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.
Shopping
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.
Rosemary Home
Rosemary Home is that girl. This little home goods store tucked away on cozy 9th street is where you can find pieces that’ll make your apartment a true home. It oozes personality and quirkiness— and knick-knacks that you don’t necessarily need, but love nonetheless. Unless you absolutely need Brass Palm Tree Candle Holders.
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.
il Buco Vita
Inspired by Donna Lennard’s iconic neighborhood restaurant, il Buco Vita is home to handmade Italian dining and home staples. With such a prominent name behind the storefront, it’s no wonder this boutique is beloved by home goods enthusiasts. The experienced host in your life would appreciate any gift from their assortment of classic, beautiful pieces that stand the test of time.
Jane Cookshop
Need a gift for the host in your life? Head on over to 9th Street, into Jane Cookshop— this is the place for you. Sigh. If I owned everything from this darling home goods and cookware store— I’d most definitely have my life together. Anything and everything sitting on the perfectly displayed shelves at Jane Cookshop— interesting jams, embroidered placemats, and fun mugs— is swoon-worthy.
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.
Visit St. Marks Place
Happy hour on St. Mark’s Place played an integral role in my college experience. If you’re visiting EV, then stumbling upon St. Mark’s Place is pretty inevitable. This street is packed to the brim with bars, late-night food spots, and stoop people-watching. You might even recognize the iconic brick building (pictured above) from Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti album.
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.
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.
Lucien
Across the street from Lil’ Frankie’s is a cozy French bistro that draws a light-night crowd. Inside, it’s all red banquettes, candlelit tables, and people-watching as good as the steak frites. It’s the kind of spot where old New York meets Parisian elegance, and a glass of wine belongs in your hand.
Rosella
In the middle of the East Village, Rosella puts a fresh spin on sushi. The space is small and welcoming, and perfect for a casual night out with friends or a date over sake and shared rolls. It’s sushi that feels approachable and thoughtful, yet very East Village cool.
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.
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.
Win Son Bakery
If mochi doughnuts and scallion pancake breakfast sandwiches sound like your cup of tea, Win Son Bakery has to be your next brunch stop. This casual, all-day café brings a Taiwanese-American twist to your usual coffee-and-pastry stop.
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.
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
Hard to Explain
In true East Village fashion, Hard to Explain is tiny and intimate, serving Japanese-inspired cocktails in playful glassware.
Sweet Linda
Tucked away on Second Avenue, Sweet Linda serves inventive cocktails and elevated bar bites, like wagyu pigs in a blanket and truffle croquettes, in their glamorous art deco bar.
Spes
Spes is a cozy Italian natural wine bar that serves over 100 natural wines.
