Next.js logo

VESELKA RESTAURANT

Last Updated: 3 days ago

Phone: (212) 228-9682

Address: 144 SECOND AVENUE 10003

TLDR

Iconic Ukrainian diner serving exceptional borscht & pierogi since 1954. A must-visit for classic comfort food.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 66 Reddit comments)

50% Positive33% Neutral12% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

Next.js logo

Tags

ukrainian 48eastern european 26american 6pierogi 12soup 7borscht 6View All

Neighborhoods

East Village

Recent Articles

Veselka
positive

Will Hartman reviews Veselka, an East Village Ukrainian restaurant known for its outstanding borscht and pierogi, making it a must-visit for classic comfort food.

Will Hartman May 3, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation
Veselka MSG
neutral

Will Hartman reviews Veselka MSG, praising their fried pierogi with farmers' cheese and sour cream as an ideal snack for Madison Square Garden events.

Will Hartman Nov 1, 2024
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

Veselka is an iconic East Village Ukrainian restaurant that has been serving comforting Eastern European fare since 1954. Renowned for its exceptional borscht and a wide array of pierogi, it's a go-to spot for classic Ukrainian dishes. While it has transitioned from a 24-hour establishment, it remains a beloved institution, offering a taste of authentic Ukrainian cuisine in a welcoming diner setting.

Food Overview

Veselka is celebrated for its Ukrainian comfort food, with pierogi and borscht being highly recommended. Customers often praise the savory and bright borscht and the variety of pierogi fillings. Other popular dishes include kielbasa, bigos stew, and beef stroganoff. However, some have found the fried varenyka to be a disappointment as it's deep-fried rather than pan-fried.

Highlights / Recommended

"Customers highly recommend Veselka's borscht, particularly the savory and bright veggie borscht, and their various pierogi, especially the short rib and cherry varieties. The kielbasa and beef stroganoff are also highlighted as comforting dishes."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • chicken noodle soup(2)
  • pierogies(2)
  • pierogi(2)
  • borscht(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a positive view of Veselka, praising its authentic Ukrainian comfort food, particularly the pierogi and borscht. While some note it's become more expensive, the overall sentiment remains favorable, with many considering it a classic and reliable New York dining spot.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

A commenter praises Veselka as a place that lives up to its hype, specifically mentioning its Ukrainian, comfort food, pierogi, 24-hour availability, and borscht.
The author highly recommends the pierogis at Veselka, a Ukrainian restaurant, and another user notes that Veselka "rules" and can be ordered for delivery, although it's becoming expensive.
A commenter suggests that Veselka's chicken noodle soup is a great option for a brothy soup.
Veselka's short rib pierogies are highly praised as amazing, and their cherry pierogies are also described as lovely when available. However, another commenter suggests Veselka has declined in quality and recommends trying pierogies elsewhere.
Veselka is recommended for its matzoball soup and chicken noodle soup when one is feeling unwell.
Veselka is recommended as a great diner experience for Ukrainian food, with a specific warning against the fried Varenyka.
Veselka's veggie borscht is highly praised as great and better than another establishment's version. The commenter also enjoyed the overall experience.
The user's final NYC meal at Veselka included a latke, bacon-egg-cheese pierogies, and a raspberry blintz, all of which did not disappoint and served as a perfect send-off.

Recent Mentions

From post: Best Rice Krispie Treat

"A user has had great Rice Krispie treats from Veselka."

Positive
Aug 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Why So Few Hungarian Restaurants In Nyc

"Veselka is suggested as a place that offers a decent paprikash."

Positive
Jul 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Midtown Manhattan Recommendations

"The commenter suggested Veselka in the East Village for Ukrainian food, noting it is similar to Georgian cuisine."

Positive
Jul 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: Good Obscure Food Options

"Mentions Veselka as a place to eat."

Neutral
Jul 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Looking For Good Lunchdinner Spots For A Party Of

"This user simply recommended Veselka."

Positive
Jul 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Must Try Cuisines

"The original poster has Veselka on their list to try pierogis."

Neutral
Jul 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Any Place Still Make A Cherry Lime Rickey

"Veselka has a lime rickey on their menu, as observed recently."

Positive
Jul 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where Do You Grab Dinner

"Veselka is mentioned as a recommended spot for takeout or a quick meal."

Positive
Jul 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Any Place Still Make A Cherry Lime Rickey

"Veselka is suggested as a place that serves Cherry Lime Rickeys."

Positive
Jul 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Would You Dowhere Would You Eat If You Moved

"Veselka is recommended for lunch if the weather is bad."

Positive
Jul 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Les Sunday Brunch

"Veselka is recommended for its Eastern European cuisine."

Neutral
Jul 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Has Changed In The Past 5 Years

"Veselka, a formerly 24-hour spot, now operates from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with potential 24-hour service on weekends."

Neutral
Jun 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Current Go To Breakfast Spot In Nyc

"Veselka is mentioned as the place to go for buckwheat pancakes."

Neutral
Jun 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: Pancakes Bubbys Clinton St Baking Or Golden Diner

"The user recommends Veselka and suggests ordering a side of pierogies with the pancakes."

Neutral
Jun 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Nyc Food High Ceiling Low Floor

"A commenter suggests that there are better Ukrainian food options available nearby or in South Brooklyn, implying Veselka might not be the best choice."

Neutral
Jun 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Nyc Food High Ceiling Low Floor

"The original poster found Veselka to be a great restaurant."

Positive
Jun 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recent Eats Veselka Tasty Dumpling Daily

"The hot Ukrainian Borscht at the East Village Ukrainian Restaurant next to Veselka is considered better than Veselka's version."

Negative
May 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recent Eats Veselka Tasty Dumpling Daily

"The user expresses love for Veselka and mentions a cool documentary about the restaurant."

Positive
May 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recent Eats Veselka Tasty Dumpling Daily

"Veselka is a well-known spot; a Wednesday afternoon visit confirmed no line. The veggie borscht was great, with enough dill, better than East Village Meat Market's version, though a full slice of bread was desired."

Positive
May 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Dinner For 2 Max 100 Excluding Drinks

"Veselka is highlighted as serving the best Ukrainian food in NYC."

Positive
May 23, 2025View Comment →