where to go + what to wear this summer
by Diva
This summer we are handing over our recommendations blog to the trusted hands of Diva Dhawan – founder of Pop Buy India and one of the chicest humans in the city
A true testament to Diva’s taste – the spots on this list are quality and have big all time favorite + can’t go wrong energy. She’s also thoughtfully curated fashion and accessory picks for you that go with the vibe at each spot – we hope you enjoy this much requested blog collab!
Find your perfect vibe
weekend brunch
Lola Taverna
Diva’s pick for brunch is a West Village based floral paradise with Greek Island cuisine. Lola Taverna serves delicious food alongside warm and vibrant energy and great hospitality. We absolutely love this spot and some of our brunch menu picks include: the mezze & the chicken gyro bao buns. They also have incredible healthy options- a lovely fresh salads section, a delish salmon main and a broccoli and kale balsamic side dish. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the Instagrammable energy at Lola – they have countless incredible spots on the tables below the gorgeous flowers and of course in front of their very Instagrammable decor. They also have a heated roof covered in gorgeous flowers and heating stands all over the restaurant to keep you warm and cozy during the fall (yes we like to plan for the future as well). See Diva’s personal menu and fashion picks below + all the reservation info you’d need ☺️
Diva’s menu picks
Tzatziki, Melitzanosalata, Hummus, Kopanisti, Lola salad, Saganaki fondue, Spanakopita spring rolls, Impossible meat kebabs. Lola’s full menu here
Diva’s jewelry pick
Reservations
If you’re feeling this vibe, make a res here
Location
West Village – 210 6th Ave, New York, NY 10014
date night
The Nines
Diva’s top date night pick is The Nines – brought to you by the same team as @acme_nyc . The Nines is an elite supper club and piano bar in NoHo. This spot is perfect for a sultry and luxurious date night, complete with red velvet couches and a rotating cast of New York pianists. The menu is reminiscent of grand hotel dining rooms with offerings like caviar and classic cocktails like a Negroni and a Manhattan. Aside from the classics, they also have a selection of lower alc level cocktails and mocktails which we love. The cocktail program and music here is spectacular but the real pull in our opinion is the opulent ambience that transports to you a different time altogether. Diva’s menu and fashion picks below 🥂
Diva’s menu picks
Cocktails: N9, Daiquiri, Bellini. Mocktails: The Good Apple. Food: Crudités, Mushroom Paté, Maitake & Sunchokes. See full menu here
Diva’s jewelry pick
Zara Studs from PopBuy India
Reservations
They welcome walk ins for the bar and accept reservations for tables here
Location
NoHo: 9 Great Jones Street, New York, NY 10014
din w friends
Chinese Tuxedo
Diva’s menu picks
Cocktails: Two on the road, Invincible armor. Mocktails: The Iron Circle. Food: Crispy Eggplant, Steamed Snow Pea Leaves, Stir fried mushrooms, Vegetarian XO Fried Rice, Sweet Potato Curry Spring Roll. Here’s a link to their full menu
Diva’s jewelry pick
Reservations
If you’re feeling this vibe, make a res here or call +1 (646) 895 – 9301.
Location
Chinatown: 5 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
girls night
Butterfly
Diva’s night out pick is Butterfly at SIXTY SoHo. If you’re looking for a night of luxury and fun this is your spot. Brought to you by the same team behind Rose Bar & Electric Room, this bar + lounge + club serves instagram worthy cocktails and great vibes – some of our faves include The Joker ( rum, lime, passionfruit, lychee) and Agathia Emperor (tequila, spiced pear liqueur, saffron, pineapple bitters). They also serve snacks and shared plates along with drinks if you’re hungry – you can’t go wrong with the pizza margherita or the truffle fries of course. Butterfly paces out your night really well, starting off softer and then turning up into a clubby atmosphere and usually has great DJs. Diva’s cocktail and fashion picks below
Diva’s menu picks
Cocktails: Buckeye, Brimstone. For the full menu, click here
Diva’s jewelry pick
Reservations
If you’re feeling this vibe, make a res here or email [email protected].
Location
SoHo: 60 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
coffee + work date
Laughing Man on Duane
As an entrepreneur, Diva’s coffee + work date location of choice is super important and Laughing Man on Duane St is her top pick. Laughing Man serves fair trade coffee from Peru, Ethiopia and Colombia. They have a strong focus on giving back with The Laughing Man Foundation which supports coffee farming communities by investing in programs that aid the health, growth, and success for coffee farmers and their families in these countries. You can support Laughing Man’s initiative by learning more here, shopping and visiting their Tribeca or Battery Park locations. The Tribeca location in particular has a super warm and welcoming energy. The space is massive with indoor and outdoor seating areas and always has a spot available. They serve everything from chai to matcha so rest assured there’s options for you no matter your preferred choice of caffeine intake and ofc they do decaf too. We also love their blueberry muffins and croissants. See Diva’s coffee and fashion picks below ☕
Diva’s menu picks
Iced oat latte, pain au chocolat . See full menu here
Diva’s jewelry pick
Reservations
Just walk ins
Location
Tribeca: 184 Duane Street, New York, NY 10014