An excellent no-frills espresso bar with great cold brew and pastries. Cash only.
Laid back bar with a solid set of craft beer drafts, communal picnic tables, a projector for games, and a reasonable noise level.
A surprisingly good barbershop turned hip and a little bro-y speakeasy nightclub on weekends. Can get a bit loud but they make a good old fashioned.
Great corner local bar with outdoor seating in the summer right on Tompkins Square park. Friendly staff, good small seafood plates menu and beer selection.
Local dive bar with a great live folk music session on Monday nights. Also popular with Liverpool soccer fans.
Great fresh farm-to-table restaurant for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Go for the kale salad, biscuits, and homemade seltzers.
The East Village is full of amazing ramen, Momofuku is just the most famous (not without reason)... But if the wait is long, skip it.
Good place for a cheap beer and great burger. Best turkey burger in New York. Skip the Crack Kale, it's way too oily.
Wonderful atmosphere and some of the best pizza in the neighborhood. The ebony and ivory pizza is the best on the menu.
Classic New York pizza with creative toppings (clams! brussels sprouts!) — better for takeout or delivery than dining in.
Great pick if you're looking to eat healthy—wonderful selection of seasonal vegetables.
Once you manage to get past running across FDR, East River Park is a wonderful place for a jog.
Get here early on weekends to avoid long lines. Grab a bagel and iced coffee and go enjoy it in Tompkins Square Park.
Quintessential speakeasy — long waits, pricey drinks, dark interior. Feels more like a winter spot (read: it has no windows) for a date than anything else.
Really great place for a warm winter dinner or date. Best to share a few plates as there's a lot of great stuff: duck, schnitzel, sea bass.
Funky underground cocktail bar that feels a bit like the "old" East Village. Can get very crowded (and hot) on a weekend night.
Only on Sundays. Fresh fruit, veggies, bread, cheese, flowers. You can donate clothing for the homeless as well - just find the Man in the Van.
14 seat noodle bar in the East Village, dirt cheap and so delicious. -Yigit Pura, Top Chef Just Desserts
Great place for a quiet breakfast or brunch. Get the Harissa chicken sandwich with a salad and cold brew.
Overpriced and full of scene-sters but it's a nice bar with a beautiful design and interiors.
Montreal-style smoked meat on trendy-as-f**k Bond Street. A good spot if you want Katz's but don't want to wait in line with all of the tourists.
Incredible, decadent, fresh Italian just like mom used to make... if your mom was a celebrated Italian chef. Best Italian I've ever had.
Fun bar with a great staff. Beautiful interior with great seating for bigger groups.
