OVERVIEW
Bordering Chinatown and Nolita, the Lower East Side stretches from the FDR Drive on the East to Allen Street on the West and the FDR Drive to the South to East Houston on the North. One of the oldest and most sought-after New York City neighborhoods, the Lower East Side is defined by its eclectic mix of residents and its world-renowned nightlife offerings.
LANDMARKS
Traditionally a working-glass and immigrant destination, the Lower East Side has been undergoing a process of gentrification since the early 2000s, which has put many of its landmarks in peril. These include Katz’s Deli, Russ & Daughters, and a variety of synagogues.
ART
The art scene on the Lower East Side has recently come to represent the status and importance of contemporary art. This is reflected in the variety of art galleries that have opened around the neighborhood. These include ABC No Rio, a social space on Rivington Street, and, most recognizably, the New Museum, exclusively devoted to contemporary art works from around the world.
ASTORIA
SHOPPING
The neighborhood is defined by an abundance of independently owned boutiques that represent the eclectic styles and trends defining the area’s own residents.
DINING
A variety of recently opened high-end restaurants, combined with cheap-eat destinations and decades-old eateries, define the Lower East Side’s dining scene. Cafes, brunch spots, and dinner destinations abound. Among the most popular: Clinton Street Baking Company, Ivan Ramen, The Leadbelly, and Mission Cantina.
NIGHTLIFE
The Lower East Side is, arguably, today’s most popular nightlife destination. The most trafficked streets, Orchard, Ludlow, and Essex Street, between Rivington Street and Stanton Street, are perennially populated by night. In addition to a slew of underground bars, the area is home to a variety of live music venues, including Mercury Lounge, Arlene’s Grocery, and the Bowery Ballroom.
TRANSPORTATION
The area’s proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge render it highly trafficked by those seeking to enter and exit the island via car. Public transportation methods that traverse the neighborhood include subway lines (B, D, F, M, J, and, Z) and bus lines (M9, M15, M103 and M21).