East Village is the Village, only east! Very young, vibrant area that is relatively newly gentrified. Former crack dens are modern apartments so hip you can't afford them. But it sure is a fun neighborhood.

Attractions

 • The famous CBGBs  on Bowery between 1st/2nd Streets. Hear live music still, though it may not be as revolutionary as it once was. "CBGBs OMFUG" stands for "Country, Bluegrass, Blues - Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers".
• Tompkins Square Park OK not much to see, but a nice park nonetheless and historically significant. From east-village.com: TSP has long had a reputation as the city's center for political demonstrations and home of radical thought. Protesters and activists have gathered and marched on issues such as police brutality, anti-war, immigration, gay & lesbian rights, homelessness, affordable housing, etc. Some of this protest has been marred with violence. The Grateful Dead played their first East Coast gig at TSP in June of 1967. The first Hare Krishna gathering outside of India took place here in 1965 (poet Alan Ginsburg was in attendance.) Many writers, poets, artists, musicians, and free-thinkers have found inspiration in TSP's diverse atmosphere. The park has a curfew; it closes at midnight.
 • Russian-Turkish Bathhouse  Enjoy a day of self indulgence with a very authentic Russian feel. Then nosh on bagels and cream cheese, or an authentic Russian meal in the restaurant. Maybe after all that shvitzing: a huge bottle of seltzer, or fresh carrot juice is the thing you'll want most.

Dining

There are hundreds of eateries in the East Village, which is among the best neighborhoods to sample a variety of different cuisines and has lots of good values at a wide spectrum of price points.

 • Avenue A Sushi  Affordable and excellent sushi - go for the marble roll which is wrapped in white seaweed, a true delicacy. Friendly fun and delicious! If you don't like DJ music while you dine, however, this isn't your place.
 • Alt.coffee  Internet cafe, though I hear they are hassling you if you want to plug in your laptop now. Great caffeine-lovers cafe.
 • Grand Sichuan St. Marks Great Hunan and Sichuan food on St. Marks Place between 2nd and 3rd Ave. Large parties may need reservations.
 • Madras Cafe Kosher vegetarian Indian restaurant, specializing in the savory cuisine of Southern India but also including Northern Indian dishes.
 • Teresa's Polish diner on 1st Av. between 6th and 7th Sts. Serves all your diner favorites plus Polish specialties like borsht, perogies, kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, etc.

Drink

 • B Bar  Restaurant and bar, this place caters mostly to the bar and club crowd.
 • The Raven Grungy, beat-up, blasting classic 70's rock and punk, dim lighting, ratty thrift-store couches, sex in the bathrooms... you know the drill. The bartenders are friendly enough, and the doorman won't tell your wife about the NYU hottie who showed you her tits. 194 Avenue A between 12th/13th Streets
 • McSorley's Pub  The oldest pub in continuous operation, this small pub packs up fast. Sawdust on the floors, McSorleys beer only that comes in pairs, this place is a favorite with tourists and locals alike. The ancient chandelier above the bar has turkey wishbones dating from WW2 when a turkey dinner was thrown for the departing soldier and the wishbone was hung up until he returned. Boisterous, atmospheric and cheap food too!

Links

East Village Neighborhood Directory