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A Stroll with MOSCOT Through Rose-Tinted Glasses

Celebrate the enduring spirit of the heritage eyewear brand in the neighborhood where it all started—the Lower East Side.

By Caroline Tell

Posted on 26 January 2025

The hustle and bustle of the Lower East Side around the MOSCOT Shop. Photo by Brian Rose.

The Lower East Side is a place of immigrant dreams, punk rock rebellion and now, a vibrant tapestry of boutiques, galleries, and culinary hotspots. There’s no better way to experience its unique energy than on foot, and no better companion than MOSCOT, the iconic eyewear brand whose roots deeply entwine with this very neighborhood. With MOSCOT as our guide, let’s embark on a walking tour, a journey through time and taste, guided by the spirit of LES.

The MOSCOT Lower East Side Shop

Our tour begins, fittingly, at the source: the MOSCOT Orchard Street shop. This isn’t just a retail space—it’s a living museum. The vintage décor, complete with antique eyewear displays and family photos, tells the story of the Moscot family’s arrival in the United States and their humble beginnings selling eyeglasses from a pushcart on Orchard Street in 1915. The shop exudes a warm, old-world charm, a testament to the brand's enduring heritage. Browsing the frames, from classic styles like the Lemtosh to newer, bolder designs, feels like stepping back in time while simultaneously embracing the present. It’s a reminder that true style is timeless.

View of the MOSCOT shop at 118 Orchard Street, 1983. Courtesy of MOSCOT.

Katz’s Delicatessen

No Lower East Side pilgrimage is complete without a stop at Katz’s. The aroma of pastrami, rye bread, and pickling spices hits you the moment you walk through the door. This legendary deli, established in 1888, is a cacophony of sights and sounds: the bustling counter, the shouted orders, the iconic “Send a salami to your boy in the army” sign. Opt for the classic pastrami on rye, piled high with tender, smoky meat. Each bite has a taste of history and the generations of New Yorkers who have flocked to Katz’s for authentic deli fare. It’s a visceral experience and a true New York institution.

Russ & Daughters

From pastrami to smoked fish, our culinary journey continues at Russ & Daughters. This appetizing store, founded in 1914, is a temple of smoked salmon, whitefish salad, and other Jewish delicacies. The gleaming counters, piled high with glistening fish and colorful salads, are a feast for the eyes. Sample the classic lox and cream cheese on a bagel, a perfect blend of salty and creamy textures. Russ & Daughters is a true cultural landmark and a testament to the rich Jewish heritage of the neighborhood.

Tenement Museum

To truly understand the soul of the Lower East Side, one must delve into its past. The Tenement Museum offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of the immigrant families who once called the narrow, multi-story buildings home. Stepping inside a preserved tenement apartment is like stepping back in time. The meticulously recreated living spaces, complete with period furnishings and personal belongings, tell the stories of the families who lived there, their struggles, and their dreams. It’s a powerful reminder of the immigrant experience and the diverse tapestry that makes up New York City.

The MOSCOT shop at 108 Orchard Street. Courtesy of MOSCOT.

Sunday to Sunday

Nestled in the heart of the neighborhood, Sunday to Sunday feels like a secret shared among the city’s most stylish insiders. The modern yet unpretentious eatery is a celebration of comforting flavors, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a menu that shifts as effortlessly as the vibe from brunch to dinner. It’s the perfect spot to pause during a walking tour of the neighborhood. Grab a table by the window, sip on a perfectly crafted cocktail, and savor the sense of place that makes Sunday to Sunday a destination worth lingering over.

Sweet Pickle Books

For a touch of literary charm, the quirky bookstore is a bibliophile’s dream, with shelves overflowing with used books of all genres. What sets Sweet Pickle Books apart is its unique bartering system: you can trade your own homemade pickles for store credit. The aroma of vinegar and old paper fills the air, creating a unique sensory experience. Even in the digital age, the printed word still holds some magic.

Seward Park

Conclude a tour at Seward Park, one of New York’s oldest parks. The green oasis provides a welcome respite from the bustling city streets, where you can catch local skaters navigating the concrete ramps of the skate park. It’s a microcosm of the neighborhood itself: a place where different generations and cultures come together—a space for recreation, relaxation, and community.

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