NYC’s East Village neighborhood has some of the most vibrant spots in the entire city. There’s never a dull moment in the area, you just need to know where to look!
Here’s our ultimate guide on the East Village, so you can experience all the best that the neighborhood has to offer.
Table Of Contents
Brunch/Breakfast
1. Lil’ Frankie’s
This East Village staple offers a 3-for-1 drinks special on weekends that pairs perfectly with their mouthwatering brunch menu, including choices like griddle cakes, omelettes and more. Note: Lil’ Frankie’s is cash only.
Where: 19 1st Ave., New York
2. Pardon My French
If you’re looking for a cute back patio and bottomless mimosas, Pardon My French is your new go-to! We recommend the Croque Monsieur—absolutely delicious.
Where: 103 Avenue B, New York
3. Lamia’s Fish Market
You’ve heard about it and you’ve surely seen the pictures! We’re here to tell you that the hype is worth it. Plus, they have a great bottomless deal for $35 including one entree and your choice between mermaid sangria, bellinis, flavored mimosas, white sangria or all (so long as you’re in the hour and a half time limit!).
Where: 47 Avenue B, New York
4. Tompkins Square Bagels
We had to put this on the list, obviously.
Where: 165 Avenue A, New York
5. C&B
This under-the-radar spot cooks up a mean sausage egg and cheese and the flakiest chocolate croissants.
Where: 178 E 7th St, New York
Coffeeshops
6. Le Phin
If TikTok didn’t beat us to it, this fairly new Vietnamese café is the perfect WFH spot. However, with the coziest little window seat, you’ll rather people watch than get anything done. The drink menu offers classic coffee staples and Vietnamese-inspired creations. Our favorite is definitely the Pandan Latte.
Where: 259 E 10th Street, New York
7. La Cabra
Their cardamom buns will transport you straight to Copenhagen.
Where: 152 2nd Ave, New York
East Village Restaurants
Of course, there’s East Village classics that you can’t forget about like Cafe Mogador and Veselka, but we’re going to spotlight a few underdogs that deserve more attention!
8. Tuome
What can we not rave about at this Michelin-starred spot? The carefully curated menu at Tuome features Asian-inspired dishes pairing unlikely but brilliant flavors and ingredients from grapefruit and scallops, to tartare and coconut yuzu. But our most treasured item at this place has to be the snow crab noodle entree made with squash and dashi butter. Positively exquisite! Be sure to indulge in their beverage menu as well. The intimate but simultaneously spacious atmosphere begs you to enjoy glass after glass.
Where: 536 E 5th St., New York
9. Mokyo
Mokyo (sister restaurant to other East Village standout, Thursday Kitchen) is perfect for a group of friends. Order a variety of Korean-inspired tapas for the table and sip on one of their glowing cocktails!
Where: 109 St Marks Pl, New York
10. Ladybird
For all you vegans, this bright and colorful spot situated on 7th Street highlights seasonal ingredients by reimagining plant-based dining as an art.
Where: 111 E 7th St, New York
11. Punjabi Grocery Deli
Talk about hole in the walls, Punjabi Gorcery & Deli is the neighborhood’s best kept secret! Find some of the best Indian food in the entire city in this unsuspecting shop.
Where: 114 E 1st St, New York
12. Soothr
We know takeout is appealing, but you’ll want to dine-in for delicious Thai food at Soothr. From their jaw-dropping bar to steaming entrées, you won’t be disappointed.
Where: 204 E 13th St, New York
13. San Marzano
A great spot when you’re craving delicious pasta, but don’t want to break the bank.
Where: 117 2nd Ave, New York
14. Streecha
This easily missed hole in the wall joint might just be the neighborhood’s best hidden gem. Head down the stairs on 7th street and warm your soul with home cooked pierogi’s, borscht and more.
Where: 33 E 7th St, New York
15. Superiority Burger
This fast food spot is a vegetarian’s dreamland that will even impress the carnivorous types!
Where: 119 Avenue A, New York
Happy hour
16. Gray Mare
Order $10 classic cocktails Monday – Friday from 3pm – 8pm. And keep watch on the temperature, because Gray Mare will extend their happy hour prices for the entire day when it’s above 90° outside.
Where: 61 2nd Ave, New York
17. Jose Luis
$5 sangria, that’s all we need to say.
Where: 186 Avenue B, New York
18. Bibi Wine Bar
This quaint little spot tucked away on 6th Street is the perfect place for a first date, friend catch-up, or solo setting. Browse the extensive wine list and look forward to generous pours during their happy hour that runs everyday until 8 p.m.
Where: 211 E 4th St, New York
Bars
19. Mister Paradise
Expertly crafted cocktails. Beautiful atmosphere. Overall great vibes.
Where: 105 1st Ave., New York
20. Death & Company
Globally recognized, Death & Co has numerous bars nationwide, but the spot’s flagship location can be found in the East Village.
Where: 433 E 6th St, New York
21. Mono Mono
Pro Tip: Secure the best spot in the house in one of the book case coves. Your date will swoon!
Where: 116 E 4th St, New York
22. Ace
If you’re looking for a proper dive bar, Ace is definitely one to add to the list. Sip on cheap drinks while you play your hand at darts, skeeball and pool.
Where: 531 E 5th St, New York
23. Lover’s of Today
If you’ve spent any time in the East Village, you’ve surely walked past this hidden spot without even noticing. Locate the glowing red heart on 7th Street between Avenue A & B and head down the secret staircase where an intimate, dimly lit lounge awaits!
Where: 1/2, 132 1/2 E 7th St
Dance
24. Ding-a-ling
Come for the disco ball and stay for the retro tunes. We recommend you finish the night out with one of their specialty hot dogs.
Where: 116 Loisaida Ave, New York
25. Wiggle Room
This bi-level spot recently opened its doors and swept the whole damn neighborhood into a frenzy. Enjoy casual cocktails upstairs and dance them off downstairs under neon lights.
Where: 9 Avenue A, New York
26. Downtime
Though you might have to wait in line, once you get downstairs you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the ample amount of room to shake, shimmy, and drop it. Plus, the always solid DJ set doesn’t hurt.
Where: 25 Avenue B, New York
27. Dream Baby
Who needs to workout when you can dance up a sweat? Dream Baby’s known to be shoulder to shoulder on the weekends, so prepare to make new friends when you’re on the dance floor. And if you get too hot, you can simply cool off with one of their refreshing frozen margaritas.
Where: 162-164 Avenue B, New York
Late Night Bites
28. Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
When the post night out hunger hits, you can always count on Brooklyn Dumpling Shop. Open 24 hours, the automat-style joint allows you to order all the dumplings you desire online or at the kiosk without having to say a word.
Where: 131 1st Ave., New York
29. 99 Cent Fresh Pizza
Best. dollar. slice. in. the. East. Village.
Where: 71 2nd Ave, New York
30. Ray’s Candy Store
An iconic neighborhood staple, it’s not a night out in the East Village without ending the night (or starting it) at Ray’s. The shop has been feeding New Yorkers since 1974 and is still owned and operated by Ray himself who just turned 90 years old in January! Though you definitely should try everything on the menu (which is pretty extensive might we say), our go to order is a Nutella milkshake and onion rings!
East Village Hotels
31. The Moxy
You don’t even need a place to stay to enjoy everything the Moxy, East Village has to offer. From their rooftop bar, The Ready, to their grand restaurant, Cathédrale it’s an experience you don’ want to miss.
Where: 112 E 11th St, New York
32. The Standard
A stay at this 21-story building provides sweeping city views, a peaceful back garden, and tons of different events with live DJs and more.
Where: 25 Cooper Sq, New York
33. East Village Hotel
Offering the perfect location just a stone’s throw away from Tompkins Square Park, you’ll have quick access to tons of the neighborhood’s best restaurants, boutiques, and more.
Where: 147 1st Ave., New York
Unique Experiences
34. Nuyorican Poets Cafe
If you’re tired of hitting the same spots and bars, try something new like checking out the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Head over on Wednesdays for their slam poetry and cheer on those brave enough to bare their heart and soul to strangers. Learn more on their website here.
Where: 236 E 3rd St, New York
35. Albert’s Garden
First established in 1971, Albert’s Garden has been gracing the community with a peaceful place to rest for nearly 50 years. And now you can enjoy the green oasis too!
Where: 16 E 2nd St, New York
36. Atelier Sucré
Looking to brush up on your skills in the kitchen? Learn how to make French classics from croissants to macarons at Atelier Sucrés various classes! Depending on the size of your party you’ll be paired with others at a table to work together to make delicious pastries you can enjoy fresh out of the oven—and of course, leftovers to take home. Check out all of the classes they offer on their website.
Where: 104 E 7th St, New York
37. Book Club Bar
A glass of wine alongside a good read? Count us in! Book Club Bar is also a great spot to WFH if you’re itching to get out of your apartment/office.
Where: 197 East 3rd Street, New York
38. Anthology Film Archives
Peruse the the world’s largest collection of books, periodicals, stills, and paper materials related to avant-garde cinema at the Anthology Film Archives. It’s every cinephiles dreamland! Learn more here.
Where: 32 Second Avenue, New York
39. Tompkins Square Farmer’s Market
Every Sunday, Tompkins Square hosts their weekly greenmarket. Shop tons of local vendors and meet some of your neighbors while you’re at it.
Where: Perimeter of Tompkins Square Park
40. St. Mark’s Yoga
Whether you’re New Year’s resolution includes more exercise or you’re a veteran yogi, St. Mark’s Yoga is one of our favorite places in the city to get in a good workout. The studio offers daily yoga classes from morning to night for just $10! Classes run anywhere from 60 to 75 minutes long and are the perfect way to get your body moving. Plus, mats and blocks are included. Learn more on their site here.
Where: 12 St Marks Pl, New York