The granddaddy of New York City [1] delicatessens is Katz’s (205 Houston St., at Ludlow St., 212/254-2246, sandwiches $9), a huge, cafeteria-style place where you take a number at the door. Overhead hang WWII-era signs reading “Send a salami to your boy in the Army.”
Also in the neighborhood, ‘inoteca (98 Rivington St., 212/614-0473) offers small plate dining with a wide range of cheeses and a terrific wine list.
Paladar (161 Ludlow St., between Houston and Stanton Sts., 212/473-3535, $17) is a funky Cuban joint serving spicy sea bass and other favorite dishes.
Schiller’s (131 Rivington St., at Norfolk St., 212/260-4555, $16) is the newest Keith McNally (of Balthazar and Pastis fame) hotspot, done up in casual bistro style. On the menu is everything from Cuban sandwiches to pasta.
Russ & Daughters (179 E. Houston St., between Allen and Orchard Sts., 212/475-4880) is a bustling place filled with smoked fish and dried fruits, all arranged in neat rows.
Yonah Schimmel’s (137 E. Houston St., at Chrystie St., 212/477-2858) is a rickety old storefront selling some of the best knishes in New York.
Ludlow, Stanton, and Clinton Streets are the hub of the hip Lower East Side [2] nightlife, where you’ll find lots of laid-back bars and lounges; some of them holes-in-the-wall, others more upscale. One of the oldest is Max Fish (178 Ludlow St., between Houston and Stanton Sts., 212/529-3959), a long, comfortable watering hole that draws an artsy crowd.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/discover-new-york-city
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/manhattan/lower-east-side