On any given day, you’ll find iced latte-sipping NYU students at one of the East Village’s many cafes — and at night, you’ll find them on St. Marks Place, getting drinks at a bar, watching free comedy shows and snagging a late-night sweet treat. But besides its trendy appeal, this buzzing, slightly grungy neighborhood is also one of New York City’s most longstanding hubs of music, art and poetry, preserving the legacy of iconic residents like Keith Haring and Jack Kerouac — making every day in the East Village an exciting one.
Immaculate Conception Church Flea Market | $$
414 E. 14th St.
A sunny day will never fail to bring NYU students outside en masse. As the city slowly but surely gets warmer in anticipation of spring, make your first stop in the East Village an outdoor flea market in the backyard of the Church of Immaculate Conception. This unnamed market is open year-round but only on the weekends from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., hosting an abundance of vendors. Some offer an affordable selection of funky jewelry and colored pendants, while others boast a colorful range of leather bags and jackets that are perfect for the in-between weather of March. You can also bargain for unique antiques, music records and even paintings to decorate your dorm or apartment with. Prepare to devote most of your morning to securing a find — but you’ll definitely leave with something by the end. Most booths do not accept card, so make sure to bring cash or download Zelle before exploring this casual yet quality market.
— Julia Kim, Deputy Culture Editor
Sobaya | $$
229 E. 9th St.
Known for its authentic dishes and fresh ingredients, Sobaya is one of the true gems of the neighborhood. The restaurant is nestled in the heart of the East Village’s Little Tokyo and has a Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide. While Sobaya serves a variety of Japanese classics like donburi and pork katsu, the crown jewel of this comforting Japanese pub is the soba. Soba is a type of thin noodle made from buckwheat flour, and at Sobaya, it is handmade daily. During warmer weather, the dish is meant to be served chilled with dipping sauce, and in the cooler months, in hearty broths. But if you’re anything like me, you’ll eat the cold version in any type of weather. Be sure to snag a table between noon and 3 p.m. to take advantage of Sobaya’s extensive selection of lunch specials. The Everyday Lunch, which offers a combination of donburi and soba or udon, is my personal favorite.
— Grace Tan, Identity & Equity Editor
St. Marks Place | $$
Third Avenue to Avenue A
While many know St. Marks Place for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants and jazz scene, fewer are aware of its rich history as a cultural and artistic hub. The street has long been a gathering place for countercultures, from the bohemian movement of the 1960s to the punk rock revolution of the 1980s, and that spirit still thrives today. Iconic stores like Search & Destroy offer punk rock-inspired clothing, leather jackets, band tees and bold accessories. Another goldmine for fashion collectors is Flamingos Vintage Pound. With more than 40 stores across the US, the brand announced its return to the East Village in February. Charging $17.99 per pound of vintage clothing, and offering a 30% discount for items over 2.5 lbs — Flamingos pride themselves on their affordability and versatility. Next time you’re on St. Marks, check out these shops that keep its rebellious spirit alive.
— Daphne Zhu, Beauty & Style Editor
Superiority Burger | $$
119 Avenue A
You wouldn’t expect an old school-looking diner with red leather booths and tacky plastic menus to serve up some of the best vegetarian and vegan food in the city — but like the East Village itself, Superiority Burger is quirky and unexpected. The best way to approach this meat-free hotspot, which The New York Times deemed the city’s second-best restaurant in 2023, is to appreciate its emphasis on all things veggie. As opposed to plant-based meat products like Beyond Meat, vegetables are the unapologetic star in dishes like the juicy, cheesy Collard Greens Sandwich on homemade focaccia and the Superiority Burger, which features a soft chickpea and red quinoa patty, decadent roasted tomato jam, thick-cut pickles and melted muenster cheese. New York Easter eggs are hidden throughout the menu, like in the Sweet & Sour Beets, which sit on a bed of scallion cream cheese. End your meal with the boba-esque Pearl Pie, filled with passionfruit custard and topped with a heaping spoonful of tapioca, to sufficiently bask in Superiority Burger’s strangely comforting glory.
— Lauren Ng, Culture Editor
Ray’s Candy Store | $
113 Avenue A
After serving in the Iranian Navy, Ray Alvarez opened Ray’s Candy Store in 1974 — now, more than half a century later, both he and his shop are living legends. Contrary to its name, Ray’s serves mostly ice cream and fried comfort food. Soft serve and fried oreos aren’t anything new, but both the low-country nostalgia and warm-hearted hospitality makes Alvarez’s treats the best in town. Going to the shop is a perfectly acceptable year-round activity — try a classic sundae in the summer and a fried pastry in the winter. For the ultimate Ray’s dining experience, take the beignets with a side, or even a cup, of Nutella for dipping over to a bench across the street in Tompkins Square Park.
— Bella Simonte, Dining Editor
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