Second Avenue (F)

Buckle up, or, I guess, grab the subway pole. This stop is the meeting point of Bowery, Lower East Side, Alphabet City, and East Village, and it even has some SoHo seeping in. But the uniting theme is that it all feels like old New York, with regular film shootings and a bit of grit.

Here’s my quick and dirty:

The station will bring you right to Katz’s Deli and Russ & Daughters. On the plus side, they’re both historic NYC destinations. On the downside, all the tourists know. If the line isn’t your vibe, choose dessert at El Churro (big and industrial) or Red Gate Bakery (boutique and unique), or a drink at Superbueno.

An average weekday line outside Katz’s Deli. 

If you go northeast to Alphabet City, my recommendations are the Book Club Bar and Kolkata Chai. Grab a drink at either, and then nestle into a cozy chair at Book Club Bar with your laptop or a fresh book off the shelves.

Go south into Bowery to visit Mighty Lucky Dispensary, which is as much a vibe shop as it is a cannabis store. Say hi to Rocky for me, who owns the store along with his parents, Doo and Beau.

Rocky, Beau, and Doo at Mighty Lucky! 

Southeast into the LES, enjoy a tea flight at The Hideout Chai Bar, and walk down Orchard Street for window shopping, little galleries, and my favorite NYC sit-down pizza Una Pizza Napoletana, all the way to Division, close to the East Broadway (F) stop.

I’ve barely scratched the surface here. Ultimately, the different neighborhoods around this stop are all worth exploring. Take a Bowery walking tour or a self-guided Alphabet City tour, or check out Goop’s recommendations for the Lower East Side and East Village. Or, just get out there and do your thing. It’s New York. In this city, what you seek is seeking you.

What did I miss? A lot, obviously, but scroll past the pics and let me know anyway in the comments.

Want to be an extra? Hang out in the LES. 

Bye for now, area around 2nd Ave Station! I’ll be back.