When it comes to snacks in New York, it's hard to beat seminal downtown neighborhoods the East Village and the Lower East Side. Bar culture and nightlife are deeply entrenched here, meaning cravings are common, and snacks a major asset for keeping nights going longer. This being NYC, bites here mean more than just a corner hot dog or greasy slice. Some of the city's most delicious and unique eats can be found downtown. The area's vibrant blend of people, cultures, and creativity makes for a plethora of small spots to grab a snack and keep moving to the next one. Read on for our picks for the eight best snacks in the East Village and on the Lower East Side.
Vanessa’s Dumpling House
Photo: Facebook
As one of the most affordable and filling snacks you can get, Vanessa’s really gives you the most bang for your buck. Order 4 pan-fried pork and chive dumplings for only $1, and you’ll get that lovely crunch you love in a quick on-the-go munch break. 118 Eldridge St., 212-625-8008, vanessas.com
S’MAC
Go to S’MAC for a classic mac & cheese, or for something a little more risqué, like an Indian-American fusion of spices on top. Whether you choose to order off the menu or make your own custom mac, your taste buds will not be opposed to warm, gooey cheese, ready to satisfy your need for the American comfort food that never gets old. 345 E. 12 St., 212-358-7912, smacnyc.com
Sunny and Annie’s
Don’t be fooled by the exterior—this is not your everyday bodega. In the back, you’ll find a deli with a wide and interesting selection of sandwiches. There are the standard deli ingredients, like pastrami, ham, and cheeses, but the claim to fame here is a variation on the Vietnamese phosandwich. Called the P.H.O. Real, it's a deft blend of roast beef, basil, cilantro, avocado, tomato, onion, hoisin sauce, and Sriracha, served hot or cold. With so many different inimitable sandwich combinations, it only makes sense that they’re open 24 hours to let you try them all. 94 Ave. B, 212-677-3131, sunnyandannies.com
Crif Dogs
New York may not be as famous for its hot dogs as Chicago, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to make a mean dog. Crif Dogs has all-beef wieners, plus beef and pork mixes, corn dogs, and a multitude of toppings, like bacon, fried egg, cole slaw, and chili. It’s a quick bite that may just leave you wanting more. 113 St. Marks Pl., 212-614-2728, crifdogs.com
Artichoke Basille’s Pizza
Artichoke’s has become an institution for late-night grub in the city (so much so, they opened several locations!). Try their famed creamy Artichoke slice, or go for a more traditional Sicilian or pepperoni slice. It doesn’t really matter what you choose because it’s all explosively delicious. 324 E. 14 St., 212-228-2004, artichokepizza.com
Sigmund Pretzel Shop
Artisanal soft pretzels are the name of the game at Sigmund’s. Everything is freshly made right there in the German- and Russian-influenced shop. Try a sweet or savory pretzel with various dipping sauces and some meatballs. 29 Ave. B, 646-410-0333, sigmundnyc.com
Taquitoria
True to its name, Taquitoria serves one single item: taquitos. A taquito is essentially a taco that has been rolled into a tube and fried, so it has a lovely crunch with each bite. The Taq masters keep it simple by offering a choice of one filling and one topping, but it doesn’t need more than that to accomplish its finger-licking purpose. 168 Ludlow St., 212-780-0121, taquitoria.com
Russ & Daughters
Known for their smoked fish and bagels, this Jewish-style deli climbed its way to the top of NYC deli scene fame. As a century-old family business, they have perfected the trade of knishes, lox, herring, blintzes, and a true New York-style bagel experience. It’s tried and true, traditional, and tasty. 179 E. Houston St., 212-475-4880, russanddaughters.com
Five Tacos
It’s hard to beat a late-night joint that has refined the art of sauces and salsas from around the world to accompany their excellent tacos. There is nothing flashy or gourmet about Five Tacos; they are just bringing quality homemade Mexican food to hungry patrons. 119 St. Marks Pl., 212-477-7090, 5ivetacos.com
Cheese Grille
Sometimes, on a long and/or gloomy day, all you need is gooey melted cheese between two slices of crispy freshly baked bread and a side of tomato soup. Spice it up with a little crispy goat or caramelized onion on the grilled cheese, or keep it classic with a Three-Cheese Cheddar. Either way, it’s a cheesy delight (and a lactose intolerant nightmare). 188 Allen St., 212-460-9383, cheesegrille.com
For more on where to eat on the Lower East Side, read on.
