Neighbourhood Guide | Lower East Side
From ceramics and soft serve to standout stores and our favourite places to eat,
this is our guide to the Lower East Side.
this is our guide to the Lower East Side.
After wrapping up at Shoppe Object, we extended our trip to soak up the city and explore at our own pace. We based ourselves in the Lower East Side, right in the middle of everything. The Moxy LES ended up being the perfect budget-friendly option; spacious room, great view over the Manhattan Bridge and walking distance to some of our favourite pockets of the city.
From here, it was easy to bounce between Little Italy, Soho, Elizabeth Street, and even cross into Brooklyn by Citi Bike or subway. But honestly, most days we didn’t need to go far, the LES kept us busy and more than inspired!
Daytime Rituals
We liked to kick things off with a coffee and a bite at Elbow Bread - tiny, relaxed and home to a seriously good Everything Bialy Bagel. Grab it to go and wander.
Dimes is a go-to for brunch (or even dinner if the weather calls for al fresco). West Coast vibes (our heaven), a seasonal menu and the black sesame toast is worth ordering as a side to whatever else you choose. Just down the block, they also run a sandwich shop and a beautifully stocked deli, we loved the edit.
Shopping the Strip
The LES is home to some of the city’s most creative retail. Along Canal Street and its offshoots, you’ll find a stretch worth spending the whole afternoon on. Orchard Street was where we spent the most time, it reminds us so much of Redchurch Street, so we felt right at home.
- Coming Soon – NYC classic. Bright, bold homeware from brands like Gohar World and Dusen Dusen. Great for gifts or adding character to your space.
- No Gem – Home store and café focused on hard-to-find makers from South Korea and Scandinavia. Super friendly owners. The injeolmi cream espresso? Unreal.
- Sweet Pickle Books – Part bookshop, part pickle shop. Vintage finds, playful merch, and a welcome break from the usual NY souvenirs.
- Wythe – For the style-conscious. Americana-inspired menswear and one of the nicest store fits we’ve seen.
- Beverly 1975 – General store meets concept space. Founder-led picks, scent, print, and objects. Beautiful space.
- Mellow – Ceramics store just around the block. We spent ages here chatting with the founder. One to watch.
- Bode men’s – The LES flagship. A fashion landmark that feels like stepping into a story.
- Society of Cloth, Colbo, Kotn, Tumbao – all dotted along the same stretch, making this area the ideal route for a slow, vibey shopping trip - especially towards the end of week or later in the day when the whole neighbourhood comes alive.
Food & Drink
- Scarr’s Pizza – Grab a slice (or three). The vodka pesto was the standout.
- Dudley’s – Day-to-night favourite. Busy, easygoing. The chop salad or burger always hit.
- Skin Contact – Natural wine spot with good energy. Sit outside in summer and soak it all up.
- Broome and Orchard – Nighttime hotspot. Feels like one of those places where everyone knows.
- EEL Bar – Low lighting, amazing service, and a menu best shared. Great for a date or group dinner. Their NA cocktail list was on point.
- Kiki’s – Just below Canal. Classic Greek, always packed. Get the pastitsio and cheesecake. Yes, one each.
- Morgenstern’s Bananas – For when you’re walking home late. The burnt honey vanilla soft serve was the perfect cool down.
LES in a nutshell?
Tiny shops with big energy. Pit stops for food and drinks. Hot, heavy evenings. Soundtrack spilling out from bars. The best kind of chaos. Summer in the City.