Forsyth Fire Escape Introduce
In a city that prides itself on culinary innovation, Forsyth Fire Escape has emerged as a true standout, blending diverse flavors into a unique fast-food concept. Located in the heart of New York City's Chelsea neighborhood, this restaurant is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick and flavorful meal that breaks the mold. What started as a viral sensation during the pandemic, with owners lowering their creations from a fire escape in a bucket, has now become a permanent fixture, celebrated for its creative fusion of Dominican, Chinese, and Thai cuisines. The result is a menu that is both surprising and deeply satisfying, offering a "best bite" in New York, as one customer enthusiastically put it.
Forsyth Fire Escape is more than just a place to eat; it's a story of culinary creativity and community. The founders, Isabel Lee and Luis Fernandez, drew inspiration from their respective Chinese, Thai, and Dominican heritages to create a truly one-of-a-kind menu. Their signature dish, the Scallion Pancake Burrito, is a testament to this fusion, wrapping savory, traditional fillings in a crispy, pan-fried scallion pancake. This innovative approach to fast-casual dining has garnered a cult following among New Yorkers who appreciate bold flavors and a fresh take on comfort food. While some have noted inconsistencies in the past, a common sentiment is that when it's good, it's "nuts" and lives "up to the hype."
### Location and Accessibility
Forsyth Fire Escape is situated at 601 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001, USA. This address places it within a larger food hall setting, which is a popular concept in the city, offering multiple vendors in one location. The spot is conveniently located in Chelsea, making it an accessible option for people working in nearby offices, visiting the High Line, or exploring the West Side. The restaurant's "casual" atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed and informal meal. The location is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can easily access and enjoy their food. For New Yorkers looking for a no-fuss meal, its location is perfect for a "quick bite" on the go.
### Services Offered
Forsyth Fire Escape provides a streamlined and efficient service model that is perfect for the fast-paced New York lifestyle.
Dine-in: The restaurant offers seating for customers who prefer to eat on-site. The casual atmosphere is perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner alone or with friends. Since it's located in a food hall, it offers a communal dining experience.
Takeout: For those on the go, the takeout service is a popular and efficient choice. You can pick up your order and enjoy it at your convenience, making it a great option for a break from work or a meal at home.
Delivery: Forsyth Fire Escape also offers delivery, allowing you to enjoy their unique menu items without having to leave your home or office. This service is a major convenience for those who live or work in the area.
Payment Options: The restaurant accepts a variety of modern payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions fast and seamless.
### Features and Highlights
Forsyth Fire Escape is known for several key features that make it a standout in the New York fast-food scene. Its unique fusion concept is a major draw for adventurous eaters.
Scallion Pancake Burritos: The signature item, the Scallion Pancake Burrito, is the main highlight. This dish has gained a viral reputation for its innovative use of a scallion pancake as the wrap, a fresh alternative to the traditional tortilla. The fillings, like pernil (slow-roasted pork), fried queso blanco, and lemongrass chili crisp oil, are a blend of authentic Dominican and Asian flavors.
Unique Sauces: The restaurant offers a variety of signature sauces that enhance the flavor of their dishes. The Elmer's Bodega Sauce and the Lemongrass Chili Crisp Oil are particular favorites, with the latter praised for its "sweet and spicy" flavors. You can even buy the sauces in a jar to take home.
Creative Menu: Beyond the famous burritos, the menu includes other creative items like Scallion Pancake Empanadas and unique sides like Tostones (fried green plantains) and Seasoned Fries. The Coco Rice Bowl is a great alternative for those who prefer rice to a wrap.
Vegetarian Options: The restaurant is mindful of different dietary preferences. The Plantain Egg & Cheese burrito is a popular and "hard" vegetarian option that has received positive feedback from customers. The Cheese Empanada and Vegetable Quesadilla also provide great choices for non-meat eaters.
Casual & Kid-Friendly: The atmosphere is very casual, making it a comfortable spot for a quick, solo meal. It is also noted as being "good for kids," making it a great spot for a family lunch that’s a little different from the usual fast-food chains.
### Contact Information
For more information, or to place an order for delivery or takeout, you can contact Forsyth Fire Escape at:
Address: 601 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
### What is Worth Choosing?
The clear star of the show at Forsyth Fire Escape is the Scallion Pancake Burrito. It's the dish that put them on the map and for good reason. It’s an innovative and delicious fusion that truly captures the best of different culinary traditions. For a satisfying and filling meal, this is the go-to choice. For those who prefer a non-meat option, the Plantain Egg & Cheese burrito is a fantastic choice that is widely praised by those who have tried it.
No meal at Forsyth Fire Escape is complete without a side of their famous sauces. Adding a side of Elmer's Bodega Sauce or Salsa Verde can elevate the flavor of any dish. As one reviewer noted, combining them will have you "licking your chops." For a side dish, the Tostones are a great traditional Dominican option that comes with a side of salsa verde, while the Seasoned Fries offer a more familiar but equally delicious choice.
If you're looking for a smaller bite, the Scallion Pancake Empanadas are a great way to sample their flavors. The Pernil & Cheese and Chicken & Cheese are both popular choices. And to wash it all down, the Coconut Milk Thai Iced Tea and Mango Agua Fresca are refreshing and delicious alternatives to standard sodas. They are not too sweet and offer a taste of authentic beverages that complement the unique food.
Forsyth Fire Escape is a must-visit for anyone in New York looking for a fast-food experience that is anything but ordinary. Its commitment to unique, high-quality, and flavorful food, combined with a casual atmosphere and efficient service, makes it a true gem in the city's diverse dining landscape. Whether you’re a fan of their viral origin story or simply looking for a new favorite place for a quick bite, Forsyth Fire Escape is a place that delivers on its promise of delicious, unforgettable food.
Forsyth Fire Escape Menu
Sauces
- Elmer's Bodega Sauce (Side) $2.00
We partnered with Yojany from our bodega to sell his hot sauce. It's a spicy vinegar hot sauce, made with annatto, tomatoes, peppers, and garlic
- Elmer's Bodega Sauce (Jar) $15.00
We partnered with Yojany from our bodega to sell his hot sauce. It's a spicy vinegar hot sauce, made with annatto, tomatoes, peppers, and garlic
- Salsa Verde (Side) $2.00
Creamy chimichurri blend (contains dairy)
- Lemongrass Chili Crisp Oil (Jar) $15.00
Housemade chili crisp oil with Thai flavors. It's a mild kick with sweet and spicy flavors, loaded with fried garlic and shallots, flavors of lemongrass, coconut sugar, and fish sauce.
- Lemongrass Chili Crisp Oil (Side) $2.00
Housemade chili crisp oil with Thai flavors. It's a mild kick with sweet and spicy flavors, loaded with fried garlic and shallots, flavors of lemongrass, coconut sugar, and fish sauce.
Scallion Pancake Burritos
- Scallion Pancake Burrito $16.00
Our signature item. Pernil, queso frito, guacamole, and lemongrass chili crisp oil wrapped in a scallion pancake.
- Plantain Egg & Cheese $15.00
Plantain, chili fried eggs, & queso frito with pickled onions folded in a scallion pancake. Allergy restrictions: contains sesame oil, fish sauce, gluten
- Chicken Scallion Pancake Burrito $16.00
Lemongrass chicken, coconut lime & cilantro rice, pickled onions, and green sauce wrapped in a scallion pancake. allergy restrictions: contains sesame oil and fish sauce contains gluten
Sides
- Seasoned Fries $6.00
House spice blend (not spicy)
- Tostones $6.00
Fried green plantains. Served with salsa verde.
Scallion Pancake Empanadas
- 2 Empanada Combo $7.00
Mexican blend shredded cheese in a scallion pancake empanada
- Pernil & Cheese $4.00
Dominican pulled pork and mexican blend shredded cheese in a scallion pancake empanada
- Chicken & Cheese $4.00
Seared lemongrass chicken and four cheese mexican blend wrapped in scallion pancake dough
- Cheese $4.00
Mexican blend shredded cheese in a scallion pancake empanada
Drinks
- L.E.S. Tea $16.00
Coconut milk Thai iced tea with rum
- Coconut Milk Thai Iced Tea $6.00
Vegan - freshly brewed thai tea made with coconut milk. Less sweet than traditional Thai iced tea.
- Mango Agua Fresca $5.00
Light and refreshing, not too sweet.
- Country Club - Raspberry $4.00
- Diet Coke $3.00
Diet coke can 12oz
- Water Bottle $3.00
Bottled water bottle
- Country Club - Orange $4.00
- Coca Cola $3.00
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Special
- Coco Rice Bowl $15.00
Choice of: protein and side sauce, with guacamole and pickled onions over coconut rice. Served with a side of scallion pancakes.
Forsyth Fire Escape Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Table service
Atmosphere
- Casual
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Forsyth Fire Escape Photos










Forsyth Fire Escape Location
Forsyth Fire Escape
601 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001, USA
Forsyth Fire Escape Reviews
scallion pancakepernilfillinglunchlemongrassguacamolechili crisppork burritobodegachili oil
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The scallion pancake burrito lacked depth of flavor, and I was particularly disappointed with the scallion pancake. With little to no scallion flavor and thick + doughy, the Asian fusion aspect didn't convey through. The filling and meat were good, but I couldn't help but feel heavy after finishing the burrito (despite the size being smaller than the previous reviews).
July 31 · Cassie WangOne of the best bites you can get in New York. Scallion pancake burrito is nuts and still lives up to the hype. PEC (plantain egg and cheese) goes hard for a veggie option. Add a side of bodega sauce and salsa verde and you’ll be licking your chops
July 31 · Alexei ZouevUnexpectedly amazing fusion street food!The scallion pancake burrito from Forsyth Fire Escape is a brilliant mashup that totally works. The crispy, chewy pancake wraps around a flavorful combo of fillings for a portable, satisfying meal with serious zing.I tried the pernil with queso frito guac and lemongrass chili crisp oil — ya wow. Super juicy and tender and the chili crisp oil tied everything together with a bold kick. The viral hype is real on this one. GET THE COCONUT THAI TEA.The chicken scallion burrito with coconut lime rice and green sauce is also fire. Need to go back asap to try the plantain egg & cheese burrito. Complete arsenal of a bite here.
May 28 · Emily Ballou🔥 Forsyth Fire Escape = Lunch With a Kick! 🔥Counter service, grab-n-go, or brave the line—choose your adventure 🚀.What’s waiting? Some of the boldest lunch bowls in NYC. Think of it as an alternative to Cava, Naya, or your trusty Halal cart, but with extra sizzle.🥥🍚 My go-to: the coco rice pernil. Every bite? A straight 10/10 on the palate meter.💸 Price tag? About the cost of NYC minimum wage for lunch—but worth every dollar. And let’s be real: for the Tech Bros 💻 or Girl Bosses 👠, it’s just another line item on that budget spreadsheet squeezed between Barry’s Bootcamp, SoulCycle, Best Health, CitiBike, and “Misc.”✨ Bottom line: skip the ordinary, fuel up with flavor.
September 15 · Victor JungGetting to Olly Olly Market is quite a chore (if you are lucky you can get the M23 Select Bus Service, the M12 or a quick walk from Hudson Yards), but I think there is a interesting mix of vendors plus great events that gets to me to return. Forsyth Fire Escape is one such stall.Because it is a stall and not a full blown restaurant/kitchen, I knew to level set my expectations. Things will come out slower because you have to a small number of people to work safely and efficiently in such a small space.I think Forsyth is worth a try because it does a good job in trying to blend delicacies together. The Dominican,Chinese and Thai influences are present in every bite but they are not too overwhelming. A fresh burrito is crispy and the cheese melds with the pork (Pernil) and the lemon grass chili crisp oil. Though I have to say that the bowl is becoming more of my favorite. It comes with a side of scallion pancakes so you don’t feel like you’re missing out.My favorite part is the service. When my order had to be changed because an ingredient was missing, they made sure to tell me of my options and gave me an empanada for the trouble. I got to try the chicken for the first time and I gained an appreciation for the hardworking team.I would definitely come back.
February 12 · Kamara Swaby
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