Geoffrey from New York
East Side Ink New York
Alphabet City tattoo shops
Between Delancey and 14th street, Manhattan bulges into the East River, ultimately piercing Brooklyn via the Williamsburg Bridge. In the old days, the bulge --- named ‘Alphabet City’ because of the presence of Avenues A B C and D --- might have been described as a boil, but nowadays it contains the village-y atmosphere of neighbourhoods rediscovered, but so far not ruinously redeveloped. In the very old days it contained the shops of Jewish immigrants, including the knife shop of the father of my former father-in-law.
Now though --- apart from a few reminders of the old days, like sun-baked rat corpses pressed into the tarry streets --- the widely seen charm impresses during any stroll or bike route one decides to create.
For some reason the bulge includes nine or so tattoo parlours all of which present for your viewing pleasure surprisingly creative, diverse imagery and the resident artists who produce it. That, along with clinics at which you can have your body pierced and your facial appearance enhanced with ‘microblading’ which for years I have misread as micro balding, and wondered what in the world it was.
Celebrities (check out the page 'Familiar Faces' on their website) bearing East Side Ink tattoos include Susan Sarandon, a hulking man with a fist-size skull on his larynx and flames bursting up onto his cheeks, Cate Blanchett, Scarlett Johansson and possibly Woody Harrelson with a downward hanging noose tattooed around his neck.
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
35 Times, Toby Buonagurio
Subway art 10
"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Pythian Temple
R&R Shrine
"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin
Subway art 13
"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Saiguette
Vietnamese counter/takeout
I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rucker Park
NBA caliber street basketball
"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Whirls and Twirls (MTA), Sol LeWitt
Subway art 3
The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Portraits, Chuck Close
Subway art 1
I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Music Inn
Instruments, custom & stock
"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Return of Spring, Jack Beal
Subway art 7
"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Di Fara, Brooklyn
Pizza 1
"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sal & Carmine's, Upper West Side
Pizza 2
"Sal & Carmine's" makes real New York pizza. It's a small place, the pizza boxes are stacked 15 high, the lineup look like locals - all good signs.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
New York in Transit, Jacob Lawrence
Subway art 8
"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
