A Practical Guide
to the Lower East Side
Here’s what you do: Wander, eat, repeat. To make the most of all there is to do in this buzzing neighborhood, set your sights on these focused itineraries that narrow it down to the greatest hits for every occasion.
The date-night lineup
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The New Museum
Start your journey by wandering the levels of this sharply curated contemporary art museum
Banzarbar
Finish the evening with a cozy nightcap at Banzarbar, the intimate cocktail bar tucked away above Freemans
The Sweet-tooth tour
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Mel Bakery
A cozy bakery that prizes local grains to make its thick-crust sourdough (don’t forget a side of cultured butter) and an array of shatteringly flaky croissants that are best eaten on the sidewalk outside.
Economy Candy
Fulfill all your Willy Wonka fantasies in this history candy store, packed floor-to-ceiling with rainbow displays of Jelly Bellys, vintage Sky Bars, and every Haribo gummy under the sun.
cafe d’avignon in essex street market
Stop by this gem on your way through Essex Market for some of the city's best pastries. You'll have a tough choice to make between their array of croissants, cakes, scones, galettes and more.
Kopitiam
An all-day Malaysian café with out-of-this-world nasi lemak and a variety of snacks, mains and sweets on hand.
A Call-in-Sick Itinerary
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Sky Ting Yoga
Get your day started on a flexible note with a class at Sky Ting, known for down-to-earth teachers who make everyone feel welcome. .
Nathalie Karg Gallery
Stop by this contemporary art gallery on a bustling Chinatown corner with boundary-pushing exhibitions. .
Christine Chin Spa
Models flock to this long-standing spa where estheticians get down to business (extractions) during these famously painful facials that pay off in a holy glow.
Flower Shop
Bring a book, settle in, and treat yourself to a cold drink and some oysters at this local neighborhood favorite.
East River Park
Kramer may have taken a swim here, but we’d suggest just soaking in the view of Brooklyn from the waterfront pathway. Not to mention all the tennis and basketball courts, football, soccer, and baseball fields—there’s plenty of room to play.
The legends-only tour
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Katz's Deli
Needs no introduction. Pastrami sandwiches as big as your face and waiters who’ll tell it like it is. Stroll in at 11:30 a.m. if you don’t like waiting for lunch.
Russ & Daughters
Take a number, then patiently await your paper-thin Nova and bagels from one of New York’s most iconic Jewish delis. Give in, get the tin of caviar. (You can sit down for lunch at the café around the corner.)
Ivan Ramen
The critically acclaimed ramen shop that’s famous enough to have its own Wikipedia page—and episode of Chef’s Table on Netflix—is still going strong and now available for delivery.
Economy Candy
Fulfill all your Willy Wonka fantasies in this historic candy store, packed floor-to-ceiling with rainbow displays of Jelly Bellys, vintage Sky Bars, and every Haribo gummy under the sun.
shopping for the impossible person
Coming Soon
The only home goods store like it. If you’re in the market for colorful glassware, a corn-on-the-cob stool, and oven mitts with eyeballs, you’ll find them here.
Bode
Emily Bode’s hand-sewn garments are made with antique quilts, while other pieces in her collections are inspired by vintage textiles and designs, all of which are quickly snapped up by fashion editors and celebrities.
Top Hat
A whimsical boutique that yes, sells top hats, and so much more, like Japanese hair brushes, one of a kind stationery and baguette-shaped lamps.
Susan Alexandra
Is it pop art or a handbag or a little bit of both? Susan Alexandra’s jubilant beaded bags and fruit-shaped earrings are spreading good cheer only. .
Assembly NY
One of the Lower East Side's hippest mainstays. Venture into this bright, white-washed boutique for the trendiest in new and vintage clothing.
the out of towner hit list
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Dimes
A new neighborhood classic –where you go for an acai bowl or glazed bacon BLT, depending on how your previous night went. You’re here for healthy-ish, hippie-ish food, but also for the people-watching.
East River Park
Kramer may have taken a swim here, but we’d suggest just soaking in the view of Brooklyn from the waterfront pathway. Not to mention all the tennis and basketball courts, football, soccer, and baseball fields—there’s plenty of room to play.
Banzarbar
Looking to impress? Make a reservation at this intimate and secretive cocktail bar tucked above Freemans featuring beautifully crafted drinks and small plates.
Scarr's
What sort of host are you if you don't include a classic slice shop on your city tour? An ‘80s pizza shop come to life and arguably the best pizza in the city, made with flour that’s milled in-house for the freshed flavor and incredible chew. Also: really good wine.
Babysitter’s Day Off
Katz's Deli
Needs no introduction, pull up to this classic deli for a big lunch before romping around the city.
The Tenement Museum
Tour historically restored family apartments in two preserved tenement buildings, or take the museum’s neighborhood and virtual tours, an engrossing journey into the past that shapes the area today.
Economy Candy
Give your little one a bag and let them run loose in this historic candy store, packed floor-to-ceiling with rainbow displays of Jelly Bellys, vintage Sky Bars, and every Haribo gummy under the sun.
Seward Park Playground
Put all that candy energy to use at the Seward Park playground and splashpad.
A Tour Through LES History
Katz's Deli
Needs no introduction. Pastrami sandwiches as big as your face and waiters who’ll tell it like it is. Stroll in at 11:30 a.m. if you don’t like waiting for lunch.
Tenement Museum
Tour historically restored family apartments in two preserved tenement buildings, or take the museum’s neighborhood and virtual tours, an engrossing journey into the past that shapes the area today.
Seward Park
Swing by, play some handball, or set your kids free on the splash pad during the summer months. If you’re lucky Mister Softee might show up.
Nine Orchard
A boutique hotel with numerous dining options, all housed in beautiful neo-Renaissance building that was once the center of banking for LES Jewish immigrant communities, recently restored to the nines.
Caffeine Fixes
Kopitiam
An all-day Malaysian café with out-of-this-world nasi lemak, a rice dish topped with delicious fried anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, and homemade sambal.
Mel Bakery
A tiny bakery and coffee shop with sought-after sourdough in a city that takes its bread seriously. You can also buy local grains and beans.
Cafe Grumpy
A coffee shop strategically placed across from Seward Park for a reason. You’ll need an espresso after all that handball.
An Afternoon Art Crawl
Nathalie Karg Gallery
A contemporary art gallery on a bustling Chinatown corner with boundary-pushing exhibitions.
Krause Gallery
The art gallery with a keen eye for up-and-coming talent, where you can buy NFTs alongside a resin candy heart sculpture that says “NOT DRUNK ENOUGH.”
The New Museum
A sharply curated contemporary art museum that often features up-and-coming artists with provocative perspectives.
Happy Medium
Create your own masterpiece at this art cafe that features regular figure drawing sessions and collage parties.
a Long, Lazy weekend Brunch
Freeman's
A dreamy oasis tucked into an alley with a cozy, cabin-upstate aesthetic—and a great spot to have private dinner parties.
Dudley's
An all-day Aussie café with a strong brunch menu and even stronger people-watching scene. Balance your grain bowl with a cocktail for best results.
Ms Yoo
A cocktail bar where the bumping soundtrack is almost as good as the Korean fried chicken (which is very, very good).
Jajaja
A plant-based restaurant with the best vegan nachos in town and fresh-pressed juices in their tropical drinks.
Become a Regular
Bar Goto
Order a sakura martini and okinomiyaki and be happy forever. Or until the coupe glass is empty. This sleek Japanese cocktail bar is one of the city’s best.
Mr Fongs
If you snag a booth at this neighborhood favorite bar, hold onto it all night and stay fueled by Fong’s coladas and pork buns.
Sel Rrose
Oysters, mussels, lobster roll? This Parisian style oyster bar serves up a variety of seafood, craft cocktails, and wine. A calm oasis on a bustling corner and perfect spot for a pre-dinner meetup.
The Flower Shop
Bring a book, settle in, and treat yourself to a cold drink and some oysters at this local neighborhood favorite.
Jajaja
A plant-based restaurant with the best vegan nachos in town and fresh-pressed juices in their tropical drinks.
Go-To To-Go Spots
Dimes
Where you go for an acai bowl or glazed bacon BLT, depending on how your previous night went.
Dudley's
An all-day Aussie café with a strong brunch menu and even stronger people-watching scene. If you're getting to-go, pick up their fried chicken sandwich and fries.
Kopitiam
An all-day Malaysian café with out-of-this-world nasi lemak, a rice dish topped with delicious fried anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, and homemade sambal.
Wayla
A homestyle Thai restaurant that’s always packed, which you’ll understand once you have the platter of nam prik and lobster noodles. Make a reservation, on repeat, or call ahead for pick-up
group Friendly Spots
Sel Rrose
Oysters, mussels, lobster roll? This Parisian style oyster bar serves up a variety of seafood, craft cocktails, and wine. A calm oasis on a bustling corner and perfect spot for a pre-dinner meetup.
Bar Belly
Every neighborhood needs a $1 oyster happy hour, and this is where you’ll find it, plus live music on the weekend, so wear your dancing shoes.
Ms Yoo
A cocktail bar where the bumping soundtrack is almost as good as the Korean fried chicken (which is very, very good).
Freemans
A dreamy oasis tucked into an alley with a cozy, cabin-upstate aesthetic—and a great spot to have private dinner parties.
Jajaja
A plant-based restaurant with the best vegan nachos in town and fresh-pressed juices in their tropical drinks.
The Flower Shop
Two floors with a living room ambiance, this local neighborhood favorite is a great place to have a drink solo or with a group.
May We Suggest...
An iconic Jewish deli next to a buzzy wine bar. A wellness grocer across from a tattoo parlor. An art gallery rubs shoulders with a dim sum spot. In this rich neighborhood there are hundreds of ways to spend an afternoon in just a few blocks.
JaJaJa
A plant-based restaurant with the best vegan nachos in town and fresh-pressed juices in their tropical drinks.
See on Map
Nine Orchard
A boutique hotel with numerous dining options, all housed in beautiful neo-Renaissance building that was once the center of banking for LES Jewish immigrant communities, recently restored to the nines.
See on Map
Seward Park
Swing by, play some handball, or set your kids free on the splash pad during the summer months. If you’re lucky Mister Softee might show up.
See on Map
Kopitiam
An all-day Malaysian café with out-of-this-world nasi lemak, a rice dish topped with delicious fried anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, and homemade sambal.
See on Map
East River Park
Kramer may have taken a swim here, but we’d suggest just soaking in the view of Brooklyn from the waterfront pathway. Not to mention all the tennis and basketball courts, football, soccer, and baseball fields—there’s plenty of room to play.
See on Map
Sky Ting Yoga
Reserve a spot online, because classes fill up at the cult-beloved Sky Ting Yoga, known for down-to-earth teachers who make everyone feel welcome.
See on Map
Mr. Fongs
If you snag a booth at this neighborhood favorite bar, hold onto it all night and stay fueled by Fong’s coladas and pork buns.
See on Map
Coming Soon
The only home goods store like it. If you’re in the market for colorful glassware, a corn-on-the-cob stool, and oven mitts with eyeballs, you’ll find them here.
See on Map
Economy Candy
Fulfill all your Willy Wonka fantasies in this historic candy store, packed floor-to-ceiling with rainbow displays of Jelly Bellys, vintage Sky Bars, and every Haribo gummy under the sun.
See on Map
Bode
Emily Bode’s hand-sewn garments are made with antique quilts, while other pieces in her collections are inspired by vintage textiles and designs, all of which are quickly snapped up by fashion editors and celebrities.
See on Map
Dimes
Where you go for an acai bowl or glazed bacon BLT, depending on how your previous night went. You’re here for healthy-ish, hippie-ish food, but also for the people-watching.
See on Map
Ms. Yoo
A cocktail bar where the bumping soundtrack is almost as good as the Korean fried chicken (which is very, very good).
See on Map
Dudley's
An all-day Aussie café with a strong brunch menu and even stronger people-watching scene. Balance your grain bowl with a cocktail for best results.
See on Map
Bar Belly
Every neighborhood needs a $1 oyster happy hour, and this is where you’ll find it, plus live music on the weekend, so wear your dancing shoes.
See on Map
The Flower Shop
Decor that’ll transport you to the ‘70s and cocktails that’ll keep you out too late. When that happens, order the burger.
See on Map
Assembly NY
One of the Lower East Side's hippest mainstays. Venture into this bright, white-washed boutique for the trendiest in new and vintage clothing.
See on Map
Bar Goto
Order a sakura martini and okinomiyaki and be happy forever. Or until the coupe glass is empty. This sleek Japanese cocktail bar is one of the city’s best.
See on Map
Mel Bakery
A tiny bakery with sought-after sourdough in a city that takes its bread seriously. You can also buy local grains and beans.
See on Map
Top Hat
A whimsical boutique that yes, sells top hats, and so much more, like Japanese hairbrushes and baguette-shaped lamps.
See on Map
Cafe Grumpy
This is across from Seward Park for a reason. You’ll need an espresso after all that handball.
See on Map
Scarr's
An ‘80s pizza shop come to life and arguably the best pizza in the city, made with flour that’s milled in-house for the freshed flavor and incredible chew. Also: really good wine.
See on Map
Freemans
A dreamy oasis tucked into an alley with a cozy, cabin-upstate aesthetic—and a great spot to have private dinner parties.
See on Map
Tenement Museum
Tour historically restored family apartments in two preserved tenement buildings, or take the museum’s neighborhood and virtual tours, an engrossing journey into the past that shapes the area today.
See on Map
Essex Market
Pick up specialty groceries like imported cheeses from Fromaggio, fresh coffee from Porto Rico, and anything else your kitchen lacks at this historic market packed with vendors.
See on Map
Caffe Vita
A nook of a coffee shop for drive-by cortados and impulse croissants.
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Clinto St. Baking Company
A tried-and-true greasy spoon with fluffy pancakes and crispy hashbrowns.
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LES Ecology Center
Drop off compost or volunteer in the garden to support the wonderful environment work being done here.
See on Map
Katz's Deli
Needs no introduction. Pastrami sandwiches as big as your face and waiters who’ll tell it like it is. Stroll in at 11:30 a.m. if you don’t like waiting for lunch.
See on Map
Les Enfant de Bohème
Your local Parisian bistro that just so happens to be on the LES. Order the duck confit and pommes frites, but reserve all dramatic cigarette smoking for the sidewalk.
See on Map
The Sill
Only on the Lower East Side will you find a plant shop this stylish, stocked with succulents and fiddle leaf fig trees.
See on Map
Russ & Daughters
Take a number, then patiently await your paper-thin Nova and bagels from one of New York’s most iconic Jewish delis. Give in, get the tin of caviar. (You can sit down for lunch at the café next door.)
See on Map
Ernesto’s
Thin Iberico ham drapes over crunchy potato chips and the tone is set for the rest of the fabulous Basque dinner you’ll tuck into at Ernesto’s, one of the neighborhood’s newest and best-reviewed spots.
See on Map
Ivan Ramen
The critically acclaimed ramen shop that’s famous enough to have its own Wikipedia page—and episode of Chef’s Table on Netflix—is still going strong and now available for delivery.
See on Map
Ludlow House
The members-only outpost of Soho House has four (beautifully designed) floors where you can have intimate drinks or lively dinners, host events, or lean back and stargaze under the garden’s retractable roof.
See on Map
Krause Gallery
The art gallery with a sharp eye for up-and-coming talent, where you can buy NFTs alongside a resin candy heart sculpture that says “NOT DRUNK ENOUGH.”
See on Map
Nathalie Karg Gallery
A contemporary art gallery on a bustling Chinatown corner with boundary-pushing exhibitions.
See on Map
Susan Alexandra
Is it pop art or a handbag or a little bit of both? Susan Alexandra’s jubilant beaded bags and fruit-shaped earrings are spreading good cheer only.
See on Map
Christine Chin Spa
Models flock to this long-standing spa where estheticians get down to business (extractions) during these famously painful facials that pay off in a holy glow.
See on Map
New Museum
A sharply curated contemporary art museum that often features up-and-coming artists with provocative perspectives.
See on Map
Banzarbar
Looking to impress? Make a reservation at this intimate and secretive cocktail bar tucked above Freemans featuring beautifully crafted drinks and small plates.
See on Map
Wayla
A homestyle Thai restaurant that’s always packed, which you’ll understand once you have the platter of nam prik and lobster noodles. Make a reservation, on repeat.
See on Map
Sel Rrose
Oysters, mussels, lobster roll? This Parisian style oyster bar serves up a variety of seafood, craft cocktails, and wine. A calm oasis on a bustling corner and perfect spot for a pre-dinner meetup.
See on Map