Exploring Manhattans bustling Lower East Side
The Lower East Side has traditionally been a low income area but the Lower East Side of Manhattan New York today offers a multicultural blend of down-to-earth bars and trendy upscale boutiques. Due to the rapid gentrification in recent years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has actually placed the neighbourhood on their list of America’s Most Endangered Places. If you want to get a glimpse of what the area used to be before it is all boutiques and french cafes you should try to visit as soon as possible.
The Lower East Side has always been considered something of the bargain hunters paradise and this is where the New York garment industry first began its journey to success. 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 Lower East Side attracts a lot of tourist from all around the world due to the unique mixture of old and new, cheap and expensive, american and foreign that gives this area its unique soul.
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 restaurant chosen for the scene was Katz’s Deli on 205 E. Houston St; and you can still visit the eatery for a bit to eat or simply to have seen the eatery with your own eyes. If you decide to visit the Deli we recommend the pastrami sandwich or the brisket, both are renound for being really really good. Between Orchard St and Allen St on 137 E Houston St the hungry visitor will also find a bakery serving “The World’s Finest Knishes since 1910″ - Yonah Schimmel’s Knishes Bakery. This bakery has been around for a very long time and actually started selling kniches on Houston street in 1890 regardless of what the sign says. 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. The museum offers guided tours, cultural events and exhibits and is located in the restored 1887 ational Historic Landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue. They also offer walking tours around the neighbourhood with guides that tell you about the neighbourhood. The museum offer free admittance ecery monday between 10 and 12 a.m.
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