New York’s East Village is eclectic and adventurous, old punk and grunge— it’s New York cool and impossible to replicate. There’s lots of history here and you can feel the stories of New York’s past unfold in front of you as you walk around the colorful streets.
East Village is unpredictable, but you can always count on having plenty of fun. It’s one of New York’s best neighborhoods for nightlife and casual dining, with some places having been around since the 1950s.
East Village holds a special place in my heart. I once called it home and it was the place where I built a beautifully chaotic life. I’m here to recommend some of my neighborhood favorites— places that I visit regularly and recommend to anyone who wants to explore these vibrant blocks.
You can spend a whole day in the East Village and still not scratch the surface. There’s so much amazing food from around the world and some of the city’s best thrifting lives right there. This guide will help you plan the perfect day in East Village.
What To Do
The best thing to do in the East Village is walk around, pop into the niche stores that catch your eye, eat (everything you want because there’s a lot of options), and go to a happy hour that turns into an all-night affair.
Thrifting
Tokio7
Tokio7 is where you go to find statement pieces. It’s where fashion lovers go to shop among other fashion lovers. They sell designer and luxury vintage clothing, so it has a higher price tag than the rest of the spots on this list. Nevertheless, it’s a must-visit in the area.
Cure Thrift
Cure Thrift excels at curating both apparel and homeware that makes you smile. Simple as that. Seashell dishes, color-coordinated racks, and all sorts of things that differentiate it from the other neighborhood favorites. They have sales all the time, which is when I recommend going, and it’s a great time to pick up a few new things.
LTrain Vintage
LTrain vVntage is the mecca of thrifting in New York. It’s like you’re thrifting starter pack in the city. First of all, it’s huge— this place has it all and they have lots of it. Whether you’re looking for denim, corsets, or cowboy boots, LTrain is your one-stop shop. It’s overwhelming and crowded on the weekends, but that’s all part of the quintessential LTrain experience.
East Village Thrift Shop
Located on Second Avenue, East Village Thrift Shop is small but mighty. It’s reliable. It’s cheap. It’s littered with good finds at great prices.
Eats
Tompkins Square Bagels
Waiting in line at Tompkins Square Bagels while hungover on a crisp Sunday morning is practically a right of passage. Yes, if it’s a weekend, you’ll most likely have to wait in line, but the bagels are so worth it. This small bagel shop bordering Tompkins Square Park is a neighborhood staple. New York bagels are incredibly iconic for a reason. The reason being they are superior. Bacon, egg, and cheese? Yes, please. Cream cheese and lox? Yes, please.
Menu favorites:
- Your bagel order of choice
Lil’ Frankie’s
Lil’ Frankie’s is a cash-only Italian restaurant that delivers comfort food and consistency. It’s located on First Street and First Avenue and is open until 4 am on the weekends for all your late-night (very late-night) pasta cravings. It’s sceney, it’s busy, it’s perfect.
Menu favorites:
- Spaghetti Limone
- Pizza Bianca
Cafe Mogador
If there was a perfect lunch spot in the East Village, this would be it. Cafe Mogador is a casual sit-down favorite in EV that usually has a line out the door. They serve Moroccan-inspired cuisine and it’s a must-visit for when you want something comforting, easy, and delicious.
Menu favorites:
- Choice of Mezze
- Moraccon Benedict
7th Street Burger
7th Street Burger is the name on everyone’s lips. I’d like to take a minute to boast and make it clear that I was there on the opening weekend, way before this burger spot hit the social media spotlight. Yes, 7th Street Burger really is that good (and so are their fries). There’s not much explaining to do here, as it’s a straightforward burger joint, so just check it out for yourself and enjoy.
Menu favorites:
- Smash Burger (duh) & FRIES
Drinks
Joyface
Joyface is a recreated grimy 70s basement but somehow chic. I mean, there’s a full-on water bed for you to sit on the spills of other patrons, but it’s so kitschy that you’ve got to just lean in.
Joyface is purely for the vibes. And it’s a good one, which is hard to find these days. Can I thoroughly and accurately review the mixology of this cocktail lounge? Sure. Except that’s not what a night at Joyface is all about. Get there before the door gets hot (I recommend anywhere between 9 pm – 11 pm) and watch as the night unfolds around you.
Happy Hour: St. Marks Place
Happy hour on St. Marks Place played an integral role in my college experience. If you’re visiting EV, then stumbling upon St. Marks Place is pretty obvious. This street is packed to the brim with bars, late-night food spots, and stoop people-watching.
Bua
Happy Hour: $11 cocktails, $9 well cocktails, $18 house carafe wine
Please Don’t Tell (PDT)
Please Don’t Tell (PDT) is a long-standing speakeasy (oh la la!) favorite.
Goodnight Sonny
Happy Hour: $18 dozen oysters, $12 cocktails, $12 wine
