Skin Contact is an unpretentious natural wine bar on Orchard Street on the LES where you can drink something unusual without paying a ton.

Saigon Social is a casual Vietnamese restaurant on the Lower East Side with excellent chicken pho.

Three Times is a fast-casual Chinese spot on the Lower East Side that serves good pan-fried dumplings.

Arlene’s Grocery is a Lower East Side bar with live music every night.

You can skip the Cajun restaurant on the ground floor of Canary Club on the LES, and head to the jazz club downstairs.

Ernesto’s is a Basque-inspired restaurant on the Lower East Side where you’re going to want to hang out for a while.

Douska is a casual handroll spot on the LES where you’ll want to become a regular.

Peoples is a wine shop and bar in the bottom of Essex Street Market on the LES.

The Grand Delancey is a beer bar in the bottom of Essex Market on the LES and it’s a great place to bring a group.

Hair Of The Dog is a big bar on the Lower East Side where you can play beer pong and watch sports.

Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery makes the best cupcakes and puddings on the Lower East Side.

Las’ Lap is a cocktail bar on the Lower East Side with tropical decor, good music, and a few tables where you can eat a full dinner.

Sammy’s Roumanian is a Jewish/Eastern European spot on the Lower East Side that’s a fun place to celebrate a birthday.

Floret is an all-day American spot on Bowery where you should have a casual meal on the nice outdoor patio.

Ray’s is a Country Western-themed dive bar

Wayla is a fun spot on the Lower East Side, and it’s on our shortlist for best Thai food in NYC.