Photo Credit: Yelp

After an atrocious experience at Soho Nails (my manicurist didn’t take off all of my dark blue polish, didn’t file or cut my nails, didn’t scrub my feet properly and left me with another manicurist after she claimed in Spanish that I didn’t like her work), I needed a new place. Usually, I do my own mani pedi because I’m pretty apt at it, it saves me money and I can multi-task during it. Unfortunately, Manhattan in the summer is not conducive to at home mani pedis every once in a while. I had to bite the bullet and get professional help.

I serendipitously found Orchid Garden Spa one rainy day in the East Village. While strolling with a friend, I tried S’mac for the first time (BEST MAC N CHEESE EVER, LITERALLY), returned to Butter Lane one more time (vanilla cake with chocolate frosting), and happened to pass by Orchid Garden. What drew me in to this particular place? A sign that read $23 manicure and pedicure. I was sold.

Name: Orchid Garden Spa

Location: 139 1st Avenue

Time: 4 pm on a Saturday

Appointment: No

Service: Regular manicure and pedicure

Manicurist: Lucy

Price: $23

Review: Great job and totally worth the price. The salon is beautiful and clean, with plenty of seats and beauticians. It didn’t take long at all and they kept getting customers while I was there. My hands and feet came out beautiful; worth noting that Lucy was very attentive to my preferences and super friendly. I’m taking my best friend to the salon this weekend.

Rating: 4.5/5