The Best of NYC’s East Village: From History to Hipster Havens
Whether you're wandering through its storied streets, savoring its diverse culinary delights, or immersing yourself in its arts scene, the East Village promises a day of adventure. From the whispers of history echoing through its historic churches and parks to the buzz of contemporary cafes and music venues, every corner of this neighborhood tells a story. Join us as we explore this iconic NYC neighborhood, with a guide that highlights its significant landmarks, hidden gems, and everything in between.
Where is the East Village?
It’s easy to get confused between the East Village, West Village and Greenwich Village. The West Village lies squarely within Greenwich Village, but the East Village does not. Interestingly, the East Village was part of the Lower East Side until some savvy realtors rebranded it to capitalize on the high demand for cool, bohemian Greenwich Village. (Rumor has it the realtors would advertise “Village apartments” to lure prospective tenants, only to pull a bait-and-switch.) You can still find Lower East Side signage in older parts of the neighborhood, or Losaida, the Spanglishized version coined by the large Puerto Rican community in the area.
Since then, the East Village has continued to reinvent itself while preserving different layers of its past. Whether you love food, art, music, or history, you’ll find myriad ways to pass the time in this cool, distinct neighborhood. Start with some of our favorite spots, which we’ve shared in the map above, and in additional detail below.
Coffee Shops in the East Village
If there’s one establishment in a neighborhood that best represents its unique character, it is the humble coffee shop, where members of the community of every stripe and color collectively gather to socialize, work, and study.
Ninth Street Espresso
Its anti-establishment roots have made the East Village a breeding ground for experimental ideas, even with coffee. Ninth Street Espresso was one of the pioneers of the New York specialty coffee scene, opening its doors in Alphabet City in 2001. With a simple menu and a focus on the fundamentals, it is the destination for purists who enjoy good, simple coffee. Coffee Project NY came many years later, but had the same innovative spirit. Here, a bean’s original tasting notes, roasting process and artful mixology all work together to highlight coffee’s most fascinating characteristics (which you can delve into further at their Coffee Lab in Long Island City). The deconstructed latte is one of their most well known menu items.
La Cabra
We first discovered La Cabra in Copenhagen, and were thrilled when an outpost of the Danish coffee company opened in the East Village in 2021. Their expertly sourced, roasted, and brewed coffee, as well as their beautifully crafted and delicious breads and pastries elevate them to one of our favorite coffee shops in NYC, not just the East Village. And of course, we have a soft spot for neighborhood gem Abraço. Its original location was a shoebox-sized spot that was mostly standing-room only, save for a few prized stools set against a large open window. There was almost always a line, and it felt like 150 degrees inside when you made your way up to order at the cash-only bar. Now, there’s a lot more space, but it is still frequently crowded with a tableau of the neighborhood itself; gathering friends, mingling old-timers, boisterous families, and bashful first dates.
Our Favorite Things To Do in the East Village
Lose Yourself in Unique Specialty Shops
John Varvatos
In the East Village, shopping is more than a retail experience, it's a journey through time and culture. This neighborhood is home to a variety of unique specialty shops that embody the rich history and eclectic character of the area. There are stores doubling as living museums, like John Varvatos. It was once home to CBGB, the famous music club. The 1970s and 1980s saw the East Village emerge as the epicenter of the punk rock scene, with iconic venues like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City hosting legendary performances by bands such as The Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads. Its original stage is still preserved among the men’s designer clothes and accessories. Remnants of the original club are still there, making it easy to imagine a crowded night during its heyday. Valuable music memorabilia now hangs from its walls, yet another reason it’s a must-visit for all music lovers.
Pro Tip: Music lovers should also make a point to visit St Marks Place, or East 8th Street. Between 1st Avenue and Avenue A, you’ll find the iconic building that was used for Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti album cover, as well as street artist Invader’s mosaic of Lou Reed.
John Derian, on the other hand, is a wonderful world of whimsy. His decoupage items have graced the pages of high-end catalogs and interior design magazines worldwide, making them highly sought after ornaments for the home. But his retail outlet is a random assemblage of odds and ends, including vintage finds, one-of-a-kind stationery and original artwork.
niconeco zakkaya
The Japanese word neko means cat, and niconeco zakkaya looks like it belongs in Yanaka Ginza, Tokyo’s famous cat-themed neighborhood. The shop bills itself as an “Inspirational Japanese Stationery and Gift” shop, which describes it perfectly, yet doesn’t do it justice at all. The entire space embodies the Japanese kawaii aesthetic. Peruse the stickers, stationery, pens, journals, crafting tools, planners, calendar, and postcards for an instant mood lift.
Discover the Community Gardens District
Los Amigos Community Gardenn
In the 1970s, NYC’s economic decline resulted in widespread neglect and abandonment of properties in the East Village. Amidst the urban decay, a grassroots movement emerged, dedicated to transforming vacant lots into thriving community gardens. Liz Christy and her Green Guerillas would throw "seed bombs" — balloons filled with seeds, fertilizer, and water — into deserted spaces to spark growth. Today, that legacy lives on in the neighborhood’s numerous community gardens, the largest network in the country. The 6th & B Community Garden, El Sol Brilliante, and of course, the Liz Christy Garden are just a few of them, but you can explore them all (and find your personal favorite) using this handy map. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to unwind or eager to experience the neighborhood’s vibrant community spirit, the East Village’s gardens are sure to enchant and inspire.
Enjoy Incredible and FREE Outdoor Art
First Street Green Art Park
First Street Green Art Park is one of our favorite NYC street art destinations because the murals and graffiti turn over frequently, offering the thrill of discovery every time you visit. But the East Village has always had a thriving street art scene, thanks to organizations like the LISA Project and East Village Walls, who work tirelessly to match artists and spaces all over the neighborhood. Find murals by big-name international artists like Eduardo Kobra and Dan Kitchener, and local NYC favorites like Lexi Bella and BK Foxx.
There’s another form of public art you’ll only find in the East Village, and that's Jim Power’s indelible mosaics. The Mosaic Man, as Power is affectionately known, has been adding his colorful works of art to East Village light poles since 1985 (even using a fake permit at times to get away with it!). In 2016, neighborhood advocacy groups assisted with the restoration of his mosaic poles in Astor Place and Cooper Square, but Power always welcomes donations to help with the upkeep. The Mosaic Trail, which starts around Tompkins Square Park then runs along St. Mark's Place to Astor Place, embodies the history and charm of the East Village. Power has also been commissioned by several local business owners so you’ll find his work all over the neighborhood. When you see a Jim Power mosaic, you know exactly where you are.
Walk Among Literary Giants
Nuyorican Poets Cafe
Known for its cheap rents up until the end of the 20th century, NYC’s East Village became a magnet for artists, writers, and musicians. In the 1950s and 1960s in particular, it was home to key figures of the Beat Generation like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, fostering a culture of creativity and rebellion. Historically significant literary gems include the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, where minority and underprivileged artists thrived, and its poetry slams, Latin Jazz jams and open mic nights became the stuff of legend. (Please note: The historic space is currently closed for a monumental renovation, projected for a 2026 completion.) Meanwhile, McSorley's Old Ale House boasted such notable literary regulars as Hunter S. Thompson, Amiri Baraka AKA LeRoi Jones, and poet Brendan Behan.
Pro Tip: A comprehensive list of all the stories, locations, and artifacts would be impossible. But a solid option for a well-rounded, self-guided tour can be found in Passing Strangers, a downloadable East Village Poetry Walk that happens to be narrated by the renowned screenwriter and director Jim Jarmusch.
Printed Matter St Marks
Swiss Institute rooftop view
If you’re looking to buy or borrow a book, there are plenty of places where you can scour shelves, flip through pages and inhale that unique scent of ink on paper. Book Club Bar made our Book Lover’s Guide to NYC because of its homey vibe and excellent programming. Printed Matter St Marks is a small bookshop with an excellent selection, but also offers the added benefit of the Swiss Institute’s ongoing art installations and rooftop space that somehow flies under the radar and is never overcrowded. And of course, there’s the Ottendorfer Library, with its charming red brick façade and ornate architectural details. Established in 1884, it is the oldest branch of the New York Public Library system. The library was a gift from Oswald Ottendorfer, a German-American newspaper publisher, to serve the growing German immigrant community in the area.
Where to Eat in the East Village
The East Village became densely populated by the mid-1800s, largely due to waves of German, Ukrainian, Italian, and Polish immigrants, each contributing to the neighborhood's cultural and architectural diversity. The high demand for labor in the 1940s then brought Puerto Ricans to the area in large numbers, which led to a growing Hispanic community. Today, the neighborhood is a gastronomic haven where culinary traditions from around the world converge, offering a diverse array of flavors that cater to every palate. It boasts an eclectic mix of eateries, from iconic institutions serving classic dishes to innovative spots pushing the boundaries of contemporary cuisine.
Authentic International Cuisine
Hot Cakes at Hi-Collar
The East Village has the perfect remedy for those suffering from the no-travel blues. Missing Santorini? You’ll be able to find keftedes to transport you back there in no time. Dreaming of the food stalls that line the busy streets of Hanoi? Delicious pho awaits. When we’re nostalgic for Japan’s fluffy pancakes, we pop over to Hi-Collar, which is fashioned after Japan’s disappearing traditional tea houses.
Stuffed cabbage dishes, borscht and potato latke at Veselka
For Ukrainian food, Veselka has been serving up the classics since 1954. When it was open 24 hours a day, it was the late-night hangout spot. With cameos in Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Ocean’s 8 and Gossip Girl, it cemented its place in NYC lore. And now it’s no longer in a supporting role; the Veselka movie, narrated by David Duchovny, was released in 2024.
Art on the walls at Ayat
Shawarma and falafel platters at Ayat
The awning outside the Ayat, which opened its first Manhattan location in the East Village in late 2023, could be misconstrued as a restaurant falling into a generic Middle Eastern categorization with its boldly printed Hummus, Falafel, and Baba Ghanoush. What you’ll find here instead is delicious, and–at least for many of us–unique, Palestinian cuisine. The hidden gems on the menu are located in the “Traditional” section. Try one of our favorites, the Maklouba, an upside down 6-layer dish constructed of rice, roasted vegetables, chicken, and more.
Whether you’re just curious about something you saw on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown or have an adventurous palate, the East Village is ready to send you on quite the trip.
Elevated Fast Food
If you believe Fry Day is an official day of the week, then there are a few East Village gems where you can find elevated versions of your fast food favorites.
Whitman’s Juicy Lucy burger has been featured in numerous publications as a city favorite. Hailing from Minneapolis, the Juicy Lucy is a cheeseburger where the cheese is inside the meat instead of on top. Whitman’s version features a gourmet Pat LaFrieda short rib blend patty with a melted pimento cheese core. If a chicken sandwich is more your thing, Bobwhite Counter is home to the “Original Chicken Sandwich”, frying chicken in Alphabet City long before the chicken sandwich wars of recent years.
Even though there are slice shops all over the city, few elicit loyalty from jaded locals like Staten Island icon Joe & Pat’s. The crispy cracker-thin crusts are a signature of the family-owned pizzeria, and its vodka pie has a cult following. The East Village has its only Manhattan outpost. But If the image of gooey cheese has your dairy intolerance going into overdrive, then it’s time to check out Michelin Bib Gourmand spot Double Zero. The pizzeria is part of Matthew Kenney’s world-class plant-based culinary empire.
Blackberry pie a la mode at Superiority Burger
Even if you’re a hard-core carnivore, the vegetarian menu at James Beard Award winner Brooks Headley’s Superiority Burger, will have you 100% convinced you can give up meat. The veggie burger is on our regular rotation, but since it took over the larger Odessa space, the eatery’s menu has grown as well. Try one of its sandwiches or desserts.
Let Us Eat Cake!
Ray’s Candy Store
We hate to admit it, but we have a mouthful of sweet teeth between us. For old-school Italian treats, Veniero’s is an Italian pasticceria that’s been around since 1894 and offers an obscene variety of sweets, from cookies to cheesecakes to cannoli. Don’t leave without trying the tiramisu! Another vestige of Old New York is Ray’s Candy Store, open 24/7 since 1974. Ray’s is a bright spot on Avenue A, satisfying New Yorkers’ late-night cravings with his beignets and egg creams for decades.
Le Fournil Boulangerie
For all classic French breads, sweet pastries and desserts, Le Fournil is the happy answer to the sad closing of challah and babka purveyor and longtime East Village institution, Moishe’s Kosher Bakery. And if you’re up for a serious splurge, French bakers, Lucie Franc de Ferriere and crew, at From Lucie offer pricey slices that look good enough for a flower exhibit, yet still taste good enough you’ll forgive yourself for devouring the art.
Conclusion
Exploring the East Village is more than just a visit; it's a journey through the layers of time and tradition that have shaped its unique identity. So, whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your neighborhood or a visitor eager to uncover its charms, the East Village promises an adventure filled with memorable experiences and lasting impressions.
