Eat Like a New Yorker: Extend Your Night with a Trip to Veselka September 25 2017

While the Ukranian dinner Veselka has been an East Village staple since 1954 and serves its terrific food 24 hours a day, the best time to enjoy this place may be in the wee morning hours after enjoying a night out on the town.  This restaurant has served stars, students, socialites and more.  At one time or another, almost anyone who lives in or frequently visits New York City knows that a trip to this eatery should be on everyone’s bucket list.  And it is important to note that Veselka does not disappoint, regardless of the hour. This is one of the best things to do in New York City. 

The food is consistently good.  The service is professional, but not saccharine sweet.  And the crowd is as diverse as New York City itself. The wait can be long on at many times, especially on weekends when the clubs close, but the lines seems to go by pretty quickly and the experience of waiting isn’t unpleasant. 

So, when you are done touring around for the day, or are craving some memorable Ukranian dishes or if you want to make one more stop after going on one of the amazing tours from New York Nightlife, be sure to plan a visit to Veselka.

What to get at Veselka:

Velselka isn’t a typical casual dining place.  Just going there presents the opportunity to make a memory.  Many common items could possibly be elevated by the clever team at Veselka.  A simple grilled cheese sandwich may be improved upon with the addition of a specialty cheese and some splendid fig jam.  While their typical diner fare is tasty and will indulge a specific craving, it is almost a travesty to not enjoy some of the Ukranian specialties that have helped make Veselka famous. 

  • Pierogi:  multiple options of flavors exhibit with this savory dumpling with stuffing options that include potato, cheese, meat, spinach & cream cheese, sauerkraut & mushroom, arugula and goat cheese and their special short rib and seasonal broccoli cheese varieties.
  • Ukrainian Meatballs:  made from pork and beef with a savory mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and one of their sides.

Veselka

  • Apple Cider:  available seasonally in Fall and Winter and shouldn’t be missed
  • Blintzes: award-winning Ukrainian-style crepes filled with lightly sweetened Farmer's Cheese.
  • Kutya:  a tasty Ukranian pudding of wheat berries, raisins, walnuts, poppy seeds and honey. 
  • And, of course… Borsht:  Ok, not everyone loves beets, but if you do or are open to trying something new, the beefy, earthy hot soup is truly delicious.  Give it a try.

Fun Facts from the Veselka Website:

  • Many of their ingredients are locally sourced from some of the best farms
  • 3,000 pierogi is about how many they make every day.
  • 5,000 gallons of borscht is made by Velselka per year
  • 2500 potato pancakes are made each week.

Veselka is located at 144 2nd Ave., New York, NY 10003 and tends to be open every day.  

[Featured Image Global City, Rebekah Mintzer]