Lower East Side Jazz, Pastrami and Jewish Food Stops
Browse Jewish food traditions at Russ and Daughters, hear a focused jazz set on Orchard Street and finish at Katz's Delicatessen on Houston Street.
Lower East Side Jazz and Jewish Food
Russ and Daughters on Houston Street
Russ & Daughters closes at 4:00 PM every day. Put this counter stop ahead of the music. The fourth-generation family business has served the Lower East Side since 1914. Its original shop stands at 179 E. Houston St. Order a bagel with smoked fish for takeaway. Service is primarily to go, with just two benches outside. The counter opens at 8:00 AM daily. A separate cafe a few blocks away offers sit-down dining.
Close Up Jazz on Orchard Street
Close Up divides the evening between a front cocktail bar and vinyl lounge and a separate back room for live music. The back room is a quiet listening space, with performers close to the audience. Live music requires a ticket and a one drink minimum. Front spaces admit visitors without tickets. Operating nights run from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. Tuesday is the weekly closure. Weekend groups may need email reservations for tables.
Katz's Delicatessen on Houston Street
Keep the paper ordering ticket throughout your visit to Katz's Delicatessen. Order hand-carved pastrami for the final meal. The deli has operated since 1888. Celebrity photographs line the walls. Service ends at 11:00 PM Monday through Thursday and Sunday. Friday closing is 11:30 PM. Saturday service runs for 24 hours. Check the day's closing time before deciding how long to stay for live music in the listening room.
