Also known as the city that never sleeps, there’s always something going in New York City, and whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a Big Apple newbie, there’s always something new to discover.
There’s way too much on offer to explore the whole city in just one visit, so here’s a rundown on what’s hot in New York’s East Village right now. Here’s our guide to the best places to eat and drink while you’re there.
The Bowery Hotel
The Bowery Hotel might give the impression that it’s one of the area’s oldest residents, but the dark wooden panelling, fittings and fixtures are actually fairly new additions to the East Village. The hip hotel was built from scratch by Eric Good and Sean Macpherson, who are actually the pair behind the equally stylish Maritime Hotel. The duo has travelled all over the world and the hotel’s trendy furnishings reflect that. Expect an eclectic mish-mash of Moroccan tiles, Venetian plaster ceilings and Turkish Oushak rugs.
The Bowery King rooms are definitely the best in the house, so if you’re willing to splurge you’ll be treated to full-length casement windows offering breath-taking views of the city skyline as well as marble bathtubs so you can relax and unwind after a busy day of shopping and sightseeing.
But luxurious accommodation isn’t the only thing on offer at The Bowery! Rub shoulders with the hipsters and Hollywood VIPs as you sip cocktails in the lobby bar, or tuck in to a mouth-watering Italian meal at the hotel’s guests-only Gemma restaurant.
DBGB Kitchen & Bar
You won’t have to go far to find this French-American delight as it’s just down the street from The Bowery. The waiters are understandably enthusiastic about the food they serve which ranges from fresh plump oysters to melt-in-the-mouth burgers, and you can enjoy your grub as you admire the walls adorned with quotes from the likes of Oscar Wilde and Heston Blumenthal.
Momofuku
This East Village hipster joint attracts customers from all over the world, so if you want to join in on the culinary fun, get online to www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/New-York/ and book your tickets. Once you’re on the ground and in Momofuku, you’ll feel like you’re flying again – its food is heavenly! Steamed buns and pork belly ramen are particular favourites here, but make sure you don’t miss out on a scoop of soft olive oil ice cream. It might be something of an acquired taste, but you shouldn’t leave without trying!
Pulino’s
Still on the same street as The Bowery, Pulino’s pizzeria is the hippest place in town to share a thin and crispy margarita. Even the bathrooms in this place are impressive, with chrome fittings alongside tarnished mirrors. It’s shabby chic at its finest!
Sugar Sweet Sunshine
If you have a sweet tooth, a cupcake from Sugar Sweet Sunshine is the best way to satisfy it. It’s the best place in the East Village to get your sugar fix. Away from the hustle and bustle of some of the East Village’s other eateries, this cute little place is tucked away on Rivington Street and serves up mouth-watering treats including cupcakes, banana pudding, cheesecakes, pistachio bundt and delicious coffee. It’s also a great way to sit back and watch the city’s trendsetters dash in to pick up boxes of cupcakes for their socialite gatherings.