The area that comprises the East Village is the eastern part of Manhattan between Houston and 14th Street. Until the 50’s it was considered part of the Lower East Side, but when the “Beatniks” began to move into the neighbourhood in the 50’s it was labeled “East Village” to give it an identity of its own, and disassociate it both from the Lower East Side and Greenwich Village.

Like Alphabet City, the East Village has been a cultural and artistic mecca. Unfortunately, like Alphabet City, its artistic and cultural influence has also diminished as parts of the neighbourhood have continued to gentrify. 

Beat Facts:

If there is any one place that stands out for Burroughs fans in NYC, it’s bound to be “The Bunker”. Formerly a YMCA locker room, the basement apartment in the building at 222 Bowery Street was Burroughs home from 1975 to 1981. By the time Burroughs lived here he was very well known. Well-known thinkers, artists and musicians crossed the hearth of Burroughs’ windowless apartment. I recommend a book entitled With William Burrough: A Report From the Bunker by Victor Bockris.

Incriminating Evidence:

I’ve spent a lot of town walking around this area. When I went to take photos of Burroughs’ Bunker I was taken aback a bit by the poverty that still remains in parts of this area, in contrast to other areas of the village.

I also stumbled upon Katz’s Deli the same day. I went in to sample one of their infamous sandwiches. Instead of going straight to the counter, I decided to sit down in the section that is served by a waitress. I had been waiting for quite a while when I started to look around for a waitress. That’s when the guy at the next table threatened me. He thought I was checking out his girlfriend. I hadn’t even noticed her. Fortunately, I was able to talk my way out of the situation.