Traditionally a low-income immigrant neighbourhood, the Lower East Side of Manhattan New York has become a very different place than it used to be and is today home to a mixture of upscala boutiques and down to earth bars. The area has in recent year gone through a rapid gentrification and the National Trust for Historical Preservation now deems the neighbourhood as one of the most endagered places in the entire U.S. If you want to get a glimpse of what the area used to be before it is all boutiques and french cafes you should try to visit as soon as possible.
This is where the New York garment industry first started, it is and has always been seen as an area that offer great bargains. With increasing rents the neighbourhood has had an influx of trendy shops and high-priced cutting-edge designers, but you can still enjoy marvellous bargain shopping along Orchad Street every Sunday afternoon. The blend of old and new, pricy and cheap, immigrant and yet so quintessentially American, makes the Lower East Side a bustling hub that attracts visitors and residents from all over the world.
The Lower East Side offer great nightlife and Ludlow St and Clinton St are good places to start since these street have the highest density of night clubs on the Lower East Side. If you are looking for live music there are a lot of choices such as C-Squat, a highly regarded live punk club and if you prefer rock you can try visiting the Bowery Ballroom. There are also several bars such as arlene’s Grocery on Stanton ST and the Cake shop on Ludlow St that offers live music.
The Lower East Side is the cradle of the American Jewish culture in the United States Manhattan NYC; especially during the 19th and 20th century. What was once a primarely jewish neighbourhood is today becoming more diverse as Jewish immigrants and their decendants are being replaced by people moving her from different backgrounds but they Jewish heritage is still clearely visable and can be seen shops like kosher delis and bakeries as well as in other traditional jewish shops along Essex St and Hester St, there is also Yeshiva day schools in the area. It is important to remember that Orthodox Jews will close their shops on saturdays and jewish holidays and you will have to consider this when you plan your trip.
Did you know that the legendary fake orgasm scene in “When Harry Met Sally” was shot in one of the eating establishments at Lower East Side? The restaurant chosen for the scene was Katz’s Deli on 205 E. Houston St; and you can still visit the eatery for a bit to eat or simply to have seen the eatery with your own eyes. If you decide to visit the Deli we recommend the pastrami sandwich or the brisket, both are renound for being really really good. Between Orchard St and Allen St on 137 E Houston St the hungry visitor will also find a bakery serving “The World’s Finest Knishes since 1910″ – Yonah Schimmel’s Knishes Bakery. This bakery is actually even older than that and has been selling knishes on Houston Street since 1890. It is one of the last distinctly Jewish bakeries left in this part of town.
If you want to learn more about the culture, history and traditions of the great wave of Jewish immigrants to the Lower East Side don’t hesitate to pay a visit to the museum located at the Eldridge Street Synagogue. The museum offers guided tours, cultural events and exhibits and is located in the restored 1887 ational Historic Landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue. It is also possible to sign up for a guided walking tour in the neighbourhood. You can visit the museum for free every monday between 10 and 12 a.m.
