Features > General > East Village New York Guide
Seedier, grittier, and less gentrified than its westerly neighbor, the East Village is also more inexpensive, more fun, and far more authentic, although it's no longer the bohemian squalor depicted in the now-dated rock musical “Rent.” With a vibrant Ukranian population, a large student enclave, and an increasing influx of young professionals, this area around Astor Place is full of intriguing shops, restaurants, and odd perfomance spaces.
SEE: Visit Tompkins Square Park for insight into the history of New York City East Village bohemia. Once filled with drug addicts, it was also a center for political, radical social demonstrations for such causes as gay-rights, anti-war activism, affordable housing, and more. The first Greatful Dead and Hare Krishna gigs were here.Check out the oldest continuously existing free lending library in NYC- the Ottendorfer Library, with a strong German influence dating back to the region's Teutonic roots. St. Mark's Place between 2nd and 3rd Avenues on 8th street is a touristy but good for people-watching, with its bizarre mix of punks, scene kids,NYU students, and hipsters.
SHOP: The Strand Bookstore, at the edge of East and West Villages, on 11th and Broadway, is one of the best used bookstores in the world, with over 18 miles of books on sale. The record stores on St. Mark's are a bit touristy, but worth a look.Trash and Vaudeville, on St. Mark's, sells punk/goth clothing, but has someone who might well be the world's bitchiest proprietor – so you might want to avoid this one in favor of the slightly more west-wards 8th St. Lab.
EAT: Cafe Mogador, on 8th St. (St. Mark's) between Avenue A and 1st, is one of the best Moroccan restaurants in town, with a delicious brunch – if crowded brunch scene – and tender tagines. Chez Jules, one block west, is a lovely intimate French place, and Banjara, on 6th St. and 1st Ave., is probably the best Indian restaurant in the city, with romantic decor paired with affordable prices.
By Tara Isabella Burton
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