East Village Books is an old style secondhand bookstore. They buy and sell and claim they pay the best price for used books. They've been in business since 1994 and that's saying a lot for a little bookstore in this city! There is a method to the madness if you look closely. Oh the things you can find when you take the time! If you're in the East Village do check it out!
East Village Books, 99 St. Mark's Place.
Joe is my favorite cafe in New York City. They get top grades for quality and consistency as well as atmosphere and friendliness of the staff. I don't often go to the Chelsea location but I've been there at least a handful of times and it's always been excellent. They only have about ten seats there. I often get coffee there when I go to the High Line Park or the galleries in Chelsea. If you love coffee like I do, then Joe is the place to go!
Joe Coffee Company, 405 West 23rd Street near Ninth Avenue
Update - At the moment, the bookstore/café is closed. It seems hopeful that they will reopen when the pandemic slows down.
I regularly visit the Housing Works Bookstore Café. They sell secondhand books which are donated by people who care! "Housing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Our mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts." So by shopping and donating to Housing Works you are also giving to those in need! I often find books to buy there and it certainly feels good doing so!
Housing Works Bookstore Café, 126 Crosby Street.
Update - Vanessa’s is open for business. Love those dumplings!
Vanessa's has been serving fresh handmade dumplings since 1999 on Eldridge Street. When I first started eating there, 4 dumplings were only $1.00! Now the price for 4 dumplings that are made in front of you while you wait is only $1.50! There is almost always a line to order and to get a table. They have other food as well. I often stop here during a Chinatown photo tour or after a street photography workshop.
They call the area Chinatown. Technically it's the Lower East Side but Chinatown keeps expanding.
Vanessa's Dumplings, 118A Eldridge Street
Harlem Shake - If you're looking for a really good burger, look no further. This isn't one of those massive burgers that so many restaurants serve. It also isn't a slide. I really appreciate it when food is made like this at an appropriate size. And they are made from sirloin!
Also notable are the milk shakes, fries and sweet potato fries. There is often a line there but it does tend to move quickly. They have an old school retro atmosphere and funky music. And they have an outdoor terrace as well. They are an independent community-oriented business that promotes the neighborhood and culture. I often eat here when I'm in the area.
Harlem Shake, 100 West 124th Street
So let’s talk pickles! Talk about a specialty. The Pickle Guys are the last pickle shop in the Lower East Side. I understand that there were once many pickle vendors in LES.
They say that their pickles are from an old Eastern European recipe and “just the way mom used to made them.” Their pickles are Kosher and they have a variety of other pickled vegetables and condiments.
If you’re a fan of pickles you definitely need to stop by here and have a few. Also, the have a restaurant next door which I will be posting about shortly. What’s not to love about pickles?
They are open on Saturdays, but they close for the Jewish holidays. So check their website first.
The Pickle Guys - 357 Grand Street at the corner of Essex Street
Cafe Colette is a real favorite restaurant. The decor is retro in style. The food is exceptional. The music is always upbeat but doesn't overpower the ability to hear and have a conversation. It is independently owned and they have 2 of my photos on the wall!
"Colette embraces the idea of New American cuisine, and is influenced by flavors and techniques from Spain, Italy, Central America, and beyond. Our menu is primarily sourced locally, serving meat, eggs, and dairy that are free range, antibiotic free, and organic. Our cocktails are creative,
yet rooted in the classics, and our wines are natural and sustainably produced. We are proud to be a part of Williamsburg's dynamic restaurant community, and enjoy serving our neighborhood regulars and visitors alike."
Cafe Colette, 79 Berry Street at North 9th Street
Morgenststern's Finest Ice Cream is a very retro style looking ice cream parlor with updated tastes. If you like ice cream I definitely suggest it. The flavors are both standard and new flavors as well. Like Tahini Caramel! The ingredients are all natural.
I'll let them speak for themselves here! "Nicholas Morgenstern is a self-made restaurateur, with extensive pastry experience in some of New York's finest establishments. In 2014, Nicholas opened Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream. "Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream is my chance to express my love of the quintessential American indulgence. I have been dreaming of these flavors, this style, and this place for years.""
Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream - 2 Rivington Street near Bowery
Two sweet words when seen together in a shop window! Yes, hot bagels. As in they make them there! Once you’ve had a fresh bagel out of the oven and still warm, you may never have another standard deli bagel again.
Kossar’s has been around since 1936 and apparently they are the oldest Bialy shop in the US! I haven’t tried their bialy but the bagels are fabulous. They are located in the lower Lower East Side. It’s a very cool neighborhood and they are next door to not one, but two pickle shops. Stay tuned for the posts about them.
Kossar’s - 367 Grand Street near Essex Street
