Since beginning my time in New York, Veselka has been one of my favorite late night eating joints. Whether I have just finished a show or a night of beers out on the town, few things satisfy like a... More

Since beginning my time in New York, Veselka has been one of my favorite late night eating joints. Whether I have just finished a show or a night of beers out on the town, few things satisfy like a genuine pierogi or stuffed cabbage. This does not mean you can't visit Veselka in daylight hours (I am not just talking about briefly after sunrise). I have been here for a late lunch or early dinner and not been disappointed (you know...sometimes you have good drunk food that doesn't taste that great when you are sober). It is almost always crowded.
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Veselka, the Ukrainian Restaurant in East Village is a legendary institution, beloved by several generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike - for 50 years. It's not Polish - the name "Veselka" is... More

Veselka, the Ukrainian Restaurant in East Village is a legendary institution, beloved by several generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike - for 50 years. It's not Polish - the name "Veselka" is Ukrainian, and that's why it is located in the heart of New York's "Little Ukraine". Open 24 hours a day, which means you will never have to miss your favorite American and Ukrainian dishes. Veselka's is well known for its outstanding cheese blintzes - second to none in New York. I live on the West Coast now for many years, so going to Veselka when I'm in New York is an extra special treat for me. Also near-by on 1st and 2nd Ave, you'll fine the Kurovycky Deli and Baczynsky's East Village Meat Market which serve outstanding array of their own make cold cuts, such as ham, kolbasa, and the specialty, the thin "kabanos" sausauge, in regular or dry variety. You can also buy excellent bread at both places.Their products, or similar are probably served at Veselka. Cheers! Smachnoho!
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As the East Village continues to gentrify and hipper, trendier boites take over the area, Veselka is a holdout from gentler times. This Polish/Ukranian cafe on the corner of 2nd and 9th was a... More

As the East Village continues to gentrify and hipper, trendier boites take over the area, Veselka is a holdout from gentler times. This Polish/Ukranian cafe on the corner of 2nd and 9th was a pleasant discovery as an NYU student, and I still like to pop by for a brunch or light lunch every now and then. The staff are straightforward, but not to the point of being gruff, and so is the food. There aren't too many bells and whistles, allowing you to appreciate the simplicity of good, unassuming food. Although the wierd Swiss chalet decor is gone, it remains a comfortably New York style diner of the old school variety. Open 24 hours, it's an ideal spot to satisfy most cravings relatively cheaply.
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