SPOTS IN NYC’S LOWER EAST SIDE
The Lower East Side. In New York slang also referred to as LES. The neighborhood that is often associated with terms like ‘cool’ and ‘hipster’ honestly didn’t charm me that much. With just too many sleepy alleys and peeling facades with boarded-up windows, my first impression was ‘this is a bit too grim for me’.
But, I have changed my mind. For a weekend, we roamed, my partner and I, through the neighborhood. We ate, drank, and my phone's notepad is overflowing with places where these two activities definitely need to happen again. Now I find LES cool too. And even though I’m not a hipster and don’t wear a top hat, this is my new favorite. The Lower East, a reflection of real New York as seen in gritty gangster films from the 80s. Rough exterior, smooth interior, that’s LES. And here are a dozen places that confirm that.
THELMA ON CLINTON
In this kitchen, a true fusion between the East and the French Dordogne takes place. With dishes like smoked duck with dried fruit compote, the menu is remarkable. And that was exactly what chef Melissa O’Donnell envisioned: a translation of the Lower East Side. Distinctive, yet tasteful.
Bacaro
Dripping candles, crystal candlesticks, and an Italian menu filled with dishes to share. The basement with exposed brick walls is also known as the “Dungeon of Romance.” And that is a unique feature in the wild Lower East. Perfect for a tête-à-tête with your beloved.
12 Corners
Green matcha cappuccinos and laptop-friendly. Thus, the perfect workplace. Nothing more to add.
HORTuS NAILWORKS
With jazz music and in a literal indoor garden, you can momentarily disconnect from all the hustle and bustle. That can and must happen here. Hortūs Nailworks is an oasis of calm where you can enjoy various healthy green drinks, as well as cocktails during happy hour. Dream location.
MARYAM NASSIR ZADEH
From Acne to Isabel Marant to their own beautiful eponymous label. This store on Norfolk Street is filled with minimalist styles. And even if you may not have much affinity with this style, I recommend you go take a look. Because it’s truly intriguing.
FREEMANS
Even though this restaurant is hidden in an alley, Freemans has managed to emerge in the Lower East. The interior is rustic with a bit of extra ‘LES rawness’. The atmosphere here is fantastic, and the dishes are great too. A must-try!
169 BAR
A dinosaur on the wall, a disco ball, and “soul, jazz & funk.” That’s 169 Bar. One of the oldest spots on our island, which nevertheless keeps up with the times. You can order a gin and tonic via SMS, and the website has announced that (finally) a new air conditioning system has been acquired. And that is necessary in the heart of summer in a place where there’s always a line at the door.
Dimes
Salads, bowls filled with açai, and seemingly a lot of men with buns and their female friends. That’s Dimes. The perfect place for a mega-healthy lunch or breakfast moment and perhaps finding your future hippie man. Who wouldn’t want that?
FORGTMENOT
Margaritas, beer, and taco chips with guac. Perfect place, just completely unclear why the ‘e’ is missing. Oh well, it is what it is.
THE FAT RADISH
Lastly, the place where I had another wonderful evening last Saturday. The food was good again, the wine flowed abundantly, and I can only say that The Fat Radish is in tip-top shape. Nothing more to add. Simply go try it yourself.
