Froggr Guide to TriBeCa

The neat little triangle that rests below Canal Street comes from humble beginnings. Once full of storage warehouses, the neighborhood has become a staple for the upscale New York lifestyle. The former industrial neighborhood has inherited the luxurious lifestyles of the Financial District and the artistic quaint of SoHo. The transformation over the last few decades into one of Manhattan' most expensive neighborhoods and celebrity hangout is increasingly well deserved. 

Transportation

The 1 Train at Franklin Street

Tribeca area service includes the A/C/E and 1 train at Canal Street, the 1/2/3 and A/C at Chambers, the R/W at City Hall, the 2/3 at Park Place and the 1 at Franklin Street. Aside from the well covered area, nothing stands out about Tribeca transportation. It is not as grand and wide scale as Columbus Circle or Times Square. 

What makes the unspectacular service in the area special is that it gives residents an opportunity to experience walking through the architecturally significant neighborhood. On a lazy Sunday walk around and take note of the 19th century brick homes along Harrison Street, the cast iron and limestone facade factories or the popular loft style residences.

Local Attractions

Classic Tribeca Film Festival signage

If your lucky, you can walk down the streets of Tribeca and come across celebrities and models who live in the area. Populated by the likes of Robert DeNiro, Adriana Lima and power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce, Tribeca is the star gazers haven. However, for those of you who aren't stalkers there are other attractions that will suffice.  

The Tribeca Film Festival and Taste of Tribeca Festival take place annually. The Tribeca Film Festival has occurred annually since 2002 and is internationally renowned. Started by Robert DeNiro and Jane Rosenthal, the festival has screened over 1200 films from 80 different countries. A number of actors and directors personally attend the screenings. The festival as a whole encompasses the ESPN Sports Film Festival, Family Festival Street Fair and various workshops and lectures for film makers.

Taste of Tribeca draws major crowds in 2010

The Taste of Tribeca Festival was started as a way to raise funds for school programming by P.S. 150 and P.S. 134. Restaurants and top chefs from around the city prepare gourmet selections, participate in cook-offs, offer food walking tours and of course, tastings. Each ticket comes with 6 tastings from restaurants such as Nobu, Grandaisy Bakery, Bouley and Amish Market.

One of the great attractions that is in Tribeca every day of the year is Hudson River Park. On everyday of the year people can be found in Hudson River Park. Piers 25 and 34 supply Tribeca with a family playground, skate park, telescopes and basketball courts. Other than special events such as concerts held year-round, additions to come are mini golf, a water taxi and sand volleyball.

Dining

Top sirloin, one of the choice cuts at Riodizio

While many of those who are high up in the social rungs venture to the Upper West Side for expensive restaurants like Nobu and Bouley, Tribeca residents do not even have to get on a train. Some of the same highly rated restaurants have second locations in the trendy neighborhood. Even though Tribeca shares some Upper West Side dining favorites, they have a unique flavor all of their own.

Full of culture and artistry, Tribeca puts a spin on the traditional steakhouse by featuring its very own Brazilian steakhouse called Churrascaria Riodizio. The concept is simple and delicious. By flipping over red and green discs, waiters come and go with more choice cuts of meat. With top notch salad bars of sushi, antipasto and traditional casseroles the experience is a true celebration with friends and families. The best advice for any Brazilian barbecue is to come prepared to eat. 

Fresh basil and mozzarella pizza at Saluggi's

For food on the go, pizza is one of Tribeca's better choices. If you head on over to Saluggi's on Church Street you can avoid the hike over to Brooklyn for a great slice. In the eyes of Manhattanites, Saluggi's is an honorary Brooklyn pizza spot with interesting concoctions such as brussel sprout pizza with bacon and a great crispy, thin crust crust. Cheese lovers flock here for their piled on cheese pizzas while meat lovers come for the mini meatball pizza. The huge portions are just an added bonus for this cozy Tribeca spot. 

Shopping

Shopping in Tribeca is certainly not for your average tourist. In an area known for its high priced residents, the shopping choices fit the same mold. However, Tribeca has a little something for everyone if you take the time to stroll by specialty shops and browse for unique finds.

A portoro and gold marble art deco clock from Antiqueria

Those interested in decorating their stylist loft can head over to Antiqueria Tribeca. The high end furniture store specializes in 20th Century European furniture that is hand picked by the owners themselves. There are vintage items from Murano and Lalique with great pieces from Parisian leather chairs to art deco light fixtures.

Finally, a store dedicated to the other high end Tribeca resident has been creating a name for  itself  since 1992. The posh pet and rugged pet can find something here from its selection of natural pig ears and  bones to green tea shampoos and multi-vitamins. Quirky toys and ultra practical pet supplies keep customers coming back.

The 2nd floor of Miyake's art infused store

If decorating yourself is a bit more important than decorating your home or pampering your pet then find your way to Issey Miyake on Hudson Street. The shopping experience is just as worthy as the quality designs you will find here. The Frank Ghery designed titanium sculpture weaves itself through the 15,000 square foot flagship store.

Aside from the beautifully designed caste-iron building, Miyake houses all of  his most creative collections here. If you're looking for something truly different check out the "a piece of cloth" line with an entire cut-out style ensemble from the single, long cloth. 

                                     

Residential

The sky high view at 53 Park Place

Residing in Tribeca largely consists of condominiums and hush hush deals. While the investment bankers, actors and well to do like to keep things under wraps, there are a number of rental buildings sharing the wealth. Tribeca residents receive a great opportunity to live in great renovated factories with high ceilings, large loft spaces and a touch of Soho artistic style. 

A few major development companies have the neighborhood well under control. Tribeca Green, Tribeca Park and Tribeca Tower all belong to the Related Companies while 50 Murray and 53 Park Place belong to the World-Wide Group. Amongst all of these, there is something different for each and every tenant. Many health conscious and family oriented New Yorkers flocked to Tribeca Green upon opening in light of its LEED Gold status and green living amenities. 

1-bedroom living space at 50 Murray

Tribeca Park and Tribeca Tower both share exclusive services such as in-home package delivery, move-in coordination and a personal assistant. In the more modern Tribeca Park, residents enjoy a fully equipped conference center, children's playroom, garden and heated swimming pool. 

Over at 50 Murray, residents enjoy one of the best in-house gyms around. Equinox Fitness Club and Spa is just steps from the main lobby with over 27,000 square feet of space. With a significant resident discount, tenants enjoy everything from spinning to steam rooms. 

Bedroom at Tribeca Tower

One thing that sets newer tribeca buildings apart is their height. Unlike the older factories, newer buildings like 50 Murry soar over the Lower Manhattan area for full panoramic views at the sky basketball court and roof terrace.

Overall, living or just visiting Tribeca for a day can be filled with artistic wonder, special events and gourmet food in the rustic yet cosmopolitan neighborhood.