locals share their perfect day. find yours.

Lower East Side Crawl

The Lower East Side of Manhattan continues to be one the nightlife hubs of the city. Although there’s always a ton to do in many neighborhoods across New York, the Lower East Side has a density of bars, restaurants, hookah lounges, you name it. Since the area was rezoned in 2008 it now boasts the highest concentration of on premise liquor licenses in all of New York City. For this reason it’s an awesome place to have a proper crawl and hop from one late night spot to the next.

Nicholas M.

Nicholas is a writer with a love for cycling, billiards and table tennis. He is passionate about jazz and piano and both creative and technical writing, education, sociology and economics.

Freemans

American fare, craft cocktails | Colonial tavern decor in hidden-away spot

(212) 420-0012 website

Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002

Checkout the incredibly quaint Freemans. In addition to be a great restaurant and tavern this little restaurant tucked away on it’s own “Freemans Alley” is made to be photographed. You can grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a night cap in style.

Start the evening at Freemans. The restaurant is the creation of Taavo Somer and William Tigertt. The two stumbled upon the cozy space at the end of an unused alley off the Bowery and thought to themselves, this would be the perfect place for a rugged, clandestine, colonial American Tavern. Today, it’s still an inviting and delicious spot serving up simple, rustic fare in a comfortable tavern tucked away on a nearly hidden alley in the LES.

‍

Copper & Oak

Intimate bar serving up whiskeys & other liquors

(212) 460-5546 website

157 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

After diner you’ll be a short five minute walk east on Rivington to Copper & Oak. Whether you’re out with friends or on a date it’s a great place to start the evening. If you appreciate a good whiskey you’re in luck, they have 400 different ones to choose from. Even if whiskey is not your thing they have nearly a hundred varieties of tequila and mezcal and over fifty different rum’s. If you’re looking to put together an event they also offer private parties and tastings.

The Slipper Room

The Slipper Room Burlesque theater & lounge

(212) 253-7246 website

167 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

After you’ve had your fill at Copper & Oak The Slipper Room is just around the corner on Orchard and Stanton. The Slipper Room captures the artistic chaos of the Lower East Side’s nightlife scene. With regular acts, comedy shows, and burlesque performances there’s always something entertaining going on here and worth stopping through. Depending on when you’re looking to be in the area, you can checkout their lineup here.

Pianos

Bar featuring live indie acts and DJ sets

(212) 505-3733 website

158 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002

Next stop on this Lower East Side crawl is local staple, Pianos. If you have for a full night around the LES and you didn’t stop at Pianos, something went wrong. The vibe is quirky. Kind of beach bungalow meets college dive bar but there is always a crowd and the mix of musical acts usually makes the stop worth while. Lady Gaga even used to perform here when she was just starting out.

Katz's Delicatessen

No-frills deli serving mile-high sandwiches since 1888

(212) 254-2246 website

205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

Regardless of where the rest of the night takes you, make sure any light night hunger pangs are cured at Katz’s. Open until 12AM on Friday and 24 hours on Saturday, Katz’s is one of the last remaining old school deli’s in New York. Get a ticket (because that’s a thing here) and exchange that ticket for some of the most delicious corned beef and pastrami you’ve had.