3rd Ave Between 14th St and 16th St
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
While the surrounding blocks may be more pleasant to walk down, 3rd Ave more than makes up for it with its popularity. Even though thousands cross the intersection of 14th and 3rd everyday, it's still rather anemic in its offerings. The southeast corner, while previously a bodega, is now under construction to become a condo. Across the street another bodega has been closed and now sits vacant, awaiting some inevitable redevelopment. The north side is no better, with a large private parking lot and a run-down Duane Reade. You'd think the influx of people from Brooklyn, the nearby colleges and readily accessible bus lines would have spurred this to be a commercial Eden. Instead the popular shopping spots are reserved for nearby streets.
Being extra wide, 3rd Ave is a popular location for street fairs during the summer. With somewhere in the neighborhood of 7900 every year, it's hard to not stumble upon one of these indistinguishable events. Wether its one booth selling Italian sausage or some other booth selling Italian sausage, you can be sure to find what you want! Also, if you're feeling too tired to walk the entire fair – that's ok – it just goes on an endless loop for 12 blocks, so you're not missing much.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 9:00AM | Neighborhoods: Gramercy, Union Square | Borough: Manhattan | 1 Comment
Reader Comments (1)
I live very close to this block (17th Street btwn 3rd Ave and Irving Place) and I had two thoughts to contribute. First, as to the sort of anemic offerings on the corner of 3rd Ave and 14th Street, I moved onto my block Jan, 1994 - almost 16 years ago. In that time, the neighborhood has changed dramtically. The example I site for this assertation is always the corner of 14th and 3rd. Where that Duane Reade is now? Was a peep show when I moved in.
Second, I love your picture of Joe Junior. Those guys make a great burger. Their place is very old fashioned looking inside - formica tables, faded cardboard "specials" on the wall, vinyl covered stools at the counter. The food here is basic diner fare but very delicious and extraordinarily affordable. A staple of anyone in the neighborhood.