{"id":14393,"date":"2014-05-05T07:56:24","date_gmt":"2014-05-05T11:56:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/?p=14393"},"modified":"2019-07-18T17:41:16","modified_gmt":"2019-07-18T21:41:16","slug":"live-like-local-lower-east-side-manhattan-new-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2014\/05\/05\/live-like-local-lower-east-side-manhattan-new-york\/","title":{"rendered":"Live Like a Local in The Lower East Side, Manhattan"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14399\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/lower-east-side-manhattan-new-york-tenement-apartment-row.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of Lower East Side tenement apartment buildings in a row\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Tenement apartment buildings line the streets of the Lower East Side<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>When most people think of Manhattan, they think of the grand stores and fancy high-rises in Midtown and the Financial District. What most people don\u2019t realize is that it\u2019s often the smaller neighborhoods that offer the richness and diversity that made New York City famous throughout the world. This is especially true of the Lower East Side, making it a premier destination for anyone looking for an authentic New York City experience.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Welcome to the Lower East Side of Manhattan<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/mapsengine.google.com\/map\/embed?mid=zHap3VP2vDcM.klwr4NE81CtQ\" width=\"585\" height=\"400\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>The Lower East Side was a working-class neighborhood for many years, home to immigrants who left their mother countries seeking prosperity in America. As such, the Lower East Side has hosted a diverse group of people and cultures, including Jews, Italians, Irish, Poles, and Ukrainians (at one point, the area was even known as &#8216;Little Germany&#8217;). The Lower East Side has more recently been home to Puerto Rican and Dominican communities, but it started to undergo rapid gentrification in the early 2000s. Upscale boutiques and swanky restaurants are now common in the neighborhood, though the historic area remains best known for its cultural landmarks and lively late-night music scene.<\/p>\n<p>The Lower East Side is bordered by East Houston Street to the north, Canal Street to the south, Bowery to the west, and the East River to the east. Due to a combination of factors, The National Trust for Historic Preservation has placed the Lower East Side on its list of America\u2019s Most Endangered Places. Nearby subway lines include the J, F, and M lines.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Go shopping in the Lower East Side<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s the best part of shopping in the Lower East Side? The prices! Famous streets like Park Avenue may be able to get away with exorbiant price tags, but those with taste on a budget always find themselves in the Lower East Side.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Orchard Street<\/strong> is one of the best streets for shopping in the Lower East Side. It&#8217;s mainly occupied by delis and boutiques, but definitely check out the nearby <strong>Bluestockings<\/strong>, a famous bookstore, fair trade caf\u00e9, and activist center only a block away. They host new events every day, so it\u2019s worth taking multiple trips.<\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14397\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/lower-east-side-manhattan-new-york-economy-candy-rivington-delancey-street.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of Economy Candy on Rivington Street during a typical day\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>Economy Candy delights customers with rainbow lollipops and more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>No LES shopping spree is complete without a visit to <strong>Delancey Street<\/strong>. Home to mostly young professionals, Delancey Street is one of the main roads in Manhattan, connecting to the Williamsburg Bridge and Brooklyn. It&#8217;s known for its historic Jewish culture, bargain clothing stores, and the <strong>Essex Street Market<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a sweet tooth, don\u2019t leave without visiting <strong>Economy Candy<\/strong> on Rivington Street, only a block away. Otherwise, the Essex Street Market is undoubtedly the hub of activity on the Lower East Side. It\u2019s home to over 20 merchants, each specializing in a wide variety of gourmet culinary products. Try food from around the world during their annual Melting Pot Food Tour. One of the most famous shops in the market is <strong>Pickle Guys<\/strong>, which sells New York City\u2019s favorite homemade kosher pickles.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Coffee shops, restaurants, and bars in the Lower East Side<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One of the benefits of such a culturally diverse neighborhood is that you\u2019ll never be bored by the food! Here are a few places that offer some of the best cuisine in the Lower East Side.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Coffee shops<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14400\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/lower-east-side-manhattan-new-york-the-atlas-cafe-interior.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the interior of the Atlas Caf\u00e9 in the Lower East Side\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Atlas Caf\u00e9 is cozy and inviting, aptly named by its menu<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Who doesn\u2019t love a great cup of Joe? For some of the best roasts in town, visit the <strong>Roasting Plant Coffee Company, The Atlas Caf\u00e9, <\/strong>or<strong> Lost Weekend<\/strong>. Besides great coffee, <strong>Doughnut Plant<\/strong> is known for fabulous doughnuts, and more than one customer has had to resist the urge to try all of their flavors. The <strong>Berkli Parc Caf\u00e9<\/strong> specializes in adding unique flavors and ingredients to its brews, and don\u2019t leave town without trying one of <strong>Kung Fu Tea<\/strong>\u2019s magnificent bubble teas. The Lower East Side is also right next to Chinatown, so be sure to check out our <a title=\"Video tour of Chinatown\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2009\/07\/08\/video-tour-of-chinatown-new-york\/\">video tour of the neighborhood<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Restaurants<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14398\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/lower-east-side-manhattan-new-york-katzs-deli-essex-street-market.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the Katz\u2019s Deli exterior\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The famous Katz\u2019s Delicatessen in the Lower East Side<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For an upscale evening or an artsy date, <strong>Apizz<\/strong> and <strong>Verlaine<\/strong> are your best restaurant options. <strong>Barrio Chino<\/strong> is great for an upscale meal if you\u2019re seeking Mexican food with an Oriental flair. <strong>Katz\u2019s Delicatessen<\/strong> is famous for serving the best pastrami and hot dogs in New York, but be sure to visit after 2:00 p.m. to avoid the lunch rush. If you stop by the <strong>Meatball Shop,<\/strong> be sure to let us know which meatball was your favorite; no one can agree! Save room for dessert at the <strong>Clinton St. Baking Company,<\/strong> because their pumpkin cheesecake is to die for.<\/p>\n<p>The Lower East Side is also a great place to grab a bite if you\u2019re on a budget. Dumpling fans should make time to visit <strong>Prosperity Dumplings<\/strong> and <strong>Vanessa\u2019s Dumpling House<\/strong>. Although there are few things more American than a good burger from <strong>Mikey\u2019s Burger<\/strong>, their chili cheese hot dog is also a great choice. Other great places include <strong>Tiny\u2019s Giant Sandwich Shop<\/strong> and guacamole from <strong>Taqueria Lower East Side<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Bars and pubs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Ten Bells<\/strong> and <strong>Local 138<\/strong> offer a demure atmosphere, while <strong>Subject<\/strong> and <strong>Attaboy<\/strong> bring life to the neighborhood with their classic NYC themes. <strong>Clandestino<\/strong> is the place to be if you\u2019re seeking local beers, but they also make a great Whiskey Mac.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Live like a local in the Lower East Side<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If the vibrant neighborhood, active nightlife, and affordable prices aren\u2019t enough of a reason to stay in the Lower East Side, the architecture will be. Living in the neighborhood is like walking through a cultural mosaic, so whether you\u2019re looking to <a title=\"Lower East Side rooms for rent\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/roommate-share\/manhattan\/lower-east-side\">live with a roommate<\/a> or rent a <a title=\"Lower East Side furnished apartments\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/furnished\/manhattan\/lower-east-side\">whole furnished apartment yourself<\/a>, the Lower East Side has something for you.<\/p>\n<p>For short-term visits, consider <a title=\"Manhattan vacation rentals\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/new-york-apartment\/vacation\/manhattan\">staying in a vacation rental apartment<\/a>, as it\u2019s often less expensive and more fun than booking at a hotel. You\u2019ll be right in the middle of everything, guaranteeing that you\u2019ll leave with a more authentic perspective of this beautiful city.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>What to do and see in the Lower East Side<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re chatting with a 19th-century immigrant or picturing yourself on Hollywood film sets, you\u2019ll never be bored thanks to the Lower East Side&#8217;s rich heritage!<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Landmarks<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14402\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/lower-east-side-manhattan-new-york-williamsburg-bridge-and-brooklyn.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the Williamsburg Bridge and Brooklyn from an aerial view\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Williamsburg Bridge connects Manhattan with the trendy neighborhood of Williamsburg<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Lower East Side is connected by two major bridges. The <strong>Williamsburg Bridge<\/strong> connects Manhattan to Brooklyn, and was once the longest suspension bridge on earth. Equally famous is the <strong>Manhattan Bridge<\/strong>, which unites Manhattan with the fancy Brooklyn neighborhood of Fulton Landing. It&#8217;s most known for its extremely grand entry arches, and is featured prominently in famous films like <em>King Kong<\/em>, <em>The Dark Knight Rises<\/em>, and <em>Once Upon a Time in America<\/em>. If you\u2019re interested in bridges, our article on the <a title=\"The best bridges in NYC\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2013\/08\/19\/top-5-bridges-new-york\/\">top 5 bridges in New York<\/a> is definitely worth a look!<\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14396\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/lower-east-side-manhattan-new-york-Angel-Orensanz-Center.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the interior of the Angel Orensanz Center\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Angel Orensanz Center is a famous event space for artists, thinkers, and leaders <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Another great landmark in the Lower East Side is the <strong>Angel Orensanz Center<\/strong>, an event center hosting great artists, writers, and thinkers from around the world.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s no better time of year to have a picnic than the spring, and no better place to go than <strong>East River Park<\/strong>. With 57 acres of waterside property, this park is a great place to relax or jog, and the amphitheater hosts annual indie rock concerts each summer. Though small, <strong>Sara D. Roosevelt Park<\/strong> is also a hub of activity with its own courts and fields.<\/p>\n<p>If gardens are more your speed, drop by <strong>La Plaza Culturel<\/strong> and <strong>M\u2019Finda Kalunga Community Garden<\/strong>. Both parks are wildlife havens in the concrete jungle, featuring grand trees and beautiful flowers. M\u2019Finda Kalunga even has some famous local residents: a group of domesticated chickens that were \u201cdonated\u201d to the park and now call it home!<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Museums and culture<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"img aligncenter wp-image-14401\">\n\t<img src=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/lower-east-side-manhattan-new-york-the-tenement-museum.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of the Tenement Museum draped with lights\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" \/>\n\t<div>The Tenement Museum delights visitors with historic actors and props<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For a touch of elegance, visit the beautifully restored <strong>Museum at Eldridge Street<\/strong>, a bastion of architecture and Jewish culture. The <strong>Tenement Museum<\/strong> is also a huge hit with New Yorkers due to their guided tours. Museum-goers can interact with costumed \u201cresidents\u201d and learn what life was like for turn-of-the-century immigrants.<\/p>\n<p>See art at <strong>Culture Fix<\/strong>, an artists\u2019 space right off E. Houston Street on Clinton Street, and check out Landmark Theaters\u2019 famous <strong>Sunshine Cinema<\/strong> for a taste of New York\u2019s best independent films.<\/p>\n<p>For a more in-depth view, take a peek at <a title=\"Video tour of the Lower East Side, New York \u2013 Part 1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2011\/02\/14\/video-tour-lower-east-side-new-york-part-1\/\">Part 1<\/a> and <a title=\"Video tour of the Lower East Side \u2013 Part 2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/2011\/02\/28\/video-tour-lower-east-side-part-2\/\">Part 2 of our video tour of the Lower East Side<\/a>! Of course, with a neighborhood as diverse and eclectic as the Lower East Side, all this is just the tip of the iceberg. What are your favorite local spots to visit?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When most people think of Manhattan, they think of the grand stores and fancy high-rises in Midtown and the Financial District. What most people don\u2019t&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[53],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14393"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14393"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14393\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20263,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14393\/revisions\/20263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14393"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14393"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nyhabitat.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}