Perfect Day on the LES
I’ve been visiting every NYC neighborhood, trying to explore my own city the way I do when I travel. I’m 100 neighborhoods deep now and have documented it all on TikTok.
Now, I’m on a mission to write it all out—next up: The Lower East Side.
The LES is known for its history, trendy atmosphere, and its booming arts and fashion scene.
First, head to Davelle, a Japanese café known for its toasts and curry.
Then head to the Tenement Museum, which shines a light on the immigrant history and experience in this neighborhood. Immigrants are the reason this neighborhood is so diverse and vibrant.
Next, walk down Orchard St, one of the best shopping streets in NYC. I love LAAMS, which offers curated vintage clothing, art, and books. They always have new art on display, and everyone is always so friendly in the shop. KOTN is an Egyptian-Canadian brand with great quality, sustainable, and affordable basics. AWAKENY is inspired by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers, and made by a New Yorker. Title of Work offers handmade luxury jewelry. There is a mix of women’s and men’s boutiques, but it definitely stands out as a shopping destination for men.
Next, visit Sweet Pickle Books, where you can swap your used books for a jar of pickles. November 19 and Coming Soon offer unique homeware and gifts. Susan Alexandra is an eclectic and colorful jewelry shop—you can’t help but smile. She specializes in Judaica but has something for everyone.
Further down is Scarrs Pizza, which many say is their favorite pizza in NYC, so you have to try it. Then head to The Pickle Guys—they have pickled everything. I love the pickled mangoes. They let you try samples, but it gets a little chaotic, so be quick with your decisions.
Art is a big part of this neighborhood, whether through galleries or pop-ups, so keep your eyes peeled while walking around.
To end the night, head to Double Chicken Please for their food-themed cocktails and Katz’s Deli for an iconic pastrami sandwich. It’s been around since 1888, a NYC staple, and needs no introduction.
Of course, this is not a complete list, as we haven’t even scratched the surface of Jewish New York and Loisaida, but it just goes to show how many different ways you can spend a day on the LES.