Veselka

144 Second Avenue, East Village. A 24-hour Ukrainian diner that’s been on Second Avenue since 1954. The breakfast pierogies ($14, stuffed with potato and cheese, pan-fried until crispy) are extraordinary. The challah French toast ($14) is thick-cut and properly custardy inside. The borscht ($8 a bowl) is the best in the city and it’s a totally legitimate brunch food in my opinion.

No reservations. They turn tables fast. Even on weekends the wait rarely exceeds 20 minutes. This is the best brunch value in Manhattan.

Opened in 1954, Veselka has been a steadfast East Village institution in the ever-changing neighborhood. A byproduct of the thriving Ukrainian community, the restaurant introduced generations of New Yorkers to Eastern European cuisine.

With a handful of affordable dishes, Veselka has become a go-to destination for budget-friendly eats in New York City. The Ukrainian borscht (traditional beet soup) seems to be a huge hit at $6 per cup or $11 for a bowl.

Likewise, the pierogis (dumplings served boiled or fried, topped with sautéed onions and sour cream), priced at $9 for four, are another easy crowd-pleaser.

Veselka has been feeding the East Village since 1954, and their pierogies and borscht taste just as good at 11pm as they do at noon. The space is bright and welcoming even late at night, and watching the mix of people who end up here is half the experience.

Since 1954, Veselka has been an East Village staple, surviving as “Little Ukraine” faded. It remains a popular spot, embodying the area’s Ukrainian heritage. This diner has introduced Eastern European cuisine to generations of New Yorkers, catering to a diverse clientele.

Whether it’s a quick bite for a businessman or a late-night meal for college students, Veselka delivers the best late-night food in NYC without breaking the bank. Affordable options include homemade soups like Ukrainian borscht, a renowned beet soup, and pierogis, Ukrainian-style dumplings served with sautéed onions and sour cream.

If you’re looking for a traditional meal, I suggest ordering some pierogis (dumplings) and a bowl of borscht (beet soup), considered to be the most iconic Slavic dish. 

The restaurant has helped introduce Eastern European cuisine to generations of New Yorkers, especially those in need of sobering up at 2 am. With affordable dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s no surprise Veselka is on our list of the best things to do in the East Village.