GUIDES

Lower East Side, Manhattan

By
Suzie Maez
April 19, 2024

LES is much more than the groups of well-dressed skaters you weave through on your walk from the F train, and the list to prove that is finally here. 

Strut down Manhattan’s runway while attending a handful of pop-ups, fleas, and art galleries spread through the streets of the Lower East Side. Here are some of the talks of the town.

Eat

CORNER BAR

Cozy spot located inside the lovely Nine Orchard boutique hotel. Started by the chef of the famous Estela, Ignacio Matto’s Corner Bar is great for a date night. Highly recommend their sea trout and martini’s.

GATHER 

The perfect spot to work from home, plenty of outlets, delicious coffee and food. The Gather Signature sandwich is my favorite.

SCARRS PIZZA 

The perfect post-drink slice. Closes at 1AM on the weekends.

NORTH DUMPLING 

$4 for 10 dumpling special - cash only.

KOSSARS

Around since the 1930’s for a reason. An absolute must try in LES.

HOLY COW

Known for their impossible burger, but my personal favorite is their spicy chicken slider with seasoned fries.

Drink

CAFE GRUMPY

Best honey oat latte in the city, I order my coffee here every day.

CASETTA 

I always say that this is the perfect place to have a glass of orange wine and catch up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Great music and overall atmosphere.

COLBO 

Come on a weekend during one of their pop-ups to browse their current collection of clothing and records while sipping on their coffee.

PARCELLE 

Have a small catch up with a friend over a glass of wine at Parcelle or brush up on your wine knowledge at one of their weekly courses led by a local sommelier.

LESIR WINE SHOP 

My go-to natural wine shop.

CELLAR 36 

New spot that carries some of the best natural wine. 

Shop

FREDERICKS & MAE 

Small collection of unique artist works, I would own everything in this store if I could.

LARA KOLEJI 

If I could gatekeep this spot forever, I would. Truly addicted to the thrill of digging through their designer pieces. Best vintage spot in the lower east side.

COMING SOON 

First place I go in search of a house warming gift.

BIGGIE’S BODEGA 

Located in the heart of Dimes Square sits a perfectly curated knick knack shop. Stop in to chat with the owners about the story of each of their pieces and follow it with a game of chess out front.

TUMBAO 

Valentina Pozo’s beautifully curated space that emphasizes latin art and design. Stay up to date with their calendar for consistent events.

Do

HAPPY MEDIUM 

An art studio for casual artists. They have something for everyone, ranging from figure drawing to building a chair. If you can’t decide, book a spot at their art cafe!

METROGRAPH 

Easily has the best film screenings in the city. Grab a drink and dinner at the bar upstairs before watching a foreign film. Go alone, bring a date, go with friends. Highly suggest becoming a member for exclusive events and Q&A’s by some of your favorite directors.

MELLOW 

Artist Elise Wilken offers one-of-a-kind selections of ceramics as well as workshops offered a few times a month. Be sure to greet Honey, the store pup on the way in.

About 

Suzie

With New York City as her playground, photographer Suzie Maez, uses a unique lens to explore the peculiarities of the world around us, and perhaps even more distinctively, the people who make it up. Here are some of the spots she frequents in the neighborhood she calls home.