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“There’s still a lot of creative stores,” said Stanton Blackmer, co-owner of the vintage eyeglasses shop Fabulous Fanny’s on East Ninth Street. “A lot of artists make it interesting, and it’s nice to be a part of that.”
The unique, independently owned shops create a sharp contrast to nearby areas like SoHo and Greenwich Village that are now dominated by designer stores and upscale restaurants.
“It’s not as commercialized yet,” said Corlie Ohl, a Citi Habitats real estate saleswoman who’s lived in the East Village for 10 years.
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To relax, East Villagers enjoy small pockets of green space, including Tompkins Square Park (pictured), that allow them to escape the city bustle.“What I love the most are the community gardens in the area,” said Miriam Young, a 31-year-old resident. “It’s really fun to explore and have some quiet space.”
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Raclette
195 Ave. A: This tiny sandwich shop has Swiss raclettes, French croques and more. 917-853-5377
Caracas Arepa Bar
93 1/2 E. Seventh St.: For authentic arepas, sweet plantains and micheladas, check out this lively Venezuelan eatery. Caracasarepabar.com
Supper
156 E. Second St.: With classic northern Italian dishes from pasta to chicken, Supper offers a laid-back vibe and hearty food. Supperrestaurant.com
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The Wayland
700 E. Ninth St.: This Alphabet City bar serves inventive cocktails, like the “I Hear Banjos — encore!” with apple pie moonshine. Thewaylandnyc.com
Proletariat
102 St. Marks Place: One of the many bars on St. Marks Place, Proletariat stands out for its unusual and rare beers, including Stillwater Folklore and Oxbow Crossfade. Proletariatny.com
Continental
25 Third Ave.: An old punk-rock hangout spot, this bar still offers cheap drinks and old-movie screenings. Continentalnyc.com
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Community 54
186 Ave. B: Selling mostly men’s streetwear and vintage collectibles, Community 54 looks more like an arcade from the outside than a clothing boutique. Community54.com
Still House
117 E. Seventh St.: A small boutique with its own line of jewelry, Still House sells minimalist pieces and small home goods. Stillhousenyc.com
The Lodge
220 E. 10th St.: This men’s shop features quirky accessories, home goods and grooming products, all made in America. Lodgegoods.com
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Photo Credit: Linda Rosier
Real estate prices in the East Village are constantly rising, as they are in the rest of Manhattan — but unlike other parts of the city where gentrification is taking a toll, this downtown nabe’s authenticity is still thriving.
Historically home to Bohemian artists, musicians and students, the East Village is particularly attractive to young people, which is made evident by the plethora of coffee shops and bars on every avenue. But locals say that, most of all, the East Village is a haven for artists.
