TLDR
Intimate queer-owned fine dining with seasonal tasting menus and a unique pay-what-you-can Sunday brunch. Highly inclusive atmosphere featuring creative vegan and omnivore options.
Instagram Posts References
Hags was featured at the Smashburger Block Party in NYC, where they provided their unique smashburger offering. Their presence contributed to the diverse and exciting culinary landscape of the event, giving attendees another high-quality burger to enjoy.
HAGS is listed among the New York City restaurants participating in the upcoming Pay What You Can Day on August 26.
Details
This intimate 18-seat destination in the East Village operates with a mission to be queer-first and restaurant-second, offering a highly inclusive and innovative dining experience [1]. Guests can choose between seasonal omnivore and vegan tasting menus that frequently receive praise for their creativity and flavor, often outshining traditional meat preparations [1]. Beyond its standard offerings, the establishment is widely celebrated for its commitment to community accessibility, notably through its weekly pay-what-you-can Sunday brunch [2].
Food Overview
The restaurant offers distinct omnivore and vegan tasting menus that are celebrated for their innovation and seasonal focus [1], [5]. Diners specifically highlight the vegan courses as being remarkably impressive even for non-vegans [1], [5], with standout items including charred tempeh, crispy fried eggplant with grits, and inventive plant-based desserts [1]. Sunday brunch is equally lauded, with specific mentions of corn cakes and comforting, classic dishes [6].
Highly recommended items include the charred tempeh with potato leaf foam, crispy fried eggplant with Meyer lemon reduction, and the decadent coconut-based gelato [1]. For brunch, the corn cake with butter is frequently singled out as a heavenly choice [6].
Visitors consistently praise the restaurant for its exceptional quality, attentive service, and uniquely welcoming, queer-affirming atmosphere [3], [4]. The overall feedback highlights a strong appreciation for both the high-end tasting menu experience and the accessible, community-focused brunch model [3], [4].
Most Mentioned Dishes
- 01tempeh2 mentions
Caveats
While the dinner tasting menus are considered a worthwhile splurge, they represent a significant investment compared to the accessible pay-what-you-can brunch [4], [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About HAGS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Michelin Star Option Worth It For Both The
"Describes the vegan and omnivore menus as outstanding."
PositiveFrom post: My 1 Year Anniversary Is Coming Up And I Want To
"Notes the intimate space for a reasonable price point."
PositiveFrom post: Any Lgbtqia Restaurants Or Bars In Nyc To
"HAGS is a queer-owned establishment with POC queer staff. They offer an amazing fixed menu during the week and a pay-what-you-can brunch on Sundays."
PositiveFrom post: Any Lgbtqia Restaurants Or Bars In Nyc To
"HAGS is mentioned as a suggestion."
NeutralFrom post: Options For Omakase With Vegetarian In Brooklyn Ny
"Recommends HAGS for its 'smancy' tasting menu, which includes both vegan and omnivore options, describing it as a splurge but not prohibitively expensive."
Positive