LOWER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery

Hand-rolled, baked knishes on East Houston since 1910.

Illustration of a bakery counter: loaves, croissants and pastries — Illustration · not a photo of this venue

Since 1910 this narrow storefront on East Houston has been baking hand-rolled knishes the old-world way, stuffed and baked fresh every day. It is one of the last threads connecting today's Lower East Side to the immigrant neighborhood of pushcarts and tenements.

Start with the classic potato knish, baked rather than fried, then try one of the seasonal fillings. Eat it warm on the spot or carry it a few blocks east toward Katz's and Russ & Daughters for a self-guided tasting of the old neighborhood.

Editor’s tip

Order a classic potato knish warm and pair it with a stop at Russ & Daughters down the block.

Make an evening of it — beautiful stops nearby

SOHO, MANHATTAN

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

SoHo's living room — a donated library, a mezzanine balcony, and a café where every dollar does good.

Shopping · Free

~8 min on foot

SOHO, MANHATTAN

Crosby Street

SoHo's working back lane — cobbles, fire escapes, and no performance.

Beautiful Street · Free

~10 min on foot

Also in the neighborhood

Illustration

LOWER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

Dhamaka

Provincial India, loud and uncompromising, inside Essex Market.

Indian · Special Occasion · $$$

Google rating & reviews ↗

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LOWER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN

Bar Goto

Kenta Goto's Japanese cocktail bar — yuzu highballs, shochu, and the city's best-known okonomiyaki.

Japanese · Cocktail Bar · $$

Google rating & reviews ↗

Editorial draft — core details last reviewed October 14, 2026. Confirm practical details with the official site before you go.