Mulberry Street, New York

Little Italy's main strip since the early 20th century, Mulberry Street is also, arguably, its most pleasant, mellow part, where Italians from all over the city converge. Lined with cafés, social clubs, street stalls and a multitude of Italian fast-food/snack vendors, the street gets particularly lively at night when the lights come on and restaurant hosts advertise their menu specials to passers-by.

At the edge of the main strip of cafés and restaurants, the MULBERRY STREET BAR (Sun-Thu: 11am–12am; Fri, Sat: 11am–2am) is no ordinary watering hole. Open since 1908, the bar has seen its share of actors, mob bosses, and actors playing mob bosses. This is a Hollywood favorite and the backdrop for several cinematic projects including Frank Sinatra's "Contract on Cherry Street", "Donnie Brasco", and "Godfather III" as well as scenes from "The Sopranos" and "Law & Order". Few aspects of the bar have changed since it opened its doors and the mafia ambiance emanates from dark wood walls and pressed tin ceiling. The jukebox is loaded with Sinatra, the Four Tops, and Elvis. But above all, it's still a bar, so grab a Peroni and relax – it's not like someone's gonna whack you here!

For seafood with a side of mafia folklore, walk over to the infamous UMBERTO'S CLAM HOUSE (Sun-Thu: 12pm–12am; Fri, Sat: 12pm–1am), and sit facing the wall in the last table in the back. That is exactly where "Crazy Joe" Gallo had his last supper on April 7, 1972 at 4:30am when four Colombo family members gunned him down. Get the baked clams and linguine with white clam sauce – it's to die for!

Having been run in the same location since 1891, the cash-only CAFFÉ ROMA (Sun-Thu: 8am–11pm; Fri, Sat: 8am–12am) is well worth seeing just for the charming old-time décor; their coffees and traditional Italian pastries – such as cannoli, tiramisu, and ricotta cheesecake – are delicious and worth the calories, however. They don't appear to want to chase you out as soon as you finish your dessert, either. If the spot by the window is open, you better snag it!

If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth and take in a little history of Little Italy at the same time, don't miss the FERRARA BAKERY & CAFE (Sun-Thu: 8am–11pm; Fri, Sat: 8am–12am). There's something for everyone there to have with a coffee or to take home and enjoy later (if one is too full from a delicious dinner).

For pizzas and/or pasta done well and in a cozy atmosphere, head straight to SAPORI D'ITALIA (Daily: 11am–10pm), where you can also choose the tables outside to enjoy the views around on a nice sunny day. Whenever you want a snack or a quick meal, TASTY DUMPLING (Daily: 9am–8:30pm) on the Chinatown side of Mulberry St serves fresh, authentic, well-priced dumplings (both boiled and fried) and some of the most flavorful hot and sour soup you'll ever taste.

Tip:
If you're here in mid-September, the 11-day Festa di San Gennaro brings music, carousels, colorful parades, eating contests and many delicious delicacies for people of all ages to enjoy.