Veselka

7

229

107

9 days ago

Outstanding blintzes. I get it. It probably is the best dessert blintz I'll ever have. The lime rickey was delicious, as was the egg cream. They did bring out the wrong order for me and it took a while to get the correct one. I got the vegetarian plate. The dumplings were good, but nothing out of the ordinary. The kasha tastes like chemicals and plastic, but I hear it's an acquired taste and I don't hold that against Veselka. Serving sizes are pretty small for the cost! read more

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Jacqueline T.

152

2407

21870

13 days ago

Our friends brought my husband and I here when we were in NYC together because it's one of their favorite spots. My husband and I shared: - Ukrainian Borscht - Choice of 8 pierogi: potato, braised beef short rib, cheese, sauerkraut & mushroom, bacon egg & cheese, arugula & goat cheese, chicken & vegetable - Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage) with mushroom gravy I loved everything. I love that they let you get 8 different pierogis in one order. I wish they let you add the special in too, but that's alright. My favorite pierogis were the suarkraut and mushroom, arugula and goat cheese, cheese, and short rib. While the pierogis were great, I think I liked the Holubtsi even more. I've never had it before and it was quite good. The mushroom gravy was delicious. I love beats so the borscht was really good too. Our wait wasn't long on a Saturday around 6pm. I'd highly recommend checking this spot out! read more

Veselka - Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage) with mushroom gravy - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Ukrainian Borscht - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Potato, braised beef short rib, cheese, sauerkraut & mushroom, bacon egg & cheese, arugula & goat cheese, chicken & vegetable - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Sadia H.

167

148

489

4 days ago

I have been coming to Veselka for years. My late sister interned at Cooper Union and found this restaurant and we had gone together multiple times. So this restaurant is both memorable and bittersweet simultaneously. The food remains top-notch but service could be better. I did not know that everyone in your party has to be present in order for your party to be seated. We got us a table for five but three members came after so we became a table of eight. At the time, the restaurant was practically empty. Yet, we noticed the hostess as well as our server very frustrated to accommodate us. Those three members were arriving from work. It's all good because we ended up having a good time. read more

Veselka - Vegetarian Chili (very good) An order of boiled pierogis - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Jamie M.

2

131

366

2 months ago

Veselka is a definite repeat when I'm in NYC. Delicious comforting Ukrainian specialties with friendliest of staff. More importantly is Veselka's place in the neighborhood and its commitment to the food and supporting Ukrainian food and it's culture. Expect consistency - food that never changes in all the right ways. Veselka - If you are listening, please bring back the baked chocolate pudding! Our absolute favorite chocolate dessert anywhere. read more

Veselka - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Mandisa N.

75

319

1160

2 months ago

Veselka is a very popular brunch option, so beware - there might be a long wait. I walked in with a party of 5 around noon on a Saturday and we were seated immediately. I can say that by the time we walked out, there was a line almost around the corner. Whole party does have to be present to be seated. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were given a 4-top with a 5th chair so tight squeeze but we were just happy to be seated after trying a couple other places around with no luck.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Because the place is so busy, It did take about 30 minutes to get our food, which we were heavily anticipating because we were so hungry. All their breakfast options look so good and we might have gotten a little over eager with ordering, so be mindful or maybe split a couple plates with your party. I got their two egg breakfast with latkes and added kielbasa. Perfect. That potato pancake is heaven. I did also get the blintzes but I will say I wish I ate them when they were a little warmer. They're not too sweet and are such a yummy treat. I recently heard that breakfast culture in New York is dying and I can't say I disagree, but it seems that the Eastern European options I have tried recently have some of my consistently favorite options. If you haven't been here, please check it out! read more

Veselka - Classic Blintzes with raspberry sauce - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Two Eggs Any Style (Over-medium with potato pancake (Latkes) and kielbasa) - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Michael R.

818

511

377

2 months ago

I have no idea how many decades it's been since I last ate as Veselka but it is even better than I remember - and that is rare! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Other than some new kitchen fixtures, the interior feels exactly the same as those 3 am meals after a show.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was spectacular and lets talk about the food... I've had a lot of vegetarian attempts at stuffed cabbage but this was beyond amazing. The perogies were a great start and my son said his borscht was amazing. We barely even tapped the menu but we were just minutes from closing! Glad to support them these past few years of the war on Ukraine and happy to get my fix again! Highly recommended and a (now) touristy place that lives up to and beyond the memories! read more

Veselka - Deluxe Vegetarian Combo - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Tea - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Namratha P.

15

179

521

24 days ago

Finally got to try Veselka after a few years of having it on my list! It was definitely a good experience, we went pretty early for dinner on a weeknight and it was easy to get seated. We tried the vegetarian combo plate which came with a good variety of things to try. We also got the potato latkes and the Ukrainian Fattoush Salad. All dishes were tasty and good portions! read more

Veselka - Vegetarian Borscht (V) - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Pierogi - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Salad - Fattoush - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Potato Pancakes (GF, V) - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Beth A.

167

268

124

25 days ago

As someone who is Polish and grew up eating a lot of Eastern European food, Veselka felt like a place I could happily eat at again and again. Everything I ordered was delicious. The pierogies were exactly what I was hoping for, and the potato pancake was fantastic. The menu does a great job of showcasing Ukrainian classics while also offering plenty of diner favorites, so there is something for everyone. [[HIGHLIGHT]]One of my favorite parts was the diner atmosphere itself. I grabbed a seat at the counter, which is always my preferred diner experience, and it made the meal feel even more authentic and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My only regret is that I spotted their famous egg cream after I had already eaten a mountain of pierogies and a potato pancake. Otherwise, I definitely would have ordered one. Whenever I am in New York City, Veselka is one of those places I try to visit if I am anywhere nearby. Great food, great atmosphere, and a spot that absolutely lives up to its reputation. read more

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Meredith R.

967

1462

2321

4 months ago

Though we'd recently been, it was my idea to return to Veselka after a show at Astor Place. While Veselka's stuffed cabbage was over 4-stars-good, it fell short of what I grew up with. (A tip-off of the difference from Jewish cabbage was the stuffing, made with pork at Veselka.) My plate came with two portions -- ah! one will be dinner this Monday! -- a ramekin of beets and a small salad. My husband went with the deluxe meat combo. It was on my radar, but I chose to pass it up after reading a review on this site. T agreed with what I read; the kielbasa was merely all right. Without a point of reference, he thoroughly enjoyed his stuffed cabbage. I grew up with Eastern European cuisine. He grew up with sweet tea and fried chicken. My friend was pleased with her marinated grilled chicken, and the three of us loved our soup. Veselka does it right; their Ukrainian borscht and mushroom barley is delish. read more

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Joy G.

26

98

208

1 month ago

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Cozy spot for a late night dinner! Loved that this place is open so late - it was perfect for a cozy meal after a night out.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There are two sections to the place, one part was a to-go area and the back section was the restaurant for sit-down service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely try the borscht - this soup actually felt like it was healing my soul. The pierogis were also yummy! I tried the stuffed cabbage as well - pretty good but I think the borscht was better. Quite large portion sizing! Service was excellent and they were very quick with bringing out the food. Definitely want to visit again! read more

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Jason W.

395

155

533

3 months ago

A Ukrainian restaurant that has been a mainstay in the community for multiple generations. Veselka features all the Ukrainian hits such as borscht, pirogies, and beef stroganoff. Service is warm and friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Veselka is open late, and at times the vibe feels like a classic diner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] On the food, I think it's all solid. My favorite is the stuffed cabbage, but the pirogies, soups, and other dishes are all very comforting. read more

Veselka - Matzoh Ball cup - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Meat Plate Combo - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Caroline O.

1

76

246

2 months ago

Very friendly service and yummy pierogi. I prefer the boiled ones over fried cuz I feel like you can taste the filling better. You can't really taste the filling in the fried ones because it just tastes a bit more oily.. might be just me though. The sweet onions were so yummy too. read more

Veselka - Classic Pierogi 8* with beef short rib and sauerkraut & mushroom - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Tony Y.

350

490

2778

6 months ago

I hadn't been to Veselka in a while, but my wife was craving it last night so we decided to swing by. We were greeted at the door by who I believe was the owner, who was incredibly friendly and welcoming. He checked in on us throughout the meal, which really added a personal touch. My wife ordered the potato pancake combo and chose matzo ball soup and beef stroganoff as her sides. I went with the Ukrainian meatballs with mushroom gravy. We also shared a side of four steamed pierogies (short rib and potato), plus an extra side of beets and horseradish, although we later realized both of our entrees already came with that. Everything came out promptly and was absolutely delicious. My meatballs reminded me of an elevated Salisbury steak, in the best way possible, and we even had leftovers to take home. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is a reason this place is an East Village staple: the food is excellent and the hospitality makes you feel like you are eating at grandma's house.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Tamara L.

283

390

740

3 months ago

Never a bad meal! The best spot for Ukrainian and a favorite before the orpheum theatre! read more

Veselka - Chicken Kyiv - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Challah French Toast - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Jennifer P.

7

91

77

1 month ago

This review is for coffee only-- their cold brew is fantastic!!!!! It tastes incredible; not too strong, no afterbite- wonderful on a hot summer day. Mixed mine with oat milk and Splenda and it was so pleasant. The take out staff were very welcoming, too, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]there is a nice little counter spot to catch one's breath and get out of the heat as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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Mosa H.

58

411

633

6 months ago

Proud Ukrainian establishment with a hearty menu. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Interior has classic New York diner vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Pierogis are delicious, both boiled and fried. All of the fillings we tried were good, it's hard to pick favorites. Servers are friendly and food is quick to come out. read more

Veselka - Boiled Classic Pierogi 4* - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Fried Classic Pierogi 4* - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Whitney D.

445

1118

19155

9 months ago

I came here last weekend for breakfast. It was my first time. It is a Ukrainian place so they are known for alot of specialities but just to name one they are known for their pierogis. I did not have any but I did have their potato latke. Wow delicious and I had an egg sandwich with cheese and bacon. The Sandwich was ok nothing special at all. I also had an iced cappuccino which was pretty tasty I must say. I would come back here to try more items and for sure get another latke. The ambiance is fine they also have outdoor seating. Service was a bit slow but it was pretty crowded too. read more

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Ange C.

221

362

782

7 months ago

How could you go here without having the borscht? It's been a few years but it's just as I remembered- warm, cozy, quick and friendly service. Along with the borscht, we also had some potato pierogies. Make sure your party is all together- the party won't be seated until everyone is there. read more

Veselka - Ukrainian Borscht - Quart - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Abbe K.

29

253

802

4 months ago

Delicious food, fast friendly service. Positive energy and although no reservations accepted, staff attentive to move things along. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Tables are a bit tight so the wait staff repeatedly bumped my chair on a busy Sunday night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]According to fans, this place is always full - at all hours.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Not surprisingly. Blintzes cooked and filled to perfection. Matzah ball soup more stuff than broth so hard to judge flavor yet matzah ball adequately fluffy. Schnitzel almost paper thin - a style and technique that leaves more crisp crunch than taste of chicken. Latkes were also crisp and quite thick - more texture than taste. Looking forward to a return visit to explore further. read more

Veselka - Matzoh Ball soup cup - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Blu - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Chicken Schnitzel Dinner - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Anita J.

20

236

650

8 months ago

Came here without a reservation on a Friday early evening around 6pm with a party of 4 and didn't have to wait too long. When we left around 7:30pm though, there was a line around the block! We got beef stroganoff x 2, stand with ukraine bowl, and a vegetarian plate. All the food was really good! Might be slightly on the pricier side for what you get but the pierogies were excellent and the beef in the stroganoff was pretty tender. Would recommend! read more

Veselka - Stand with Ukraine Bowl - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Beef Stroganoff - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Kailyn L.

34

232

331

8 months ago

We ordered both the meat and the deluxe vegetarian combination plates. The meat plate included beef and potato pierogi, a meat stuffed cabbage, and a variety of sides. The deluxe vegetarian plate came with cheese, potato and mushroom pierogi, a vegetarian stuffed cabbage and sides as well. Each combination plate also comes with a cup of soup or salad. My favorites were the pierogi and the borscht soup. They were so delicious! The service was prompt and attentive. read more

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Jacky C.

274

2318

2759

10 months ago

Walked by this Ukrainian restaurant numerous times and finally took the time to try this spot out. I've always seen a massive line wrapped around their shop on the weekends, so looks like it's a popular spot. The Pierogis are probably the most popular thing to order here. We got the 8 pc plate ($20), which we mixed a matched between Potato, Meat, BEC, and Short Rib. You can just order this and have it be your meal or treat it as an appetizer like we did. We got all of the pierogis fried. To try a variety of dishes, we ordered the Potato Pancake Combo Plate ($23) which we chose the Beef Stroganoff and the Ukrainian Borscht as our choices. Loved the Beef Stroganoff due to its tenderness which they slow cooked. Goes great over the potato pancakes. The Ukrainian Borscht is a classic Ukrainian soup worth trying. We also ordered the Veselka's Reuben ($19), which consisted of Sliced Krakovska ham, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Ukrainian dressing, dijon mustard and pickles on rye bread. This was delicious, even as leftovers after heating it up in a convection oven. Lastly, we tried their signature dessert: Single Cheese Blintz ($10). This is a Ukrainian-style crepes filled with lightly sweetened farmer's cheese. This was something I wasn't too fond of, probably mainly because of the cheese. Maybe adding raspberry sauce would have helped to add more flavor to it, but I feel like this wasn't for me. read more

Veselka - Pierogis - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Menu - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Blintzes - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Storefront - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Potato Pancake Combo Plate w Beef Stroganoff - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Veselka's Reuben - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Becca W.

0

89

29

10 days ago

We absolutely loved our Sunday lunch here. We got the deluxe vegetarian plate and the blintze with raspberry sauce. There were so many great flavors going on and we enjoyed it all. Our waitress was stellar, as well. read more

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Tu-Quyen P.

213

946

2523

10 months ago

The best of the best for a reason! Comforting, homemade feeling food but with the most flavorful high quality ingredients, just knocks it out of the park each time and I miss it the most every time I have to leave NYC. The cabbage roll, Ukrainian borscht and pierogis are MUST haves! I dream of the borscht, seriously. Service is just the nicest, like being at a dear friend's house. read more

Veselka - Side Salad - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Single Potato Pancake - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Caroline W.

8

109

206

9 months ago

Have been here several times and always excited to come back Authentic food and great portions read more

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Cesar Q.

198

281

1828

1 year ago

We've been coming here for over 15 years, long before that mess going on. There is a ton of outdoor seating so if you can't get inside you can definitely snap up a spot on the sidewalk or in the street shed. The goulash was great but that's off menu now so I have to resort myself to the BIGOS or the Mixed Ukrainian grille, both great dishes. Service is expeditious, with their friendly staff. The prices are worth it with the portions and quality they serve. The dining area is a good size inside, can get chatty which is why we like the outdoor dining. It's a jewel in the East Village and a mainstay, if you're in the area please check it out as you won't be disappointed. read more

Veselka - Olas Famous Veal Goulash - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Pam R.

24

248

436

5 months ago

Every dish was good! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very popular busy spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You wait in line for a table. It moves quick. Food comes out of the kitchen very fast so tables move fast. Loved it! read more

Veselka - Potato Pancake Plate - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - 8 assorted pierogis - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Blintzes with raspberry sauce - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Chicken Paprikash - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Inside the restaurant - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - Cup of matzo ball soup - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Susan L.

275

2142

551

3 months ago

Veselka is returning to 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays, as of April 17. They were open 24 hours/day since way back in 1990, but they had to cut back their hours when the covid pandemic arose. They're also hoping to eventually return to 24 hours/day on the other five days. read more

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Nicole K.

310

336

820

6 months ago

Iconic spot still serving up Ukrainian classics after several decades! Love coming here for a bowl of soup and pierogi read more

Veselka - Boiled pierogi - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Yael G.

891

262

216

3 months ago

Some of the best pierogie I've ever had. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great service and great vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My only complaint is that they won't seat you until your entire party is present, but I feel like they are so busy that it justifies that. We shared a couple of desserts and those were amazing, too. A++ would eat here again. read more

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Anna B.

6

1157

955

7 months ago

Everything we ordered was delicious and made-to-order. Would recommend the savory Classic Pierogis and the juicy, crisp Chicken Schnitzel. Customer service was kind and efficient with taking our order and bringing out our food promptly. Would definitely come back if in this area next time I'm in NY! read more

Veselka - Classic Pierogi 8* and Chicken Schnitzel Dinner. - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Tony B.

Elite 24

759

390

2194

8 months ago

UKRAINIAN FARE IN EAST VILLAGE. It may not look like a fancy restaurant, but you will find it is packed. The service is reasonably fast considering the place Is full. The food is Eastern European. Perogis borscht etc. They also bre their own beer. Food is great and one of the best restaurants in the east village. Cheers read more

Veselka - Inside - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Veselka - The story - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Courtney D.

0

2

18 days ago

Tuna melt is not a tuna melt. Bread is not toasted and was served in a wacky way. Perogi was amazing. Chicken noodle soup is fantastic. Tuna is a flop read more

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Carolyn B.

69

465

203

7 months ago

We stood in line only for 5 minutes around 4:45 for an early dinner. The staff is very courteous and service is fast. The restaurant was full and noisy but we were still able to hear each other talk at the table. The cup of Matzo ball soup was fine. The chicken broth was rather bland but the Mateo ball was light and fluffy. We couldn't decide on whether to have boiled or fried pierogies but opted for the traditional boiled style. You can mix and match the fillings. They were all good but the chicken vegetable and the short rib fillings were especially flavorful. The chicken schnitzel was moist with a crisp coating. We also tried a classic NYC chocolate egg cream soda..it was not too sweet with a fizzy taste. read more

Veselka - 8 pierogie order and chicken schnitzel. - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Sweeny Y.

Elite 17

91

93

81

6 months ago

I had such a great experience at Veselka. A good friend highly recommended it to me, and I'm so glad we went. The service was super fast, and everything we tried was really delicious. We ordered the Ukrainian borscht, chicken paprikash, and the Stand With Ukraine bowl, and all of it was comforting, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The borscht was especially cozy, and the chicken paprikash was hearty and satisfying. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Overall, great food, quick service, and a chill, welcoming vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Totally lives up to the recommendation. I'd definitely come back. read more

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Yuk L.

315

497

3321

7 months ago

It was a popular spot for me and my friends when I lived on Ave A mahy years ago. We could always count on tasty borscht and yummy pierogies. I stopped here after walking through the recent snow for a bit of nostalgia. I was surprised to get my fried pierogies deep fried. Ask for an order of boiled pierogies. The borscht warmed me up immediately. I asked the waiter about pan fried with onions. It's been years since I was last at Velselka. read more

Veselka - borscht like i remember - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Grace M.

86

328

529

1 year ago

All we want is peace in Ukraine and more Borscht! This was a delicious meal and the staff is efficient in this bustling restaurant in the east village! We stopped in on a rainy day and it really hit the spot. Enjoy your pierogis fried if you want the crunch or boiled if you like the dough. Don't forget the borscht! read more

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Kayla Y.

13

150

258

7 months ago

Had a late lunch here and it was before 5 so we were able to get their 4 pierogies and cup of soup for $16. Their food is hearty but delicious and their soup cut into the grease. Their dish with different sausages was great and flavorful. There was no wait getting in as well and service was efficient. read more

Veselka - Chicken Noodle Soup Christmas Borscht - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Sofyan S.

429

692

4824

1 year ago

Food (5/5): Absolutely delicious food and I particularly like the Ukrainian spin on sausages, shortrib pierogi, pancakes, and goulash. The applesauce and other sauces are fun and unique too. Service (4/5): Been here several times and most of the servers are very helpful and friendly while also getting the food out fast. A couple servers were a bit more cold and say me raise a hand for help but blatantly ignored me but on average they are great. Ambiance (5/5): Nice shop with plenty of seating and great indoor decor. read more

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More info about Veselka

144 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10003
East Village
Directions
(212) 228-9682
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.veselka.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Veselka open?

Veselka opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Veselka is open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday.Veselka opens at 12:00 PM on Sunday.

What time does Veselka close?

Veselka closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Veselka is open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday.Veselka closes at 11:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Thu 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Fri-Sat Open 24 hoursSun 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Veselka take Bitcoin?

No, Veselka does not take Bitcoin.

Does Veselka take credit cards?

Yes, Veselka takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Veselka have catering options?

Yes, Veselka does have catering options.

Does Veselka have a drive thru?

No, Veselka does not have a drive thru.

Does Veselka have a happy hour?

No, Veselka does not have a happy hour.

Does Veselka serve alcohol?

Yes, Veselka serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Veselka allow dogs?

No, Veselka does not allow dogs.

Does Veselka have TVs?

No, Veselka does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Veselka have bike parking?

Yes, Veselka has bike parking.

Does Veselka have outdoor seating?

Yes, Veselka has outdoor seating options.

Does Veselka have parking?

Yes, Veselka has parking options. Garage Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Veselka wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Veselka is wheelchair accessible.

Does Veselka have free WiFi?

Yes, Veselka has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

For sixty-seven years, customers have crowded into Veselka, a cozy Ukrainian coffee shop in New York City's East Village, to enjoy pierogi, borscht, goulash, and many other unpretentious favorites. Veselka (rainbow in Ukrainian) has grown up from a simple newsstand serving soup and sandwiches into a twenty-four hour gathering place without ever leaving its original location on the corner of East Ninth Street and Second Avenue. Veselka is, quite simply, an institution.

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Ukrainian East Village Restaurant

This place can get pretty busy during lunch rush on Saturday! Because it's more family owned, they…read moredon't rush you. Feels very home-y Loved the Borscht, will always get this every time we come back Tried their Ukrainian combo and it was delicious, stuffed cabbage, pierogis (1 meat, 1 potato, 1 mushroom, 1 spinach), sausage and sauerkraut. The east village combo was good too! The potato is really good. The portion size is decent! We were stuffed and didn't finish everything since it's a little on the heavier side. Pierogi ranking top fav to least favorite: Meat Mushroom Cheese Spinach Potato Also, tried the cheese Blintzes, which reminds me of a bit of a crème haha so it's more of a dessert Next time, we want to try the wiener schnitzel and the stuffed cabbage with cream mushroom sauce?

Such a cozy restaurant, it feels like you're in someone's home. Food is the same, no frills and…read morewell-priced. I got the East Village combo that came with 4 different kinds of pierogis, a cheese blintz and a massive potato pancake for $18. The blintz might be the next I'be ever had. Perfectly sweet and crisp. The potato pierogi was my favorite but it's nice to be able to sample the different flavors with the combo. Our server was so sweet and made us feel right at home. It's hard not to feel good when you're in here. Try the horseradish infused vodka, it's surprisingly smooth.

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Streecha

I stopped by Streecha for lunch last Sunday after wanting to try it for ages. It's a basement, no…read morefrills Ukrainian restaurant with a classic menu and comfortable, casual cafeteria vibes. I had a cup of borscht and an order of dumplings, which were both great. The borscht was something I will crave for a while. The broth just had an incredible, balanced flavor. I thought since my food was pretty warm up and serve, that it would be a quick meal, but the service was pretty slow. I sat and waited a while. It was Mother's Day, so I think they were busier than usual with catering orders and moms and grandmas stopping by for desserts for brunch at home. So the pace of service may have been affected/out of ordinary for that reason. For those visiting for the first time: Take a look at the menu upstairs on the sidewalk before going down to the restaurant, because there was only menu downstairs at the counter where you order, so anyone coming for the first time will have to flip through the menu while holding up the line to order unless they know what they want already. When you go downstairs, the restaurant is behind the first door to your left; it's not well-marked. A lot of reviews say it's cash-only, but that may have been under the prior owners/management, because they definitely took credit cards/Apple Pay when I was there last weekend. If you love Ukrainian food, Streecha is well worth a visit. I love its no frills, classic approach to dining. It's a great option for a casual lunch if you're in the area and are craving some Eastern European fare.

Streecha offers great comfort food for all of us who are either familiar or unfamiliar with…read moreUkrainian cuisine. I dragged my partner to the basement kitchen that is Streecha and he was unprepared to face three nuns in the hallway leading to the kitchen with his tattoos uncovered. The fear in his voice when he asked if we were in the right place was already a great sign. Tucked in a room to the left were several long tables and a lady in the front taking orders. We wanted to try a little bit of everything so we settled for half a dozen of meat verenyky, a half dozen of potato and cheese verenyky, borscht, and stuffed cabbage. Our favorites of the bunch were the stuffed cabbage and the half dozen potato and cheese verenyky. We only wished everything was hotter because it seemed only the potato verenyky was hot. But as a self-service kitchen that relies on the help of volunteers, it wasn't surprising. So if you're looking for Ukrainian food without spending a fortune at Veselka, Streecha is a great alternative. I also think they do affordable lunch specials so that's something else I need to try.

So cozy and clean

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Inside seating 8/2024

Varenyk House

4.7

(37 reviews)

5.0 mi

The people who work at Varenyk House are nice and not chatty. There isn't seating available. I was…read morejust in the other day and it looks like they got a bunch of new freezers and offer hot food to go now, too, not just fresh frozen! I bought a bag of frozen potato and cheese varenyk (pirogies), and they were delicious. Attaching a photo of what they looked like after I cooked them at home (boiled and then sautéed in butter with diced onion and spices).

Came on a Thursday night a few minutes before closing and they had such a large selection of…read moreUkrainian goodies! the staff were still hard away making dumplings in the back. Once stepping into the store, you are met with large freezers and fridges stuffed to the brim with all things Ukrainian. Many of their dumpling items are in large packages (2-3lbs a pack) and range from $8-$15 per lb depending on the filling. $15 a pound for their lamb and short rib Pierogis. Price-wise, it's very fair! And you can taste to quality and heart they put into these Pierogis. Can't go wrong with any flavor. I got the lamb and it was stuffed with tender lamb pieces, no filler. And they make for great quick meals! I also snagged a box of cabbage rolls stuffed with a pork and rice filling. Simple home-y flavor and better than rolls I've gotten from restaurants. Just reheat and it's ready to go! $15 for 5 large cabbage rolls was a great deal as well! Would get again. The only thing I wouldn't get again is their soup dumplings, as it was a bit difficult to cook and was a little too doughy near the top of the dumpling. Flavor wise, it was delicious and had a nice broth (assuming you didn't pop them. Only 1 didn't pop). But it was a difficult item to cook right in boiling water, like the instructions mention. Perhaps, user error. Every item is sold by weight and labeled after selecting your items. But they're happy to check the weight/explain price before purchasing.

Ukrainian Plate Special Meal

Homemade pierogies

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Potato Varenyky

Veselka Grand Central Terminal

I got the meat plate combo which comes with one stuffed cabbage (rice & minced beef), 4 pierogis (2…read morepotato and 2 beef), drenched in mushroom gravy and topped with pickled onion. You also get to pick a small soup on the side. I got the Ukrainian beef borscht soup. I've never had borscht soup before - it was made with beets, potato, cabbage, but tasted strongly of the beets. I'm a huge fan of beet so was happy to learn this dish existed. It's perfect on a cold rainy day. This is conveniently located in the food court within Grand Central station. Would highly suggest anyone to give this place a try!

I'm a fan of Veselka, so when I was at Grand Central last weekend looking for a breakfast before my…read moretrain, I thought, "Veselka!" They have a stand in the dining concourse, so I went downstairs, ordered BEC (bacon egg and cheese) pierogi and a coffee, waited just a few minutes, and then ate it at one of the tables in the dining concourse. They have other breakfast options (BEC on a roll, breakfast burrito with kielbasa and potato pancake, eggs, omelettes), but I enjoyed their BEC piergoi with spicy ketchup. Of course, they also have lunch/dinner - pierogi and soup combo, stuffed cabbage, chicken schnitzel sandwich, chicken paprikash, beef stroganoff - so I'd go for any meal. Veselka opened in the West Village in 1954. It's a NYC institution. Eating from their stand in Grand Central isn't quite the same, but I'm glad it's there. It's a great option for a quick meal before a train!

Beef Stroganoffstroganoff

Countertop area

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Vegetarian borscht comes with a slice of bread and sour cream.

Farida

Excellent well prepared and creative food selections and service. Fun atmosphere ! Well worth a…read morevisit.

If you have any connection to Central Asia or want to try cuisine from that part of the world, head…read moreto Farida. Walk down the stairs in a central part of Manhattan and enter a different world with colored lights on the ceiling and windows painted with scenes from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. To feee a family of three, including our nine-year-old daughter, we ordered the chicken plov, langman, beet caviar, and the kids mini dumplings. Everything tasted great, but the winner was the langman. The passion fruit and mango lemonade was refreshing. (Note: It's carbonated.) At the end, order the chak chak for a traditional dessert of fried dough with honey

Lunch time

DJ

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Celebrate your birthday

Veselka Williamsburg

4.4

(57 reviews)

2.2 mi

Absolutely loved it here…read more I love coming here. I love their lattes, pierogies, omelettes, potato pancakes, kielbasa and everything else I've tried. Everything was so fresh. The employees were very friendly and helpful. I can't wait to come back.

Coming here for a work lunch with my boss, who was the one who recommended we dine here, with some…read moreother colleagues, I wasn't sure what to expect from this place that I've passed multiple times on the BQE while on my commute to work. Apparently there is more than one location in Manhattan. The inside reminded me of a classic diner. Comfy and with a pretty cool vibe. We all slid into a booth and looked over the seasonal offerings along with their standard menu. I was lured by the chicken Kyiv based on the picture of having two rolled up chicken cutlets stuffed with dill and other yumminess, but was a bit disappointment when it arrived with a single small cutlet on my plate with two heaping mounds of potatoes mash and broccoli. I instantly had regret when I should have gotten the borscht soup with pierogies, but wanted to try something I wouldn't usually. I should've stuck to what was safe. My work mom got the stuffed cabbage and that was a clear homerun- really loved the mushroom gravy that it came with. My other colleague got the potato pancake and wasn't too thrilled with it, while my boss got the two Swedish meatballs that he described to be Ikea worthy. Although this was my first time here, I can't say that anyone really loved the food nor would come out of their way to come back. I really was hoping this would have wow-ed me in some way, but I guess I'll stick to what's familiar.

Chopped Cheese Pierogi

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Outside

Mishka Soho

4.1

(67 reviews)

1.0 mi

Absolutely amazing dining experience at this charming and chic Eastern European restaurant in SOHO…read moreserving delicious homemade traditional dishes. Great service and wonderful atmosphere . Place is open from breakfast to dinner.

I make excuses to eat here again. The employees were flexible, resourceful and cordial. The cost…read moreadvantage makes repeat visits logical. They maintain high standards in food taste and freshness. This restaurant offers something different.

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Blintz Box

4.7

(9 reviews)

2.6 mi

Blintz Box is fantastic. Employees here provide answers with sincere helpfulness. Their dishes…read moredemonstrate bold yet appealing choices. I've chosen this place repeatedly with consistent results. We want to explore what else they offer.

Picked up lunch today from Blintz Box in the Turnstyle market at the Columbus Circle subway…read morestation. This relative newcomer to the fast-casual scene serves Ukrainian-American fusion items ranging from corndogs and borscht (vegan!) to the namesake blintz wraps and boxes. A blintz is a soft, thin, spongy pancake of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. Blintz Box offers five varieties of blintz wrap, including the pescatarian-friendly Englishman (fried beer-battered cod, french fries, slaw) and the vegetarian-approved portabella wrap. I opted for the Philadelphia, their take on a classic cheesesteak. To better sample the range of the menu, I also ordered the loaded fries with crispy fried chicken on top. The loaded fries are a shareable size. The fries were hot and crispy, absolutely slathered in cheese and sauce, requiring a fork and napkin to stay tidy. The fried chicken filet added taste and crunch, making this feel like a proper meal. It also came with a delightful variety of pickles including pickled sport peppers, cucumbers, and jalapeño peppers. The Philadelphia blintz wrap was juicy and flavorful. The shaved beef, peppers, onions, and cheese combined in a gooey melange, which the tender and pliable blintz held in place for me to nibble. The blintz itself was malleable and well-suited for wrapping. Its mild flavor allowed the filling to steal the show. Hats off to the proprietors, a resilient husband-and-wife team who demonstrate the kind of hustling acumen that New York is known for. Come through on your lunch break, or when you're transferring trains at 59th St and want a snack. Delivery and catering options are also available.

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Rondel

Lovely Ukrainian Restaurant. I celebrated many occasions here, the food is amazing. The staff is…read morevery friendly and nice. Prices are great.

We received fresh dishes, attentive service, and had a perfect dining experience. The team…read moredelivered consistent support. Their food arrives fresh with excellent flavor and choices. They deliver reliable meals and pleasant interactions. Our group was pleased with everything.

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Adel's Famous Halal Food

This outside truck spot can definitely have long lines and wait times. I luckily came right when it…read moreopened but I still waited around 15 minutes. I definitely recommend coming here right when it opens. For the food itself, I got the Mix Platter (Lamb and chicken) which was delicious and flavorful. It had a spicy kick, but it was still enjoyable. The plate was definitely loaded and I recommend getting it with the spicy rice. I definitely think it's worth the hype and would come again.

I feel like this place is a 1 and done - but not something that you have to have... more like, if…read moreyou have FOMO and want to try the hype. I feel like this place is good, but the white sauce is what makes it. Would I wait another 50 minutes in line, again? Heck to the no - but 1 time? Yes, just to say I tried it. I came in line around 9:45pm and waited approx. 50 minutes before being served. the line just grows and grows.... it is crazy busy! I don't get the line concept here. Because while I was in a long line, when I get to the front, there's another line to the left of the truck... and people seem to be getting their food faster, and the line is like 2x shorter. So that's kind of confusing. Ambience in line and ordering = chaotic. The line is quick in terms of when it is your turn, KNOW what you want. Because you have like 5 seconds to order and that's it. I ordered the special (the spicy rice, lamb and chicken combo, extra white sauce, 3 squirts of hot sauce, and a topped with fries). $13 in total. I would like to say, advice to folks to know what you want before you come. I did not look at menu options beforehand and I did fairly little research so I honestly did not know what to order, just looked at some google reviews and pictures. That is going to help you, in case you do not want the typical lamb and chicken combo. To the food - 1st - they don't care how much hot sauce you want. they're making these bowls in the masses and are just giving you a single squirt so they can make 20 bowls all at the same time. I was hoping for more spice in what I ordered, but it was very slightly spicy. I'm not sure if they let you serve yourself to more, but I'd definitely want more of the hot sauce. 2nd - I didn't taste any spice in the spicy rice. I'm not sure if, again, due to the fast production that it all just taste like regular rice? but didn't see what the hype was there. 3rd - I genuinely think the white sauce is what brings it all together. The chicken was OK to me. I didn't think it was anything special, and would give it a 3 out of 5. texture was OK, flavor was OK... the lamb definitely stole the show. The lamb was absolutely flavorful and full of delicious spices. This reminded me of what I've had in Dubai. Very rich in flavor and just the perfect amount of spices. Overall, I think if you wait for your food to cool down like 20 minutes, you'll get to taste the flavors more. Everything hot together, for me, just didn't allow me to really absorb all the food. But the rice was your average rice. Pita was deliciously soft and pillowy which complemented the white sauce. Chicken was ok. had an OK texture; nothing life changing. lamb was fantastic, and fries were just fries (nothing memorable). For a NYC experience, a 1-time, 50 minute wait is acceptable. And, for $13, that's pretty cheap for the amount of food you get. I would eat it again if the line was 5 minutes. Otherwise, I'm positive you will find similar food/better food elsewhere.

Combo (chicken and lamb) over rice and fries was well seasoned. Would recommend dranks while waiting with friends in line hehe!

Mix Platter

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Chicken over Rice Platter and Lamb Over Rice

L’industrie Pizzeria

This place can definitely get busy and it can be hard to get seating. There's also a standing area…read moreinside. Staff was friendly and the food didn't take too long to come out. I got the Fig and Bacon Pizza and Burrata Slice which were delicious and flavorful. It tasted high-quality and even the crust was enjoyable. The fig jam and bacon pizza had a good sweetness. This place was probably one of my favorite pizza spots if not my favorite pizza spot I tried in New York.

This was hands down my favorite place to get a slice of pie! I got the pepperoni & a burrata slice…read moreand they were both amazing. Instantly regretted not buying a whole pepperoni pie once i left the area! The passion fruit alcoholic beverage was refreshing and the chocolate chip cookie was just right. I arrived around 1215 just after opening. There was a line but it wasn't too long of a wait. The crew was very efficient. Not much space to sit and enjoy the slice especially during crowds, but I wouldn't let that stop me from visiting. 10 out of 10 experience and will definitely return!!

IG: @nom.noms.only | fig jam & tartufo

Open kitchen interior

Burrata / Pepperoni

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Mama's Too

Realllyyyyyy gooood!!! Different style slice than the regular NYC style. I really enjoyed the…read morethickness, crispness, and unique flavors!! Both pizza slices were fire. The angry nonna pepperoni and hot honey. The Bufalina had blue cheese and chicken, it was really good but I'm not a huge fan of blue cheese. Not many seats inside, we stood and eat. The service was fairly quick and kind. We ordered: Angry Nonna 5/5 Bufalina 4/5 (I'm not a fan of blue cheese) Overall, I highly recommend trying their pizzas out. Especially if you love a thick slice. I was full off one slice of pizza. The pizza was around $7 per slice, but like I said, one slice is enough so I feel it was worth the price. I'll definitely come back!!!

Visited again and still my favorite pizza spot in ny!…read more we got the angry nonna, vodka square, and the house slice. the detroit style slices were our favorite. it was the perfect combination of delicious flavors and the crust was perfect. the angry nonna had a great combination of salty salami coupled with sweet hot honey and the vodka slice was so saucy and had such a great flavor. both slices were wrapped up perfectly by the crunchy crust that gave the slice great structure too! will absolutely be back and hope to see more mama's toos around the city!

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Golden Diner

5/27/2026 What could I say about this place that everyone…read moredoesn't know about..... absolutely nothing lol. Always recommend getting a reservation weather calling or walking to the booth. Our wait was at least an hour and a half and were texted when our table was ready. They have indoor and outdoor seating with one bathroom for all to use. We got the viral pancakes and they were everything you'd dream they be and then some for sure very filling and buttery. I got a "pick me up" and it was perfect gave me a beautiful caffeine kick to start the day I recommend for sure. Weather you come for the viral moment this feels like a solid staple in the community with bright music playing everyone kind of everywhere and just a relaxed feel that you can't wait to enjoy after you get seated. Bathroom rating 5/5 very clean for how busy the place is :)

I've had *GOLDEN DINER* on my radar since 2021, and I finally made it there on a Monday morning…read morearound 11:00 am. Even at that hour, there was already an hour and 45-minute wait for a table of two--clearly, this place is doing something right! We put our name down, ran a few errands, and returned just in time to be seated on their lovely patio. The outdoor setting was pleasant and added to the overall experience. We ordered their famous honey butter pancakes, Korean wings, and the breakfast sandwich with hash brown, scrambled eggs, and sausage. The honey butter pancakes were rich and flavorful--definitely a decadent treat. The Korean wings had a great flavor profile, though the batter was on the thicker side. The absolute star of the meal was the breakfast sandwich. The eggs were perfectly cooked with a hint of cheese, and even as someone who usually skips cheese, I found it added a nice creaminess without being overwhelming. While the wait was long, it's a testament to how popular this spot has become. The concept of blending Asian flavors with classic diner fare is ambitious and unique. If you enjoy hearty, satisfying comfort food with a creative twist, *GOLDEN DINER* is absolutely worth checking out. I'm glad I finally experienced it!

Smaller than I thought. Now I know why there is always such a long wait.

Korean Fried Chicken Wings

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Honey Butter Pancakes

Szechuan Mountain House

The food was delicious and so FAST! Our waiter Frankie was so nice! Will definitely be coming back!…read moreThe vibe inside was relaxing and the seats were comfortable.

We had a lovely birthday dinner here. The Szechuan fried noodles, and the stir-fried cabbage were…read moremy favorite, but everything was so good. The mapo tofu, green beans, twice cooked pork, and spicy (lazi) chicken were very flavorful. I thought the mala levels were just right, but it may be on a bit on the lighter side compared to authentic. The lamb spine came in a delicious broth, but it was a bit hard eating the lamb from the bone for not a lot of meat. The house steamed fish was also amazing. They don't take online reservations for groups over 5, so we called to make one for our group of 6. It was pretty busy Friday night, so would recommend. The service was great; they drew the cutest card when they found out it was my brother's birthday and let us bring a cake. And they also offered hair ties to the people with long hair. You order through an iPad which has a beautiful menu.

Swing Pork Belly - IG @bougiefoodieboi

Mapo Ma-Po Tofu 麻婆豆腐

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Mala prawn

Very Fresh Noodles

Love this place and go here every time I'm in Chelsea Market! The service is quick, price is…read moredecent, and their dishes are pretty simple. There was one time I got the dry spicy beef noodles and the beef came kind of uncooked. We sent it back and they were able to quickly remake it for us. Hasn't ever happened again though. Not too much seating available here, but if you walk around the market, there are other places you could probably find seats.

Beef is tender and thickly sliced. Very generous quantity in a bowl…read more Soup is full of flavors. I'm not a big fan of knife cut long noodles. It is too wide and thick for my liking - so nothing against this place. It's just my preference.