While still a bit scruffier than its western counterpart, and with more "tenement"-style walk-ups than buildings with doormen and elevators, this area, stretching east of 5th Avenue & University Place, and from 14th Street south to Houston Street, is now at the cutting edge of what’s hip and happening.

First and Second Avenues have been transformed in recent years with new restaurants, bars and some of the best clubs in town. And while many up-and-coming bands still prowl the clubs, streets and studios down here, this is no longer quite your father’s East Village.