BRAND／Explore NYC with Linda – Part 2: The East Village, a Youth Playground

Text & Photography ／ Linda | Editor ／ Chara

The East Village is a neighborhood that comes alive at night. It’s the historic center of New York’s counterculture movement, which has since gradually gentrified. Yet it still retains its rebellious, free-spirited, punk edge, along with a mysterious tattoo culture. Packed with vintage shops, this compact yet fully functional little entertainment district truly has it all. Follow New York expert Linda as she takes you deep into the charm of the East Village.

Plant Parenting Plan Go

This area is densely packed with Japanese eateries like ramen joints, yakiniku restaurants, and izakayas, earning the East Village the nickname “Little Tokyo.” But it’s actually a lot of fun during the day too. Start your morning with brunch, spend the afternoon browsing vintage shops, enjoy dinner in the evening, switch to another spot for dessert, and end the night with a drink at a bar — you can do it all in one day here.

Crif Dogs. An Adventure Inside a Hot Dog Joint

Stop buying tourist hot dogs from street vendors, okay? (Preaching with concern) So many people mistake those for real New York-style hot dogs. (Shaking finger vigorously) The best experiences in NYC are the ones where you go exploring. This seemingly run-down hot dog shop hides an upscale bar called PDT inside. You need to make a reservation by phone in advance at (212) 614-0386. Then, push open a hidden wooden door on the left side of Crif Dogs to enter a phone booth, pick up the receiver, and speak to someone inside the bar — only then will they let you in.

PDT Website http://www.pdtnyc.com/

Lucien. Affordable French Cuisine

A super cozy little French restaurant that you absolutely must visit. (Laughs) It’s considered quite affordable in the world of French dining. The pan-seared foie gras (Foie Gras Maison), classic onion soup (Soup à l’Oignon Classique), Burgundy snails (Escargots de Bourgogne), and whole lobster with tomato confit over pasta (Whole Lobster and Tomato Confit on a Bed of Pasta) are all excellent. If you’re feeling adventurous with rabbit, try the Lapin à la Moutarde.

Vintage Shopping Heaven

St. Marks Pl., between Second and Third Avenues, is not only full of restaurants but also packed with stalls and subculture shops — punk rock clothing stores, tattoo and piercing services, stained glass hookah vendors. You can stroll around freely; it’s very safe, no worries.

Metropolis Vintage N.Y.C. Bohemian Wanderer Vibes

A typical young hippie-style vintage shop with a rich selection of clothing and shoes for both men and women, in a wide range of sizes. Carved Oxford boots, oversized denim jackets, floral dresses fit for grandma, and wrinkled plaid shirts — the store is organized by style, making it a delight to browse.

Local Clothing. A Japanese-Inspired Vintage Shop

A vintage shop with a Japanese-girl aesthetic. The owner personally brings in inventory from Japan every season. But unlike the cute styles you find in local Japanese vintage stores, this one is different. The owner is a real character. Once, after chatting, he found out I was Taiwanese and gave me a pair of gold-and-silver heart earrings as a gift to thank Taiwan for its support after the Japanese earthquake. Thank you, Taiwan — isn’t that just the epitome of sincerity?

The Upper Rust. Secondhand Furniture Hunting

An amazing secondhand furniture, decor, and household goods store. You’ll find both common and uncommon items here. If you’re into vintage furniture, you’ll definitely want to get in touch with a shipping company to bring some pieces home after visiting.

Want to dive deep into the soul of the Big Apple? Then follow Linda on her adventure.

《Linda’s Guide: The Lane Life of New Yorkers》