The Lower East Side is one of NYC’s most flavorful neighborhoods—both literally and culturally. Known for its immigrant roots, artistic energy, and never-ending reinvention, the LES is a haven for food lovers who appreciate bold flavors and local charm. Whether you’re hunting down an iconic pastrami sandwich, craving something sweet at 2 a.m., or exploring plant-based innovation, LES eateries deliver.
Right in the heart of all this is CONBUD, your trusted cannabis dispensary on Delancey Street. As locals who live and breathe this neighborhood, we know exactly what pairs with the perfect strain—and more often than not, it’s a great meal. So before or after you swing by CONBUD, treat yourself to the best eats the LES has to offer.
1. Russ & Daughters Café
📍127 Orchard St
If you’re starting your day early (or maybe just winding down from a night out), Russ & Daughters is the kind of institution you need to experience at least once. Famous for their bagels with house-cured lox, silky whitefish salad, and caviar cream cheese, this 100+ year-old café serves Jewish-American comfort food that tastes like history.
Why Visit:
- A cultural landmark rooted in LES tradition
- Perfect for a mellow post-session brunch
- Chill ambiance and old-school charm
Pro Tip: Try the “Classic Board” with Gaspe Nova lox—it hits differently after a calm sativa like Jack Herer from CONBUD’s curated shelf.
2. Kiki’s
📍130 Division St
Kiki’s doesn’t try to stand out—it just does. With an unmarked door and handwritten signage, it blends into the block unless you know to look. Inside, you’ll find a cozy Greek tavern vibe and a menu filled with grilled octopus, saganaki, and lamb chops that will have you questioning why you ever settled for takeout.
Why Visit:
- A true hidden gem with a loyal local following
- Fresh, soulful Mediterranean cuisine
- Incredibly flavorful bites perfect for sharing
Pro Tip: The moussaka pairs beautifully with an indica-heavy edible like Chill Mode Gummies, especially if you’re winding down for the evening.
3. Scarr’s Pizza
📍22 Orchard St
A short walk from CONBUD, Scarr’s is where you go when the munchies hit and only a slice will do. It’s got that vintage pizzeria vibe, but with a modern twist—Scarr’s mills their own flour in-house, which means you’re getting a crust that’s uniquely fresh and flavorful.
Why Visit:
- Arguably the best pizza in Manhattan
- 70s-inspired vibe with hip-hop playing overhead
- Open late for those classic LES nights
Pro Tip: After a cerebral hybrid like GMO Cookies, Scarr’s hot pepperoni slice is next-level.
4. Dirt Candy
📍86 Allen St
If you think plant-based eating is boring, let Dirt Candy prove you wrong. Chef Amanda Cohen’s veggie-focused dishes are bright, bold, and anything but basic. From Korean fried broccoli to beet sliders, everything is designed to surprise your taste buds and shift your perception.
Why Visit:
- Award-winning, avant-garde vegetarian food
- Stunning plating and flavor balance
- Great option for daytime or early evening eats
Pro Tip: Light up a mellow, terpene-rich pre-roll like Tangie beforehand and let your senses guide you through the tasting menu.
5. El Castillo de Jagua
📍521 Grand St
This family-owned Dominican spot is a LES staple for hearty, flavorful meals. The menu is stacked with Caribbean favorites like mangu, roast pork, and mofongo—all made with that “home-cooked” energy. It’s unpretentious, filling, and extremely satisfying after a long day.
Why Visit:
- Big portions and big flavor
- Authentic Dominican food with LES roots
- Cozy diner-style interior and fast service
Pro Tip: Enjoy some Garlic Cookies before dinner to enhance those rich flavors and ease into chill mode.
6. Economy Candy
📍108 Rivington St
The oldest candy store in NYC is right here in the LES, and it’s an absolute must-visit for sugar lovers. With wall-to-wall sweets from every era and every corner of the world, you’re guaranteed to find something that takes you back—or opens you up to something brand new.
Why Visit:
- Iconic LES sugar paradise
- Great for gifting or satisfying a sweet tooth
- Perfect stop after an edible
Pro Tip: Try a low-dose edible before browsing for a playful, nostalgia-fueled sugar trip.
7. Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
📍88 Houston St
Craving something cold and a little experimental? Morgenstern’s is your go-to for small-batch, innovative ice cream. From burnt honey vanilla to black coconut ash, it’s a rotating menu of flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Why Visit:
- A stylish space with a wide flavor range
- Late-night ice cream cravings approved
- Vegan and dairy-free options available
Pro Tip: A relaxing strain like Blue Dream followed by a scoop of salted egg yolk or cardamom lemon jam? Yes, please.
Let CONBUD Elevate Your Experience at LES Eateries
The Lower East Side is a sensory experience—and food is just one part of that. Whether you’re a local regular or exploring the neighborhood for the first time, these eateries offer something for every palate and every kind of day.
Before diving into your culinary adventure, stop by CONBUD at 85 Delancey Street. Whether you’re looking for a daytime sativa to energize your walk or a nightcap indica to close out the night, our selection is curated to enhance your experience of the LES in all the right ways.
Looking to pair your next meal with the perfect product? Our expert team is here to help you find the ideal strain, edible, or pre-roll to complement your flavor cravings and mood.
Visit CONBUD today and make every LES bite even better.
