David Chang’s mecca for noodles draws crowds and long wait times, but the pork buns and Momofuku Ramen are worth every minute spent waiting to dine at this casual eatery.
Caracas is the go-to destination for affordable arepas — Venezuelan pita pockets stuffed with meats, cheeses, and sauces. Guacamole, plantain chips, and fried bits of cheese make excellent starters.
Frank turns simple Italian dishes into culinary masterpieces like black kale caesar salads and meatloaf with red gravy.
Chef Amanda Cohen turns vegetables into the food of the Vegetarian Gods at her restaurant on 9th Street. Expect to be wowed by what she can do with tomatoes, eggplant, and a little cheese.
Ear thin-crust Neapolitan pizza like it was intended to be eaten - with a light, airy crust, bubbling warm cheese, and simple yet innovative topping combinations.
Creatively-adorned hot dogs are this late-night spot’s jam. Branch out from the usual ketchup and mustard routine into fried eggs, cream cheese and even Jalapeno peppers.
The classic Ukrainian diner has served kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, and matzoh ball soup since 1954. It’s open 24 hours a day to fulfill your next pierogi craving, whenever that may strike.
You won’t find Pad Thai or drunken noodles at this traditional Isan Thai restaurant, but dishes are spicy and rich in flavor. It’s better than the average Thai joint, and just as affordable.
Artichoke is known for its slices of pizza smothered in creamy artichoke dip and rich cheeses, but their Margherita slices are just as divine.
Be prepared to shell out a little more than you would for your standard PBR, but it's worth it as you won’t find these beers anywhere else.
The back room is perfect for dancing to nineties hits on weekends, and the photobooth is constantly occupied by couples and reunited friends.
Experience a taste of the Caribbean at Kingston Hall by sipping on well-mixed rum drinks and noshing on jerk chicken wings.
Choose from over 60 beers, 60 single-malt scotches, and 40 tequilas. But the best part about this First Avenue bar is their dog-friendly beer garden.
The bar only has a handful of seats, and they're always packed with cocktail connoisseurs sampling the creations of the top-notch bartending staff.
A projection screen and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves make this hip dive a respite from Houston Street chaos. The clientele drink PBR for just a few bucks, and locals wouldn’t have it any other way.
Mona’s keeps it simple with just a pool table, a few stools, and a killer jukebox. It’s one of the East Village’s many beloved dive bars.
It’s one of the oldest speakeasies in the city. The dapper-dressed owner is known to regale customers with tales of the Prohibition Era and Irish mythology.
Find obscure items of jewelry at the whimsical Verameat. Look for peculiar designs like a spinal cord turned into a bracelet, or tiny wrenches fastened into earrings.
Bespectacle yourself in outrageous eyewear dating all the way back to the 18th century. Vintage sunglasses, monocles, and Sally Jessie Raphael spectacles can transform you into a trendy East Villager.
The ultimate thrift store is full of Nike Dunks, fur vests, flannel shirts, and sequined dresses. Sell half your wardrobe to the place and cull through treasures to re-outfit your closet.
With a small but well-curated selection, Duo offers elegant separates like silk blouses, jean jackets, and elegant silhouettes.
Find everything you need for a baby or wedding shower at this stationery store. Pick through handmade cards, Japanese washi tape, and glittered banners.
Get pierced or tattooed at this jewelry store. The designers have a cult following of locals who lust after the stylized rose gold, silver, and gold studs.
Play ping-pong or watch dogs run around at the historic Tompkins Square Park. It’s the heart and soul of the East Village and Alphabet City.
The East River Park has a waterside boardwalk, several baseball and soccer fields, playgrounds, and all sorts of picnic spots.
Although it’s no park, Astor Place is famous for its giant cube, an iron rotating sculpture that sits on a island set apart from the traffic rushing by.
This free studio makes Vinyasa yoga accessible to everyone. Even though classes can be crowded, the come-one-come-all spirit puts everyone in a good mood.
The 14th Street Y is known as a community gathering space with basketball courts, family swim time, and 40 fitness classes a week. Summer and weekend camps for kids are popular.
Right by 6th Street, local runners and fitness buffs head to the East River Outdoor Gym, which is essentially a fitness playground for adults.
Trendy barber shop by day and an even trendier bar by night, the Blind Barber is a place to see and be seen at all hours of the day.
With some of the most affordable prices in Lower Manhattan, customers might be wary of the outcome. But the barbers here are absolute pros, as proven by the diehard regulars that fill the seats.
David Chang’s bakery is best known for its “crack pies” and “compost cookies”. While those are simply exquisite, it’s the offbeat flavors of frozen yogurt that set it apart from other sweet eateries.
The quintessential Jewish bakery sells Hamentaschen, challah, macaroons, and babka all year round. Stop by during Purim, Hanukkah, and Rosh Hashanah for seasonal treats.
For cannolis, tiramisu, and traditional Italian cookies, the 100-plus-years-old bakery is the only place to go.
Stop by for green tea shaved ice or Jack Daniel’s bread pudding at this quirky dessert shop.
It’s a crime to stop by Big Gay Ice Cream without ordering the best-selling “Salty Pimp,” but sundaes topped with dulce de leche, peanut brittle, pretzels, and sea salt are excellent choices too.
Fries are better with one of the dozen sauces at this late-night snack stand. Be prepared to wait if it’s late in the night, but going to bed with a belly full of fries has never been so satisfying.
The two-story venue has a wrap-around balcony and huge floor space that provides great views from every angle. Dance parties dominate the basement, while bigger names take over the main stage.
As one of the most selective arts schools in the world, Cooper Union is a historical landmark that produces the world’s next great architects and artisans.
Alphabet City’s legendary slam poetry venue harkens back to the East Village's 1970s artistic scene. Witness venerable stars and up-and-coming poets every night of the week.
This legendary percussion-driven show has been open for years. Witness musicians slap on everything from matchboxes to trash can lids, and sometimes even swinging from harnesses.
Billy Crystal allegedly got his start at this tiny East Village theater. It’s a landmark for old-school comedians and performers, and now hosts the next generation of stand-up legends.
The Ukranian folk museum is a repository for Ukraine’s greatest folk traditions and a symbol of the East Village’s rich Ukrainian immigrant cultural heritage.
