Katz’s Delicatessen (205 E. Houston St) is one of the last big delis on the Lower East Side, packing in locals, tourists, and people heading to hear music in the area which is full of great little venues. Katz’s has what some say is the best pastrami sandwich in the city, with the meat sliced by hand, and served with giant homemade pickles. Place your order at the counter, then jostle for a seat at a table. You might end up occupying the very seat in which Meg Ryan played out her famous ‘climax’ scene in When Harry Met Sally. Cash only.
Nora Jones honed her craft a couple of blocks away at the mellow Living Room (154 Ludlow St, which features several good bands a night with no cover charge. Arlene’s Grocery (95 Stanton St) showcases new rock, metal, and indie bands for a cheap cover. Bluegrass, alt-country, and American roots are the focus at the intimate Rockwood Music Hall (196 Allen St), or at the louder two-level Delancey (168 Delancey St). On Monday nights the Parkside Lounge (317 E. Houston St) hosts great bluegrass jams. Good indie and alternative bands play The Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston St) and even better bands from around the world play the historic Bowery Ballroom (6 Delancey St).
