OVERVIEW
The East Village, originally a working-class neighborhood and now the epicenter of Manhattan’s alternative and bohemian crowd, stretches from East Houston Street to 14th Street on the South/North border and the East River to 4th Avenue on the East/West border, therefore also encompassing an area known as Alphabet City (Avenue A to Avenue D between Easton Houston Street and 14th Street).
LANDMARKS
The birthplace of the punk rock culture that has come to define part of New York’s character, the East Village’s core is St. Marks Place. Tattoo parlors, independently owned businesses, and a variety of record stores define the area that has become a landmark in and of itself throughout the years.
Other historical landmarks in the area include Webster Hall, a concert hall designed back in 1886 and still hosting nightly acts, and the Yiddish Art Theater, now in function as a movie theater.
In terms of parks and greenery, Tompkins Square Park can be found in Alphabet City, right at the center of the neighborhood, providing a small space of respite from the highly trafficked area.
ASTORIA
ART
La vicinanza dell’ East Village alla New York University ed alla Università privata Cooper Union aumenta ancora di più la vocazione creativa ed artistica della zona. Gallerie d’arte tradizionali e gallerie di “performance art” sono ovunque nel quartiere, tra di esse la Wild Project, la Dorian Grey Gallery, la SB D Gallery e la piccola Y Gallery.
SHOPPING
Whether shopping for clothing, home décor pieces, or great music records, the East Village provides residents with an eclectic mix of bohemian and alternative options. Thrift shops, like No Relation Vintage and AuH20, also abound.
DINING
Capitalizing on the overall downtown feel of the neighborhood, Lower East Side eateries have been catering to more bohemian and overall modern diners. Many vegan and vegetarian restaurants can be found here, including Caravan of Dreams and Quintessence, all alongside more world-renowned venues (like Mercer Kitchen and Prune).
NIGHTLIFE
Speakeasies have come to define the East Village’s nightlife scene. Whether hidden from the general public, like Please Don’t Tell, or readily visible yet modestly subdued, like Angel’s Share, these venues offer high-end cocktails that have been meticulously concocted by some of the world’s greatest bartenders.
TRANSPORTATION
F, M, 6, L are the train lines that will lead you to the East Village.
Must-Visit Restaurants in the Area
Hearth: 403 East 12th Street, 646-602-1300
Hecho en Dumbo: 354 Bowery, 212-937-4245
Ippudo NY: 65 4th Avenue, 212-388-0088
Kajitsu: 125 East 39th Street, 212-228-4873
Momofuku Ssam Bar: 207 2nd Avenue, 212-254-3500
Prune: 54 East 1st Street, 212-677-6221
Pylos: 128 East 7th Street, 212-473-0220
The Smith: 55 3rd Avenue, 212-420-9800