East Side Exploration
Morning
From the Delancey Street subway walk south to Grand Street and Kossar’s Bialys Bakery,367 Grand ,
famous for chewy, onion-flavored rolls, or the Doughnut Plant, 379
Grand, where the oversize cakes achieve gourmet status. Walk east for
two historic houses of worship, the
Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue
and the Bialystoker Synagogue.
Return along East
Broadway, passing the Henry Street Settlement at No. 281, in three
restored Federal buildings. The gallery at the Educational Alliance, No.
197, has good art and photography exhibits. Walk to Orchard for Guss’ Pickles,
and pick up a bargain at the shops here. If you’re hot, try one of the
50 flavors of ice cream at il Laboratorio del Gelato at 95 Orchard , or continue to East Houston Street, and have lunch at
Katz’s Delicatessen
, a New York institution.
Afternoon
After lunch, walk uptown on 2nd Avenue. Turn left on East 6th to visit the Ukrainian Museum, a small and hidden gem of costumes and culture. Walk to St. Mark’s Place,
browsing through the funky shops and bars on your way, and then walk
east again on Stuyvesant Street, admiring the landmark townhouses of the
Renwick Triangle. Lastly, stop at St. Mark’s-in-the-Bowery Church, one of the oldest in the city, where you can pay your respects to Peter Stuyvesant’s grave.
Bargain Stores and Boutiques
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Zarin Fabric Home Furnishings
Since 1936 this mammoth showroom and workshop has provided fabrics and upholstery to the public at wholesale prices.
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Frock
Stylish women on a budget will find designer fashion including Dior and Valentino at this vintage boutique.
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The Dressing Room
More
than just a boutique. It showcases the work of young designers, offers a
clothing exchange, and also has a cocktail bar with live DJ sets.
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Hairy Mary’s
As
you may tell from the name, Hairy Mary’s is a fun place. The shop
carries both vintage and “reconstructed” outfits, coats and accessories,
ranging from punk back to more modest eras.
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Coat of Arms
This unusual shop offers vintage hip-hop-styled pieces along-side contemporary streetwear.
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Giselle
Four floors of designer clothing by European names such as Valentino, Escada, and Ungaro, promising 20 to 30 percent off retail.
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A.W. Kaufman
Fine
quality European lingerie is sold at an excellent price with
personalised service. This third-generation store, established in 1924,
offers a range of underwear for men and women, and some stunning bridal
sets.
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Jodamo
An
extensive range of European designer menswear can be found in this
large store, including Versace, Valentino and Missoni, as well as
leather goods and shoes.
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Altman Luggage
From
computer cases to carry-ons, brand names like Lark, TravelPro, and
American Tourister are sold for less at this well-stocked emporium.
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Harris Levy
One
of the last survivors of what used to be rows of discount stores
selling linens for table, bed, and bath. European linens and home
accessories are a specialty at this store.
Restaurants
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Schiller’s Liquor Bar
An
eclectic menu is served at this French-inspired restaurant, the latest
by Keith McNally. Arrive early for dinner if you don’t want to wait.
Brunch is also very good.
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Katz’s Delicatessen
Savor a pastrami sandwich on rye here, and you’ll understand why New York delis are famous.
Katz’s Delicatessen
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Sammy’s Roumanian
It
looks like a Jewish wedding every night. Chopped liver and shmaltz will
freak your cholesterol level, but you’ll enjoy every minute.
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157 Chrystie St
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212 673 0330
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No vegetarian options
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WD-50
A hip, foodie café famous for the exciting creations of chef Wylie Dufresne. Be prepared to wait.
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Le Père Pinard
A fine place to relax with wine and French bistro fare in the heated garden out back.
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Veselka
A funky Ukrainian diner serving borscht, blintzes, and pierogis for a pittance. Tables at the back are quieter.
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144 2nd Ave at 9th St
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212 228 9682
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The Dumpling Man
The handmade pork, chicken, and vegetarian dumplings are a big draw. Save room for the shaved ice dessert.
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100 St Mark’s Place
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212 505 2121
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La Palapa
Authentic Mexican regional cuisine and great margaritas in a beautifully decorated dining room.
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Prune
Updated
homestyle American is the game here, which translates to dishes like
lamb chop with leeks and braised potatoes. Reliably crowded; brunch is
also a hit.
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Momofuku Ssäm Bar
This
popular spot serves American food that usually veers through Korea or
Asia on its way to the plate. Offal often figures in. Don’t be scared,
though – it’s all delicious.
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207 2nd Ave at 13th St
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212 254 3500