Lights On…In Lower Manhattan

By Kelly Rush

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, one of my favorite days of the year, an Irish blessing for you: May the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, may your teenagers stay busy, may the road rise up to meet you, and may you always find parking when you reach your destination. As usual, if you see any new retailers or spot changes to a long-time friend, please email me at [email protected] and I’ll check them out.

7eventytwo – 72 Warren Street
(212) 571-7290 | www.7eventytwo.org

Teenagers are known for a few things, and boredom is one of them. The Church Street School for Music and Art is taking that untapped energy and channeling it into creative endeavors that promise to enrich and enliven teens’ free hours. 7eventytwo is a drug- and alcohol-free-zone that offers a variety of activities that promote learning and creative expression in a fun, safe environment. Events include battle of the bands, film screenings, figure drawing and open-studio Saturdays. Workshops provide instruction on everything from digital cameras, music video production, and fiber sculpture.

Woodrow’s – 43 Murray Street
(212) 676-0300 | www.woodrowsnyc.com

Glenn Garmont has a good thing going. He and his wife Erin, who own Woodrow’s, are exactly where they want to be: in the middle of a neighborhood poised for growth with a bar whose popularity is already exceeding their hopes.  “We haven’t been open even two weeks and things are better than expected,” Glenn said. Woodrow’s fills a void in the area for a casual, homey watering hole that also offers great food without being too expensive. The owners have completed extensive renovations on the space to include a downstairs whiskey bar with comfortable couches and decorative touches that make you feel like you’ve come home, except nicer and with the option of having your own personal bartender. Come for an after-work drink or make it your home for St. Patrick’s Day. On offer is an Irish breakfast with black and white pudding, Irish bacon, eggs and toast or enjoy an entrée including corn beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Guinness beef stew or a corned beef sandwich.

EuroPan Diner Café – 125 Fulton Street
(212) 619-0300 | www.europandiner.com

EuroPan has several locations throughout the city, but now we only have to travel to Fulton to get a taste of variety on a budget. The selection here is huge, but don’t be daunted by all your choices. To ease navigation, the choices at EuroPan Diner Café are split into several (OK, more than several) categories: egg platters, omelet options, breads and bagels, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, vegetarian wraps, regular wraps, paninis, sauté dishes, risotto dishes, “quesadilla corner,” and cakes pies and pastries. If those choices aren’t enough, a few other options are available, such as shakes, smoothies and gourmet coffees.

Quik Park – 95 Wall Street
(212) 785-0940 | www.quikparkgarages.com

Finding a parking space in Lower Manhattan, or really any part of the city, can be a quest even Odysseus would find challenging. This lot is open 24 hours a day and conveniently located at Wall and Water, within easy walking distance of the South Street Seaport, Staten Island Ferry, Battery Park and the shopping and commercial centers around Wall Street.

Anne Frank Center USA – 44 Park Place,
(212) 431-7993 | www.annefrank.com

The museum honoring one of the most recognizable and influential Holocaust victims, Anne Frank, officially opened its doors and held an opening celebration March 15. The center promotes a message of tolerance and respect and uses Anne Frank’s diary and life to share her legacy with the world.

Closings:

Icon Parking – 95 Wall Street
Digi Prints, Inc. – 176 Broadway
The Bread Factory Café – 125 Fulton
Sunny’s Deli – 11 Park Place

For more information on retailers in Lower Manhattan, visit the Alliance for Downtown New York at www.DowntownNY.com. You can check out an interactive map with details on hours, locations and services and search the events calendar. Or, stay connected through the Downtown Alliance iPhone app, available for download on the website.