a robust laptop co-working scene, and it’s a vibey place to recharge.

A Lispenard Street gallery - most of them have this kind of big-walled vibe.

Soho

North of the station is Soho. I recommend walking up Greene or Mercer - those are two of my favorite streets in SoHo, probably because I’m a sucker for exposed brick, cobblestone, and bougie storefronts. For more SoHo recs, check out Spring (6), Spring (CE) or Prince (RW).

I was, am, and will always be, a sucker for Mercer Street. 

Little Italy

Take Mulberry street north, and the Chinese influence fades into pasta and cannolis. I do love a sweet treat from Cafe Palermo, better known as Cannoli King. But when it comes to a meal, I’ve found better Italian food outside of Little Italy (try I Sodi, Via Carota, Carbone, or Don Angie in West Village).

What did I miss? Scroll past the map and let me know in the comments.