Spring St, SoHo

Spring street is one of the integral streets in Soho. Soho is not my favorite neighborhood to say the least; but, Spring has some pretty cool things on it. And, it's impossible to not walk on it at some point if you're in the neighborhood.
The Ear Inn is on the corner of Spring and Greene. It's one of the oldest bars in NY (the building is from 1817). It was built as the house of a famous African American Tobacco Merchant who served under Washington in The Revolutionary War. They have been serving drinks at least as far back as 1867. It was called The Green Door and was quite famous with the sea-faring crowd. In 1977, new owners took over and rubbed part of the "B" off of the Bar sign because it was protected by the Landmark Commission and can't be taken down. So, now it's the Ear Inn.
The NY City Fire Museum is at Varick. It's a really cool place with a permanent 9/11 exhibit. After a quick jaunt through the museum, I would stop by Aqua Grill (at 6th). This place has amazing oysters and a really cool vibe. East of W. Broadway is where the shopping begins. There are a ton of shops (Diesel, Sunglasses Hut, Theory, etc.) And, it's a little removed from the mayhem that is Broadway. There's a really weird shop that I love at Greene called Evolution. They have a lot of shells, taxidermy items and bones. They're actually kind of famous for the amount of bones they have for sale.
Balthazar is just a block east. It's one of the most famous restaurants in New York. I'm not a huge fan of the place. It's very sceney, still. But, it is fun and they have a great brunch. The Spring St Lounge is a great bar to go for a game. It's been around forever (it used to be a speakeasy). It's laid back and there are stuffed sharks all over the walls.
Lombardi's is on the corner of Mott and Spring. This is the oldest pizza place in the city and many argue it's the best. I disagree but you have to go. It's always packed and it's always a good time. There's a place across the street called Rice to Riches that only serves different kinds of rice pudding. I always laugh when I pass this place because I'm convinced it has to be a front for mob activity. Rice pudding? Seriously?
Spring Street is a great little street for just about any afternoon into evening of leisure. You never run out of ways to spend money when you're walking on it.

Lombardi's Pizzeria, located on 32 Spring Street, has some of the best Pizza that NYC has to offer. Established in 1905, Lombardi's claims to be the oldest pizzeria. Their coal oven, Italian style pizza has thin crust and delicious flavor. Many credit Lombardi's for having the best pizza in Manhattan and the line is often over an hour just to get a pie. However, it is certainly worth the wait. If you are ever in the area I would highly recommend waiting for one of these delicious pies.

Spring is on the of the busiest streets in SoHo. There are great hardware and other supply stores on the West Side, as well as a great Pizza place and public park - popular with families. Spring is a quick way to get over to the Bowery if you're walking or riding, but best to avoid if you have the misfortune of driving in SoHo. Definitely check out some of the better pizza shops near Broadway.

Whenever my parents treat me to a meal, Spring Street is at the top of our list. I spent my last visit in a Mexican diner. There's a wide variety of food to choose from, and I always feel like I'm discovering new restaurants each time I go. The street is active but not overwhelmingly busy - I feel comfortable every time I go. Enjoy a few moments in one of their many shops.