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    Spring Cafe

    4.7 (244 reviews)
    Closed 10:30 am - 7:30 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    SPRING CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

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    Jay C.

    When you walk into Spring Cafe, just off busy Canal Street, a bright, multicolored heart greets you with the words: "Somebody in Chinatown loves you." After finally visiting, I can confirm--it tracks! I ordered the Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl with grilled chik'n and the two-bao bun special: one with braised tofu skin and the other with vegan BBQ pork. The braised tofu was subtle and balanced, while the BBQ bao was a flavor bomb--both were delicious. Spring Cafe is onto something smart. Their baos are bigger than average, and with combo offerings that include your choice of fries or hot soup, the baos aren't just sides anymore--they're the main event. And it's about time they stepped into the spotlight.

    Braised Tofu Skin Noodle Soup
    John B.

    This is a tiny cafe, and I note that in most cities, I would probably deduct a star for a place that offers high-sodium food and caffeinated drinks but does not have a bathroom for customers. In New York, you live with these things. I took a special they had on a braised tofu soup with noodles, which delivered abundantly on flavor and also came with a free side of rolls. Their rolls were a taro filling with a crust crisped on in a manner I had not seen before but which was mouthwatering. At least given the place's small size, it was one of the few things I got in the city that I would actually call a good deal. Those seeking a plant-based meal should expect to be satisfied.

    Salt Pepper Vegan Chicken Bento Box
    Hui L.

    Today I was feeling in the mood for healthy food so I went here for some vegetarian food. During the lunch rush, they were super busy and I barely managed to get a seat at their counter style seating. I went with their salt and pepper chicken bento box and a hibiscus tea. Despite the lunch crowd, I didn't have to wait too long before my food was ready. They were pushing out orders really efficiently. If you spend over $10, get a stamp card! It's 1 stamp per $10 spent. I liked how everything was packed up in a bag which made it easy to take leftovers home. The soup had pieces of tofu and mushrooms. It was quite thick and tasted like maybe hot and sour soup. In the bento box, there was broccoli with sesame oil, fried tofu and vegetable curry soup, 4 pieces of salt and pepper imitation chicken, fresh salad and a large portion of white rice with some tofu bean curd. The chicken's outer coating was very crispy and I was surprised at how similar the texture was to chicken. I also enjoyed the fried tofu pieces in the curry as it soaked up the curry flavor. It was a very filling meal as even hours later I still felt quite full.

    Sweet & Spicy Tofu Burger
    Ash B.

    The food here is AMAZING! We were so hungry and so lucky to stumble upon this place. The tofu in the burger was perfectly crispy and sauced. The braised tofu and black pepper mushroom baos were so unique -- had not tried those flavors in a bao bun before. Minor note that they have a 40 min seating max, which is fair because the space is small. I need to come back to try their smoothies and coffee drinks.

    Bellody C.

    I came here on a whim for some wifi but also wanted to try their vegan options. The wifi worked but super bad idea since they were constantly blending stuff or there were people walking behind me back and forth (given how small the place was). All the outlets were blocked with tape which was a bummer. The hibiscus tea was more on the sweet side instead of refreshing, but still good as a thirst quencher. The flavor sucked. The fries were really really good- perfectly crisp. The portobello sandwich was disappointing. The flavors just didn't pair well with the avocado, there was no cheese, and the bread was very dull. It all came together very dry. I wouldn't come here again for food or for wifi.

    Beyond burger, fries, and hibiscus tea
    Heather F.

    I randomly stumbled upon this restaurant looking for cute cafes for lunch in the area when I found this! I was even happier as a vegetarian that it was a vegan restaurant so of course they had my favorite, beyond burgers! And ALSO impossible burgers! The menu is extensive and everything looks delicious, and they have house made ketchup which is really good. Everything is so so fresh and hot and delicious and the staff are very nice! This place deserves more love

    Hash brown sandwich and fries
    Sabrina D.

    Not much to look at from the outside, but don't let it deter you. The food here is on point - even if you're not vegan! My son suffers from Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and is extremely picky. He had the hash brown sandwich; which he claimed was one of the best meals he's had in his life. I had the Buddha bowl - very fresh and tasty. We washed it down with Hibiscus iced tea - perfect! The food was so good I got a BBQ bao bun sandwich to go... and I should have gotten 2. Yes to everything! We'll be back, but not because of the service. The woman initially behind the counter must have been having a bad morning. "SIGN!" she demanded hostiley, thrusting the credit card authorization at me. Not one to toy with people dealing with my food, I thanked her politely; to which she had no reply. They were also a bit slow considering the fact that we looked to be customer #4 of the day and there were only a couple of other people inside.

    Althea L.

    The vegan tofu skin bao was absolutely delicious. It featured two thick layers of braised tofu skin seasoned with five-spice (五香), paired with flavorful pickled Chinese vegetables (酸菜) and plenty of fresh cilantro. This combination made for a deeply satisfying and authentic Chinese savory snack (小吃). Hands down, it's the best vegan bao/sandwich I've had in the city.

    Kale Quinoa Salad
    Chrissy R.

    It's hard to find "healthy" food near Chinatown - don't get me wrong, so much good food! But you know what I mean. Vegan, Asian fusion and super delicious! Right next to the Q Canal St Station and courthouses if you have jury duty etc. got the kale quinoa salad and two bao buns. Small counter space too.

    Pineapple Iced Green Tea
    Gab G.

    This place is amazing! I stopped by in person once and ordered delivery another time, and both times the food was great. Braised tofu skin bao bun was fantastic, and the hibiscus iced tea was amazing. Beyond burger combo (with sweet potato fries and pineapple iced green tea) was also so good!

    Jasmine S.

    This food is so amazing - you forget you're eating 100% vegan food. I ordered their bao buns and they're so delicious, I definitely recommend. The seating is very limited tho, thankfully I went when they were too busy.

    Estrella E.

    Where was this place when I was working near by? I whole vegan cafe. I tried their bbq baos and its soo good. I definitely need to come back for their other menu items. They have variety of options from burgers, sandwiches, and bento boxes. Definitely need to try all.

    Vincent W.

    Im a frequent patron and wanted to review. This is a fully vegan eatery. I tried most of their popular menu items over the years and they're consistent but the portions did get bigger on some items. I ordered the braised tofu and bbq pork skin bao buns with kale smoothie. Their buns are bigger than used to be but I'm not complaining. It used to be served with their signature sauce but I think you have to request with a fee. It's worth it but I ate without. The bbq bao is slightly sweet and the braised tofu is savory as always. I'm surprised I ate them both. Worth it. The kale smoothie was delicious and smooth. I feel like I'll get a detox after. The space is petite but has indoor seating and colorful decor. Nice music playlist and professional staff. No restroom, there's sanitizer at the condiments station next to waste basket.

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    5 years ago

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    Also the chicken sandwich & new pork options are great. Always love the fries, sweet mustard & hibiscus tea.

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    5 years ago

    I Spring Cafe. My favorite - Hawaiian Vegan Burger combo, sweet hibiscus tea, and salt pepper mushrooms. Good food for the soul

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Amazing vegan sandwiches, good vibes, & great coffee! So glad to have a 100% cafe in the area! Will be back for sure!

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    3 years ago

    I usually come to Chinatown for Chinese food , but this place has the best smoothies! Their fries and burgers are very good too.

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    3 years ago

    Incredible ordering convenience and slick website makes selection of sumptuous vegan fare easy and fun.

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    5 years ago

    Best fries in NYC. Baos/Sandwiches and Salads are all pretty solid. Fav baos are the tofu skin and roast pork

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    4 years ago

    Great vegan/veggie spot with delicious food and drinks! One of my go-tos in the neighborhood.

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    4 years ago

    Love this place ! My go to for vegetarian food. I love Hawaiian burger and the salted chicken bento box . Everything is delicious .

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    7 years ago

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    Page 5 of 7

    Spring Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Spring Cafe

    Will you be open on Christmas eve or Christmas Day?

    Hello! Thanks for contacting us, below is our holiday hours:… Read more

    Are there gluten free options for the bao and burgers?

    Not sure about the Bao (assume it would be the same) but with the burgers - and the sandwiches too - they will instead wrap it all in lettuce for you. But there is no gluten-free actual bread options.

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    Obao

    Obao

    4.0
    (4.5k reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$$

    So yum!!!! Top 3 thai spots for me…read more Food- Classic order of Pad Thai & Drunken Noodles. The pad thai noodles are a big thinner than i've had before but that didn't bother me, it has such great flavor too. I recommend ordering it spicy, it's the perfect heat if you're looking for that kick but don't add it if you can't handle spice. The drunken noodles are not spicy in my opinion but i can handle a bit of heat. Loved the flavor and the noodles had the right texture, could've done without the huge chunks of tomato but great otherwise. The summer rolls were good, hard to mess those up. We also got a free mango salad with the order and that was so fresh and delicious. We just popped in for pick up but the hostess was really nice and attentive as soon as we walked in. It looked to be a nice casual spot, could be good for dinner with friends or date night.

    Obao has delicious food. If you're in Hells Kitchen and happen to stumble by Obao, it is worth…read morecoming in. Obao is has both Thai and Viet food. It does well with doing the whole "fusion" schtick without losing the essence and flavor of the dishes. Pad Krapoa Moo Krob, the meat on the pork belly was so juicy - the pork skin was crunchy and chewy at the same time, flavors of Thai spice, basil, and bell peppers harmoniously working together to bring a balanced meal. The shrimp basil fried rice was delicious, a great alternative if you're not feeling the crab fried rice. The service at Obao is always prompt and helpful, whether it's questions about the menu or recommendations, anyone is willing to help. Inside Oboa is dimly lit, a moody vibe that is fun and invites playful conversations.

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    Obao
    Obao
    Obao

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    Buddakan

    Buddakan

    4.1
    (4.9k reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$$$

    I am obsessed. This place is a 10 all around. The food is delicious, the ambiance is warm and…read moreromantic, the the service is impeccable. The main dining room has dramatic high ceilings and beautiful chandeliers. They have long stick candles burning on every table. It was absolutely gorgeous and such a special experience. The presentation really stood out. The carrot dumplings were so delicious and shaped like carrots. It had minced mushrooms in it and tasted like dun tai fungs vegetarian dumplings. I am a fan. The ducks in a row are basically deep fried dumplings. at dim sum, my family calls it footballs. It's shaped like ducks and it's the cutest thing ever. The peanut cold noodles were also delicious. I loved everything we ordered and the pistachio chocolate dessert was not too sweet and perfect end to our dinner. I was suspicious that this place would be all show but they really delivered in their food quality, service, and presentation. Just wow. 100% would recommend

    The vibe and food here is great! It's also very good for larger parties. We were a group of 10 and…read moreI was able to make a reservation without dealing with a pre fix meal or being put into a private room which I appreciated. We went family style for our dishes which worked very well. Everything we got was delicious, but the garlic fried rice, kung pao monkfish, crab rangoons and wok fried xo cheung fun noodles were my favorites. I also tried the Blush cocktail which was similar to a lychee martini. I loved it and it was perfectly sweet. Overall it was on the pricey side once we split everything, but the vibes were great for a nice night out.

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    Buddakan
    Buddakan
    Buddakan

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    THEP Thai Restaurant

    THEP Thai Restaurant

    4.5
    (3.5k reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$$
    Outdoor seating
    Vegetarian friendly

    Tasty casual Thai eats…read more Went for a weekend lunch - ended up ordering some cashew chicken. Was good! Would def come back.

    A much needed end of the week girls meet-up…read more Reservations were made and are STRONGLY suggested. A CC is required and you must agree to terms and conditions upon making said reservations. One of those terms is that there is a $25/pp fee for late cancelations or no shows. **Given the rules, I think it would be nice if THEP informs everyone when they book reservations that there is a great likelihood that you will be seated at a communal table.** Upon arrival we were seat when 3 out of the 4 arrived. Yes, we were seated at the communal table, which was off putting initially because we were looking for a more private experience and opportunity to catch up. However, we powered through and made the best of it. Service started off shaky and rushed initially, with incorrect drink orders presented. However once we all settled in things improved. The food was good and the atmosphere was lovely. A few entrée dishes were unavailable and required a little flexibility in the night's taste palate. Overall Thep was enjoyable and I would like to return now that I know what to expect. Just A Note: If a communal table is not ideal I would suggest reaching out directly to the restaurant to see if something can be arranged.

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    Pad Thai
    Pad Thai
    Park Mor and Krapow Puff
    Park Mor and Krapow Puff
    Duck Curry (Gaeng Phed Ped Yang)

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    Duck Curry (Gaeng Phed Ped Yang)
    53 NYC

    53 NYC

    4.1
    (239 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$$$

    Stopped by on a Friday night for dinner with my best friend. The place itself is gorgeous, moody,…read moreand very architecturally pleasing. To start, we had the lychee martinis. It's not your typical lychee martini. It has Aperol and pineapple, which gives it a great flavor. My only note is that I wish it were a bit stronger. For appetizers we had the yellowtail, which is a must get. It was delicious. We also had the lobster spring rolls, another great dish, and the crispy wontons, which were good but not my favorite compared to everything else. For our entrée we got the beef tenderloin, another must get. It was amazing, super tender, and melts in your mouth. We had it with the fried rice, which was solid. For dessert we had the ice cream sandwich, which was different in the best way and extremely delicious. It wasn't too sweet and the cone "buns" were perfection. Overall, this place is gorgeous and the food matches. I would definitely return. The service was also great, the perfect balance of letting you do your own thing and truly enjoy your evening while still checking in. It is pricey. We each paid $184 including tip, but it's definitely worth it for a special occasion or to spoil yourself a bit.

    Holiday season of 2024 tried to eat here but was closed or mostly booked for private party…read more Finally just came on random Tuesday and restaurant was packed and bar was packed soon after we arrived but got two seats at the bar before that happened as once again upstairs had private event. Best way to describe this is luxe Asian or bougie Chinese. If you are fan of top Chef it would be called soigné. We had three of the hot apps, Foie gras, lobster shumai with caviar and morel mushroom with spinach crystal dumplings. After that we're deciding between the quail and beef tenderloin wok dishes. Since the quail was spicy went with tenderloin which came with small serving of rice. All the food was great. I felt the crystal dumpling needed a kicked and they brought Out there house soy and hot vinegar sauce. For drinks I tried there mix of a classic martini with an old fashioned and after discussions with there somm who nicely recommended a more affordable bottle that would meet our needs got the Chardonnay by glass as a bottle. Enjoyed the meal though likely spent 5 times what usually spend on Chinese place mainly due to cost of alcohol. Place is well designed with a look similar to Butter downtown with the arched ceiling mixed with with the sound dampening feature of similar design of bar Boulod. Will return to try the quail and the lobster spring rolls and if they keep to this standard will increase rating to 5.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Eel Club with foie gras and cherry - outstanding! (02/23/25)
    Eel Club with foie gras and cherry - outstanding! (02/23/25)
    Royal shumai

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    Royal shumai
    At Cave

    At Cave

    4.3
    (12 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Fun spot. Tea based cocktail bar. Feels like a small little cave with innovative cocktails that are…read morewell made and blended. Surprisingly food was very delicious as well. Loved the pasta and chef special (egg and rice and beef). Cod was a bit too much chili for me but no complaints. Dessert is tiny - tiramisu is good, but not the best. Matcha cheesecake solid. Overall, really delicious venue with a fun cave vibe with great cocktails and surprisingly good food.

    This bar is a bit hidden, but such cool vibes. Once inside, it feels like you're in an actual cave…read morewith mirrors throughout. It's very sleek and sophisticated --perfect for a date night. The husband and I came for my birthday. They specialize in tea-infused cocktails with signature, savory, and sweet drinks. All the drinks were so unique and intriguing with some interesting ingredients. We started off with the Clock Out ($20) and Cuke Flower ($18). These were their most popular choices and I really enjoyed clock out, but found the cuke to be too sour for my liking. Then we got the Popcorn ($20) and Shrimp Elixir ($20). The popcorn was essentially an espresso martini while the shrimp was a fun, savory option. I liked their correlating garnishes on the cocktails as well. When we saw the other tables have food, we decided to get a small appetizer even though we weren't hungry. We ordered the Fried Chicken Wings ($16) before the kitchen closed. These were nice and crispy, but quite pricey for 5 pieces. Overall, lovely spot with a unique vibe.

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    At Cave
    At Cave
    At Cave

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    Wonderland

    Wonderland

    4.5
    (68 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    Wonderland is a hidden gem in the east village, although it really shouldn't be. Often overshadowed…read moreby noisier bar choices in the area, Wonderland offers a more refined alternative The space is intimate without feeling cramped, and there's a clear point of view behind everything, from the way the menu is constructed to how the drinks are presented. This sets it apart in a neighborhood that often leans the other way. What stands out most is the creativity behind the cocktails. There's a sense of play without it becoming gimmicky yet flavor still leads. The custom drinks, in particular, are a thoughtful touch and make the experience feel tailored rather than transactional. It's also one of the few spots in the area that genuinely works for conversation. Whether it's a date or catching up with a friend, you're not competing with the room. Given the location, I think it makes it a great spot for happy hours, late evening hangs or weekends out too. Wonderland isn't trying to be everything to everyone, It knows what it is: a considered, slightly understated cocktail bar that rewards you for slowing down and paying attention.

    definitely more of a chill intimate bar. a very beautiful bar with whimsical decor, but they took…read moreso long to bring out each drink that the first few drinks were finished before the second half of the drinks came. each drink came one by one which was strange the "wonderland series" cocktails are the showy ones presentation wise and seem high effort to prepare. I really enjoyed my drink (toasted coconut reconstruction, $26) because it was pretty mild in alcohol and basically came with a dessert

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    Wonderland
    Wonderland
    Wild Perfume

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    Wild Perfume
    TAO Uptown

    TAO Uptown

    3.6
    (3.2k reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$$

    Ambiance (5/5): The establishment is extremely ornate and decorated in theme from top to bottom. I…read morelove how much detail and elegance they put to each room (not to mention the 16-foot buddha statue in the main dining room!) Be aware that the lighting is dim and the background noise is loud! The front bar room is so loud that you have to shout with your guest. Our party of 6 was seated in a tiny booth which we had to ask for an additional chair to accommodate us. Service (5/5): We were able to get someone's attention to order and we were refilled on water often. The food was organized by appetizers and entrees that arrive all at the same time. The wait between ordering and food felt reasonable to short. The waiter also specified that certain dishes quantity (i.e. potstickers) could be increased to accommodate our party size for an extra cost. Food (5/5): TLDR; every dish was honestly SO good; I was surprised and will rank the items by 'must get' to skippable: Short Rib Bao Bun (3 pc): The short rib was so tender and flavorful. The bao bun was soft. The sauce was thick and worked well with the short rib. Pork Potstickers (5 pc): I preferred this over the lobster and scallion dumplings. The exterior skin is pan-fried with a nice glaze, hint of truffle. The bite was umami from the creaminess of the Parmigiano Reggiano. Chicken Satay (3 pc): The 3 pieces of chicken were relatively large, very tender, seasoned well. They were well complemented with the peanut sauce that is worth keeping to dip into other things! Don't sleep on the side of spicy cucumber salad, which was so well balanced in tartness and flavor. Pad Thai: This is one of the best Pad Thai I've ever had! The flavors are bursting, with a balance of sweetness, nuttiness from the peanuts, and tartness from a squeeze of lime. Peking Duck for 2: This dish is definitely more than enough for our party of 6 and appeared to be a half serving of the whole duck. The duck pieces are pre-cut for us to self-assemble into the wraps (not the usual bao bun but like thin tortilla wraps). I think I counted 8 wraps? Triple Pork Fried Rice: The rice has a lot of depth and generous chunks of pork. The rice is thicker than regular jasmine with a more chew which I liked. Dragon Tail Spare Ribs: Although this has a nice flavor, handling with your fingers makes them super sticky for your whole dining experience. The restaurant should give out wet towelettes if this dish is ordered!! Meat was tender and easy to chomp off the bone. Tuna Tartare: A small quarter-sized tartare dollop is served atop a small cube bread. The fish was fresh, presentation was beautiful. Was hoping for more tartare for the price point but it was very good. Overall, the dish was not filling so would skip if the party is hungry. Lobster and Scallop Dumplings: Great flavor with reasonable chunks of meat inside. Just preferred the potstickers a lot more! Bok Choy: Pieces were chopped in half and cooked with a nice crunch. Topped with something that gave it more texture. The garlicy taste was forward (in a good way). Rainbow Roll: While it was fresh and the individual pieces were large in portion, this felt like any other sushi roll. Skip this! Side of White Rice is $9?! That's theft and is skippable The amount of food ordered was probably a little more than what we needed but glad we ordered as many as we did.

    This restaurant has such a beautiful atmosphere. I was truly amazed by the giant Buddha altar and…read morefelt very peaceful paying my respects. I especially loved how it was placed elevated above the floor -- it gave such a calming and respectful feeling. Even with the hustle and bustle, the place still felt relaxing and serene. As for the food, it was decent. We ordered a few different chicken dishes since we don't eat pork or fish, so our options were a bit limited. One thing that did make me feel uncomfortable was the hallway near the downstairs bathroom where a picture of a Buddhist monk in saffron robes was displayed. Personally, I felt it was not the most respectful placement. Overall, I still enjoyed the experience and would love to come back again to see the beautiful giant Buddha.

    Photos
    TAO Uptown
    TAO Uptown
    TAO Uptown

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    Spring Cafe - vegan - Updated June 2026

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