Local restaurants
La Esquina is a triple threat on Kenmare Street with a taqueria, brasserie and secret subterranean nightclub. Just look for an out-of-place bouncer holding a clipboard by the kitchen entrance and you'll know you're in the right place (+1 646 613 1333; esquinanyc.com). Lovely Day on Elizabeth Street in nearby Nolita serves up tried and true Thai fare such as chow fun, coconut milk-infused soup and pad thai (+1 212 925 3310). For one of the best brunches in the city make a beeline to Clinton Baking Company. House-made biscuits, pastries, sandwiches and shakes await (+1 646 602 6263; www.clintonstreetbaking.com). Expect to split one of the massive sandwiches on offer at the classic Katz’s Delicatessen at 205 East Houston Street. Bring your appetite and opt for the pastrami or corned beef (+1 212 254 2246; katzsdelicatessen.com). Schiller’s Liquor Bar is the go-to hotspot for late-night nourishment and classic cocktails on the Lower East Side. The shrimp, served sizzling in a small cast-iron skillet, are life-changingly delicious (+1 212 260 4555; www.schillersny.com). You won’t be expecting the warm and welcoming under-the-radar eatery Freeman’s at the end of fairy-lit Freeman’s Alley off Rivington Street. Even though they take walk-ins, you may be in for a long wait if you’re rolling with a posse, so make a reservation for groups of six or larger (+1 212 420 0012; www.freemansrestaurant.com). Savour braised pork tacos, chorizo croquettes and blue-cheese topped burgers at The National at 8 Rivington Street (+1 212 777 2177).
Local bars
Check out emerging indie bands and maybe grab a sweet treat at Cake Shop at 152 Ludlow Street (+1 212 253 0036; cake-shop.com), a record store doubling as a low-key venue.
Local cafés
Health nuts will love pop star Moby’s shop teany at 90 Rivington Street. Pick from vegetarian BLTs, meatless club sandwiches and dairy-free desserts accompanied by a bewildering array of tea, of course (+1 212 475 9190; www.teany.com).
Nightlife
If you’re in the mood for something a little more risqué and avant garde, take in a cabaret show at The Box at 189 Chrystie Street (+1 212 982 9301; www.theboxnyc.com). Touring acts and local talent heat up the stage inside Bowery Ballroom’s Beaux-Arts façade on Delancey Street (+1 212 533 2111; www.boweryballroom.com). Head to Mercury Lounge at 217 East Houston Street for live tunes and cocktails (+1 212 260 4700; www.mercuryloungenyc.com).
Worth getting out of bed for
Pick out provisions for a picnic or grab a freshly squeezed juice from the stalls at the Essex Street Market (+1 212 388 0449; www.essexstreetmarket.com). Study the hip Lower East Side’s rich history on foot during a guided tour at the Tenement Museum at 108 Orchard Street (+1 212 982 8420; www.tenement.org). Artist talks, film showcases and provocative collections keep the New Museum, at 235 Bowery, packed with patrons (+1 212 219 1222). Check out more than 30 Lower East Side galleries open late on the third Thursday of the month including Anastasia Photo, Woodward Gallery and Dacia Gallery (+1 212 226 9010). Browse fabulous vintage jewellery, dresses and shoes at Edith Machinist at 104 Rivington Street (+1 212 979 9992).
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Having stayed at the Standard Hotel on the other side of Manhattan for three nights in the glamorous Meatpacking District, we chose to jump over to the heart of gritty-grotty Lowe...
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