Experimental, queer-first dining w/ innovative tasting menus (omnivore & vegan). Fun vibes, unique details & a pay-what-you-can brunch. Must-try!
This East Village gem offers a unique dining experience with a strong focus on inclusivity and creative, open-source cooking. Chef Telly Justice and Camille Lindsley present a menu that is both experimental and rooted in seasonal ingredients, with highly recommended vegan options that even impress omnivores. The restaurant also boasts a vibrant queer aesthetic, a commitment to local queer farmers, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a standout destination for a thoughtful and delicious meal.
The cuisine is a creative and seasonal take on Modern American, with a strong emphasis on both omnivore and vegan tasting menus. Dishes are praised for their innovation and flavor, with specific recommendations for the tempeh, crispy eggplant, and gelato. The restaurant also offers a pay-what-you-can brunch on Sundays.
"The vegan tasting menu is highly recommended, even for non-vegans. Specific dishes praised include the charred tempeh, crispy fried eggplant with Meyer lemon reduction, and the coconut-based gelato. The corn cake with butter at brunch is also a standout."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the restaurant for its innovative and delicious food, particularly highlighting the creative vegan options. The unique atmosphere, inclusive ethos, and the owners' dedication also contribute to a highly positive overall experience.
Important Note
The restaurant is very small (18 seats), which may affect availability. Dinner is primarily a tasting menu format.
"HAGS in the East Village is recommended for its outstanding $160 Omnivore and $135 Vegan tasting menus, which change seasonally. The restaurant is praised for its amazing and affordable organic wine list and the owners' dedication."
Positive"The commenter highly recommended HAGS, praising its fun vibes and great food."
Positive"Hags was mentioned as having a vegan menu, fitting the user's criteria."
Positive"In response to clarification about the location, this user (from Scotland) stated that was their excuse for not specifying "the" East Village."
Neutral"This user clarified that Hags is located "in *the* East Village"."
Neutral"This user was blown away by Hags in the East Village during their honeymoon, praising the quality, attention to detail, service, and food."
Positive"Hags was listed as a recommendation."
Positive"This restaurant is mentioned for those interested in tasting menus, as it offers both omnivore and vegan options. The commenter shares that they have started enjoying vegan meals when dining with their vegan partner."
Neutral"A recommendation for HAGS for Sunday brunch, noting that it operates on a 'pay what you can' model."
Positive"The user was unaware of the tasting course at HAGS and is thankful for the recommendation, planning to go."
Positive"The user loves the brunch at HAGS, specifically mentioning the corn cake with butter as heavenly."
Positive"The user also loves HAGS, highlighting their pay-what-you-wish brunch on Sundays for its accessibility and stellar dinner experience."
Positive"The user loves HAGS, specifically highlighting the amazing vegan tasting menu and its great vegan wine program."
Positive"The user praises HAGS for its great people and mentions they offer both vegan and meat tasting courses."
Positive"The restaurant hosts a weekly pay-what-you-can brunch every Sunday, making it accessible to the community."
Positive"The author loves HAGS for its unique details: pronoun-printed bowls, a bathroom mirror commenting on dysmorphia, and an apothecary jar with various items including fentanyl test strips."
Positive"The commenter also appreciates the handmade pottery dishes and vases, along with the bright, quirky floral arrangements at HAGS, which contribute to its queer aesthetic."
Positive"For special occasions, HAGS offers personalized menus (e.g., Happy Birthday) and takes souvenir Polaroid photos. They also provided the author with fresh tempeh to recreate a dish at home, as recipes are shared online."
Positive"The commenter briefly recommends Hags as a dining option."
Neutral"Another user seconds the recommendation for Hags, praising its great tasting menu which is available for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options."
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