Welcome to The East Village
Historic, renowned, and sophisticated, with amazing live music
Rich with history, the East Village has been synonymous with poets, musicians, artists, and rebel counter-culture types. In the 1950s, it drew the Beatnik generation of writers who found a haven here, including Allan Ginsberg and W.H. Auden. Then came the avant-garde artists, such as Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. It was also the birthplace of East Coast punk rock and home to Debbie Harry, Patti Smith, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Lou Reed. Though it was once part of the Lower East Side, the unique characteristics of the East Village made it necessary for the neighborhood to be carved out.
Today, it still boasts Bohemian vibes but has also evolved into an eclectic community of all kinds of artists, trendsetters, and even professionals who love the energy it offers. You’ll still find charming well-preserved brownstones in between the new luxury condominiums. It’s also full of lively bars, trendy eateries, and chic cafes that are busy day and night. It evokes the city-never-sleeps atmosphere New York is known for, with people out and about during the day and the nightclubs and music playing into the night. The East Village is where Mark O’Brien, leader of the Mark O’Brien Team, currently resides after previously living in the West Village and Chelsea.
What to Love
- Incredible nightlife and live music
- Eclectic community of artists, musicians, and other professionals
- Hip eateries, bars, cafes, and lounges
- Charming and historic brownstones
- Full of history, arts, and culture
Local Lifestyle
The East Village is perfect for those who want to be in the center of the action. With plenty of live music and fun eateries in a highly walkable area, there’s always something to be a part of and see. Hanging onto its 80s charm, residents love this area for its secure feeling while not sacrificing a place to have a good time and go out with friends and family.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The East Village is full of so many fantastic restaurants that even longtime residents sometimes have difficulty picking a place for dinner. For an elegant, classic setting, Lucien is a Parisian-style bistro. It specializes in traditional French cuisine, such as escargots, mussels mariniere, and bouillabaisse. You can pair dinner with a bottle from their curated wine list, with selections from different regions of France.
For breakfast or weekend brunch,
Cafe Mogador has been serving Moroccan-inspired cuisine to faithful locals since 1983. Menu highlights include their lamb shank tagine and chicken with couscous. The setting is casual and Bohemian and fitting for the neighborhood.
A New York mainstay since 1888,
Katz Delicatessen is a kosher-style deli known for its mile-high sandwiches and purposely cranky service. They specialize in a variety of Jewish food, including Matzoh balls, salmon lox, and sauerkraut.
Another local landmark,
Veselka, specializes in Ukrainian and Eastern European cuisine, such as borscht and pierogi. Classic comfort foods are a favorite among students and young professionals. Established in 1954, it’s one of the classic old-school diners that have survived.
Originally a billiard parlor before turning into a bakery,
Veniero’s Pasticceria and Caffe is known for its hearty Italian pastries, including cannolis, cheesecakes, fruit tarts, and of course, tiramisu.
For Italian cuisine,
Gemma serves rustic, seasonal dishes. This trattoria-style eatery is trendy and always busy, with outdoor seating perfect for warm summer date nights. It’s located on the bottom floor of the iconic Bowery Hotel.
Things to Do
From Thursdays to Sundays, Saint Marks Place is closed between Avenue A and First Avenue to allow restaurants to set up outdoor dining. It’s one of 40 street additions added to New York City’s Open Restaurants program to allow busy eateries to accommodate crowds in a socially distanced setting.
Always busy,
Tompkins Square Park has basketball courts, handball courts, outdoor chess tables, and a playground. Year-round, on Sundays, it hosts a farmers’ market with local and artisanal vendors. The leafy park is also a popular place for residents to sunbathe on warm sunny days. Hosted by
Tompkins Square Library, the Annual East Village Arts Festival features local artists, makers, and writers.
The historic building where
John Varvatos operates as a men’s designer store used to be the legendary CBGB where punk rock was born. Today, you can still admire some of the original details, such as the sticker wall with old event flyers encased behind glass.
Real Estate & Homes for Sale
