Dreams Are Made Of

Text and images by Dalya Turunç.

One of the best things about New York is that there are people everywhere.

One of the worst things about New York is that there are people everywhere.

TikTokification of third spaces has, in many cases, defeated the entire purpose of these once-quiet havens. (If you can find a spot at Elizabeth Street Garden this spring, I’m truly jealous.) 

We all occasionally need a place to overthink without being rushed, read that one book we’ve been meaning to get to forever, or simply get away from the noise in our own heads for a couple of hours.

So, here are three oddly specific places you can head to for a little breather. 

The Leather Couches on the Second Floor of Albertine Books (Upper East Side)

This might just be the perfect place to lounge and flip through a book. The navy blue hand-painted ceiling with drawings of constellations makes you feel like you’ve been transported out of the city. 

For those who want to socialize, the bookstore will be hosting Albertine Book Club meetings from April through June. 

The Bar Seat Facing the Street at Hard to Explain (East Village) 

Just like the name suggests, this little nook is hard to define. Hard to Explain is a bit of everything: a cozy vinyl bar by night, a tea spot by day and whatever you want it to be in between.

You can nibble on Japanese snacks while you read, enjoy the well-curated jazz records or claim the window seat and simply people-watch.

The punny cocktail names are a bonus . “Ma-Chet Baker” is a little corny but also a guilty pleasure. 

The Middle Bench in the Secret Garden at St. Luke in the Fields (West Village) 

The Secret Garden is surrounded by red brick walls, which keeps foot traffic low, so you’re likely in for a quiet, serene hour. 

They also have a few concerts coming up at St. Luke in the Fields Church, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those, too.