The 1920s façade of the Bowery Ballroom belies the cutting-edge acts you can catch inside. The cavernous venue is a fantastic spot to see soon-to-be-famous indie bands, and the lounge downstairs is the perfect place for a pre-show drink.

Once home to the servants of Astor mansion and connected to the landmark through underground tunnels, Mercury Lounge is the number-one indie rock club and top live music venue on the Lower East Side. It showcases a variety of artists and, notably, launched The Strokes’ career.

Rockwood Music Hall features three stages and a schedule packed with a wide range of performers spanning genres. Though many acts are local or lesser-known (for now), you never know what surprise guests may show up.

An LES landmark since 1888, Katz’s is as famous for its delicious sandwiches — try the pastrami on rye — as it is for its appearance in the classic rom-com When Harry Met Sally.

Head to this sit-down outpost of the century-old Russ & Daughters Appetizers (purveyors of smoked fish and bagels) for New York “noshes,” “boards” and “platters.” Think caviar, latkes and lox, and don’t skimp on dessert, which runs from challah bread pudding to creamy blintzes.

That line you see at Clinton Street Baking Company is a queue of faithful biscuit fans; the flaky pastry is the bakery’s signature item. Beyond its popular brunch, the restaurant also excels at locally sourced daytime and dinner menus, with the fried chicken and waffles topping our list.