There goes the neighborhood

Olivia’s unofficial guide to the Lower East Side, Two Bridges, and Chinatown.

I like to consider myself a little bit of an aficionado when it comes to recommending things.

Nothing makes me happier than when a friend loves a restaurant I told them to go to, something I told them to buy, or a bar to check out. I feel like Tinkerbell—applause and approval keep me alive. I love apps like Beli, Letterboxd, and Goodreads, and spend a lot of my time on this app telling you all things you should do, eat, see, and buy.

This fall marks my fourth in the Lower East Side. There are some places I’ve gone to since I moved in back in 2022, and there are some places I’ve just discovered but instantly fell in love with. By no means am I a New Yorker or even semblance of my neighborhood community, but I do know my way around and I am a good time. Is my Seward Park library card enough?

Selfishly, it would also be nice to have all of my recommendations in one place, even though I’m sure I’ll forget some. I promise I won’t say Dimes Square stereotypical performative things like the fruit slushee bodega that I went to for the first time this spring or Kiki’s (even though you should go to Kiki’s).

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Where you can shop:

The Lower East Side has more “vintage” stores per capita than any other place in the world, I’m pretty sure. There are four in a row on Essex in between Grand and Hester alone. Here’s where you can go to avoid the TikTokers at Rogue.

$ = Under $50

$$ = $50-200

$$$ = $200+

• Lara Koleji ($$)

  This is a celebrity and cool girl-favorite, but for good reason. They carry all of the typical luxury brands which exceed the $$ mark, but there are some great affordable finds that are expertly curated and very chic.

• 2 Bridge Mall ($-$$$)

  Under the Manhattan Bridge lies something that looks like an abandoned mall, but is actually home to James Veloria, Eckhaus Latta, Old Jewelry Store (that’s the name), and lots of other contemporary and vintage apparel and accessory stores. I got my vintage Chloé blazer from a few posts back at James Veloria, and I’m saving up to get something from Old Jewlery. Read Pre-Loved’s deep dive into the history and contents of 2 Bridge.

  The Vintage Treasure Trove in a Chinatown Mall

• Susan Alexandra ($$)

  This is kind of an obvious one, but if you don’t know Susan Alexandra, I will happily introduce you. Even if you don’t make a purchase, this is a really fun store to visit, everyone who works there is very nice and cool, and it always feels great to support a local female designer. You should listen to Susan’s

  Throwing Fits
  interview before going.

• TUMBAO ($$)

  My friend Eliza and I stumbled upon this shop thinking it was just a pop up, but we still make a point to visit every time we’re shopping on Orchard over a year later. TUMBAO is home to independent Latin American designers and gives them a space to sell in the heart of Lower Manhattan. This is a great place to buy someone a gift or to get something to wear out later that same night.

• Coming Soon ($-$$$)

  I’ve spoken about Coming Soon a few times over the years on here, but would be remiss to not include it on my master guide. Best place for gifts in the Lower East Side, little trinkets, fun home furnishings, and more.

• Rainy Sunday Morning ($-$$)

  Another amazing gift place and my latest discovery. I absolutely love Rainy Sunday Morning and can picture myself going in almost every weekend for the foreseeable future. If you’re getting a Christmas present from me this year, it’ll be from Easy Sunday Morning. Amazing Korean and international artisans are featured here.

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Where you can eat casually:

After shopping, you and your friends might be famished, in desperate need of something that isn’t a $32 steak frites or an hour and a half wait at Kiki’s. Here’s where you can grab something quick and easy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These are also all great for eating alone (with the exception of Hometown Hotpot).

$ = Under $10

$$ = $10-20

$$$ = Over $20

• Dimes Deli ($$)

  The namesake of where Canal lies between Allen and Essex, Dimes Deli is one of the three Dimes establishments located in the square. Cozy up to their mirrored bar and grab a smoothie, açaí bowl, salad, or one of their bowls for some fuel.

• North Dumpling ($)

  This is one of the famous cheap dumpling spots in town, so apologies if this is a basic recommendation. Bring cash, but you won’t need much, because you can get 10 dumplings, wonton soup, or noodles for $4, and scallion pancakes or spring rolls for $2. They also have amazing merch.

• Little Canal ($$)

  One of my favorite spots to meet a friend for a coffee as well as my favorite breakfast burrito in the neighborhood, Little Canal also turns into a bar at night with a great happy hour and even better spicy margs.

• Julia Jean’s Ice Cream ($)

  I wasn’t sure where to put this because it’s ice cream, but I needed to shout Julia Jean’s out somewhere. Their chocolate shower and butter pecan are my favorite two scoops to get, and I just saw on Instagram that they have a seasonal apple cider flavor I’m desperate to try.

• Shu Jiao Fu Zhou ($)

  Another classic spot like North Dumpling, you can get peanut noodles for $3.25 and some banger pan fried pork dumplings. They take card, which is a plus if you didn’t plan ahead.

• Hometown Hot Pot ($$$)

  This may be the priciest option on the casual list, but boy is it worth it. I’m not someone who can eat hotpot in the summer, but the temperature is dropping and typing this just made me pause to text my friend to see if she wants to go soon. The all you can eat exceeds the price of $45, just don’t make any plans for after.

• Cocoron ($$)

  I had Cocoron for the first time this past winter at the recommendation of my coworkers, and it’s become another staple cozy spot for me. I get the Warm Mera Mera Soba and the Matcha Beer.

• Forgetmenot (aka FGM General) ($$)

  I’m not sure how this place is affiliated with Kiki’s (their next door neighbor), but when the wait is too long over there, you can still get the same grilled meats and dip platter a few doors down, along with other great basic meals. Also a nice place to catch a drink or hang outside.

• Sushi Hatsune ($$)

  My favorite new sushi takeout spot. Just delicious. Their dinner deal is amazing. Also some amazing SEO on their Google listing.

• Congee Village ($$$)

  My holy grail Chinese food spot. They also have karaoke rooms! My picks are the soy sauce chow main, pan fried pork dumplings, and the sesame chicken. Basic, I know.

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Where you can eat and spend some money:

I’m lucky to live close to some of the best longstanding restaurants alongside the latest hottest spots. In the LES, it’s a tossup as to if you’re going to have to hire a Resybot to get you in somewhere or if you can just walk in on a Saturday night. Here are some options for both scenarios.

$ = Under $50 (per person)

$$ = Under $100 (per person)

$$$ = Over $150 (per person)

• Casino ($$)

  Casino was really hot in 2023-2024, but the hype has died down and now it’s just a really cool vibe with solid food. The interiors are worth the visit alone, and it’s the perfect place to go with a bigger group since you’ll most likely always be able to get a reservation. The only con is that they definitely don’t rush you out, but it’s perfect for a long dinner.