Bananas Introduce
If you're looking for an exciting new spot to experience a different kind of American cuisine, look no further than Bananas. Located in the heart of New York's vibrant East Village, this New American restaurant is quickly making a name for itself with a menu that's both inventive and incredibly delicious. Bananas offers a fresh and modern take on classic dishes, blending familiar comfort food with unique, unexpected flavors that will surprise and delight your palate. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, making it the perfect place for a relaxed dinner with friends or a great spot for a solo dining adventure. With fast, friendly service and a truly memorable culinary experience, Bananas is a must-visit destination for any food lover in NYC.
The culinary team at Bananas, led by Chef K, is described by patrons as being "a wizard" for their ability to create dishes that are not only tasty but truly stand out. The menu is designed to be shared and explored, offering a variety of small plates and larger signature dishes. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this restaurant provides a dynamic dining experience that captures the creative spirit of New York City's food scene. The commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation is evident in every dish, ensuring that each visit to Bananas is a special occasion.
Patrons rave about the great energy and exceptional service, noting that the whole vibe is just "fun." The staff, including mixologists like Dania, are praised for being welcoming and creating amazing drinks. The combination of incredible food, standout cocktails, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere makes Bananas one of the top spots to check out right now in the city. Its growing popularity is a testament to its unique offerings and dedication to providing a top-notch dining experience from start to finish.
---### Location and Accessibility
Bananas is conveniently situated at 174 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, USA, in the lively East Village. This area is well-known for its vibrant dining scene and easy access to various parts of the city. For those arriving by car, paid street parking is available nearby, though as with most of NYC, it's wise to plan ahead. The restaurant's prime location makes it a great starting point for an evening out, with plenty of bars, shops, and entertainment options within walking distance. While specific details on physical accessibility are not provided, its presence in a bustling and well-trafficked neighborhood suggests it's easily reachable for most visitors.
---### Services Offered
- Dine-in service for a full restaurant experience.
- Dinner and dessert service with a wide array of choices.
- Table service provided by a friendly and attentive staff.
- Accepts reservations for easier planning, especially during peak hours.
- Payment options include credit cards and debit cards for convenience.
### Features / Highlights
- A unique and diverse menu featuring New American cuisine with inventive twists. Must-try dishes include the Chopped Cheese Krapow, Dynamite Fried Rice, and Nola BBQ Octopus.
- Highlights include fast service and an atmosphere that is described as casual, cozy, and trendy.
- A wide selection of beverages, including alcohol, beer, and wine, as well as unique N/A fermented wines and a variety of sake.
- Known to be popular for dinner and for those seeking a solo dining experience.
- Offers small plates perfect for sharing or sampling a variety of flavors.
- The menu includes a range of options from starters and snacks to signature entrees and desserts like the Frozen Banana.
- Has a restroom available for patron use.
### Contact Information
Address: 174 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, USA
Phone: (646) 422-7169
---### What is worth choosing
Choosing Bananas is about more than just finding a place to eat; it’s about embarking on a culinary adventure. The menu is a carefully curated selection of dishes that challenge and redefine what New American cuisine can be. For starters, the Caramelized Onion Dip with chips is an absolute must, and the Miso Caesar Salad offers a fresh, flavorful twist on a classic. The Kaarage Pancake is a standout, combining crispy fried chicken with a savory pancake. When it comes to the main courses, the Dynamite Fried Rice is a showstopper, and the Shrimp Alfredo is praised for its rich flavors. The Chopped Cheese Krapow is a unique and satisfying fusion dish that you won’t find anywhere else. The beverage list is just as impressive, featuring a thoughtful selection of beer, sake, and wine, including options from local breweries and unique fermented teas.
What truly sets Bananas apart is the combination of its innovative food and its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. The reviews highlight the incredible talent of the kitchen staff and the friendly, skilled service of the front-of-house team. The whole experience feels thoughtful, from the creative dishes to the killer cocktails. It’s a place that makes you want to return again and again to try something new or to savor a favorite dish. Whether you are craving comfort food with a twist or are looking for a lively and trendy spot to hang out, Bananas provides a dining experience that is both memorable and delightful. It's a true gem in the East Village, offering a perfect blend of high-quality food, a fun vibe, and great service that makes it an easy choice for any night out in the city.
Bananas Menu
Starters
- Miso Caesar Salad $23.00
- Kaarage Pancake $25.00
- Tom Yum Meatballs $26.00
- Étouffée $28.00
- Nola Bbq Octopus $32.00
Snacks
- Oysters Motoyaki $18.00
- Caramelized Onion Dip $15.00
- Chicken Liver Mousse $18.00
- Buffalo Skewers $12.00
Signatures
- Chopped Cheese Krapow $24.00
- Char Siu $28.00
- Shrimp Alfredo $32.00
- Crispy Crab Rice $38.00
- Dynamite Fried Rice $54.00
- Steak Au Poivre $62.00
Sides
- Rosemary Fries
- Garlic Rice
- Bok Choy
Desserts
- Frozen Banana
- Poached Pear
Shareable
- Kaarage Pancake $25.00
- Chopped Cheese Krapow $24.00
- Char Siu $30.00
- Étouffée $35.00
- Shrimp Alfredo $28.00
- Crab Fried Rice $35.00
- Dynamite Fried Rice $43.00
- Bok Choy $16.00
Beer
- Suntory Premium 16oz Draft 5.5 $13.00
- Terra Lager 4.6 $7.00
- Blonde Ambition Ale 4.8 $7.00
- Save The Robots Ipa 7 $10.00
- Makku Original 6 $9.00
- Makku Passionfruit 6 $9.00
N/A Fermented Wines
- Unified Ferments Jasmine Green Tea $15.00
- Unified Ferments Lapsang Souchong $15.00
Entrée
- Chopped Cheese Krapow
- Tom-Yum Meatball
- Shrimp Alfredo
- Étouffée
- Char Siu
Sake
- Amabuki Yamahai Omachi $14.00
- Amabuki Gin No Kurenai $16.00
- Kubota Senjyu $14.00
- Dewazakura "Cherry Bouquet $21.00
- Dewazakura "Green Ridge $23.00
- Kokuryu "Black Dragon $24.00
- Kokuryu "Crystal Dragon $24.00
Sparkling
- Domaine Gross 2020 $17.00
White
- Naked Friday Weiss 2023 $16.00
- Amplify Duke & Ella Nv $16.00
- Domaine Blanc Plume 2020
- Damien Coquelet 2022 $18.00
Orange/Rose
- Matic Ya-Yeh $16.00
- Pepin $16.00
- Lavina Rose $17.00
Red
- Delinquente "Roxanne The Razor" 2024 $16.00
- Alfredo Arribas "Jus De Rouge" 2021 $17.00
- Disko 2021 $16.00
- Clot De L'origine Soif De Plaisir, Syrah & Carignan $17.00
Bananas Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
Bananas Photos










Bananas Location
Bananas Reviews
char siuetoufeedynamitekaraagetom yumshrimp alfredoudonprawn crackerscrab fried ricechicken liver
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I got the chance to try this wonderful for at this new restaurant in city! When I arrived I parked on the street nearby. I walked into the cutest restaurant. I was served by Tenzin and she was great! I had:West 32 Reserve SojuNola BBQ OctopusEtouffeShrimp AlfredoDynamite fried riceThe drink was delicious! My favorite dish was the Etouffe! All in all, I had a great experience!
April 20 · Des KFI’ve been to Bananas twice in the last three weeks and I’m already figuring out when to go back. The food is seriously incredible — Chef K is a wizard. The scallops fried rice, chicken pancakes, and octopus were all absolute standouts. The onion dip with chips are a must.The cocktails are just as good. Dania behind the bar is amazing — super welcoming and makes a killer drink. The cucumber fizz was refreshing and honestly the best summer drink I’ve had in a while.The whole vibe is just fun. Great energy, great service, and everything on the menu feels thoughtful and delicious. Easily one of my favorite spots in the city right now.
July 18 · Jonathan SchoryBananas is a bold and playful Asian American restaurant in New York City's East Village. The restaurant reclaims the term “banana” a colloquialism for Asian Americans perceived as “yellow on the outside, white on the inside” by celebrating the fusion of Asian flavors with American comfort food. The menu is a creative blend of East and West, featuring standout dishes like the krapow chopped cheese, dynamite fried rice, karaage pancake, and char siu.Bananas offers a unique dining experience that combines inventive cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must visit spot for those seeking a fresh take on Asian American dining!
April 30 · Michelle SinghWOW! I went to @bananas_nyc last night, and yummmm! What a restaurant!Seriously, I had no idea what to expect—I’m not even sure what New American cuisine really means—but I definitely know what a delicious food is! And this place is Absolutely incredible.Every dish was amazing—fresh, innovative, and bursting with flavor. Some hints of Asian influence, plenty of seafood, and one of the best hamburgers I’ve had in a while. 🍔🔥I wanted to lick the octopus plate at the end, the sauce was that good. 🐙 And on top of it all, the team there was so nice…
April 05 · Ted Weitz MDWe went on their opening day and it was absolutely INCREDIBLE. I’m still thinking about the char siu and dynamite rice - both were packed with flavor. The wine selection is impressively well curated, and our server helped us find the perfect pairing. Can’t wait to go back!
June 26 · Dilan A
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