Opening: Ichiba Ramen

What: LGBT History of the East Village:
A Walking Tour
When: Sunday, June 26
12:00 – 2:00 P.M.
Where: meeting location available upon registration
Cost: free; reservations required
RSVP: rsvp@gvshp.org or 212-475-9585 ext. 35

Co-sponored by the Lower East Side History Project

Back in the 1880s queer and transvestite bordellos opened on the Bowery not far from the theaters where, 80 years later, Andy Warhol staged transvestite musicals for gay audiences. The East Village was home to the pre-eminent gay artists of the 20th century—Allen Ginsberg, Andy Warhol, Taylor Mead, William S. Burroughs, Quentin Crisp, Klaus Nomi, Keith Haring, among many more. On this walking tour, we will explore significant sites of gay history, along with the artists, writers, and musicians whose contributions dovetailed with LGBT culture. (More information)

This wonderful interactive map lets you explore the history of most of the buildings in our neighborhood.

Basics Hardware is gone. University Place is changing quickly.

Here’s a great look back at the former Schraffts Restaurant which stood on the southeast corner of 5th and 13th before it morphed into clubs in the 80s and then delis in the 90s before burning down a few years ago. Now, of course, a 10-story condo is rising on the site. But enjoy these memories of the good old days.

Now upstairs at Chard, formerly Le Croque Monsieur, on 13th St., is Singlish, a Singapore-flavored high-end speakeasy with delicious and breathtakingly expensive drinks. Save it for special occasions. Reservations recommended.

Many people believe that Union Square got its name from the many labor demonstrations that took place here back in the day. Not true. The reason for the name is much more simple: Union Square was the location of the “union” of Broadway, 4th Avenue (aka Park Ave. South), and University Place. Nothing more complicated than that.