The East Village is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in downtown Manhattan-- an eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, parks and bars, it's hard to be bored around here. Cloak & Dagger is lucky to be right in the middle of this diverse neighborhood, and we love every minute of it. We're full of neighborhood pride, and don't care who knows it. Below, catch our picks for the best bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in the East Village. 

Veselka (144 Second Ave. and 9th St.) 

Located around the corner from C&D, this 24 hour Ukrainian diner is the stuff dreams are made of. Their menu is filled with Ukrainian classics like pierogi, potato pancakes, and blintzes, as well as diner classics like burgers and milkshakes. Probably the best part about Veselka, though, is that they never close. Yep, that's right, you can get your Ukrainian fix at any time of the day or night. Veselka is the stuff of legends, and is almost always busy-- even at three in the morning. 

Looking for a cute, quiet coffee shop? Zucker's got you covered. A bakery and coffee shop all in one, they have an amazing selection of baked goods, ranging from South American alfajores to Jewish treats like hamantaschen and rugelach. The decor is quaint and homey, and the workers are equally welcoming. Head to Zucker to satisfy your sweet tooth or caffeine craving. 

This subterranean bar on the corner of Avenue A is perfect for a date night or girls night-- or anything in between. The craft cocktails here are to die for, with a special focus on house-made infused liqueurs. And to make it better, they all reference rock songs, with names like Teenage Kicks and Waterloo Sunset. Try the Marquee Moon, made with vodka and blueberry preserves, or the Hong Kong Garden, with cucumbers and spicy salt. Pro tip: the entrance is a bit hard to find, but just look for the neon heart sign, and you'll be good to go. 

Cafe Mogador has been an East Village staple for the past twenty years, with a pretty cool downtown clientele to boot (think Alexa Chung and Chloe Sevigny). Their food is just as good as the ambience, with Moroccan/French inspired dishes as well as classic Mediterranean bites. The brunch is absolutely delicious, with plates filled with hummus, labne, Arabic salad, and pita. Next time you're in the neighborhood, check it out-- this East Village institution is not to be missed. 

Equal parts coffee shop and restaurant, Mud is perfect for a quick bite or laid-back weekend brunch. They have their own blends of coffee, which are also sold in grocery stores around the area, but their food is also amazing. With salads, sandwiches, Mexican-inspired bowls, and pancakes galore to choose from, their menu isn't for the indecisive. Go with a bunch of friends and get dishes to share, or just stop by for a coffee. Either way, you won't be disappointed.