Guidebook for New York
Food Scene
Ost Cafe
Right around the corner for great coffee and pastries
Eclectic/Global, Korean, Southern/Soul—awesome, interesting food!
112 abantu bendawo batusa
Momofuku Ssäm Bar
89 South StreetEclectic/Global, Korean, Southern/Soul—awesome, interesting food!
Desnuda
221 S 1st StLovely little raw bar and delicious ceviche
Delicious appetizers—try the crispy pig ears—and a huge selection of wine...plus very knowledgeable staff. Ask for one of the sommeliers named Morgan
16 abantu bendawo batusa
Corkbuzz
13 E 13th StDelicious appetizers—try the crispy pig ears—and a huge selection of wine...plus very knowledgeable staff. Ask for one of the sommeliers named Morgan
graffiti
224 East 10th StreetInternational small plates and affordable wine selection
Thaimee Table
99 3rd AveModern Thai comfort food—super fresh and flavorful
Best pizza in the neighborhood. Neapolitan style with soft, chewy crust charred to perfection in a wood-fired brick oven. Try: the clam, brussels sprouts or spicy sopressata!
114 abantu bendawo batusa
Motorino
510 Columbus AveBest pizza in the neighborhood. Neapolitan style with soft, chewy crust charred to perfection in a wood-fired brick oven. Try: the clam, brussels sprouts or spicy sopressata!
Thanks to trendsetters like Uncle Boons + Pok Pok, northeast Thailand's funky, fiery food is gaining ground. This place takes it a step further. Try any of the larbs + marinated, fried chicken thighs
51 abantu bendawo batusa
Somtum Der
85 Avenue AThanks to trendsetters like Uncle Boons + Pok Pok, northeast Thailand's funky, fiery food is gaining ground. This place takes it a step further. Try any of the larbs + marinated, fried chicken thighs
Kikoo Sushi
141 1st Ave.Good, cheap sushi. We go here (and order delivery) all the time.
Luke's Lobster East Village
Incredible, buttery lobster rolls
After we honeymooned in Tokyo, we came back craving good ramen. Ivan's is some of the best in the city.
124 abantu bendawo batusa
Ivan Ramen
25 Clinton StAfter we honeymooned in Tokyo, we came back craving good ramen. Ivan's is some of the best in the city.
Have a piping hot cup of bone broth for breakfast! Brodo's seasoned broths—made from organic-chicken + local-grass-fed-beef bones—are so satisfying. My tip: add fresh turmeric or chile oil.
Brodo - East Village
200 1st Ave.Have a piping hot cup of bone broth for breakfast! Brodo's seasoned broths—made from organic-chicken + local-grass-fed-beef bones—are so satisfying. My tip: add fresh turmeric or chile oil.
Amazing Mexican brunch deal with unlimited frozen hibiscus margaritas.
173 abantu bendawo batusa
Fonda
434 7th AveAmazing Mexican brunch deal with unlimited frozen hibiscus margaritas.
With table-side melted cheese scraping service, it's like an Alpine getaway on Avenue A. But it's tiny so make a reservation online and BYO a nice dry Riesling.
19 abantu bendawo batusa
Raclette
511 E 12th StWith table-side melted cheese scraping service, it's like an Alpine getaway on Avenue A. But it's tiny so make a reservation online and BYO a nice dry Riesling.
Westville East
173 Avenue ALovely place to have a fresh, healthy meal.
Small batch, hand-crafted doughnuts with fresh, fun flavor combos like bacon, beets + ricotta and even "everything" seasoning
13 abantu bendawo batusa
The Doughnut Project
10 Morton StSmall batch, hand-crafted doughnuts with fresh, fun flavor combos like bacon, beets + ricotta and even "everything" seasoning
Named after the owner's great-grandparents, this charming spot is an homage to the Delancey St delicatessen they ran 100 years ago. MUST TRY: Pops Pastrami Sandwich w/ cucumber, anchovy mustard + dill
22 abantu bendawo batusa
Harry & Ida's Meat and Supply Co.
Named after the owner's great-grandparents, this charming spot is an homage to the Delancey St delicatessen they ran 100 years ago. MUST TRY: Pops Pastrami Sandwich w/ cucumber, anchovy mustard + dill
Delicious and affordable! This offshoot of popular chainlet Xi'an Famous Foods is named for the sound the noodles make when they're being pulled and whacked against a counter.
Biang!
157 2nd AveDelicious and affordable! This offshoot of popular chainlet Xi'an Famous Foods is named for the sound the noodles make when they're being pulled and whacked against a counter.
Staunch traditionalists may quibble with the flowery touches, but this mind-blowing Indian food, which comes to the East Village via Melbourne and Punjab, will convince them otherwise.
27 abantu bendawo batusa
Babu Ji
Staunch traditionalists may quibble with the flowery touches, but this mind-blowing Indian food, which comes to the East Village via Melbourne and Punjab, will convince them otherwise.
Upscale, authentic regional Mexican cuisine—with insect options—brought down to earth by a cool cocktail vibe
14 abantu bendawo batusa
Black Ant
60 2nd AveUpscale, authentic regional Mexican cuisine—with insect options—brought down to earth by a cool cocktail vibe
A unique find offering dishes with wattle seed, peppered kangaroo loin, and a lesson in Australian fine dining
21 abantu bendawo batusa
Flinders Lane
184 Summer StreetA unique find offering dishes with wattle seed, peppered kangaroo loin, and a lesson in Australian fine dining
Hecho En Dumbo
Authentic Mexico City–style cooking
Earthenware bowls filled with fragrant ramen, veggies, and pork make this an authentic, contemplative experience that's rare outside of Japan
103 abantu bendawo batusa
Minca
536 E 5th StEarthenware bowls filled with fragrant ramen, veggies, and pork make this an authentic, contemplative experience that's rare outside of Japan
Gabrielle Hamilton’s restaurant has earned its place among New York’s all-time classics, and for good reason: The food remains delicious and ambitious with a confident, no-nonsense vibe
99 abantu bendawo batusa
Prune
54 E 1st StGabrielle Hamilton’s restaurant has earned its place among New York’s all-time classics, and for good reason: The food remains delicious and ambitious with a confident, no-nonsense vibe
This 14-seat noodle bar proves that ramen isn't just for impoverished college students
31 abantu bendawo batusa
Rai Rai Ken
218 E 10th StThis 14-seat noodle bar proves that ramen isn't just for impoverished college students
Miami’s fried-chicken darling Jeff McInnis combines sweet tea and Southern charm at his glamorous restaurant in Alphabet City
81 abantu bendawo batusa
Root & Bone
200 E 3rd StMiami’s fried-chicken darling Jeff McInnis combines sweet tea and Southern charm at his glamorous restaurant in Alphabet City
An emporium of macaroni-and-cheese, all eleven varieties (from high-end fromage to All-American) served up in skillets
38 abantu bendawo batusa
S'MAC East Village
197 1st Ave.An emporium of macaroni-and-cheese, all eleven varieties (from high-end fromage to All-American) served up in skillets
Tallgrass Burger
214 1st Ave.Fast casual burgers meet organic + grassfed
Upstate
95 1st Ave.Oysters, mussels and whiskey cake pair well at a homey seafood gem
Blue 9 Burger
92 3rd AveCheap, tasty in-n-out-esque burgers
Drinks & Nightlife
Mindblowing creative cocktails. Try the banana justino... rum centrifuged with banana puree then strained and served on the rocks
23 abantu bendawo batusa
Booker and Dax
207 2nd AvenueMindblowing creative cocktails. Try the banana justino... rum centrifuged with banana puree then strained and served on the rocks
Fun dive bar just a few doors down for cheap drinks—yummy martinis, plus nice selection of beer. They're famous for chocolate rolo shot. The owner's name is Atilla or ask for bartender named Sebastian
15 abantu bendawo batusa
Keybar
143 E 13th StFun dive bar just a few doors down for cheap drinks—yummy martinis, plus nice selection of beer. They're famous for chocolate rolo shot. The owner's name is Atilla or ask for bartender named Sebastian
Bembe
81 S 6th StLive music and vibrant salsa dancing scene.
Fifty Paces
413 East 12th StreetCozy wine bar around the corner
Sake Bar Decibel
240 E 9th StUnderground Japanese sake bar
A casual neighborhood bar with impressive, down-to-earth food
35 abantu bendawo batusa
Goodnight Sonny
134 1st Ave.A casual neighborhood bar with impressive, down-to-earth food
Innovative mp3 Jukebox with 3,500 albums and 50,000 songs is the attraction at this former East Village live-music mecca
10 abantu bendawo batusa
HiFi
169 Avenue AInnovative mp3 Jukebox with 3,500 albums and 50,000 songs is the attraction at this former East Village live-music mecca
This sixties-Jamaica-themed bar from the Shoolbred's team is done up like a groovy hipster clubhouse
13 abantu bendawo batusa
Kingston Hall
149 2nd AveThis sixties-Jamaica-themed bar from the Shoolbred's team is done up like a groovy hipster clubhouse
A cool Tiki bar to hang with creative cocktails and snacks including a surprisingly excellent spam, uni and egg dish
33 abantu bendawo batusa
Mother of Pearl
A cool Tiki bar to hang with creative cocktails and snacks including a surprisingly excellent spam, uni and egg dish
Sing-Sing is one of the East Village’s classic Karaoke dives, so it makes sense it’s so frills free
42 abantu bendawo batusa
Sing Sing Karaoke
81 Avenue ASing-Sing is one of the East Village’s classic Karaoke dives, so it makes sense it’s so frills free
Barcade
388 Union AveGreat beer plus arcade games equals the best combo
The view's the thing here—especially the sun as it gorgeously sinks behind the Palisades. This is the UWS's unofficial summer HQ, full of grill smoke and dogs on leashes and babies in carriages
127 abantu bendawo batusa
Boat Basin Cafe
West 79th StreetThe view's the thing here—especially the sun as it gorgeously sinks behind the Palisades. This is the UWS's unofficial summer HQ, full of grill smoke and dogs on leashes and babies in carriages
Everything Else
Milk Bar East Village
251 E 13th StFor dessert... you have to try the corn cookies
With daily group treadmill classes on 36 Woodway 4Front machines (the ultimate in treadmill tech), fun music and colored lights, it's a like running in a club. Great workout.
Mile High Run Club NoHo
28 E 4th StWith daily group treadmill classes on 36 Woodway 4Front machines (the ultimate in treadmill tech), fun music and colored lights, it's a like running in a club. Great workout.
Pop culture inspired ice cream like BRADY BUNCH (Banana pudding + vanilla wafers met ice cream. That's the way they all became the Brady Bunch) + SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY (pecan pie ice cream w/ praline)
22 abantu bendawo batusa
Mikey Likes It Ice Cream
199 Avenue APop culture inspired ice cream like BRADY BUNCH (Banana pudding + vanilla wafers met ice cream. That's the way they all became the Brady Bunch) + SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY (pecan pie ice cream w/ praline)
This tiny, sweet-smelling cupcake shop stresses grown-up flavors and high-quality ingredients over splashy colors and kitschy names
42 abantu bendawo batusa
Butter Lane
123 E 7th StThis tiny, sweet-smelling cupcake shop stresses grown-up flavors and high-quality ingredients over splashy colors and kitschy names
The water cure’s the thing at this luxe subterranean spa specializing in organic skin care, massage, and hydrotherapy
21 abantu bendawo batusa
Great Jones Spa
29 Great Jones StThe water cure’s the thing at this luxe subterranean spa specializing in organic skin care, massage, and hydrotherapy
You can't beat at $25 mani/pedi! This is my go-to spot. Add massage at $10/10 minutes
New Stella Nail and Hair
You can't beat at $25 mani/pedi! This is my go-to spot. Add massage at $10/10 minutes
Arts & Culture
Movies screened with tasty, global fare + craft cocktails, beer and even bubbly served at your seat.
941 abantu bendawo batusa
Nitehawk Cinema
136 Metropolitan AveMovies screened with tasty, global fare + craft cocktails, beer and even bubbly served at your seat.
Dempsey's reliably crowded Wedesnday night game prides itself on the diversity of its categories, with questions ranging "from Shakespeare to Shakur," as well as the famous audio round
8 abantu bendawo batusa
Dempsey's Pub
61 2nd AvenueDempsey's reliably crowded Wedesnday night game prides itself on the diversity of its categories, with questions ranging "from Shakespeare to Shakur," as well as the famous audio round
A basic East Village comedy club that can boast of appearances from the likes of Sarah Silverman and Dave Attell, but is usually the domain of more anonymous performers
24 abantu bendawo batusa
EastVille Comedy Club
487 Atlantic AveA basic East Village comedy club that can boast of appearances from the likes of Sarah Silverman and Dave Attell, but is usually the domain of more anonymous performers
This movie and music store caters to underground and avant-garde cinephiles looking to cheat on their Netflix
Mondo Kim's Video and Music
124 1st Ave.This movie and music store caters to underground and avant-garde cinephiles looking to cheat on their Netflix
This Lower East Side performance venue serves as a stage for underrepresented artists and late-night poetry slams
83 abantu bendawo batusa
Nuyorican Poet's Cafe
236 E 3rd StThis Lower East Side performance venue serves as a stage for underrepresented artists and late-night poetry slams
A veritable fortress of stagecraft housed in the former Astor Library building
52 abantu bendawo batusa
The Public Theater
425 Lafayette StA veritable fortress of stagecraft housed in the former Astor Library building
Ever 3rd Thursday this party packs a diverse crowd into Heathers. Catering to a gay metal contingent, Pitchfork editor Brandon Stosuy, filmmaker Joshua Sanchez + music writer T. Cole Rachel spin
Heathers
506 East 13th StreetEver 3rd Thursday this party packs a diverse crowd into Heathers. Catering to a gay metal contingent, Pitchfork editor Brandon Stosuy, filmmaker Joshua Sanchez + music writer T. Cole Rachel spin
This storied Episcopal church doubles as a vibrant home for avant-garde arts
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Danspace Project Inc
131 E 10th StThis storied Episcopal church doubles as a vibrant home for avant-garde arts
Since 1984, The Pearl's small resident acting company has been putting up about a half-dozen productions per season: Shakespeare, Shaw, Sophocles, and the rest of the Western canon
8 abantu bendawo batusa
Theatre 80 Saint Marks
80 St Marks PlSince 1984, The Pearl's small resident acting company has been putting up about a half-dozen productions per season: Shakespeare, Shaw, Sophocles, and the rest of the Western canon
Investigate the Whitney’s latest incarnation, boasting 63,000 square feet of space across eight floors in its new home
884 abantu bendawo batusa
Salmagundi Museum of American Art
Investigate the Whitney’s latest incarnation, boasting 63,000 square feet of space across eight floors in its new home
Sightseeing
Explore NYC history at 97 Orchard, where you can take guided tours of apartments that recreate immigrant life in the 19th and 20th centuries.
603 abantu bendawo batusa
Tenement Museum
103 Orchard StExplore NYC history at 97 Orchard, where you can take guided tours of apartments that recreate immigrant life in the 19th and 20th centuries.
A great place to exercise, stroll, people watch or catch a breeze off the water with a beautiful view. Cross over by foot via the 10th street overpass.
89 abantu bendawo batusa
East River Promenade
East River PromenadeA great place to exercise, stroll, people watch or catch a breeze off the water with a beautiful view. Cross over by foot via the 10th street overpass.
A great place to exercise, stroll, people watch or catch a breeze off the water with a beautiful view. Cross over by foot via the 10th street overpass.
451 abantu bendawo batusa
East River State Park
90 Kent AveA great place to exercise, stroll, people watch or catch a breeze off the water with a beautiful view. Cross over by foot via the 10th street overpass.
Opened in 1839 this park has served as home base for community events from the first Labor Day parade in 1882 to workers' rallies in the 1930s to the current, wildly popular Greenmarket
987 abantu bendawo batusa
Union Square
Opened in 1839 this park has served as home base for community events from the first Labor Day parade in 1882 to workers' rallies in the 1930s to the current, wildly popular Greenmarket
Discover how the upper class lived in 19th-century NYC. Built in 1832, this former dwelling of a wealthy importer, is the only completely preserved 19th century family home in the city.
23 abantu bendawo batusa
Merchant's House Museum
29 E 4th StDiscover how the upper class lived in 19th-century NYC. Built in 1832, this former dwelling of a wealthy importer, is the only completely preserved 19th century family home in the city.
Essentials
Trader Joe's is a neighborhood grocery store with amazing food and drink from around the globe and around the corner. Great quality at great prices.
1296 abantu bendawo batusa
Trader Joe's
130 Court StTrader Joe's is a neighborhood grocery store with amazing food and drink from around the globe and around the corner. Great quality at great prices.
A food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility (home of the Food Network and YouTube) in Chelsea
1123 abantu bendawo batusa
Imakethe ye-Chelsea
75 9th AveA food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility (home of the Food Network and YouTube) in Chelsea
East Village Cheese
80 East 7th StreetThis cheese clearinghouse offers a great selection at rock-bottom prices
Polish-Ukrainian sausages, deli meats, and a full-service butcher draw Slavophiles to this old-school shop
11 abantu bendawo batusa
East Village Meat Market
139 2nd AvePolish-Ukrainian sausages, deli meats, and a full-service butcher draw Slavophiles to this old-school shop
Open "morning to midnight," this deli-cum-Asian market sells exotic snacks, takeout sushi, and stir-fry staples
12 abantu bendawo batusa
M2M
55 3rd AveOpen "morning to midnight," this deli-cum-Asian market sells exotic snacks, takeout sushi, and stir-fry staples
This supermarket crossed with a department store offers one of the largest selections of Japanese goods this side of Tokyo
37 abantu bendawo batusa
Sunrise Mart
494 Broome StThis supermarket crossed with a department store offers one of the largest selections of Japanese goods this side of Tokyo
Shopping
Trader Joe's Wine Shop
138 E 14th StGreat quality wine at great prices.
Astor Wines & Spirits
399 Lafayette StGreat quality wine + spirits at great prices.
Towering shelves and coolers with more than 600 varieties of domestic-focused beers, all arranged according to geography
36 abantu bendawo batusa
Good Beer
422 E 9th StTowering shelves and coolers with more than 600 varieties of domestic-focused beers, all arranged according to geography
This small, vinyl-only shop specializes in rare, top-condition titles from an eclectic mix of genres
Stranded Records NYC
218 E 5th StThis small, vinyl-only shop specializes in rare, top-condition titles from an eclectic mix of genres
This charmer of shop sells fully restored vintage bicycles from the 1950s to the 1990s, specializing in Schwinns and Raleighs dug from the attics and garages of the suburban Midwest
22 abantu bendawo batusa
Landmark Bicycles
376 Bedford AveThis charmer of shop sells fully restored vintage bicycles from the 1950s to the 1990s, specializing in Schwinns and Raleighs dug from the attics and garages of the suburban Midwest
An institution for students + world-renowned artists. Russian immigrant Benjamin Steinberg opened in 1905 and it's now run by his grandson. Go upstairs for 3,000+ kinds of paper from around the globe
6 abantu bendawo batusa
New York Central Art Supply
62 3rd AvenueAn institution for students + world-renowned artists. Russian immigrant Benjamin Steinberg opened in 1905 and it's now run by his grandson. Go upstairs for 3,000+ kinds of paper from around the globe
This basement-level store is fully stocked with 25,000 pairs of shoes, 2,000 pairs of denim, 2,400 handbags, and 1,000 watches, all for 30 to 70 percent off original Nordstrom prices
23 abantu bendawo batusa
Nordstrom Rack Union Square
60 E 14th StThis basement-level store is fully stocked with 25,000 pairs of shoes, 2,000 pairs of denim, 2,400 handbags, and 1,000 watches, all for 30 to 70 percent off original Nordstrom prices
While the stock is dominated by beakers, books, and bric-a-brac, you’ll also find some vintage clothing like Victorian corsets and Edwardian sailor suits
17 abantu bendawo batusa
Obscura Antiques & Oddities
While the stock is dominated by beakers, books, and bric-a-brac, you’ll also find some vintage clothing like Victorian corsets and Edwardian sailor suits
Since 1946, this specialty antique archive offers thousands of dated, one-of-a-kind prints and maps, drawing both serious collectors and curious passersby
Pageant Print Shop
69 E 4th StSince 1946, this specialty antique archive offers thousands of dated, one-of-a-kind prints and maps, drawing both serious collectors and curious passersby
The Poochie Place
A small but fashionable East Village doggie boutique and salon
Walls lined with candy jars filled with classic candies (+ sno cones and cotton candy in fancy flavors like rose). Open until 11am (and 1am on Sat night) for those late night gummy bear cravings
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Handsome Dan's Snocone & Candy Stand
218 Bedford AveWalls lined with candy jars filled with classic candies (+ sno cones and cotton candy in fancy flavors like rose). Open until 11am (and 1am on Sat night) for those late night gummy bear cravings
St. Mark's Comics
51 35th StreetThe Holy Grail of comic-book classics
This expertly-stocked vintage shop includes an impressive collection of men’s boots from the forties, leather belts from the sixties, and dated U.S. mailbags
Stock Vintage
143 E 13th StThis expertly-stocked vintage shop includes an impressive collection of men’s boots from the forties, leather belts from the sixties, and dated U.S. mailbags
Awesome selection of whiskey, nice tequilas and other liquor. Super-friendly helpful, knowledgeable staff and fun tastings on the weekends!
6 abantu bendawo batusa
St. Mark's Sound
16 St Marks PlAwesome selection of whiskey, nice tequilas and other liquor. Super-friendly helpful, knowledgeable staff and fun tastings on the weekends!