35 Spots to Help You Explore the History and Charm of NYC's East Village
The East Village is one of those New York City neighborhoods you can’t help but romanticize. And why not? It’s a neighborhood steeped in history and rich in diversity. It has an indisputable coolness factor, which is the reason it has been featured in some of your favorite films, time and time again. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or an adventurous local, these 35 spots will help you explore the history and charm of NYC’s East Village.
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.) For the purposes of this guide, we’ve used the boundaries marked in the map above.
Where to Get Coffee in the East Village
If there’s one establishment in a neighborhood that best represents its unique character, it is the humble coffee shop. It’s where members of the community--every stripe and color imaginable--collectively gather to interact, work, and study.
Coffee Innovators
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. Impervious to all the trendy coffee drinks that have come and gone, at Ninth Street Espresso you can choose from coffee, iced coffee, espresso, and espresso with milk. 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. The deconstructed latte is one of their most well known menu items.
A Home Away From Home
But even with the seemingly unlimited options available, we have a soft spot for neighborhood gem, Abraço. We have fond memories of our frequent visits to Abraço’s original location, which was in a shoebox-sized spot across the street from its current home. It was mostly a standing-room only establishment, 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. Then, while you waited for your order, you shuffled around in a futile attempt to stay out of the way of the constant stream of customers. But the coffee was uniformly delicious and the in-house baked goods were consistently fantastic, so it was always well worth these small inconveniences.
Nothing and everything has changed at Abraço’s new location. Sure, there’s a lot more space, but it is still frequently crowded to the gills. A line can often stream out the door. The coffee is just as fantastic, as are the baked goods, of which there are a greater variety due to the expansive kitchen on the premises. What we’ve observed at Abraço over the years is a tableau of the neighborhood itself: gathering families, mingling old-timers, engrossed students, awkward first dates, and post-workout rewards. Go there and be a part of it, if not just for the time it takes to finish your cappuccino.
Things To Do in the East Village
The East Village is an urban labyrinth, with a surprise waiting on every corner. Camouflaged exotic emporiums share sidewalks with flashy outlets. Decades-old establishments cast their oversized shadows on fresh, new upstarts. With so many elements mixing and mingling, you’ll find that whatever your pleasure, there are multiple ways to explore this bewitching neighborhood.
Shop Till You Drop
If you inwardly groaned at the mention of shopping, you’re not alone. But the East Village manages to take the banal and elevate it into an experience. There are stores doubling as living museums, like John Varvatos on Bowery. It was once home to CBGB, the famous music club credited as the birthplace of the American punk scene. The Ramones, Blondie, and Patti Smith have all graced its stage, which still holds court among the stylish 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 hang from its walls, yet another reason it’s a must-visit for all music lovers.
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. Pick up a gift for someone special, or just wander the store and get lost in the magic.
For gifts that are a little more affordable, but no less playful, pop into Random Accessories. Find sassy dish towels, quirky jewelry, playing cards and more. For the NYC lover, the ceramic version of the Greek Coffee Cup is a must. And for the budding feminist, a Burning the Patriarchy candle with notes of tobacco and sandalwood seems fitting. La Sirena is a tiny shop one could easily miss, but it’s a treasure trove of authentic Mexican folk art. Owner Dina Leor has been traveling to Mexico for over 20 years, forging relationships with local artisans and selling their unique wares in her store. And even if your exposure to the kitchen is limited to watching the Great British Bake Off, the array of spices and ingredients at SOS Chefs is bound to galvanize your inner chef. It’s like discovering a souk in the heart of Alphabet City.
Explore the Outdoors
We’ve long argued that New York City’s parks are grossly underrated, with its numerous greenstreets, nature centers and community gardens being repeatedly overlooked. But the East Village offers a variety of walks and trails that go beyond green spaces to help you explore the urban outdoors.
Street art, murals and graffiti
For the street art enthusiast, the East Village does not disappoint. Establishments proudly lend their walls and gates to street artists, while neighborhood associations throw mural parties. A five-story mural of Michael Jackson by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra sits across a three-story mural of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Brooklyn artist Elle. Well-known talents like Shepard Fairey and Invader have contributed to the neighborhood’s unique landscape. Some murals pay homage to local legends like Eddie Boros, an artist who became known for a sculpture of discarded finds called the “Tower of Toys” that progressed over 20 years and grew to over 65 feet. (It was demolished a year after he passed due to safety concerns.) Other murals recognize meaningful milestones, like LGBTQ icon Stonewall Inn's 50th anniversary.
But the ample space at the First Street Green Art Park makes it the perfect street art gallery. The murals here change frequently, allowing street artists to react and respond to current events. Some works have included a harsh rebuke of Harvey Weinstein by SacSix, a celebratory mural of the women’s US soccer team fresh off their win by Lexi Bella, and a solemn tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant by Fumero. It's the kind of spot you can return to over and over to discover new talent.
The Mosaic Man and his Mosaic Trail
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 to at times to get away with it!). Some poles are markers for local establishments, while others pay homage to impactful people and historic landmarks.
In 2016, neighborhood advocacy groups the Village Alliance Business Improvement District, City Lore and the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation 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.
For the Book and Poetry Lovers
Settled by wave after wave of immigrants from the late 19th through the early 20th centuries and known for its cheap rents up until the end of the 20th century, NYC’s East Village once attracted intellectuals, artists and performers. It’s where Beat Poet Allen Ginsburg lived and worked, and where he was visited by such luminaries as William Burroughs, Neal Cassidy and Jack Kerouac. The Nuyorican Poets Cafe has been a gathering place where minority and underprivileged artists have thrived since 1973. Its poetry slams, Latin Jazz jams and open mic nights still attract unique talents from far and wide. McSorley's Old Ale House boasted such notable literary regulars as Hunter S. Thompson, Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones), and poet Brendan Behan.
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 Jim Jarmusch. Yes, that Jim Jarmusch.
Where to Eat in the East Village
To be completely honest, 90% of the time we’re in the East Village, we’re there to eat. The options are simply unparalleled, able to satisfy every craving imaginable. As with everything else in the East Village, there’s a healthy mix of eateries that have been around longer than you have, and ones that have recently made a Best New Restaurants list.
Authentic International Cuisine
Hot Cakes at Hi-Collar
New York City has the perfect remedy for those suffering from the no-travel blues: incredible international cuisine. 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.
For Ukrainian food, Veselka has been serving up the classics since 1954. It’s open 24 hours a day, because let’s face it, there’s really no bad time to have pierogi. When we’re nostalgic for Japan’s fluffy pancakes (and fantastic coffee, for that matter), we pop over to Hi-Collar, which is fashioned after Japan’s disappearing traditional tea houses. Just off Tompkins Square Park, Empellon Al Pastor is an accessible eatery in Alex Stupak’s acclaimed Mexican food empire. 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.
Award-winning Chefs and Restaurants
Mushroom Ramen with chickpea hozon at Momofuku Noodle Bar East Village
Seared Shrimp Buns with spicy mayo at Momofuku Noodle Bar
Although the East Village is known for its abundance of cheap eats, it doesn’t mean one has to sacrifice quality. Celebrity chef David Chang opened Momofuku Noodle Bar here in 2004. The East Village is home to his award-winning eateries Momofuku Ssäm Bar and Momofuku Ko as well. (There’s a shiny new Noodle Bar in Columbus Circle, but we’re still partial to the original location in the East Village, because it’s the only place you’ll find his delicious Hozon Ramen.)
There are a number of Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in the neighborhood, including Northern Thai favorite Somtum Der and Chinese food darlings Hunan Bistro and MáLà Project. Hearth is helmed by Marco Canora, a James Beard award winner and judge on Food Network’s Chopped.
Elevated Fast Food
Superiority Burger’s namesake veggie burgers
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. At Bobwhite Counter in Alphabet City, you’ll find Southern food staples like biscuits and mac n’ cheese. But make no mistake, the crispy, flavorful fried chicken and fried catfish are the stars of the show.
Whitman’s Juicy Lucy burger has been featured in numerous publications as a city favorite, despite its Midwestern origins. 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. Craving a burger but want something a little less decadent? Then head to Superiority Burger, where Brooks Headley’s vegetarian menu will have you 100% convinced you can give up meat. The veggie burger is on our regular rotation, and so is the Burnt Broccoli Salad. But we’ve sampled many daily specials and have never been disappointed.
If you don’t have pizza, are you even in NYC?
When you first arrive in New York City, you visit Times Square and you eat pizza. Eventually, you stop visiting Times Square. There are slice shops all over the city, but there are certain spots that elicit a specially enthusiastic response from pizza obsessives. When Staten Island icon Joe & Pat’s finally decided to open a Manhattan outpost, they brought it to the East Village. The crispy cracker-thin crusts are a signature of the family-owned pizzeria, and its vodka pie has a cult following.
Emmy Squared, on the other hand, is known for its Detroit-style square pies. The secret to the mouthwatering pies is simply putting so much mozzarella cheese on a deep dish pizza that it spills over the side and crisps up on the edge of the pan. But If all this talk 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 grand plan to offer world-class plant-based cuisine.
Let Us Eat Cake!
Belgian waffle with bananas, strawberries, chocolate sauce, spekuloos and powdered sugar at Wafels and Dinges Cafe
No matter what you decide on, one rule always applies to the East Village: save room for dessert! ChikaLicious offers a truly unique intimate dessert bar experience, with a 3-course prix fixe menu that includes an amuse bouche, dessert of your choice, and assorted petits fours. The menu offers wine, coffee or tea pairings, and additional desserts are available as add-ons.
We’ve been chasing sugar highs long enough to remember having to jump on Twitter to track down the Wafels & Dinges truck. It’s much less of a hide-and-seek situation today, with locations all over the city. But you’ll find their first and only café in Alphabet City. The Belgian-style waffles and variety of toppings promise a decadent treat.
For something a little more traditional, you can’t beat an Italian pasticceria that’s been around since 1894. Veniero’s offers an obscene variety of sweets, from cookies to cheesecakes to cannoli. Don’t leave without trying the tiramisu! Yet 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. If a few pieces of chocolate is your idea of dessert, make your way to Sebastian Brecht’s Obsessive Chocolate Disorder, which we featured in our Chocolate Addict’s Guide to New York City.
Conclusion
Say you’re the kind of person who eagerly embraces a lazy, carefree Sunday morning filled with pancakes and coffee. Or perhaps you’re seduced by the city’s nocturnal wonders. NYC’s East Village is a neighborhood that makes these distinctions irrelevant.
*At the time of publication, all spots are open, but may be operating on reduced hours or by appointment only due to Covid-19. Please check with each individual location prior to visiting.
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