Places we’ve stood behind.

East Village · Moroccan restaurant

Cafe Mogador

$$ · Reviewed August 2026

A St. Marks institution since 1983 — Moroccan tagines, close-together tables, and a room full of people who dressed for it. The lamb with apricots and prunes is the order. Book on Resy or wait, and you will wait.

East Village · Book store

Mast Books

Reviewed August 2026

A spare, gallery-quiet shop on Avenue A stocking photography monographs, out-of-print poetry, and art books you won't find anywhere else in the neighborhood. Walk in together. Leave with something to argue about over dinner.

East Village · Thai restaurant

Soothr

$$$ · Reviewed August 2026

The Thai noodle bar that opened as a pandemic takeout window and somehow earned a Michelin nod. Red leather booths, an antique telephone behind the bar, gem-colored cocktails. Order the khao soi. Expect noise. Worth it.

East Village · Creperie

Village creperie

$$ · Reviewed July 2026

A tiny East Village counter — three stools, three sidewalk tables — that does savory galettes and Nutella crepes well enough to justify a detour on a slow Sunday morning. The apple walnut with caramel is the move. Don't come at dinner; they're closed.

East Village · Cocktail bar

Amor y Amargo

$$ · Reviewed June 2026

NYC's original bitters bar — opened 2011, closed 2023, back at 443 E 6th with a fresh ceiling and the same menu. Standing room, penny-tile counters, ~350 amaro bottles on the wall. Order the Sharpie Mustache. Stay until you've had two.