Sure there are plenty of trendy restaurants in the neighborhood to choose from but if you want a taste of the traditional Lower East Side, check out some of these local favorites.
Sammy's Roumanian Steak House
157 Chrystie Street, New York, NY 10002
(212) 673-0330
No website, more from Google
Chopped liver, potato pancakes, and karnatzlach (meat patty) anyone? In the very heart of what was a century ago New York City's Jewish Ghetto, Sammy's Roumainian offers heaping servings of delicious traditional meals like “bubby” would have served.
John's of 12th Street
302 East 12th Street. New York, NY 10003
(212) 475-9531
http://www.johnsof12thstreet.com
John's has been serving up some of the most authentic Italian food on this side of the Atlantic since 1909 in a fully-preserved, early-century atmosphere. Dining here is a quintessential New York experience.
Streecha Ukrainian Kitchen
33 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003
(212) 674-1615
No website, more from Yelp
If you are truly daring, Streecha is where all the real Ukrainians go. They only put a sign outside a few of months ago—before that it essentially only served the congregation of St. George Orthodox Church across the street and the annual Ukrainian Festival. There are menus in English so it is easy to order, but do expect to make new Ukrainian friends while dining at picnic-style tables. (Note: only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 5:00pm):
Stage Diner
128 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003
(212) 473-8614
No website, more from Google
The 1940s-dineresque motif is not retrofitted—the Stage Diner just never changed. Neither did its menu. If you don't mind dining counter style (there are also a few tables), this is the place to sample Eastern European inspired fare like borscht (beet soup), corned beef and perogies (potato dumplings).
Maria's
32 Avenue C, New York, NY 10009
No phone
No website, more from Yelp
Yeah, Maria's is just a stand on the corner of Avenue and East 3rd Street—don't let that discourage you. In the heart of “Loisaida,” the Lower East Side's traditional Hispanic district, you will find some of the most delicious (and cheapest) hand-made empanadas in the city, as well as inexpensive Spanish espresso, egg & chorzio (sausage) sandwiches and more.
Bo Ky
80 Bayard Street, New York, NY 10013
(212) 406-2292
No website, more from Yelp
This is a no-nonsense noodle shop offers an inexpensive and diverse menu of standard Chinatown fare and traditional South East Asian delicacies—like pig intestines and cabbage. Highly worth it for the adventurous.
Chinese Dumplings
Dumpling stores served the Chinese community almost exclusively until broke New Yorkers (like me) and adventurous tourists caught wind of the five dumplings for a dollar deal. Now most of these places offer menus in English so it is easy to order from the usual samplings of dumplings (fried or boiled), noodle soups and other local delicacies.
Some of my favorites:
- “Fried Dumpling,” 106 Mosco Street, between Mulberry and Mott Streets.
- “No. 1 Dumpling,” 27 Essex Street, between Hester and Grand Streets
- “Prosperity Dumpling,” 46 Eldridge Street, between Hester and Canal Streets
- “Fried Dumpling,” 99 Allen Street, just below Delancey Street.
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