Tropical Hipster Heaven on St. Marks

Tonight I had dinner with my best friend Sam and her NYU friends at Yaffa Cafe, the most fabulously decorated restaurant ever. (Well, at least out of the places that I've dined at.) I love eating at restaurants that have a funky, unique atmosphere, and this one went to the top of my list tonight. The walls are covered in gothic printed wallpaper, lanterns hang in rows across the ceiling and Buddha statues are strategically placed throughout the restaurant--there's even a framed picture of Jim Morrison!




But that's not even the best part... We ate in the outdoor dining area, which is filled with oversized plants, umbrellas, string lights and a huge black and white mural painting of a woman with a Led Zeppelin Icarus tattoo on her shoulder! I was in tropical hipster heaven.




Afterwards, we went next door to Simone, a similarly-decorated restaurant-bar that specializes in flavored martinis. The atmosphere, while still extremely detailed and ornate, was a little more elegant than its restaurant counterpart. The space is entirely red, with a red printed wallpaper and a red tiled ceiling. Chandeliers provide the dim lighting and the chairs and bar stools are leopard. The fringe drapes in the windows also add a glamorous touch to the Moulin Rouge-like atmosphere.




Both places are great for meeting up with friends during the week, or even for a special occasion. I know I plan to go back to both!

Yaffa Cafe
97 St. Marks Place
Between 1st Ave and Ave A
New York

Simone Espresso & Wine Bar
134 First Ave
At St. Marks Place
New York

Peace, Love and Neon,
Marisa