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. So if you want to catch a glimpse of the Lower East Side before it is all art students and French cafes, this is the time to go.
This is where the New York garment industry first started, it is and has always been seen as an area that offer great bargains. It is still possible to find great bargains in places like Orchad street but the area has an influx of trendy shops and cutting edge designer brands. 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.
If you want to explore the Lower East Side nightlife, Clinton St and Ludlow St is a good place to start since this part of LES has the highest density of night clubs. For those interested in live music, the Bowery Ballroom on Delancey Street offer up the stage for alternative rock bands and visitors wishing to experience some live punk music should definitely head for C-Squat. Live music is also offered in several bars, such as Cake Shop and Living Room on Ludlow Street and Arlene’s Grocery on Stanton Street.
Culturally, the Lower East Side is famous for being a centre for the development of American Jewish culture in 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 scene was filmed in Katz’s Deli which is located on 205 E. Houston St; a place that is still open for business. This classic delicatessen serves a celebrated pastrami sandwich and the brisket is also to die for. “The World’s Finest Knishes since 1910″ is a sign you can see outside Yonah Schimmel’s Knishes Bakery between Orchard St and Allen St on 137 Houston street. This bakery is actually even older than that and has been selling knishes on Houston Street since 1890. It is now one of few distinctly Jewish bakeries in the neighbourhood.
Feel free to visit the museum in the Eldrige Street Synagogue which offers a lot of information about the culture, history and traditions of the jewish immigrants to the lower east side. Situated within the restored 1887 National Historic Landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue, the museum offers exhibits, guided tours and cultural events like concerts and film screenings. They also offer walking tours around the neighbourhood with guides that tell you about the neighbourhood. You can visit the museum for free every monday between 10 and 12 a.m.