East Village is a wondrous playground for dating couples. Restaurants, bars, cafes, lounges, museums, and less common venues provide an endless array of options. Early in its’ history, the 1900’s East Village was a vast area of farmland. In the 1920s and 30s, the land underwent division and purchase by new immigrants. The residents were of the working class and immigrants, so the area resembled slums. During the 1960’s East Village gained a reputation with the artistic and hippie community. Museums, cafes, clubs, galleries, bars, and off-beat performance venues flourished all over the area. Today, with its Bohemian flair, the East Village boasts a robust nightlife and artistic community.
As you enjoy all that the East Village has to offer, remember that most places require a COVID vaccination card upon entering.
Unique Pre-dinner Destinations
Russian and Turkish Baths (re-opening shortly in October, proof of vaccine required)
This historic bathhouse opened its’ doors in 1892 and has been a piece of New York City’s history ever since. There is an on-site restaurant that serves all-day breakfast, lunch, snacks, beer, and wine.
Founded in 1977, the New Museum aims to introduce the works of up and coming, contemporary artists in the museum space. With the constantly revolving exhibitions, consult the website for more information.
Museum of the American Gangster
Since 2010, the museum has preserved original documents, articles, and artifacts from the Prohibition era. Just across the street, a local speakeasy was a frequent haunt of Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and John Gotti.
Initially built as a synagogue, the Angel Orensanz Center is a beautiful art and performance venue. Housing sculptures, paintings, installations, and environmental art, this beautiful space is sure to inspire and impress.
Wine Bars
Bibi Wine Bar – Happy Hour is Every Day
The Bibi Wine Bar is reminiscent of a traditional French wine bar, covered in wood, with tall ceilings and large windows. An extensive wine list and daily happy hour make Bibi the perfect haunt for a pre-dinner drink.
A cozy and elegant combination of brick with wood creates a uniquely “urban-rustic” atmosphere. In addition, the Immigrant provides wine, as well as beer, and cocktails for the non-winos.
Somm Time is a truly intimate wine bar with exposed brick and candle lights. With elegant touches and a genuinely diverse wine list, Somm Time is sure to please the harshest of critics.
Inside the East Village historical area, the Ruffian offers an impressive wine list with over 250 bottles and vegetable-based dishes. The space is intimate and rustic, making it an excellent venue for a romantic encounter.
A unique wine and tapas bar serving Korean/Brazilian tapas in a fun, rustic setting. On the last Wednesdays of every month, Gomi hosts a shuck-your-own oyster party where patrons get to show off their shucking skills.
Top Restaurants
Nai Tapas Restaurant-(Spanish) Live Flamenco
In addition to an exploratory dining experience, on Thursdays and Saturday evenings, you can enjoy a live Flamenco show while dining (upstairs seating, call ahead to verify). The atmosphere crosses between a rustic Spanish restaurant and an NYC dining scene with lights streaming in from the prominent corner widow.
Oiji (Korean)
The dining room is a minimalistic blend of natural brick, stone, and wood. Chefs Brian Kim and Tae Kyung Ku provide the patrons with a feast to satisfy all senses. Exquisitely arranged plates are a modern take on Korean/seasonal food.
Thursday Kitchen (Korean/Spanish)
In a rustic, cozy bar/restaurant, chef Kay Hyun serves new Korean fusion cuisine tapas-style. So put your name on the list and grab a drink since Thursday Kitchen does not take reservations.
Brasserie Saint Marc (French)
Brasserie Saint-Marc is a classic French café with a contemporary flair. In harmony with the neighborhood’s bohemian influence, artwork adorns the brick walls. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a warmly lit, romantic French wine cellar.
Mama Mia (Italian)
Offering happy hour and live music on Fridays, this neighborhood family-owned gem has served Italian classics since 1971. With tin-adorned ceilings, the effect is cozy and rustic.
Buenos Aires (Argentinean)
Buenos Aires is an authentic Argentinean steakhouse with a classic menu. The vibe is festive, colorful reminiscent of the countryside.
Hearth (Tuscan/Farm-to-Table)
Chef Marco Canora celebrates natural and wholesome ingredients in his Tuscan creations. You will feel right at home in the warm and inviting dining room.
Noreetuh (Hawaiian)
Photographs of sea creatures and Hawaii adorn the walls of this cozy sea-themed destination. With a festive menu, notable wine, and sake list, Noreetuh truly lives up to the name (“playground” in Korean).
Root and Bone (Southern American)
In an inviting, country-themed dining room, chefs Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth create contemporary southern cuisine with a flair.
Tuome (Contemporary American/Asian)
A genuinely urban space adorned with bamboo, wine racks, and brick is the setting for this Michelin star restaurant. Chef Thomas Chen serves colorful, fusion dishes while showcasing natural ingredients.
Bars and Clubs
Angel’s Share (Speakeasy Cocktail Bar/Raw bar)
The artwork of a saucy angel (reminiscent of Michelangelo) adorns the ceilings of this famous cocktail destination. Angel’s Share creates exotic, Japanese-influenced cocktails and a raw bar.
The Slipper Room (Performance Lounge)
The legendary Slipper room resembles a sultry lounge, complete with red curtains and an atmosphere reminiscent of an old-world bordello. Theater, dancing, burlesque, comedy, circus, aerial artists perform as patrons sip their cocktails. Reservations are available online with some tickets at the door. Seating is limited.
Club Cumming (Cabaret)
In this sexy lounge, cabaret and drag shows take center stage. Decorated with chandeliers and curtains, this darkly lit destination attracts loyal devotees.
Nublu (Music Club)
Nublu is an award-winning jazz club with its record label. This popular live performance venue offers cocktails and beer in a dimly red-lit ambiance.
Nuyorican Pet’s Café (Performance Café/Bar)
Poet Miguel Algarin opened the café to showcase the underrepresented minority group in the art world. This eclectic neighborhood gem features drinks, poetry, music, comedy, and more.
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