Reserve some room in your stomach during East Village Eats.
Last Saturday, New York City’s East Village Eats (EVE) hosted a self-guided walking and tasting tour of restaurants in the East Village area to benefit FABNYC. After experimenting tasty bites in all twelve hot spots, we compiled our picks of favorite restos and bars. The next time you have a free moment to spare in the area, make sure to reserve some room in your stomach for these savory nooks!
5. Luke’s Lobster
93 East 7th Street @lukeslobster
Who says you can’t have a great shrimp rolls outside of Maine or Boston? Luke’s shrimp rolls made it on our list, because the bun was all that buttery and the shrimp was deliciously fresh. This is how they served them: Maine shrimp on a toasted bun with a dab of mayo, lemon butter and secret spices that was perfect sassy to the pallet. We enjoyed this rich bite, although glad it wasn’t the stop to begin our tour, it may just fill up your appetite too quickly, too soon. Luke’s is a must-stop. Super delicious!
4. Fab Cafe
75 East 4th Street @fourthartsblock
There’s no shortage of cafes in NYC, but something about Fab Cafe is, well…quite fabulous, in an artsy and shabby chic kind of way. Their cups of MUD coffee were great boosts of energizers half-way through the tasting marathon. It charmingly sits on East 4th Street, with blue walls and cool art pieces that exquisitely decorate its quaint space. Who doesn’t love walking into a lovely blue box and take a few hours away from the bustling Big Apple?
3. Wechsler’s Currywurst
120 1st Avenue @wechslers
Who doesn’t love a brat with a kick? Wechsler’s Currywurst served a sample of their famous Currywurst: grilled brat served with our homemade curry ketchup and a sprinkle of curry powder. Not only was the dish full of “Jetset Times flavor,” combining European gusto with Indian aroma, there’s also a great selection of draught beers on tap as well. Sometimes in life, there’s nothing better than a great brat that kicks with flying colors! Super lecker.
4. Jum Mum
5 St. Mark’s Place @jummumnyc
Just when the thought of another “Asian fusion” restaurant sitting yet again somewhere in NYC is completely redundant and utterly passe, Jum Mum served one of the best dishes during EVE. Their street style noodles (with: steamed rice noodles with chopped pork belly, smoked tofu, garlic, dried shrimp, scallions and cilantro with a side of chili gravy sauce) came with an authentic taste that rarely exists outside of China or Taiwan. Cubed smoked tofu was the marinated highlight with every bite. The restaurant is hidden, petite yet charming with blaring Japanese pop music that takes one back to any ramen-ya in Tokyo. Supa oishi!
1. Salón Hecho
354 Bowery @salonhecho
Outside of California, it’s often difficult to find a great joint that truly captures authentic Mexican culinary flavors. But we found the Tortita de Caritas served during EVE was so delicious that it made our number one pick. A live chef grilled and cooked brioche sliders of Berkshire pork belly with brown bean puree, pickled red onion and a tomatillo-avocado salsa. The regular cocktail menu also encompasses a cool selection of tequilas and mezcales that makes Salón Hecho a must-stop the next time you’re in the ‘hood! Súper delicioso.
Check out FABNYC – Fourth Arts Block organization here!
