The Lower East Side is a living reminder of immigration in New York City and America. It has evolved and transformed today into a blend of housing both new and old, basic and luxurious. You’ll find the low and high ends of the price spectrum here. as well as a potent energy and street life which has marked the character of the neighborhood for two centuries.

The northernmost part of the neighborhood is more similar to the adjacent East Village, with trendy nightlife, bars, and nightclubs on Ludlow and Orchard Streets. The Essex Crossing development south of Delancey Street, brings up-to-date amenities to the area like Target, Trader Joe’s, and an artisanal Foot Court in the reimagined new Essex Market. Classic NYC Jewish food businesses that line Houston Street include Russ & Daughters, the Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery, and Katz’s Delicatessen, where the famous fake orgasm scene from the movie “When Harry Met Sally” was filmed. They survive and thrive as cherished institutions which maintain the area’s culinary heritage. Stepping into them is to take a trip back in time. I have fond memories as a young boy of getting hot dogs with Grandma at Katz’s, who used to live across the street. It hasn’t changed much. The boundaries are a triangle from Houston Street and east of the Bowery to the East River.