Epstein's was named after the 70's sitcom character, Juan Epstein from Welcome back Kotter.     
He was our hero because he was a truant that forged his Mom's signature to get away with it.  
It also seemed fitting because the Lower East Side has been traditionally Jewish & Puerto Rican.    
  
EPSTEIN'S BAR
82 Stanton Street
     
New York, NY 10007            
(212) 477-2232