a guide to the east village, nyc
places i will miss not being a resident of the village <3
Ah, how I thought that living in the East Village would be easy breezy. It definitely was a great spot in regards to having some of the best spots in city within a two block radius of my doorstep. After dark was definitely *exciting* and *entertaining*, however, as a girlie who appreciate peace and quiet after 9pm, I think the EV was not the most ideal spot for me to permanently stay.
Yes, there was never a dull moment, however everything I needed (and wanted) was at my finger tips. The best coffee, vintage, gift shopping, food - I mean, I could go on.
So, as I made the great migration to Brooklyn as of exactly two weeks ago, I thought I would share my absolute favorite spots in the East Village, because truth be told, I already miss living next to these places.
These are only a few of my favorites, but if you’re visiting from out of town, all of these spots I definitely wouldn’t miss.
Confectionary!
The best vegan chocolate and baked goods store you can walk into. This place is everything you want in a baked goods shop. It’s bright, colorful, all of the staff there are the kindest people, and most importantly, all of the treats are insanely delicious. Treats rotate seasonally, however they do have some staples that you can get year round. I remember them saying that people travel from all over to try their vegan macaroons, and I can confidently say they are worth the hype.
My favorites are: GF Walnut Brownie, Pistachio Blackberry Thumbprint Cookie, Furious Vulva Pink Peppercorn Chocolate, Peppermint Patty, S’more Chocolate Tahini Caramel.
From Lucie.
The BEST GF cakes and baked goods. Not to mention they are all absolutely stunning. These cakes make for a perfect gift, especially if your headed to a birthday or some kind of chic celebration. Honestly I would probably let From Lucie do my wedding cake, that’s how beautiful they are. If you’re headed over there for a treat, it’s worth mentioning that they also have great coffee.
C&B
Great coffee. Cool vibes. Their breakfast sandwiches hit. Amazing pastries. I haven’t personally had the cinnamon rolls that they make but damn do they look good.
I always feel like a cool girl whenever I go to get coffee there just bc the vibes are always immaculate. Expect the perfect record spinning to set the mood, a little bit of line, and beautiful people everywhere lol. You can tell that this coffee shop has built a community. On Sundays, they even have a guy playing a huge jazz bass outside. It’s a whole vibe.
La Cabra
Hyped, but like worth the hype. Just don’t go on the weekend and know that they have a no laptop policy, so you can’t really sit down and do work there, however it is awesome to get to go or to meet a friend.
If you’re visiting, I would say this is definitely a spot to come and get a pastry. The Cardamom Bun is what they’re known for but everything I’ve gotten from there is absolutely delicious. You walk in and that fresh bakery scent hits you in the face and you never want it to leave your nostrils. Keep in mind they only have cow’s milk and oat milk.
My favorites: A cardamom bun + au lait
East Village Organic
The cutest little mom and pop grocery there ever was. If you live in the area, it’s not a place where you can do all of your grocery shopping, but you can definitely do a good amount. It’s exactly what you would envision when you picture a grocery in the heart of the east village. The real gem of this place lies in their juice/smoothie bar. Their smoothies have clean ingredients, (hard to come by with smoothie spots in NYC) taste absolutely delicious, and are the perfect treat in the summer.
My favorite smoothies: Green Machine, Coco Cloud
Ninth St Espresso
This coffee shop gives a vintage vibe. It’s quaint, there’s basically nowhere to sit, the coffee is simply made and they have a few select pastries from C&B. If you’re going to go here, go because you want good quality coffee, rather than the complete ‘coffee shop experience’. Also, note that they only have regular milk or oat milk, so if you’re an almond milk girlie, this might not be the spot for you. (I have noticed hot tattooed men get coffee here lmao).
Apollo Bagels
Okay, don’t judge me but I actually haven’t been here yet. I’ve been dying to go and there is always a line wrapped around the corner every time I pass the place. I’ve heard the bagels are unlike anything in the city. For me, the perfect Sunday would include starting your morning with Apollo and then heading over to enjoy it at Tompkins Sq. The people watching will not disappoint.
Café Mogador
The best Moroccan inspired food. Small plates, Tagine, yummy brunch - I would literally would go here for any meal. This is definitely a dinner spot where you could feel comfortable wearing jeans and a tee and enjoy a meal that doesn’t disappoint. They also have a location in Williamsburg.
My favorites: Spicy Carrots, Marinated Beets, Lamb Shank Tagine, Moroccan Eggs, Salmon Nicoise Salad
Penny
If you’re a seafood fan - buckle up. This is some of the best seafood I’ve had in New York, and honestly I think the ambiance of the restaurant definitely helped. When you walk up, you feel like you’re immediately transported to a little spot on a Greek island. The big beautiful white counter is the only place where you’re able to sit, and you get to see the chefs prepare your food right in front of you. There is literally not a bad seat in the house, however, if you’re going with more than one person, be prepared to sit at a bar, not a table.
Everything we got was delicious, the wine, caviar. UGH. If you can’t get a reservation, I would wait outside at around 5pm on a weeknight and put your name in. When I went, we did that and we actually ended up getting a seat right away.
My favorites: Sesame Brioche + Anchovy + Butter, Octopus + Potato Salad, Oysters (because, duh)
Cloak & Dagger
The cutest little boutique. Great brands like Rolla’s and Boy Smells. They also have a ton from American Vintage. A good spot for a gift or if you need some new denim.
Mast Books
If the East Village were embodied as a indie bookstore, this would be the store. This isn’t a traditional bookstore, rather a collection of books / gallery space that encourages you to appreciate books as an art form.
Jane’s Cook Shop
Kitchen and cookware shops are my Super Bowl. If you’re looking for a place to get a good gift, this is absolutely your spot. Yes, they have beautiful and unique international cookware that will perfectly adorn your home, but they also have unique pantry items that make a nice addition to any meal. Think: Fishwife tinned fish, Brightland olive oil, Fly By Jing Chili Oil, and other fun and unique pantry gifts.
Crystals Garden
The sweetest little plant, crystal, high vibe shop with the sweetest owners. A great place to get someone a unique bundle of sage, or get yourself a plant. They have all kinds of pots in there and will even pot your new plant for you. A great place to get your witchy friend a nice gift, or treat yourself to something beautiful.
Flower Power Herbs and Roots
The witchiest shop in the EV. This was right down the street from me, and honestly I wish I went in more than I did. They have every spice/herb that you could possibly need. Essential oils, bundles of sage and palo santo, tinctures for any ailment you could need. Think of this has your pharmacy that would’ve existed before Western medicine. A great shop to go into if you need some healing energy in your life, need a gift for your witchy friend, or need an excuse to buy more essential oils.
I could absolutely to a part two with the EV, so let a girl know if you’re into it. Love you big.
xo, J