One-Block Roundup: St. Marks Place

Start the day with a coffee or tea from Porto Rico Importing Company, a city staple since 1907. We also suggest picking up a bag of high-end beans to go: The shop roasts daily and carries varietals from all over the world (propped up in burlap sacks that fill practically the entire space—needless to say, it smells amazing). If you’re on a matcha kick, skip over to Nohohon Matcha NYC, where the staff prepares its tea traditionally, from scratch, whether you prefer it straight-up or in a lavender-infused latte.

Work on your sun salutations at Yoga to the People, a (very) popular vinyasa spot with the goal of making yoga accessible to everyone: The entry fee is a mere $10 suggested donation. Need a one-on-one sesh? Head to Nimble Fitness and snag a solid workout from a personal trainer. And if you’re looking to try martial arts, check out the Abadá-Capoeira Academy, which specializes in the Afro-Brazilian practice that combines attack and evasion moves with elements of rhythm and dance.

Even amid the restaurant-packed East Village, St. Marks might have the most places to eat within a single half-mile stretch. Newcomer 886 is already drawing crowds for its modern Taiwanese eats like seaweed-dusted fries and the “sausage party” (pork sausage wrapped in sticky rice). For a grab-and-go bite, you can’t go wrong with Mamoun’s, which has been serving its legendary (and still dirt-cheap) falafel since the ’70s. End the night with the matcha lava cake at Spot Dessert Bar or a mango sundae with mochi at Mango Mango Dessert—or both.

A St. Marks roundup wouldn’t be complete without a few watering holes, and contrary to popular belief, not every bar is overrun with hordes of college kids. Beer geeks will appreciate the uncommon brews at Proletariat, while those seeking cocktails, oysters or both should head to Goodnight Sonny. The nautical-themed William Barnacle Tavern, located inside a former speakeasy, feels out of another era entirely, right down to its specialty drink: absinthe.

Part improv, part game show, BATSU! is easily one of the weirdest (and funniest) ways to spend an evening. The Japanese-style variety show takes place on the ground floor of Pan-Asian restaurant Jebon, so you can snack on sushi and drink sake while watching comics succeed or fail at crazy challenges. And if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending how you feel), you might be pulled up onstage to join in on a challenge, suffer the hilarious punishment and score some free beer. Want to support a local theater? Stop by Under St. Marks for everything from stand-up and storytelling to burlesque. If you’re looking to make your own entertainment, Sing Sing Karaoke is a neighborhood institution (to be clear, a divey institution—but it’s all part of the charm).