The East and West Villages in Manhattan have been captured by books, movies and artists as well as musicians and musicians. The West Village bordering Greenwich Village used to be a haven where eccentric artists lived, but now it’s a place where trendsetters flock with money in hand, looking for sophisticated surprises.
East Village is a mix of Gen Z professionals and bohemian lifestyles. The streets are constantly reinventing themselves and feel different. The culture is booming, but you can still explore the deep roots of immigrant history. Downtown neighborhood boundaries are a hotly debated issue. While I may call it the West Village, another person might correct me by saying that the Meatpacking District is the right term. Sometimes, the East Village and Alphabet City are referred to as one neighborhood. The following is a list of must-see spots on the East & West sides, below 14th Street & North of Canal (Chinatown). It’s a list compiled by a woman living in New York City for 40 years, and her two 20-something children who are residents of each neighborhood.
West Village: Where to eat and drink, stay and enjoy
The opening of High Line walking paths and the newish building of the Whitney Museum (2015) in the Meatpacking District transformed this neighborhood from a quaint, quiet local into a thriving hub of glamour, art, and fashion. The Whitney is a museum that focuses on American modern art. The permanent collection includes 23,000 works including masterpieces by Cy Twombly, Jasper Johns and others. Even if contemporary art doesn’t interest you, the building is worth a look. The outdoor terraces, designed by architect Renzo Piano, offer views of both the High Line, and the Hudson River. The modern-industrial masterpiece features pine floors, oversized windows and vast galleries filled with light.
Lavaux is my favorite of the many restaurants and cocktail bars that are located in the West Village. Stepping into this blue jewel-box of a restaurant is like stepping back in time to the Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland. Try the Chasselas wine. It’s probably one of few places in America where you can! My favorite fondue on the menu is The Three Cheeses, a velvety mix of Gruyère, Vacherin, and Val de Bagnes. On Tuesday nights, try the Secret Message Party. Send a note via the “messenger” to another table and see what you get.
St. George Coffee, located on Barrow Street, offers a delicious coffee and pastry. This chic, bright coffee shop will make you forget that you are on 7th Ave. It can be a busy street! Also available are affordable wines, fresh bread and tasty bites.
Sip&Guzzle was a semifinalist for the James Beard Award, Best New Bar 2025. They take cocktailing very seriously, with their artful pours and fancy glasses. Drinks are so beautiful you won’t touch them. The atmosphere is swank, but also friendly!
West Side Stays: Sleep in Style
The Standard and The Gansevoort Hotels are tied in the Meatpacking area. The Standard offers spectacular views, and has outdoor spaces. The Standard High Line, like most of the hotels in this brand, caters to non-traditional guests. It’s a place where “Anything could happen”. The Gansevoort has a more businesslike, private clubby and adult vibe. It has a swanky rooftop pool that offers views of the Freedom Tower.
The East Village cheat sheet
If you raised children in New York City or nearby, it’s likely that you have visited the Tenement museum. The founders of the museum discovered a dilapidated and shuttered building at 97 Orchard Street, which had been virtually unchanged for over 50 years. The building, and the artifacts that were found there, told the story of the families who lived there from the 1860s through the 1930s.
Through guided tours, visitors can see how immigrants lived today. The museum’s goal is to create an immersive experience exploring American identity. As far as comedy club go, the New York Comedy Club is underrated. The simple, brick wall stage features both new talent and “surprise” guests. It’s all about the laugh–a classic NYC LES (Lower East Side) spot.
McSorley’s Old Ale House is a legendary East Village drinking hole. Residents and regulars in the East Village love this place. There are two drink options–light and dark beer, no music, no frills. This Irish pub dates back to mid-1800s. They don’t even need to impress.
Veselka is a Ukrainian coffee shop that has been around for decades. Since 1954, Veselka has served pancakes and pierogies to club kids as well as grannies. East Village institution. Support Ukrainian relief efforts by ordering the Stand With Ukraine Bowl – two potato, two braised beef, and two sauerkraut-mushroom pierogi, topped with caramelized onion, grilled kielbasa, and a slab of bacon.
East Village is also a great place to enjoy fine dining. The Michelin-starred Tuome restaurant on East 5th Street is sure to surprise even the most seasoned foodie. The dishes are delicious, innovative, and mind-blowing. Only a Chinese-American chef trained at Eleven Madison Park could create them! Tuome was created by Chef Thomas Chen. It is pronounced: “towme.” He has kept his Michelin Star the past six year. Tuome also received a 2-star rating from the notoriously star-scarce New York Times.
Sleep (and recover) in the East Side
The Ludlow, located in the Eastside of NYC downtown club and bars, offers a cozy-cool retreat from the bustle. Think big club chairs and Keith Haring art. There are several room categories to choose from–sleep like a rockstar or a studio musician. Have a cocktail in the Garden, a misnomer since it’s more like an enclosed Moroccan-inspired patio–dreamy, all the same.
From suits to music
In the early 1980s, I bought my first business suit here. It was a Jewish-oriented neighborhood, with fine European suiting and fabric stores, as well as Kosher restaurants, home goods, and synagogues. Rents were affordable and the neighborhood became hip. Enter music venues and vintage clothing stores.
It’s mostly gentrified now, but there are still many 19th century buildings in the area. No matter what brings you to the Lower East Side or West Side, you’re going to have fun. Both neighborhoods are great for a good time! In New York City, you’ll find hipsters from all ages.
