SPOTS IN NYC’S LOWER EAST SIDE
The Lower East Side. In New York this is part of town referred to as LES. You regularly hear people link the words ‘cool’ and ‘hipster’ to this area something that really didn’t appeal to me. After seeing a few too many eerie alleyways and flaky facades with boarded up windows my first impression of the area was that it was ‘a little too grim for my liking.’
Alas, now I am affixed. For an entire week my future hubby and I wandered the streets, went out for dinner, went out for drinks with me jotting down all the places we came across I thought demanded a second visit. So now even I think LES is cool. And though I may not be a hipster and I may not wear a bowler hat, this place is my new favorite. The Lower East, a true reflection of New York as portrayed in the rugged gangster movies of the 80’s. A rough diamond, a white mine, that is LES. And hereby a couple of places that endorse it.
THELMA ON CLINTON
This kitchen is a true fusion of eastern dishes and the French Dordogne. With dishes such as smoked duck with dried fruit compote, the menu is definitely stands out. And that is precisely what chef Melissa O’Donnel was hoping to achieve. A translation of the Lower East Side. Striking, but tasty.
Bacaro
Dripping candles, crystal chandeliers and an Italian menu filled with dishes to share. The basement with an exposed brick wall is also referred to as the ‘Dungeon of Romance.’ And that is unique in a reckless Lower East. Perfect for at tête-à-tête with your lover.
12 Corners
Green matcha cappuccinos and laptop friendly. All in all the perfect place to work. Nothing to add here.
HORTuS NAILWORKS
In a cute little courtyard with jazz music you’re able to tuck away from the hectic city life. It’s possible and mandatory here. Hortüs Nailworks is an oasis of tranquility where you can indulge in the healthiest green drinks or enjoy a few cocktails during happy hour. Dream location.
MARYAM NASSIR ZADEH
From Acne to Isabel Marant to their own beautiful label. This store located in Norfolk Street is filled with minimalistic styles. And even if you have no affinity with this style, this store is well worth the visit. So intriguing.
FREEMANS
Even though this restaurant is hidden in a little alleyway, Freemans has managed to reveal itself in the Lower East. The interior is rural with a bit of that ‘LES ruggedness.’ The sphere is fantastic as are the dishes. A definite recommendation!
169 BAR
With a Dinosaur on the wall, a disco ball and some “soul, jazz & funk.” This is the 169 Bar. One of the oldest pavilions on the island but one that loyally follows today’s latest trends. Ordering a gin-tonic is therefore done through a text message and on their website they have indicated that they have (finally) bought a new AC system. And that is crucial in the midst of the summer for a place that always has a queue outside its door.
Dimes
Salads, bowls filled with acai and apparently a lot of men with man-buns and their female friends. That is Dimes. The perfect place for a healthy lunch- or breakfast and the place to find your potential future hip hubby. Now who doesn’t want that?
FORGTMENOT
Margarita’s, beer and taco chips with guac. Perfect place, but completely unclear as to why the ‘e’ is missing. So be it.
THE FAT RADISH
The last place I went to last Saturday and yet again I had an incredible evening. The food was great, the wine flowing and I can’t say anything other than The Fat Radish is top-notch. Nothing to add here. Simply go and see for yourself.
