Mike
Google
The East Village was the artists’ neighborhood from the 1960s through the 1990s. Then it became a bit rough and rundown, but over the past twenty years, it has seen a subtle revival. You’ll find a mix of new and long-established restaurants, bars, and cafés. The neighborhood still has a lot of creative energy, even though much of its artistic potential has shifted toward the Lower East Side and Williamsburg. Many of the long-time local artists can no longer afford to live in the Village.
You’ll see street art on almost every corner—and not just graffiti. Take a closer look at the streetlight poles around Astor Place and you’ll find lots of mosaic art by the “Mosaic Man,” also known as the Mosaic Trail.
There’s also a very interesting hair salon at the corner of E 8th St. and Broadway, located in the basement, whose owner has become a well-known painter over the years.
Walk down Stuyvesant toward East River and you’ll pass the Abe Lebewohl Triangle, a charming mini-park in front of a beautiful townhouse that has appeared in countless movies and Instagram stories.
Continue along E 10th St. and you’ll come across Apollo Bagels (best lox bagels in town) and the Not as Bitter Café. Grab your matcha latte, cappuccino, or bagel to go and take a short walk to Tompkins Square Park, where you’ll find local favorites like Crif Dogs, Ray’s Candy Store, and—my personal hidden gem—Café Chrystie.
From there, stroll back along St. Marks Place to Astor Place, passing all its bars, vintage shops, famous tattoo studios, survived and new cafés and restaurants.
I love the East Village.