During the 1980's, the East Village was a neighborhood characterized by desolation, destitution and drugs. It was also where screenwriter, filmmaker and local resident, Phil Hartman, opened a family pizzeria called Two Boots. Perhaps a harbinger of the neighborhood's gentrification in the decades to come, the slice shop opening in 1987 with a sign reading "Children Welcome" was, at the time, one of the only restaurants in the area.

Two Boots, named after the shapes of the geographical locations that inspire the restaurant's Italian-Cajun cooking, serves some of New York's most unique and polarizing pies. The pizzas have a distinctive, crispy cornmeal crust and are topped with unconventional ingredients like creole chicken and andouille sausage. Often overlooked in discussions concerning the city's best slices, Two Boots is nevertheless a New York institution, consistently putting out great pizza and, at the East Village location, pouring cheap beer by the pint or pitcher.

Since moving from its original home to a larger space across the street many years ago, this humble pizza parlor has become a national chain, serving its Cajun-inspired pies in twelve locations across the country, nine within the New York City limits. The current East Village venue celebrates the neighborhood's bohemian past by passionately supporting the arts; the colorful dining room showcases paintings, sculptures and mosaics created by members of the local artistic community, while the Two Boots chain also provides funding to many arts organizations, schools and social service agencies throughout the city and country.

STOP 2: THE RED ROOM AT KGB BAR

A destination for New York's literary community since the early 90's, the main bar at KGB is a small, Soviet-themed space on the second floor of a brick townhouse. Several nights a week, KGB hosts free readings where writers recite their work to revering audiences. Drinks are "encouraged but not required" for admission.

On other nights, KGB turns into a raucous dive, packed with singles keeping an eye out for their Tinder dates to arrive. If that's not quite your speed, proceed up the steep staircase to the third floor, where you will find The Red Room, a quiet parlor with a speakeasy vibe and comfortable seating.

On the last Thursday evening of every month, The Red Room presents Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra, a band straight out of the Jazz Age. "Orchestra" is a bit of an overstatement in this setting, as the group that plays here is usually a quartet (though Arenella does lead much larger ensembles for other events). Regardless of size, the dapper rhythm section nails the hot jazz sound of the 20's and 30's, as the debonair Arenella croons and plays the cornet.

The drinks here are pricey; bottles of beer are $8 and mediocre cocktails with shallow pours are $15. However, the two drink minimum is loosely enforced and with no cover for the show, it evens out in the end.

RECAP:

Two Boots: A bright East Village pizzeria with bohemian roots dating back to 1987. Unique, Cajun-Italian pies with a crispy cornmeal crust.
R ed Room at KGB Bar: A third floor parlor with live jazz the last Thursday of every month.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION:

-Two Boots is located at 42 Avenue A. KGB Bar is located at 85 East 4th Street.

-Total Cost: About $50 for pizza and beverages at Two Boots + drinks and donation for the band at KGB Bar. Tax and tip included.

-Michael Arenella plays at The Red Room from 9:30-11:30pm (doors at 9:00pm). Reservations are encouraged and can be made by emailing lori@kgbbar.com