TLDR
Trendy East Village destination for modern Taiwanese flavors. Famous for satisfying, bold-flavored comfort dishes in a lively, casual atmosphere.
Instagram Posts References
The author visited 886 in the East Village shortly before its closure, regretting not having tried it sooner. The meal included the 'lo ba beng', a braised pork belly dish served over rice with various accompaniments, which was enjoyed. The 'scallion pancake beef wrap' was also praised for its combination of chili oil, mayo, and hoisin. The 'notorious TFC sandwich' featured chicken in a tofu batter and was served with 'shaky fries'. While the fries were good, the 'taiwan dust' seasoning was found to be ineffective, leading the author to wish they had chosen a different seasoning.
Details
Known for a modern and trendy take on Taiwanese cuisine, this East Village spot became a beloved fixture for its bold flavors and casual vibe [8]. Diners frequently praised consistent hits like the succulent chicken sandwich and braised pork belly rice, often noting the restaurant as an excellent value [2], [10], [11]. Despite some ongoing debates regarding its traditional authenticity, it remained a highly recommended destination for group dining and quick, flavorful bites until its closure [1], [2], [9].
Food Overview
The menu focused on creative, modern Taiwanese-inspired fare, ranging from hearty rice bowls to unique fusion snacks [2], [11]. Fan favorites included the 'lo ba beng' braised pork belly rice, dry beef noodles, and the highly praised fried chicken sandwich, though some diners suggested skipping the 'taiwan dust' seasoning on the fries in favor of other options [2], [11].
Overall feedback was highly positive, with many patrons calling it a 'gem' that provided consistent quality and an enjoyable dining experience [2]. While some critics debated the authenticity of the cuisine, the majority of diners were enthusiastic fans of the restaurant's accessible and delicious menu [2], [7].
Caveats
The restaurant has closed, as of August 31, 2026 [12]. Additionally, some diners found the price of certain items like the chicken sandwich to be steep, while others raised questions about whether the cooking styles adhered to traditional Taiwanese standards [2], [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About 886
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: 886 On St Marks Is Closing Last Day Monday Aug 31
"The user describes the closure as hurtful and considers it one of their favorite spots."
PositiveFrom post: 886 On St Marks Is Closing Last Day Monday Aug 31
"The user notes that negative sentiment regarding the closure was expressed on the Taiwan consulate's Facebook page, with some commenters suggesting it should have closed sooner."
NegativeFrom post: 886 On St Marks Is Closing Last Day Monday Aug 31
"The user states they will miss the restaurant and felt it was a positive addition to the neighborhood."
PositiveFrom post: 886 On St Marks Is Closing Last Day Monday Aug 31
"A user expresses disappointment and sadness regarding the closure, noting that they love the restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: 886 On St Marks Is Closing Last Day Monday Aug 31
"The user regrets never visiting the restaurant while it was open, despite it being on their list."
Neutral