Uncover Lower East Side's Art Secrets
New York Locals
Lately Cafe Bar & Bistro has quickly become a Long Island City favorite since opening in April 2023. Founded by Eric Lee, this cozy neighborhood spot is known for its expertly brewed coffee and mouthwatering egg sandwiches. 🍳☕ But Lately is more than just a cafe—it’s a vibrant community hub that celebrates art, culture, and music, hosting events that bring neighbors together. 🎶✨ In May, they expanded with a new dinner menu and downstairs bar, offering a fresh take on seasonal ingredients and creative dishes. Join them for a memorable evening of great food, drinks, and local vibes. 🍽️
newyorkcity.explore
🍦🚇 All aboard the sweetest ride in NYC! 🚇🍦 This is definitely the coolest (and yummiest) subway in New York City! 📸🍭 Check out the pink subway at the Museum of Ice Cream – it’s like stepping into a candy-coated dream.🍨🍭 Perfect for getting those Insta-worthy shots and having a blast with your friends! 🎀✨
Crown | NYC
Outdoor movie nights at Hunter's Point South Park, Long Island City. Summer is the best for such spending the time! Experience the magic of movies under the stars at Hunter's Point South Park! Bring your friends, family, and a cozy blanket for an unforgettable evening of cinema with stunning views of the NYC skyline. 🌆🍿 Relax on the waterfront, enjoy the cool breeze, and watch your favorite films in this beautiful setting. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer night!
Infatuation
Ras Plant Based A vegan and a meat-eater enter a plant-based Ethiopian restaurant. A couple of hours later, they both leave completely satisfied—and with the newfound knowledge that vegan nacho cheese is far superior to the real (fake) stuff. Such miracles can happen at the second location of Ras Plant Based in Greenwich Village. The menu here is essentially the same as their original spot in Crown Heights, except for the injera nachos, which you must order, because that’s where that melty vegan cheese comes into play. Add on a few cocktails and a mercato platter, with lots of spongy injera for scooping up creamy ground chickpeas, and you’ve got a feast for friends who love legumes, and those who'd normally rather be eating meat.
Natasha Husein
This is your sign to host a summer soirée (aka block party) in your neighborhood! Make new friends, meet your neighbors, go offline and be present with community in real life! Also if you’re in the Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens area we do these gatherings once a month in Cobble Hill Park.
Eater
Textbook, a Fort Greene cafe known for its tahini-coffee shakes, has opened in Bed-Stuy that’s a bakery doubling as a bar called Understudy. Fresh bread should be affordable for everyone. That’s why they have a “Name Your Price for Bread” policy. Their Chef Tony, the master baker behind Bakery by Textbook. Chef was born and raised in New York, and now calls Bushwick home. With over a decade in the industry, Chef Tony’s journey began as a dishwasher and has finally landed him the opportunity to run his own kitchen. His speciality? Bread! From working in kitchens in Italy, to building bread ovens in Morocco, he’s excited to show you everything he’s learned along the way. At Bakery by Textbook, expect a focus on Mediterranean ingredients and flavors, as Chef Tony eagerly prepares some of his favorite recipes. He can’t wait to break bread with this amazing community 💛
Time Out New York
Halloween revelers of all ages—and all species—will descend upon the Meatpacking District on Saturday, for the area's annual Halloween celebration, Treats in the Streets. From 11am to 6pm, the west side neighborhood will offer all treats and no tricks at participating restaurants and businesses, including pumpkin ring toss, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, cornhole, pumpkin painting Halloween mask making, spooky storytime readings and plenty of sweet treats, including mini dipped croissants from Maman, Petrossian chocolates and signature tea, Halloween cookies from RIVIAN, mini apple cider donuts at The Standard, High Line and more. And, of course, Treats in the Streets' headlining event will return: the Meatpacking District’s 6th Annual Doggie Costume Contest, taking place on Gansevoort Street and Ninth Avenue. After both pups and their owners strut down the runway showing off their costumed best, a panel of judges will decide the top three looks of the day. The winner will receive an overnight stay at The Standard, High Line, while all three finalists will take home a personalized pet portrait by artist Laura Baran.
See also
Dining in Willowbrook: Explore Local Dining Experiences & Foodie Favorites Near NYC
Little Kid Big City NEW YORK
Hidden Gem in NYC - Chinese Scholar’s Garden 🌳 Summer is the perfect time to explore some of the city’s fabulous gardens. One of New York City’s greatest hidden gems is the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, located at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden in Staten Island. The design is based on gardens from the Ming Dynasty in China, and one of the few authentic gardens that were built in America. All the materials you see here (including the rocks and the tiles on the floor!) were made or sourced in China. The Chinese Scholar Garden has much to explore! There are eight pavilions, three ponds with koi fish, a waterfall, and many picturesque areas, including the unique shaped doorways seen on this clip. It’s a treasure. Why a hidden gem? Because It’s hard to find it! The NYCSG is behind a stone wall and not visible from the road. To get to the entrance you must walk through a cottage. The sign marking this is small and easy to miss. It truly is hidden!
New York Locals
The Commodore I and Commodore II are iconic spots known for serving up some of the best crispy fried chicken and refreshing piña coladas in Williamsburg. 🍍✨ Founded by Chris Young and Taylor Dow, their success led to Commodore II’s opening in Manhattan’s East Village, bringing their famous menu to a whole new crowd. 🙌 With a strong focus on community and nightlife, Commodore II is already becoming a local favorite for both food lovers and partygoers alike. 🪩 🍽️ Stop by for a lively atmosphere, great eats, and a taste of what made The Commodore a Brooklyn staple! 🎉
Secret NYC
Open House New York Experience the unique opportunity to explore over 200 of New York City’s iconic buildings and landmarks during the Open House New York (OHNY) weekend from October 18th to 2oth. This event, celebrating its 22nd year, offers a mix of in-person tours, self-guided explorations, and digital content of skyscrapers, power plants, artist studios, and everything in between. The festival is 100% free to the public, making it accessible for everyone. Discover more about the event and plan your visit on the Open House New York website.
Explore the Lower East Side's Local Art Scene
The Lower East Side (LES) in NYC is a vibrant neighborhood bursting with artistic flair. This area is known for its eclectic mix of galleries, street art, and community-led initiatives, making it a hotspot for art enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or someone exploring the arts for the first time, the LES offers a plethora of experiences to immerse yourself in.
Trending Galleries
One of the main attractions in the Lower East Side is its array of contemporary art galleries. Wander around the streets and you’ll stumble upon some of the most innovative and trending galleries in the city. From the minimalist designs of Rachel Uffner Gallery to the thought-provoking exhibits at James Fuentes, there's something for everyone. Essex Street Gallery is another must-visit, known for its cutting-edge exhibitions and commitment to showcasing underrepresented artists.
For a more intimate experience, head to Foxy Production, a gallery that showcases emerging artists and experimental works. Here, you can often meet the artists themselves and gain insights into their creative process. Additionally, Sperone Westwater offers a blend of modern and contemporary art in a sleek, architecturally stunning building that’s an artwork in itself.
Art Events Worth Attending
The Lower East Side is not just about stationary galleries; the area is also a hub for dynamic art events. The Museum at Eldridge Street regularly hosts fascinating art-related events, including guided tours and hands-on workshops. Be sure to check out the annual Lower East Side Art+Culture Open House, which opens the doors to local galleries, creative spaces, and artist studios, offering a unique glimpse into the inner workings of the art community.
For those who appreciate performance art, the Lower East Side offers a variety of live events. Performance Space New York is famous for its avant-garde performances that push the boundaries of traditional art forms. Similarly, New Museum often hosts live installations and performance pieces that are both innovative and interactive.
Community Art Initiatives
The LES is home to numerous community art initiatives that aim to make art accessible to everyone. Art in Odd Places is a prime example, featuring artists who transform everyday urban spaces into public art installations. This initiative encourages dialogue between community members and artists, adding a layer of communal interaction to the art experience.
Another notable project is Fourth Arts Block (FABNYC), which focuses on sustainable art and cultural development within the neighborhood. Through workshops, exhibitions, and public art projects, FABNYC fosters community engagement and supports local artists.
Hidden Gems and Street Art
Beyond the galleries and studios, the Lower East Side boasts a plethora of hidden gems and street art that add to its colorful character. The walls of the LES are canvases for some of NYC's most talented street artists. Here, you'll find works by famed muralists such as Invader and Shepard Fairey, as well as an ever-changing array of pieces by emerging artists.
Explore the alleyways and you might stumble upon hidden installations and pop-up displays that are not listed on any map. Spots like Freeman Alley are well-known among locals for their vibrant street art, offering a gallery-like experience in an outdoor setting.
Insider Tips from the Kikihub Community
For those craving genuine local secrets and insights, the Kikihub platform is a fantastic resource. Using anonymous chat, Kikihub users share firsthand experiences and tips that you won't find in any guidebook. From which gallery openings offer the best wine and cheese to which artists are must-sees, the Kikihub community offers the inside scoop.
According to Kikihub discussions, the best times to explore the Lower East Side’s art scene are weekday afternoons when galleries are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate viewing experience. Additionally, Kikihub users recommend visiting during the early weeks of a new exhibition to catch talks and meet-the-artist sessions.
Another Kikihub favorite is the LES Galleries Night, an event where multiple galleries extend their hours and host special openings. This event often includes free wine and live music, transforming the gallery-hopping experience into a lively social event.
Dive into the vibrant local art scene of the Lower East Side and uncover hidden gems and insider secrets with the Kikihub community. Whether you're looking for trending galleries, unique art events, or community initiatives, the LES has something for every art enthusiast.
