For those that think Manhattan’s Lower East Side is all bagels and bialys, think again. While the Jewish history of the neighborhood has no doubt left its’ its print, a collective immigrant history makes the Lower East Side what is it today.
Contemporary galleries now share the streets with storefront throwbacks in what can only be described as truly eclectic in theme. Follow the path NYU student’s recently took to experience the other cultures abound down by the East River.

essex street market: where street vendors go to die; in 1940 NYC mayor LaGuardia decided the neighborhood’s lively street vendor scene would be confined within this market hall

bouboukie: bringing greece to the lower east side

mona dishing out her smash hit spinach pie

the face of happiness

taking in the rest of the now gentrified market space

tuna anyone?

from new school to old school: rivington’s Economy Candy is a throwback to the good old days; since 1937 this family run store has been a LES institution, their shelves filled with an abundance and variety of sugar laden treats sure to bring even Wonka to his knees

a neighborhood where our grandparents once strived to leave, the yuppie kids are coming back to town. contemporary galleries are hidden on every corner showcasing art from around the globe

currently on display at Krause: Hemofields by Jordan Eagles; cow blood encased in layers of resin make these vidid works of art literally come to life

galleries are not the only place on the lower east to take in some art, the streets’ walls are filled with posters and art from the old…

… to the new

jewish and italian immigrants may have once ruled the lower east side street, but now the chinese have grown to call the neighborhood home. Vanessa’s whips up dishes that are sure to transport you to the far east

delicious duck

on to the south east and perhaps the only malay jerky in nyc; go now before it’s gone and turned into…

… a chic little cafe @forgtmenot
Essex Street Market, 120 Essex Street at Delancey, Mon- Sat 8 AM- 9 PM, Sun 10 AM- 6 PM
Boubouki, in the Essex Street Market, Tues- Sun 10 AM- 6 PM
Economy Candy, 108 Rivington Street, Sun- Fri 9 AM- 6 PM, Sat 10 AM- 5 PM
Krause Gallery, 149 Orchard Street, Wed- Sun 12- 6 PM, Mon & Tues by appt, 212 777 7799
Vanessa’s Dumpling House, 118 Eldridge Street, Mon- Sun 7:30 AM- 10:30 PM, cash only
Malaysia Beef Jerky, 95 Elizabeth Street, 212 965 0796, call to be sure they are open
Forgtmenot, 138 Division Street, Mon- Fri 12 PM- 1 AM, Sat & Sun 11 AM- 1 AM, 646 707 3195
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Thanks again Andrew and Streetwise New York Tours!!!