Having started reading The Infatuation religiously 10+ years ago in addition to generally admiring the entrepreneurial journey of it's co-founders, I (Nick, Bandit Co-Founder) was more than delighted to sit down recently for some coffee with Co- Co-Founder Andrew Steinthal. Andrew has been as tapped into the city's restaurant and bar scene as it gets since launching the Infatuation in 2009, and he (maybe not so coincidentally) is also an extremely dedicated runner.
We'll never pass up an opportunity to merge two of our biggest passions in the B-Mail (running & eating), so we got to know Mr. Steinthal a bit better, while quickly grilling him about his favorite spots to eat, hang and people watch in Bandit's new second-home neighborhood of the West Village.
Let's start easy... Who are you? What do you do?
Andrew Steinthal, co-founder of restaurant discovery platform, The Infatuation. Today, I focus on the growth in our editorial content and experiential programming by leading our relationship and community building with celebrity talent. As we built The Infatuation business over the past 15 years, I historically focused on relationship building and sales, which including our brand partnerships that over the years included brands like Nike, BMW, Don Julio and Stella Artois. We implement those partnership processes in new ways these days across our relationships with JPMorgan Chase, who acquired our brand in 2021 to further their commitment to dining, which is a major passion point for their customers.
What’s your connection to the sport of running? What does your running routine look like?
Running truly is my therapy. A time for me and my audio: music / books / pods. A time for me to be by myself, which is very important when you have kids. I run 4-5 times per week anywhere from 6-10 miles each session.
Any races on the calendar this year or personal running goals?
1,500 miles a year is my annual goal; something i’m trying to repeat this year, health permitting. I generally like to sign-up for one or two half marathons per year. I did the NYC Half a few months ago, which is always a great time – and hoping to do one of the Napa halves later this year.
Ok, let’s get to the good stuff…
What’s your connection to the West Village (if any), and/or how would you describe the West Village neighborhood relative to other hoods in downtown Manhattan?
The West Village is my grail of NYC neighborhoods. For me, there’s nothing else quite like it. It’s got the quaint neighborhood tree-lined vibe. No matter how many times I visit, there’s always another nook or cranny that I’m discovering, despite living in the city for more than 20 years. There’s no better place to spend a Friday afternoon, grab lunch, browse the stores, get drinks outside and in the very near future, maybe even treat yourself to some Salt & Straw.
Your favorite West Village Haunts (please give a 1-3 sentence explanation for each pick :)
Favorite burger in the West Village:
Corner Bistro -Oh man, Corner Bistro, how I love thee. One of the old guards of the West Village. his is a no frills burger on the corner of Jane and W.4th. It’s a a right of passage for any newly minted New Yorker. If you just focus on all the trendy cool burgers and pass over one of NYC’s OG ’s, you are doing yourself a disservice. Hop on line, drink a few beers, and enjoy a bite of NYC’s history. The fries smash too. You can feel the nostalgia in this spot.
** Bonus Burger, of the newer variety. Technically, it may be Soho, but it’s right on the border of the West Village and Hamburger America makes a perfect fried onion smash burger. While it’s a new spot, it feels like its been here since the early 1900’s. For me, there is no better feeling than walking out after sitting at the counter - smelling like burger griddle - full of two burgers, fries and a fountain coke. Going to need to run that extra mile next tomorrow.
Best date night spot:
L’Artusi, no brainer. An all time Infatuation classic. Tried and true. Amazing vibes, amazing wines, amazing olive oil cake.
Favorite long-standing West Village institution restaurant:
Wasted my Corner Bistro rec earlier, but don’t worry because La Bonbonniere will forever be one of the best OG diners in NYC. You haven’t properly done west village breakfast right until you’ve done La Bon.
Best newly opened restaurant:
Going to go San Sabino here, the new seafood focused restaurant from the Don Angie team. Went recently and it was incredible. I was really impressed with the food. The space is a little tight,but the food is absolutely tremendous. Some of the best bites I’ve had this year. Stuffed mussels, FTW. While it’s a seafood spot, don’t sleep on the deep fried steak. Absolute fire.
Best spot for people watching:
It’s a cliche answer at this point but the Via Carota x Bar Pisellino x Grove Street compound may be the single best People Watching destination in all of NYC these days. The action is relentless, a non-stop wave of pretty people doing their thing with their dogs, their selfies, their outfits and their spritzes. It’s all wildly entertaining.
Favorite street to wander through:
Love that little triangle pocket where Commerce Street meets Barrow Street and Bedford Street. I used to go to plays with my grandmother at Cherry Lane Theatre over there, which always brings back fond memories. The chicken at the space formerly known as Commerce was one of my favorite dishes in NYC, and it’s been reincarnated at a new version of the restaurant, The Commerce Inn, which is absolutely worth a trip.
*Bonus anecdote from author - I took my wedding photos here.*
Favorite cocktail bar:
Employees Only forever and always. Also, Donna makes incredible cocktails and has a sleeper great guacamole and chips. The Garrett also for when you’re meeting a crew of friends and need some space. The Infatuation has a full guide to the best bars in the West Village if you want some other options too.
Favorite place to shop for clothing:
Cueva - Ramy Youssef tipped me off to this spot. Amazing little menswear boutique on Christopher and Bleecker run by an extremely passionate guy named Justin. He’s been going over to Paris and London for fashion week every year, convincing brands he loves to sell stuff to him to carry in his store. He’s got great taste, and a ton of great gear in there.
Favorite coffee and/or bakery shop:
Need to go with the OG Magnolia. That place is legendary. What they’ve built beyond the original bakery is super impressive. Banana pudding forever.
Other businesses in the area you love?
Big Night on 10th St between Bleecker & Hudson St. It was started by one of our first Infatuation employees who left to go start her own curated dinner party at home store and is absolutely crushing (the original location is in Greenpoint). She’s got everything you need for entertaining at home - from cookware / drinkware / fun snacks and cooking supplies. Every time I visit that store I leave with a bag of good stuff.
Favorite park/outdoor space for a lazy Sunday hang?
When my kids were little, they loved Bleecker Playground.
Best place to bring your kids?
Magnolia Bakery into Bleecker Playground, a West Village one- two punch for the ages.
Favorite book store:
Not going to front, I don’t spend much time in book stores these days in between work, the family and running - other than to buy some birthday cards, maybe. My books are digital these days. That being said, Bookmarc is an NYC classic.
Favorite spot for cultural immersion (gallery, theater, jazz club, etc.)
Well, for me, the cultural immersion I’m looking for is at Bleecker Trading. That’s cultural immersion for The Hobby enthusiasts- mine being sports cards. This is the hub of sports card collecting in NYC, and an awesome place to hang with other enthusiasts, check out singles, and rip packs or boxes. It’s been a great place to bring my kids to asthey have a whole lounge / hang area and bball hoop in the backyard.
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Thanks to Andrew for making the time to chat with us, and if you don't already read The Infatuation as your restaurant bible, be sure to dig in.
