Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in the Lower East Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in the Lower East Side
1. Katz's Delicatessen
The LES institution since 1888 where hand-carved pastrami, neon signs, and no-nonsense countermen tell the story of New York on a plate.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the definitive Jewish deli experience—smoky, peppery pastrami on rye with a half-sour pickle—served in a room that’s pure NYC history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays around 10–11 am or late night to dodge peak lunch and weekend crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t lose the ticket you’re handed at the door, and tip your cutter for extra juicy slices.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it a must-eat pilgrimage, praising the melt-in-your-mouth pastrami and lively, old-school vibe despite the lines.
2. Russ & Daughters Appetizing Shop
A 1914-born appetizing counter dedicated to smoked fish, silky lox, caviar, and perfect bagels—LES heritage in every order number called.
✓ Why Go:
For classic New York flavors: gaspe nova, sable, whitefish salad, and rugelach from a family icon four generations strong.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings Tuesday–Thursday; weekends see long queues.
✓ Insider Tip:
Take a number and build a bagel like a local: gaspe nova, scallion cream cheese, tomato, onion, capers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about immaculate fish, efficient service, and the feeling of stepping into a living culinary landmark.
3. Russ & Daughters Cafe
A sit-down spin on the storied appetizing shop, with plated boards, caviar-topped latkes, and egg creams in a bright, retro room.
✓ Why Go:
It turns legendary counter fare into a lingering brunch or dinner, perfect for sharing classic LES flavors at the table.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays at opening or mid-afternoon for shorter waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split the Lower East Side Board and finish with a babka French toast or an old-school egg cream.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the polished service and time-capsule charm, noting that the food is as memorable as the history.
4. Economy Candy
A beloved 1937 candy emporium packed floor-to-ceiling with retro sweets, bulk bins, international treats, and chocolate-covered everything.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a sugar-fueled stroll down memory lane and a perfect edible souvenir stop right in the heart of the LES.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons to avoid weekend family rushes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hunt the back shelves for hard-to-find classics and weigh out custom mixes from the bulk section.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and foodies alike love the prices, selection, and nostalgic charm—many call it irresistible.
5. Essex Market
A revamped neighborhood market where old-school merchants meet new-wave vendors—think farm produce, fresh fish, tacos, and global bites.
✓ Why Go:
You can graze widely under one roof, snag local goods, and soak up a community hub that’s fed the LES for generations.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning for produce shopping; lunch for the fullest vendor lineup.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head upstairs for window seats overlooking Essex Street and check the schedule for chef demos and pop-ups.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the variety and value, calling it an easy, delicious way to sample the neighborhood.
6. The Market Line
A buzzing, subterranean food hall threading through Essex Crossing, featuring small-scale artisans and diverse, snackable stalls.
✓ Why Go:
It’s LES street food energy with weatherproof comfort—perfect for progressive tastings with friends.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings Thursday–Saturday for atmosphere; earlier hours for faster seating.
✓ Insider Tip:
Walk the full loop before ordering; grab a communal table and mix dishes from multiple vendors.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners praise the energy and breadth of options, noting that it’s lively, loud, and fun for groups.
7. Kossar's Bagels & Bialys
America’s oldest bialy bakery (since 1936) turning out crackly, onion-scented bialys, chewy bagels, and Old World breads.
✓ Why Go:
For a quintessential LES breakfast—fresh from the oven with butter, whitefish, or spicy egg salad.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning, when bialys are warm and shelves are fullest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the pletzel (onion board) and ask for a just-baked bialy with scallion cream cheese.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Bagel nerds and history buffs agree: it’s a flavorful slice of LES heritage worth the detour.
8. Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery
A narrow, timeworn bakery serving hand-rolled knishes—potato, kasha, spinach, and sweet varieties—from a century-old counter.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the city’s knish standard-bearer, offering hearty comfort with deep LES roots.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday; late afternoons can see limited flavors.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order your knish griddled for a crisp exterior and add a squeeze of mustard; try a sweet cheese or cherry for dessert.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans cherish the no-frills charm and generous portions, calling it authentic and nostalgic.
9. Scarr's Pizza
A cult-favorite slice shop milling its own flour, serving pitch-perfect plain and Sicilian slices in a retro, wood-paneled space.
✓ Why Go:
For one of NYC’s most talked-about slices—balanced sauce, blistered cheese, and craveable crust.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon for the shortest queue; evenings get packed.
✓ Insider Tip:
Get a plain slice plus a Sicilian; if you’re hungry, split a whole pie and the caesar salad.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Pizza lovers gush over quality and consistency, noting waits are common but worthwhile.
10. Wildair
A natural-wine bar with an ever-changing list and inventive small plates that lean seasonal, textural, and shareable.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the LES spot for serious wine and cutting-edge cooking—ideal for date night or a late snack after exploring.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for easier walk-in bar seats; later for a lively scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit at the bar to chat wine pairings; don’t miss the potato darphin and the famed chocolate hazelnut tart.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Foodies praise the smart, flavorful dishes and thoughtful pours, calling it a quintessential modern LES experience.
