In a city dominated by an orderly grid, this curved block in Chinatown refuses to conform. Wander the 200ft-long outlier, which has transformed over centuries from a meandering stream to America’s deadliest block, and now, to a favorite haunt for food and cocktails.
Chinatown’s Roots
Named after Hendrick Doyer, an 18th-century Dutch immigrant who owned a distillery here, Doyers became the epicenter of Chinatown as it took shape in the late 1800s. (A careless street-sign painter apparently omitted the street’s original apostrophe.) By the end of the century, the street earned new monikers like "Murder Alley" and the "Bloody Angle" – references to its criminal activity.
Throughout the early 20th century, warring tongs (Chinese gangs) attacked rivals by hiding behind the street’s sharp bend – a cause for concern among anyone visiting nearby tenement buildings packed with gambling parlors and opium dens. Today, it’s a peaceful pedestrian promenade – and instead of blood splatters, a large mural decorates the block.
Long Lasting Flavors
Lean into the street’s culinary heritage by eating at Nom Wah Tea Parlor. It might look like an American diner from the front, but it’s actually the oldest dim sum place in town, dating back to the 1920s. Grab a seat at one of the red banquettes or counter stools and tick off what you want on the menu provided. Roast pork buns, Shanghainese soup dumplings, shrimp siu mai – it’s all finger-licking good. If you can’t get into the tea parlor (there’s often a line), you can still get a taste of Doyers history by dining at Chinese Tuxedo, a bi-level fine diner that housed the city’s first Chinese theater.
Doyers After Dark
The opium dens of yore might be gone, but when the sun goes down, Doyers St is still Chinatown’s best place to let loose. If you want to sip sake or cocktails next to a neon pink dragon, head to Peachy’s – a bar underneath the Chinese Tuxedo.
Apothéke, an apothecary-style mixology lounge a few steps away, is actually housed in a former opium den. Look for the "chemist" sign with a beaker illustration above the doorway and grab a seat to watch skilled barkeeps work like careful chemists. Keep your visit on-theme by ordering the pineapple-cilantro spiced Sitting Buddha.
