Best American Little Italy section? (state, life, Boston, cons)
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It definitely has poached, Cuttle. I grew up there - 40 years ago, and there was indeed a Little Italy whose square mileage has greatly lessened. Most of this generation of Italians has moved out of Manhattan.
Well, yeah, but the same thing is happening with Chinatown.
And that wasn't the question.
The question is what is currently happening. If anything, Chinatown is under more pressure, because Manhattan Little Italy basically has solid boundaries that cannot be penetrated (Mulberry), while Manhattan Chinatown has fluid boundaries that are being penetrated with gentrification on all sides.
Now if you want a RESIDENTIAL Little Italy, then you need to visit the Outer Borough Little Italys.
The Manhattan Chinatown still has a residential base (unlike the Manhattan Little Italy), but it is no longer the #1 or even #2 Chinese neighborhood in the city. Flushing and Sunset Park are much bigger nowadays.
Why is LA listed on the poll? I didn't think Los Angeles even had a Little Italy...San Diego has a small one and San Francisco has North Beach, which are both very touristy shells of what they used to be, but are still kind of fun.
Nothing to compare to the East Coast though...New York hands down, especially Arthur Ave and parts of Brooklyn.
New York's Little Italy is easily the best. Though it's not nearly as big as New York's, Boston's North End is gorgeous and gives you the feeling that you're actually in Europe.
Out of Boston's historical neighborhoods, this one feels the most European:
NY is certainly more italian overall but no one area beats the north end.
edit: what you are really missing in those pictures is just how italian it is. You still hear a LOT of italian in the north end. maybe more than english.
Why is LA listed on the poll? I didn't think Los Angeles even had a Little Italy...San Diego has a small one and San Francisco has North Beach, which are both very touristy shells of what they used to be, but are still kind of fun.
Nothing to compare to the East Coast though...New York hands down, especially Arthur Ave and parts of Brooklyn.
LA did have a little Italy at once. Now were trying to establish another one.
Here is my take on the Little Italy neighborhoods I have been to:
Boston's North End - My pick for the best. Amazing streetscapes and an authentic feel (even through there is definitely a yuppie presence)
Manhattan's Little Italy - Is very vibrant, but pretty much a facade neighborhood. The establishments feel authentic, but not many of the old time residents are here anymore.
South Brooklyn - Large area (several neighborhoods) with lots of Italians, more so than any other Little Italy. Cool authentic establishments, but not geared towards tourists. Seems like Russians and Chinese are taking over certain sections.
Chicago's Little Italy - Decent neighborhood, but kind of lame. Does not feel authentic.
Chicago's Heart of Italy- Feels more authentic than Chicago's Little Italy, but is very tiny.
Philly's Italian Market/South Philly - Very blue collar and authentic vibe, with the Italian Market creating a unique experience. One of the better Little Italy Neighborhoods.
San Francisco's North Beach - Amazing and vibrant neighborhood with good restaurants, but not all that authentic. Did see a few Italians among the yuppies and tourists.
San Diego's Little Italy - Nice neighborhood but not authentic at all. If not for the massive neighborhood sign you would never know that you are in an Italian neighborhood.
St Louis Hill Section - Seems like a large neighborhood, but was kind of dead. Maybe I was there on a bad day?
Pittsburgh's Bloomfield – Very cool area with a very old school, blue-collar vibe. It's not really obvious that you are in an Italian area though.
Cleveland's Little Italy - A very good Little Italy. Not all that big, but it's very vibrant and authentic feeling.
We have a Little Italy in LA? I'm going with Cleveland because I've been there and loved it... and I like rooting for the underdog. Manhattan is a strong #2 though
It annoys me that people keep saying manhattan. Little italy is in the north bronx, arthur avenue, and southern parts of brooklyn. Not manhattan. Arthur Avenue is new yorks little italy. The one in manhattan is just for tourist
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