Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Luxury Travelers in the Lower East Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Luxury Travelers in the Lower East Side
1. Swan Room
Set within the landmark Nine Orchard, Swan Room is a jewel-box cocktail salon with soaring ceilings, velvet banquettes, and a refined, old-New-York mood. It’s the LES spot for elegant pre-dinner martinis and late-night Champagne.
✓ Why Go:
For luxury travelers, this is where impeccable cocktails meet heritage architecture—an indulgent pause amid the neighborhood’s creative pulse.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings, especially Tuesday–Thursday from 6–9 pm for a serene, upscale crowd; later on weekends for a livelier scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a seat along the banquette facing the bar for the best people-watching. The caviar service pairs beautifully with a classic martini.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the transportive ambiance, polished service, and sophisticated drinks that feel timeless rather than trendy.
2. Mr. Purple
Perched atop the Hotel Indigo LES, Mr. Purple delivers panoramic views of downtown Manhattan with a sleek pool-adjacent terrace and artful cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the neighborhood’s signature rooftop—ideal for sunset Champagne and skyline photography without leaving the LES.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
May–September at golden hour for outdoor terrace vibes; winter weekends for cozy indoor lounge energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive just before sunset to secure an outdoor table; order a mezcal-forward cocktail and keep your camera ready as the lights come on.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the cinematic views and lively yet upscale crowd—classic New York energy with refined service.
3. Double Chicken Please
A globally celebrated cocktail bar with a playful, design-forward interior and a back-room menu of culinary-inspired drinks that surprise and delight.
✓ Why Go:
For a luxury-night-out that’s inventive and intimate—think chef-level technique applied to cocktails.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evenings on weekdays for easier entry; later seatings for a more electric atmosphere.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sit in the back room for the full tasting-style cocktail experience; pair with the namesake chicken sandwich to balance richer drinks.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A favorite for discerning drinkers—guests rave about the creativity, precision, and warm hospitality.
4. Attaboy
Behind an unmarked door on Eldridge Street, Attaboy crafts bespoke cocktails tailored to your palate in an intimate, speakeasy-style space.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a rite of passage for cocktail aficionados—personalized, high-touch mixology with zero pretense.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights right at opening to minimize waits; late nights for a classic LES buzz.
✓ Insider Tip:
Have a flavor profile ready—spirit base and mood—so bartenders can build something exceptional just for you.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a masterclass in hospitality where every drink feels custom, balanced, and memorable.
5. Dirty French
Major Food Group’s sultry bistro inside The Ludlow Hotel pairs bold French classics with New York swagger—think steak au poivre and serious wine.
✓ Why Go:
A glam dining room with impeccable service and an A-list wine list—perfect for a celebratory dinner in the LES.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Prime time 7–9 pm on weekends for buzz; late-night seatings for a more romantic pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start with the mille-feuille of tuna and ask the sommelier for off-list Burgundy gems.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners highlight the vibrant scene, bold flavors, and consistent polish across courses.
6. Russ & Daughters Cafe
An elegant sit-down extension of the century-old appetizing institution—smoked fish, caviar, and babka served with classic New York charm.
✓ Why Go:
It’s heritage luxury on a plate—elevated Jewish appetizing with impeccable sourcing and history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Breakfast or brunch on weekdays to avoid the weekend rush; mid-afternoon for a leisurely experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the smoked fish board with a caviar add-on and a glass of Champagne for a quintessential LES indulgence.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests adore the nostalgia-meets-luxury vibe and flawless classics executed with finesse.
7. Katz's Delicatessen
The most iconic deli in New York since 1888—towering pastrami sandwiches, brined pickles, and a bustling, film-famous dining hall.
✓ Why Go:
Even luxury itineraries need legends—Katz’s is a flavorful look at the LES’s immigrant roots and culinary soul.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays for shorter lines; late-night for a lively, only-in-NYC feel.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight to a carver station and ask for fatty pastrami; grab extra tickets so you can add on at will.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it unforgettable, deliciously over-the-top, and essential to understanding New York food culture.
8. International Center of Photography
A world-class museum anchoring Essex Crossing, showcasing provocative photography and visual culture in thoughtful, design-led galleries.
✓ Why Go:
For a dose of culture steps from top restaurants—ideal for pairing art with a luxe lunch or dinner nearby.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for quiet viewing; check evening openings for special programs.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stop by the bookshop for limited-edition photo books and small-batch prints that make refined souvenirs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the concise, high-quality curation and sophisticated space that rewards slow looking.
9. Essex Market
A historic public market reimagined—artisan purveyors, craft coffee, oysters, and global bites under one sleek roof at Essex Crossing.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a luxe-graze playground where you can curate your own tasting menu before gallery hopping or cocktails.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch on weekdays for elbow room; early evenings for a lively yet comfortable scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Build a progressive meal—start with oysters, add a chef-led counter, finish with small-batch sweets and a natural wine.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the variety, design, and sense of place—a modern market that still feels distinctly LES.
10. Ernesto's
A chic Basque-inspired dining room where pristine seafood, impeccable txuleta, and thoughtful Spanish wines shine.
✓ Why Go:
For refined, ingredient-driven cooking that feels transportive yet grounded in the neighborhood’s creative spirit.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights for chef’s counter seats; weekends for a vibrant, celebratory dining room.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about off-menu specials and seek guidance on sherry pairings—transformative with the seafood.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the understated elegance, confident cooking, and warm, professional service.
