NYC East Village Guide

The East Village of New York City is one of the neighborhoods of Manhattan that really does feel like a village. The buildings are shorter and older, and the hustle and bustle of midtown is left behind for a quieter, more tranquil type of atmosphere. The people feel closer, you’ll see groups of children walking on their way to school or the park, and overall, it’s just one of the best places to live in Manhattan.

But just because it’s more residential doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything of interest! In fact, the East Village used to be the center of counterculture, where American punk rock was formed and where those who didn’t fit in had a home. Today, it boasts some amazing food, art, entertainment, and nightlife! I currently live here, and so I might be a bit biased, but I think it has the best combination of everything. Without further ado, here’s my NYC East Village guide!

Coffee

Bluestone Lane – This Australian style cafe has got great coffee, food, and a super stylish interior!

The Bean – There are actually multiple locations of the Bean in East Village, that’s how much the locals love them!

Think Coffee – Great coffee and great decor!

Saltwater Coffee – A favorite of instagrammers, the design here is simply gorgeous!

Hi-Collar – This coffee shop turns into a sake bar come night!

Southern Cross Coffee – A mix of Argentine and Australian influences makes this one of the most unique coffee shops you’ll come across!

Abraço – This coffee shop has more of a European vibe. People are less in a hurry and more willing to sit and chat over steaming cappuccinos.

Tea & Juice

Tea

Gong Cha – A beloved bubble tea chain on 14th.

Cha-an Teahouse – If you’re looking for formal tea ceremonies, this is where you’ll find them.

Tea Drunk – Here you’ll find a wide selection of teas, complete with tea tastings.

Kung Fu Tea – Another popular bubble tea chain.

Coco Fresh Tea & Juice – This place has got a bit of both, but known for bubble tea.

Juice

Liquiteria – New York’s original pressed juice.

Pure Green – Love the açaí bowls here, but they also offer tons of juices and smoothies!

Juice Press – Cold pressed and organic juices.

Happy Bowls NYC – This place specializes in acai and pity bowls.

Food

American

The Smith – This American restaurant does the best brunch in the neighborhood!

S’mac – This place spcecializes in mac and cheese, with over 15 varieties based on different parts of the world!

The Nugget Spot – Literally any type of nugget you want, you can probably find here.

European

San Marzano – Cheap and delicious Italian makes this spot a neighborhood favorite.

The Halal Guys – Just like the halal carts, but in a brick and mortar establishment.

Mamoun’s Falafel – This place does the best Mediterranean food for a great price.

Raclette – Where everything is served with a heap of melted cheese.

Veselka – The best place for traditional Ukrainian food in the city.

Food

Asian

Momofuku Ssam Bar – By award-winning chef David Chang, this Momofuku restaurant features pork dishes.

Vanessa’s Dumplings – The cheapest and most delicious dumplings in Manhattan.

Baohaus – Traditional chinese bao’s meet funky NYC twist.

Udon West – A casual noodle bar for any time of day.

Szechuan Mountain House – This is for sure the absolute best place for Sichuan in the entire midtown region.

The Bao – Known for their Shanghai style soup dumplings.

Boka – A local favorite, Boka serves phenomenal korean fare, most noticeably, korean fried chicken.

Ramen – There are tons of good ramen spots, but the best are Ippudo, Rai Rai Ken, Ramen Misoya

Dessert

10Below Ice Cream – Here you can get the Thai rolled ice cream that’s been going viral lately!

Stuffed Ice Cream – Famous for their enormous multi-scoop cones and ice cream donut sandwiches!

Spot Dessert Bar – Come here for the most unique desserts in the Village, such as a dessert that looks like a plant!

Insomnia Cookies – A late night favorite, Insomnia is open until 3AM!

Big Gay Ice Cream – Specializing in soft serve, Big Gay ice cream is a favorite of kids and adults alike!

Oddfellows Ice Cream – Oddfellows boasts some certainly odd flavors, such as chorizo-caramel and miso-cherry, but they all work so well!

Unique Experiences

Russian & Turkish Baths – Who would’ve thought you’d find a sauna in the middle of Manhattan? This place features 5 different saunas and steam rooms and even a cold plunge pool!

Please Don’t Tell – This speakeasy is a secret that got out, but its appeal is still there. Just dial 1 on the vintage phone booth and you’re in! However, reservations are recommended.

Anthology Film Archives – A testament to East Village’s artsiness, this is a center for the preservation and exhibition of films.

Turntable Lab – This cute record shop is tucked above a ramen joint.

Mr. Throwback – This is your one stop shop for all things vintage! Centered around the 1990s, this retro shop is a fun place to window shop.

The Outdoors

Tompkins Square Park – This little park is perfectly representative of the neighborhood its in, with outdoor performances such as the outdoor drag festival Wigstock, the Howl Festival commemorating Allen Ginsberg, and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.

Creative Little Garden – Tompkins Square is great but if you’re looking for somewhere a little more peaceful, you should try this public garden! It really is like an oasis in the village.

Stuyvesant Street – If you’re looking for photo opportunities, this intersection is the most instagrammed in the entire neighborhood.

The Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (MoRUS) – This low-key museum highlights the neighborhood efforts to clean up vacant lots and abandoned buildings.

Nightlife

St. Mark’s Place – This street really comes alive at night time, boasting bars, karaoke lounges, e-cigarette shops, tattoo lounges, and late night restaurants.

3rd Ave – Another great center for nightlife, you’ll find bars galore in a line. My favorites are Blockheads (cheap & good frozen margaritas), VYNL, 212, Brazen Fox, and the Penny Farthing.

Barcade – As you can tell from the name, this bar is also an arcade! Talk about the best of both worlds.

Sahara East – This popular hookah bar also serves fantastic Middle Eastern dishes.

Zum Schneider – East Village’s very own biergarten means every night can be Oktoberfest.

Berlin – If you’re looking for old-school East Village vibes, visit this grungy music venue.