Edgy and authentic, the East Village is busting at the seams with cool restaurants that are (for the most part) reasonably priced:
- Cafecito (Cuban) The space is intimate – a long counter in the front room seats about 8 people, while the adjoining room seats another 20 or so. It's hard to find someone who doesn't like the authentic Cuban food here.
- Crif Dog (Hot Dogs) It seems that some of the most fun restaurants in the east village elevate dive-y-ness to an art form. Crif Dogs is one such place.
- Dok Suni (Korean) It’s in the East Village, the space is small, the decorations are spare, and paint on the main bar is chipped in many places. It’s just the sort of space that is suitable for tangling with the really good Korean fare that is served here.
- Dumpling Man (Dumplings) There is only one thing on the menu - dumplings. And if you've ever wondered how good something can be when you have a singular focus, check this place out.
- Grape and Grain (American Nouveau) It's billed as a wine bar, but it's also the coziest, friendliest and most romantic (if you want it to be) place in the east village.
- Hearth (Italian) - Full review Coming Soon Tom Colicchio mentioned Hearth in an interview I saw, so I had to check it out. The space is perfect, and the food delivers.
- Mercadito (Mexican) It’s a modest little space in the East Village, and while I had heard it was good, I didn’t know what an understatement that was. Tacos are reinvented here.
- Momofuku Noodle Bar (Asian) The interior is a study in minimalism. But you're there for the food. Soaring, giant bowls of noodles with succulent pieces of pork will speak to you from across the room. You will be craving things just from sight and smell alone.
- Momofuku Ssam (Asian) You’ll be eating shoulder to shoulder with your guests (and with strangers) in the cramped bar area or at one of the tiny tables. Get over it – the food will make you forget any qualms you have with the space.
- Momofuku Bakery and Milk Bar (Desserts) Somehow Christina Tossi (the pastry chef here) has eluded the DEA and continues selling dime bags of sweetness that keep us all so addicted that the question isn't "What are you having?" It's "How many?"
- Prune (American) Lines form 30 minutes before they open for brunch, and with good reason. The food is solid. I just wish they would do something with the interior.
- S'MAC (American) If you can get over the college dorm feel, and you’re in the mood for some high carb comfort food, then this is a good place to go.
- Sunburnt Cow (Australian) Visually arresting films (like Final Fantasy VII and Sin City) are projected in distorted colors onto the brick wall behind the front bar, and random lamps dimly light the funky furniture giving the whole place a feeling that veers near goth, but lands safely in grungy-cool.
- Terroir (Italian wine bar) - Review coming soon
- The Redhead (American) Some people claim that the Redhead is a “Southern Cooking” restaurant, and since both grits and fried chicken are found on the menu it does get the good ‘ol boy nod. But after those familiar fixin’s, the menu evolves.
- Una Pizza Napoletana (Pizza) There are only 4 simple pizzas on the menu (and pepperoni isn't an option). I am told they import everything from Italy - the dough, the tomatoes - everything. And I suppose that's why an individual pie costs over twenty bucks.