Nearly two weeks ago, as New York braced for an anticipated blizzard, I managed to catch the last plane that wasn’t canceled and flew into the city for an event. The storm turned out to be less severe than predicted—enough snow to make the sidewalks pretty, but not the chaos everyone feared—so the trip worked out perfectly. I returned with a few snowy memories and photos from my official March stop for a year-long travel project. A bit late posting them, but worth sharing.
Because I wasn’t packed for extreme cold, I didn’t explore the city as much as I normally would. Still, I spent enough time in the Lower East Side to get a feel for the neighborhood and to collect a handful of recommendations for eating, shopping, and staying. Below are the places I enjoyed most and a few I’m saving for next time.
Lower East Side Places to Eat
1. Beauty & Essex — My favorite food spot from this visit. From the street it looks like a kitschy pawn shop, but pass through the façade and you’ll find a stunning two-story restaurant and bar. The cocktails are inventive and the food is consistently excellent. I dined with the Hunter PR team and we ordered a variety of dishes; everything was delicious. Reservations are recommended.
2. Tiny’s Giant Sandwich Shop — A cozy, casual sandwich spot just around the corner from Maryam Nassir Zadeh. Great for a quick, satisfying bite while shopping the neighborhood.
3. Dimes — I didn’t eat here on this trip, but the storefront is charming and the reputation is solid. It’s on my list for next time—if you’ve been, I’d love to hear how it was.
4. Schiller’s Liquor Bar — More relaxed than Beauty & Essex but still a dependable spot for good food and drinks. They’re known for hearty comfort dishes; the chicken pot pie looked tempting, while their burgers are a neighborhood favorite.
Lower East Side Places to Shop
1. Maryam Nassir Zadeh — A beautifully curated boutique with a focused aesthetic. Expect elevated, thoughtfully designed pieces and a higher price point. It’s worth a visit for inspiration and to browse the selection.
2. Assembly New York — A well-curated store featuring contemporary and hard-to-find labels. If you can’t make it in person, they maintain an online shop with many of the same designers.
3. Tictail Market — If you like design-forward decor, clothing, and accessories from independent makers, this market is a delight. I’d been a fan of the online platform and was thrilled to discover a nearby physical market during this trip.
4. Frankie — A women’s clothing shop I didn’t get inside this time, but it’s on my must-visit list for next trip. The window displays and online presence suggest a refined, feminine aesthetic.
Lower East Side Places to Stay
1. Hotel on Rivington — I stayed here and enjoyed the location and style. Rooms are bright with natural light and feature a minimal, modern design with personal touches. The hotel is within easy walking distance of most of the spots listed here, and it also houses Cafe Medi on the ground floor—an attractive, Instagram-worthy restaurant that’s worth adding to your dining list.
2. Sago Hotel — Another neighborhood option that looks promising. I didn’t visit in person this time, but the photos suggest a comfortable, design-forward property suited to the area’s vibe.
Top feature photo from TicTail / Shop section photo from Maryam Nassir Zadeh / All other photos by Brittni Mehlhoff
That’s my quick guide to the Lower East Side—thoughtful places to eat, shop, and stay that capture the neighborhood’s creative, slightly offbeat charm. Did I miss any favorites? I’m always looking for recommendations—what are your must-stop spots in NYC?