Eating Your Way Through NYC's East Village Neighborhood

Food

Grab a slice of Sicilian square pizza from Potenza Centrale. Their dough, sauce, and mozzarella are all made in house! If square pizza isn’t your style, Motorino is my second favorite pizza spot, which specializes in brick-oven style pizza. My personal favorite (by far) is the Don Dom pizza!

Cocktails

These spots will reinvigorate you if you’re feeling a little sleepy from a day of travel! These cocktail bars are my favorite because they serve fun and unique cocktails and always pass the vibe check. There shouldn’t be a line at the door if you go earlier in the night, but if there is a line, it goes quickly!

Bua - The bar itself is nothing fancy, but the crowd it attracts is always lively and fun. And Peters, the bouncer, is the nicest guy!

Mister Paradise- the rounded couches and expertly designed bar give the space a luxurious feel, although you can appreciate it more when it’s less crowded earlier in the night.

Ferns - I have to warn you, these drinks are weird. You wouldn’t think that a cocktail made with gin and carrot juice would be good, but trust me, it is! If you’re less adventurous, they also make a great espresso martini.

Morning Bagels

Start your day with a bagel from Tompkins Square Bagels. The classic New Yorker order? An untoasted everything bagel with scallion or veggie cream cheese. Pro Tip: Order ahead on their website to skip the hour-long line. If the weather permits, enjoy your warm bagels in Tompkins Square Park, especially beautiful in Spring with daffodils and flowering trees. Dog-lovers, don’t miss the dog park within the park!

Wander

There's so much to see and do in New York City, but on weekends, I prefer to simply walk around and explore without a plan. Pop into boutiques or vintage shops, grab a cappuccino from a local cafe, or peruse a bookstore.

Lunch on St. Marks Street

By now, you've likely worked up an appetite. Head to St. Marks Street for lunch at any of my favorite spots:

Spice Brothers: The best spicy shawarma for both meat eaters and vegetarians alike.

Mamoun’s Falafel: Serving authentic Middle Eastern falafel since the '70s.

Dumpling Man: Their homemade dumplings have earned several Zagat recommendations. Be adventurous and try their veggie surprise or non-beggie Surprise dumplings!

…If none of these appeal, there’s always Two Brothers Pizza for a quick and tasty $2 slice.

Explore the Secret Gardens of East Village.

After lunch, seek out one of East Village’s many secret gardens for a moment of peace and quiet amidst the bustling city. Look for the black square plaque on brick indicating the garden's name and a tall black iron fence covered in greenery. If you're lucky, you might stumble upon a live jazz performance.

Return to your hotel to rest and refresh for the evening ahead.

Michelin-Star Dining:

Indulge in Michelin-rated restaurants for dinner. My favorites include:

Hearth: Seasonal farm-to-table cuisine with an Italian flair and an incredible wine list.

Soother: A local favorite serving elevated Thai cuisine. Don't miss their fun and unique cocktails!

MaLa Project: Customize your own hot pot for a personalized dining experience.

If you've made it this far, congratulations! But the night's not over yet. Make your way to Joyface, a retro LGBTQ-friendly club. Unlike other NYC clubs, they won’t turn you away based on attire (though they do have a no-sneaker policy). Bouncers look for smaller groups or individuals who are open minded and looking to simply have fun and dance, ensuring everyone has a great time inside.

Start your day at C&B Cafe for a coffee and pastry. This unique spot has its own record collection, with staff highlighting a new record each day. They also bake all their pastries fresh every morning!

Yoga Class at St. Marks Yoga Studio or Walk along the East River Parkway with a View of the Williamsburg Bridge:

St Marks Yoga: Located in a classic East Village apartment building, the studio exudes peace with natural light, hanging plants, and candles. Classes cater to all levels, and drop-ins are welcome. Plus, classes are affordable at just $11 for 60 or 90 minutes.

East River Parkway: If yoga isn’t your style, take a leisurely stroll along the East River Parkway. Despite some construction, it offers an unobstructed view of the Williamsburg Bridge. Enter by crossing over the FDR highway at the end of East 6th St (past Avenue D).