Jillian's Guidebook East Village -nyc
Food scene
In the early 20th Century, the East Village was largely made up of Ukrainian, Slovak, Hungarian, and Polish immigrants, but there are only a few remnants of that history left. One such landmark is Veselka, a well-known Ukrainian diner that opened in 1954 and now bloats with tourists nearly every hour (although they’re not currently operating 24-hours a day anymore). Despite its crowds, Veselka somehow retains the magic of an old-school neighborhood joint - ceramic plates with the restaurant’s logo, unlimited coffee pours, remarkably fast service, and all. Our favorite approach is to come early, and order an omelette and kielbasa, or have a late-night strawberry-cheese blintz on a random Tuesday. Stick with the Ukrainian food here for best results, like the stuffed cabbage, borscht, or potato pierogi.
235 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Veselka
144 2nd AveIn the early 20th Century, the East Village was largely made up of Ukrainian, Slovak, Hungarian, and Polish immigrants, but there are only a few remnants of that history left. One such landmark is Veselka, a well-known Ukrainian diner that opened in 1954 and now bloats with tourists nearly every hour (although they’re not currently operating 24-hours a day anymore). Despite its crowds, Veselka somehow retains the magic of an old-school neighborhood joint - ceramic plates with the restaurant’s logo, unlimited coffee pours, remarkably fast service, and all. Our favorite approach is to come early, and order an omelette and kielbasa, or have a late-night strawberry-cheese blintz on a random Tuesday. Stick with the Ukrainian food here for best results, like the stuffed cabbage, borscht, or potato pierogi.
Superiority Burger
119 Avenue AThai dishes you may not have seen elsewhere in Manhattan, like sukhotthai tom yum noodles and specialties from Bangkok’s Chinatown hub. Whatever you do, order the koong karee. This curry has a pleasantly gooey shrimp and egg consistency, and every rich bite tastes like shrimp paste just called curry powder to say “I love you.” Whether you stop by for a meal in their gazebo-esque, kind-of-secret backyard in the
Soothr
204 East 13th StreetThai dishes you may not have seen elsewhere in Manhattan, like sukhotthai tom yum noodles and specialties from Bangkok’s Chinatown hub. Whatever you do, order the koong karee. This curry has a pleasantly gooey shrimp and egg consistency, and every rich bite tastes like shrimp paste just called curry powder to say “I love you.” Whether you stop by for a meal in their gazebo-esque, kind-of-secret backyard in the
This St. Marks institution serves a menu full of Szechuan, Hunan, Cantonese, and Taiwanese specialty dishes. But your focus should be the namesake xiao long bao with nearly-translucent skin and a loose, light-brothed center. The pork and spicy wasabi pork varieties (with a thinner skin and a bit less soup than what you’d find at Joe’s or other Chinatown faves) both have an extra savory meatiness that nicely contrasts the light broth. If you’re looking to expand beyond the classics, The Bao offers a whole variety of soup dumpling flavors, like “super spicy xiao long bao,” salted egg yolk, a semi-sweet black sesame, and one filled with pork and black truffle.
29 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The Barrel
10 Stuyvesant StThis St. Marks institution serves a menu full of Szechuan, Hunan, Cantonese, and Taiwanese specialty dishes. But your focus should be the namesake xiao long bao with nearly-translucent skin and a loose, light-brothed center. The pork and spicy wasabi pork varieties (with a thinner skin and a bit less soup than what you’d find at Joe’s or other Chinatown faves) both have an extra savory meatiness that nicely contrasts the light broth. If you’re looking to expand beyond the classics, The Bao offers a whole variety of soup dumpling flavors, like “super spicy xiao long bao,” salted egg yolk, a semi-sweet black sesame, and one filled with pork and black truffle.
Oiji is a great Korean restaurant that’s good to keep in mind if you have a last-minute date. It’s in a dark room with brick walls and a bar in the corner, and we’ve usually had luck walking in without a reservation and getting a table. Get the fried chicken, the ssam platter, and their only dessert - vanilla ice cream with honey butter potato chips. It’s a huge portion, but if you say please, they might halve it for you. In other words, you have no excuse not to try this.
13 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Oiji
119 1st Ave.Oiji is a great Korean restaurant that’s good to keep in mind if you have a last-minute date. It’s in a dark room with brick walls and a bar in the corner, and we’ve usually had luck walking in without a reservation and getting a table. Get the fried chicken, the ssam platter, and their only dessert - vanilla ice cream with honey butter potato chips. It’s a huge portion, but if you say please, they might halve it for you. In other words, you have no excuse not to try this.
Of the trio of Frank restaurants, It feels a little more grown-up than Lil Frankie’s and Frank, and it still serves the spaghetti al limone that at least one person you know has photographed and questionably captioned with “get in my belly.” Supper is exactly the sort of place you’ll want to be on a Sunday evening for a large quantity of homemade pasta and some red wine. There are always exciting-sounding specials, but you can also rely on the gnocchi and aforementioned excellent spaghetti al limone. Just know that they only accept cash.
156 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Supper
156 E 2nd StOf the trio of Frank restaurants, It feels a little more grown-up than Lil Frankie’s and Frank, and it still serves the spaghetti al limone that at least one person you know has photographed and questionably captioned with “get in my belly.” Supper is exactly the sort of place you’ll want to be on a Sunday evening for a large quantity of homemade pasta and some red wine. There are always exciting-sounding specials, but you can also rely on the gnocchi and aforementioned excellent spaghetti al limone. Just know that they only accept cash.
Go to Hearth, which feels calmer than most spots in the neighborhood. There’s a quiet, spacious dining room, a great wine list, and American-Italian food that focuses on sustainable and housemade ingredients. After you share some wine, garlicky calamari, and gnocchi
45 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Hearth
403 E 12th StGo to Hearth, which feels calmer than most spots in the neighborhood. There’s a quiet, spacious dining room, a great wine list, and American-Italian food that focuses on sustainable and housemade ingredients. After you share some wine, garlicky calamari, and gnocchi
In order to have an informed argument with someone about the best burger in NYC, you both need to go to Virginia’s. This squat burger comes on a soft bun with a thick patty, half-melted white cheddar hunks, mayo, and a little molehill of caramelized onions. While the burger is definitely the main reason we’d send you here, this restaurant is also extremely useful to know about for a nice, quiet date night with someone who knows your Hulu password.
10 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Virginia's
200 E 11th StIn order to have an informed argument with someone about the best burger in NYC, you both need to go to Virginia’s. This squat burger comes on a soft bun with a thick patty, half-melted white cheddar hunks, mayo, and a little molehill of caramelized onions. While the burger is definitely the main reason we’d send you here, this restaurant is also extremely useful to know about for a nice, quiet date night with someone who knows your Hulu password.
Gemma
335 BoweryGreat pizza and pasta and go next door to the hotel bar for a drink
This ‘70s-inspired Lower East Side bar-slash-restaurant is one of our favorite spots. Upstairs there are comfortable booths to melt into after a long day, short day—or anytime you just really need a cocktail. The bar snacks are good, especially the cauliflower steak on a bed of farro drizzled with tahini. Downstairs feels like a tricked-out version of your cool neighbor’s basement—pool table, sunken fireplace, and jukebox included, plus walls covered with tapestries and kitschy-cool posters.
43 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The Flower Shop
107 Eldridge StThis ‘70s-inspired Lower East Side bar-slash-restaurant is one of our favorite spots. Upstairs there are comfortable booths to melt into after a long day, short day—or anytime you just really need a cocktail. The bar snacks are good, especially the cauliflower steak on a bed of farro drizzled with tahini. Downstairs feels like a tricked-out version of your cool neighbor’s basement—pool table, sunken fireplace, and jukebox included, plus walls covered with tapestries and kitschy-cool posters.
Portuguese and Spanish vibes take center stage at this cozy Lower East Side spot from restaurateur Nialls Fallon and chef Nick Perkins, partners known for their Bed-Stuy restaurant, Hart’s. The menu is simple but satisfying, with a seafood bent: cockles with Vinho Verde and garlic; Maine scallops with endive and Basque peppers; a whole Boston mackerel with aioli; platters of Cape Cod and Washington State oysters. And the dishes pair well with a glass of unfortified white from the Iberian peninsula. There’s also a juicy grass-fed lamb burger and a roasted half chicken with asparagus and paprika. For the true Portuguese experience, come for Sunday brunch, when Cervo’s serves a classic fisherman’s breakfast, consisting of sardines, house-cured trout, and pickled red peppers on toasted sourdough.
26 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Cervo's
43 Canal StPortuguese and Spanish vibes take center stage at this cozy Lower East Side spot from restaurateur Nialls Fallon and chef Nick Perkins, partners known for their Bed-Stuy restaurant, Hart’s. The menu is simple but satisfying, with a seafood bent: cockles with Vinho Verde and garlic; Maine scallops with endive and Basque peppers; a whole Boston mackerel with aioli; platters of Cape Cod and Washington State oysters. And the dishes pair well with a glass of unfortified white from the Iberian peninsula. There’s also a juicy grass-fed lamb burger and a roasted half chicken with asparagus and paprika. For the true Portuguese experience, come for Sunday brunch, when Cervo’s serves a classic fisherman’s breakfast, consisting of sardines, house-cured trout, and pickled red peppers on toasted sourdough.
My fav!!
This homey, neighborhood joint churns out delicious and affordable Italian comfort food. Frank Prisinzano, for whom the restaurant is named, developed a menu comprised of his family's best dishes and continuously sources top-notch ingredients, which makes for a pretty excellent meal any day of the week. Plus, his wine cave downstairs boasts a vast array of regional Italian wines from Piedmonte to the Veneto.
78 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Frank
88 2nd AveMy fav!!
This homey, neighborhood joint churns out delicious and affordable Italian comfort food. Frank Prisinzano, for whom the restaurant is named, developed a menu comprised of his family's best dishes and continuously sources top-notch ingredients, which makes for a pretty excellent meal any day of the week. Plus, his wine cave downstairs boasts a vast array of regional Italian wines from Piedmonte to the Veneto.
The food here is full of flavor and spice (the dan dan noodles are particularly insane). It's a no-frills kind of place, but the BYOB policy and reasonable tabs make it a great place to go with a group on a budget.
58 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Han Dynasty
90 3rd AveThe food here is full of flavor and spice (the dan dan noodles are particularly insane). It's a no-frills kind of place, but the BYOB policy and reasonable tabs make it a great place to go with a group on a budget.
The noodles are hand-pulled on-site and cooked perfectly al dente. They're known for the super-flavorful tomkotso version, but we love the Miso Ramen and pork-free Wasabi Shoyu. They have some more contemporary restaurant-style dishes here, but the traditional ramen bowls are really where it's at. Prices are low, and it's first come, first sit, so be prepared to wait
226 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Ippudo NY
65 4th AveThe noodles are hand-pulled on-site and cooked perfectly al dente. They're known for the super-flavorful tomkotso version, but we love the Miso Ramen and pork-free Wasabi Shoyu. They have some more contemporary restaurant-style dishes here, but the traditional ramen bowls are really where it's at. Prices are low, and it's first come, first sit, so be prepared to wait
Taiwanese-style dumplings made with antibiotic-free, local meat and fresh veggies. And, their hole in the wall is beautiful, whitewashed and dotted with bright yellow stools. For a fun date night, sign up for a Monday evening dumpling making class.
18 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Mimi Cheng's Dumplings
179 2nd AveTaiwanese-style dumplings made with antibiotic-free, local meat and fresh veggies. And, their hole in the wall is beautiful, whitewashed and dotted with bright yellow stools. For a fun date night, sign up for a Monday evening dumpling making class.
Nestled in a back alley that's decorated overhead with twinkle lights and on the sides with greenery, Freeman's is still going strong after all these years. The classically hipster interior (taxidermied animals and velvet floral couches abound) is dark and cozy, making it best suited to warm winter meals. Food-wise, the menu is simple but never boring, with options like a cracked wheat salad, house-made pork and fennel sausage, and seriously good Ipswich clam fritters. Sitting in the private wine room, tucked away in the back, feels a bit like eating a meal in a family member's kitchen.
199 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Freemans
Freeman AlleyNestled in a back alley that's decorated overhead with twinkle lights and on the sides with greenery, Freeman's is still going strong after all these years. The classically hipster interior (taxidermied animals and velvet floral couches abound) is dark and cozy, making it best suited to warm winter meals. Food-wise, the menu is simple but never boring, with options like a cracked wheat salad, house-made pork and fennel sausage, and seriously good Ipswich clam fritters. Sitting in the private wine room, tucked away in the back, feels a bit like eating a meal in a family member's kitchen.
Considering New York's reputation when it comes to Mexican food, it's possible that Rosie's was actually transplanted here from LA. Even the décor feels a little California, with pale-green, geometric chairs, string lights hanging above the bar, and sliding doors that open the corner space to the street in warm months. The menu has all of the classic craving-satisfiers, including tacos al pastor, queso fundido, and a tart, lime-ey margarita. The easy vibe makes it the kind of place that's great for feeding a big group without a fuss.
50 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Rosie's
29 E 2nd StConsidering New York's reputation when it comes to Mexican food, it's possible that Rosie's was actually transplanted here from LA. Even the décor feels a little California, with pale-green, geometric chairs, string lights hanging above the bar, and sliding doors that open the corner space to the street in warm months. The menu has all of the classic craving-satisfiers, including tacos al pastor, queso fundido, and a tart, lime-ey margarita. The easy vibe makes it the kind of place that's great for feeding a big group without a fuss.
A legendary Jewish deli, Katz’s originally opened in 1888 under a different name, and across the street from its current location on Houston and Ludlow. It was an institution long before the iconic orgasm scene from When Harry Met Sally, although it didn’t hurt. Most people come for either the hot pastrami or corned beef sandwich, or the Reuben version, which adds Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. Katz’s credits its slow curing method, which can last up to a month, for the meat’s superior taste. (You’ll also find matzo ball soup on the menu, along with everything else you’d expect/want, as well as less traditional offerings for a Jewish deli, like NY-style cheesecake.) For those outside of the city, note that Katz’s ships across the States.
690 現地メンバーのおすすめ
カッツ・デリカテッセン
205 E Houston StA legendary Jewish deli, Katz’s originally opened in 1888 under a different name, and across the street from its current location on Houston and Ludlow. It was an institution long before the iconic orgasm scene from When Harry Met Sally, although it didn’t hurt. Most people come for either the hot pastrami or corned beef sandwich, or the Reuben version, which adds Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. Katz’s credits its slow curing method, which can last up to a month, for the meat’s superior taste. (You’ll also find matzo ball soup on the menu, along with everything else you’d expect/want, as well as less traditional offerings for a Jewish deli, like NY-style cheesecake.) For those outside of the city, note that Katz’s ships across the States.
There’s no shortage of amazing Thai restaurants in the East Village, and Fish Cheeks is truly top tier *chef’s kiss*. The colorful spot has spilled out onto Bond Street, which is stunning in and of itself, with some of the best residential new development in Manhattan to oogle at while you slurp your oysters. A self-proclaimed "No Pad Thai Zone," the creative menu focuses on seafood, with highlights including the coconut crab curry and shrimp chips with chili jam, but honestly, everything is bomb.
17 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Fish Cheeks
55 Bond StThere’s no shortage of amazing Thai restaurants in the East Village, and Fish Cheeks is truly top tier *chef’s kiss*. The colorful spot has spilled out onto Bond Street, which is stunning in and of itself, with some of the best residential new development in Manhattan to oogle at while you slurp your oysters. A self-proclaimed "No Pad Thai Zone," the creative menu focuses on seafood, with highlights including the coconut crab curry and shrimp chips with chili jam, but honestly, everything is bomb.
ChikaLicious Dessert Bar
203 E 10th StAmazing dessert tasting menu
Wine bar
Ruffian is worth visiting just for the wine. With over 250 mostly-natural options organized into categories like “Beach Sipping,” “Stoop Sipping,” “Rootsy” and “Kool-Aid,” this is one of the best places to drink and learn about wine in the entire city. That said, you could also go to Ruffian just for the vegetarian food. The menu constantly changes, but all of the of Mediterranean dishes are shareable - like a dish with smoked carrot and cannellini bean dumplings in a fennel ginger broth.
9 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Ruffian
125 E 7th StRuffian is worth visiting just for the wine. With over 250 mostly-natural options organized into categories like “Beach Sipping,” “Stoop Sipping,” “Rootsy” and “Kool-Aid,” this is one of the best places to drink and learn about wine in the entire city. That said, you could also go to Ruffian just for the vegetarian food. The menu constantly changes, but all of the of Mediterranean dishes are shareable - like a dish with smoked carrot and cannellini bean dumplings in a fennel ginger broth.
Cocktail bar
Tucked away on the second floor through a hidden door in a Japanese restaurant, this speakeasy-style hideaway serves really great cocktails. The best part though is that they only allow a handful of parties in
172 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Angel's Share
45 Stuyvesant StTucked away on the second floor through a hidden door in a Japanese restaurant, this speakeasy-style hideaway serves really great cocktails. The best part though is that they only allow a handful of parties in
New York is full of prohibition-themed bars, but this one stands out for its incredible drinks. The space, dark and intimate, is meant for small parties to enjoy their drinks and snacks over quiet conversation (make a reservation as seating is scarce). The drink menu is sorted by spirits, then by "shaken" or "stirred," so you're bound to find something that meets, and then exceeds, your very particular expectations. Don't miss the incredible food, which justifies arriving with an empty stomach.
203 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Death & Company
433 E 6th StNew York is full of prohibition-themed bars, but this one stands out for its incredible drinks. The space, dark and intimate, is meant for small parties to enjoy their drinks and snacks over quiet conversation (make a reservation as seating is scarce). The drink menu is sorted by spirits, then by "shaken" or "stirred," so you're bound to find something that meets, and then exceeds, your very particular expectations. Don't miss the incredible food, which justifies arriving with an empty stomach.
With its extensive tequila and mezcal menu, this bar intends to enlighten us all about the two great Mexican imports, and it works: They make some great cocktails from each. There's also a surprisingly lengthy menu of inventive small plates, meaning that a trip here is an education in modern Mexican cuisine, too.
71 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Mayahuel Mariposa
304 East 6th StreetWith its extensive tequila and mezcal menu, this bar intends to enlighten us all about the two great Mexican imports, and it works: They make some great cocktails from each. There's also a surprisingly lengthy menu of inventive small plates, meaning that a trip here is an education in modern Mexican cuisine, too.
Criff Dogs—a hot dog joint—was an institution even before PDT (Please Don't Tell) came onto the scene. It's one of the best bars in the city for fantastic cocktails dreamed up by owner Jim Meehan, whose book of recipes has brought good, old fashioned cocktails back into the modern lexicon. Plus, there are deluxe hot dogs on the menu to accompany your drinks. It's a tiny, dark space, and the setting is intimate on purpose, so it can be hard to get a seat. Drop by early to put your name on the list—they're great about giving you a call when a table is available.
287 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Please Don't Tell
113 St Marks PlCriff Dogs—a hot dog joint—was an institution even before PDT (Please Don't Tell) came onto the scene. It's one of the best bars in the city for fantastic cocktails dreamed up by owner Jim Meehan, whose book of recipes has brought good, old fashioned cocktails back into the modern lexicon. Plus, there are deluxe hot dogs on the menu to accompany your drinks. It's a tiny, dark space, and the setting is intimate on purpose, so it can be hard to get a seat. Drop by early to put your name on the list—they're great about giving you a call when a table is available.
Hotel bar
The Bowery Hotel
335 BoweryCool hotel bar
Nails
Jin Soon Choi, the fashion world's go-to for nails, has taken her tiny nail (and wax) salons to the next level. Each mani and pedi is more like a mini spa treatment for your hands and feet, with a menu of massages, essential oil, and hydrating treatments to choose from. Her technicians are great, the space is lowkey and blessedly low-tech (no vibrating massage chairs, here), and she has a five-free line of polishes, too (goop did a collab with her). She now has four locations, throughout the city.
9 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Jin Soon Natural Hand-Foot Spa
56 E 4th StJin Soon Choi, the fashion world's go-to for nails, has taken her tiny nail (and wax) salons to the next level. Each mani and pedi is more like a mini spa treatment for your hands and feet, with a menu of massages, essential oil, and hydrating treatments to choose from. Her technicians are great, the space is lowkey and blessedly low-tech (no vibrating massage chairs, here), and she has a five-free line of polishes, too (goop did a collab with her). She now has four locations, throughout the city.
Brunch
There are often lines around the corner to get in but it's worth it for the legendary pancakes. Plus, take-out is always available if you don’t have time to wait for a seat. They take reservations for dinner only.
365 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Clinton St. Baking Company
4 Clinton StThere are often lines around the corner to get in but it's worth it for the legendary pancakes. Plus, take-out is always available if you don’t have time to wait for a seat. They take reservations for dinner only.
While take-out from the 1914 original on East Houston is an unparalleled New York City experience, the new, wonderfully turned-out, old-world café is about a ten minute walk from the mothership, with waits that are two or three times that long. We heartily recommend the classic open-face sandwich, the super heebster nosh with wasabi roe, and matzo ball soup. Dying to try next: Chocolate babka french toast, along with their potato pancakes, which are topped with Gaspe Nova smoked salmon and a sunny side up egg.
251 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Russ & Daughters
179 E Houston StWhile take-out from the 1914 original on East Houston is an unparalleled New York City experience, the new, wonderfully turned-out, old-world café is about a ten minute walk from the mothership, with waits that are two or three times that long. We heartily recommend the classic open-face sandwich, the super heebster nosh with wasabi roe, and matzo ball soup. Dying to try next: Chocolate babka french toast, along with their potato pancakes, which are topped with Gaspe Nova smoked salmon and a sunny side up egg.
MUD SPOT
307 E 9th StAmazing coffee and brunch
Coffee
Abraço
81 E 7th StBest coffee