The story of Streit's, though, is not confined to the factory on the corner of Rivington and Suffolk.

WSJ: A Lower East Side Matzo Story, Leavened With History

Peruse the rare cheeses and charcuteries of the historic Essex Street Market, select a smoothie at its Tra-La-La Juice Bar, and rediscover your inner child at Economy Candy on Rivington Street, where retro delights such as Cherry Lips and Pixie Sticks abound.

BBC: Summer in the city: New York

Freeman's (Freeman Alley, off Rivington St), a perennially popular Lower East Side restaurant, and Brooklyn's pioneering Moto (394 Broadway, Williamsburg), were early adopters of the Old New York look, and the designers of each have kept up their patina-led practice.

BBC: Brand new old New York