Welcome to the vibrant and eclectic Lower East Side, commonly referred to as the LES, a neighborhood in the heart of Manhattan that pulses with an energy uniquely its own. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and a tapestry of artistic expression, the Lower East Side invites you to explore its bustling streets and discover a melting pot of influences. Check out our guide that captures the essence of the borough.
Entertainment
53 Delancey Street
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Paint N Pour will have your creative juices flowing just like the alcohol. Indulge in their canvas-side bar featuring specialty cocktails like Picasso Punch, Mona Lisa Margaritas, Sistine Apple, and more. Bring a friend or a few for the best time.
New Museum235 Bowery
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Visit NYC's only museum dedicated to extravagant contemporary art. Not only is the inside filled with modern masterpieces but the building itself is one. Check in with the museum each week for their Sunday screenings, hosted conversations, and new exhibits!
167 Orchard Street
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Sit down and stay for a while at the world-famous Slipper Room. Known as the birthplace of neo-burlesque, don’t expect anything less than the best- from comedy shows, to strip tease, to sideshows, to burlesque obviously.
95 Stanton Street
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The former bodega space has blossomed into the first live music venue in the LES. Since opening in 1995, they’ve stayed true to their NY roots which has allowed them to come out on top. Delivering the best music, entertainment, comedy, and most important of all, a good time.
6 Delancey Street
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Outside this iconic venue may look like a mini-government office building, but inside is a music utopia for concertgoers. The Bowery Ballroom has been around since 1998 and has been a headlining venue for countless indie musicians to rock on.
217 East Houston Street
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Another place to rock on with indie artists and starter bands is none other than The Mercury Lounge. This 250 Capacity venue continues to give concertgoers and fans a great vibe to enjoy music right on the Lower East Side.
Food
88 Essex Street
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Fueled by diverse small businesses and fresh, high-quality foods, the Essex Market continues to thrive in NYC's crowded food scene. Even if you weren’t hungry before you went in, you’ll find yourself drooling over the fresh cheeses and pastries you walk by. Offering what most restaurants can’t, Essex’s diverse lineup of vendors has cuisine to please everyone from Mexican to Moroccan.
4 Clinton Street
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This mom-and-pop restaurant and bake shop continues to keep customers more than happy- and full. While other places typically purchase their menu items wholesale, Clinton Street Baking Co. makes theirs in-house. Breakfast and brunch, featuring “Fried Chicken and Waffles” and “Latke Eggs Benedict,” as seen as their top dishes!
205 East Houston Street
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If you are from NY (or frankly anywhere else in the US) you’ve heard of Katz Deli- and if you haven’t, maybe you’d recognize this world-famous deli from When Harry Met Sally. This NY staple is still talked about for a reason since their pastrami sandwich is anything but overhyped.
35 Orchard Street
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Out of 23,000 restaurants in NYC, Scarr’s Pizza has been named in the TOP 100 by the New York Times. Take away a slice or even a whole pie, or a meatball sub, or an eggplant parm. Anything from Scarr’s is sure to squash your hunger.
199 Bowery
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Looking to chill at a beer garden on a hot day? Ainslie is the place to be with their wide selection of Italian delights with wood-fired pizza, small plates, a grill menu, and a variety of drinks to choose from to wash it all down. Now that’s amore!
175 Orchard Street
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We New Yorkers love a slice of pizza but we’ve made an exception for Una Pizza Napoletana. The thrill of their pies only being served on Thur, Fri, Sat from 5pm, until they’re sold out makes getting your hands on one that much more exciting. Don’t forget to check out their Instagram for the specialty pizza of the week.
185 Orchard Street
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The only diet we follow is a see-food diet so we love diving into Claw Daddy’s seafood menu. Come in on a Tuesday or anytime before 7:30 PM and get a great deal such as $1 wings, $1.50 oysters, and $3 off boozy Capri-suns.
173 Orchard Street
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Zazzy’s is another treasure in the streets of Manhattan. Their warm and soft slices are amazing and they've also got big square slices for Sicilian fans to get the bigger taste. Mamma Mia!
Bars
134 Eldridge Street
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Attaboy's innovative cocktail bar has an industrial diner-like interior making specialty cocktails to keep the vibe going. The bar has been named 22nd best in the world so making a stop here is a must.
115 Allen Street
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Don’t put all your eggs in one basket before checking out Double Chicken Please. This bar’s extensive list of cocktails has your classics but also drinks you can’t pass on like the “Mango Sticky Rice,” “Cold Pizza,” and “French Toast.” One look at these drinks will have you flying the coop to get there.
135 Division Street
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What pairs nicely with wine besides cheese? An experienced sommelier that’ll help you find the perfect bottle to sip on. Stop by Parcelle Wine Bar to be served not just a quick glass but elegance and style. Also offering private tastings, guest chef events, and a monthly wine club- there’s no reason not to come back for that smooth Sauvignon Blanc.
Shopping
176 Stanton Street
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Only NY is one of the few independent clothing brands that partner with The City of New York by selling limited edition merchandise. They even have Trash Can Pen Holders! Aside from that, they’ve released their Fall/Winter lookbook to keep up with the streetwear trend.
116 Suffolk Street
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Down on Suffolk St, there's a small independent bookstore to stop by on a rainy day, called Bluestockings! This cute space offers a diverse range of titles to choose from and even includes a cafe to sit and work. This is a great resort in case nearby coffee shops fill up, and gets even better with bookshelves.
Sweets
95 Orchard Street
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Are you lactose intolerant? Well, you are in luck. This dessert lab featuring oat-milk-based ice cream has us WHIPPED. It is the world’s 1st of its kind, featured in Forbes, NY Times, and Food Network, and is a black-woman-owned business. Pick a base, some sauce, and a crumb coating, or… pick from their menu of hand-selected fusions such as the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel. Wow.
379 Grand Street
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What’s better than fitting a big sweet and soft donut in your mouth? At Doughnut Plant, they’ve got a wide selection of flavors and toppings to chow down on. Not to mention they can’t keep ya hanging with a cuppa coffee for the morning rush.
181 Orchard Street
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You’ve read it right. Kinky’s Dessert Bar is serving up a mix of freaky and fun sweets. Kinky Waffles, Cookies, and Cakes are sure to keep your jaw dropped and mouth full. Be sure to check out their provocative desserts on their Instagram before you bring the kids.
164 Orchard Street
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Can’t sleep? Neither can we with Insomnia Cookies on our minds. This cookie spot located throughout NYC heard our prayers serving fresh gooey cookies until 3 AM. The perfect way to end or as a matter of fact, start the day.
Looking to explore a bit outside of NYC?
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Greenpoint where we dish out all of our favorite
spots in the beloved Brooklyn neighborhood.
