Red Bamboo: NYC's Premier Vegan Comfort Food Destination

Red Bamboo Introduce

A Staple of NYC's Vegan Scene for Over 30 Years

In a city known for its ever-changing culinary landscape, Red Bamboo stands as a testament to timeless quality and enduring appeal. For over three decades, this vegan restaurant has been a beloved institution in New York City's West Village, earning a reputation for its no-frills, absolutely delicious plant-based comfort food. It's the kind of place you might stumble upon and immediately feel a sense of belonging, a place that values good food and genuine hospitality over fleeting trends. Red Bamboo is more than just a restaurant; it’s a community cornerstone that has served generations of vegans and non-vegans alike, proving that plant-based dining can be just as satisfying, hearty, and full of flavor as traditional fare.

What makes Red Bamboo truly special is its ability to create a menu that is both nostalgic and innovative. The owners, who are Asian-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and women-owned, have created a menu that draws inspiration from a variety of cuisines, from American soul food to Asian and even Filipino favorites. The result is a diverse and exciting selection of dishes that feel both new and wonderfully familiar. The food is celebrated for its generous portions, rich flavors, and the kind of satisfying qualities that make you want to return again and again. It's a true NYC staple that deserves its place among the best of the city's vegan offerings.

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Location and Accessibility

Located at 140 W 4th St, New York, NY 10012, USA, Red Bamboo is nestled in the vibrant and iconic West Village. This area is a destination in itself, known for its lively energy, unique shops, and historic charm. The restaurant's prime location makes it easily accessible to both residents and tourists. It's a short walk from Washington Square Park and is conveniently located near multiple subway stations, making it a simple stop on your journey through the city.

Parking in the area can be a mix of both free and paid street parking, so it’s always a good idea to plan your visit accordingly. The restaurant has also cultivated a welcoming atmosphere that is inclusive of all, with a gender-neutral restroom that ensures a comfortable experience for every guest. Red Bamboo’s commitment to providing a safe and friendly space is evident in its reputation as a transgender safespace and an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment.

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Services Offered

Red Bamboo is dedicated to providing convenient and flexible dining options to its diverse clientele.

Dine-in and Table Service: The restaurant offers a cozy and casual atmosphere for dining in, complete with table service that makes for a relaxed and pleasant meal. They also accept reservations, though there is often a wait, a testament to their popularity.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their food at home, Red Bamboo provides efficient takeout and delivery services, ensuring their delicious meals are accessible wherever you are in the city.
Curbside Pickup: As an added convenience, curbside pickup is available, making it easy to grab your order without having to find a parking spot or step inside.
Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, allowing you to bring their delicious vegan comfort food to your next event, party, or gathering.

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Features and Highlights

Red Bamboo is renowned for a number of features that make it a standout in the NYC dining scene.

Extensive and Diverse Menu: The menu is incredibly varied, with a wide array of options that cover everything from classic American comfort food to Asian specialties. Customers can find vegan versions of everything from BBQ ribs and Philly cheese steaks to Filipino favorites like chicken and pork adobo and kare kare, which is a rare and highly-praised find.
Award-Winning Vegan Wings: One of Red Bamboo's most famous offerings is its vegan wings, which were featured on the popular YouTube show "Hot Ones" with Ariana Grande. The barbecue buffalo wings are particularly noted as being some of the best vegan wings in the city, and the restaurant even offers a spicy "Hot Ones" challenge for those daring enough to try.
Great Dessert and Wine Selection: In addition to their savory dishes, Red Bamboo is celebrated for its fantastic desserts and a great wine list. Their vegan tiramisu is a particular highlight, often rated as one of the best vegan desserts ever by customers.
Late-Night Food and Happy Hour: The restaurant serves food late into the night, making it an ideal destination for a post-show or late-night meal. They also offer a happy hour with deals on drinks and food, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed evening out.
Inclusive and Welcoming Atmosphere: The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy. The staff is consistently praised for being "super sweet and nice" and making great recommendations, which contributes to the overall friendly and welcoming vibe. The restaurant is a true transgender safespace and is family-friendly, making it a comfortable place for people of all backgrounds.

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Contact Information

To learn more or to plan your visit, you can contact Red Bamboo at:

Address: 140 W 4th St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: (212) 260-1212

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What is Worth Choosing

Red Bamboo is more than just a restaurant; it’s a living part of New York City's culinary history. What truly makes it worth choosing is its ability to consistently deliver delicious, satisfying, and authentic-tasting vegan food that rivals its non-vegan counterparts. The menu’s sheer breadth is a major draw—it’s a place where a vegan, vegetarian, and even a meat-eater can find something they genuinely love. The famous vegan wings, with their perfect texture and delicious sauce, are a must-try for anyone visiting, regardless of dietary preference.

Beyond the food, the soul of Red Bamboo lies in its dedication to community and hospitality. As a long-standing, family-run business with a diverse ownership, it represents the best of what local New York businesses have to offer. The staff’s kindness and the genuine, unpretentious atmosphere make every visit feel like a warm welcome. The fact that the restaurant has been a staple for over three decades speaks volumes about its quality and consistency. For anyone looking for delicious vegan food in a comfortable, welcoming environment, Red Bamboo is an absolute must-visit. It's a true gem that delivers on its promise of delicious, no-frills food that is meant to fill you up and leave you with a smile.

Red Bamboo Menu

starters
barbecue buffalo wings $18.00
our famous soy wings marinated in a spiced citrus BBQ sauce. served with vegan ranch dressing and celery sticks.
grilled bourbon chicken $14.00
jerk-marinated soy chicken grilled over an open fire. served with a side of sweet chili sauce.
creole soul chicken $12.00
our signature soy chicken nuggets panko-breaded with Cajun and rosemary seasoning and fried. served with hickory-smoked vidalia dressing.
collard green rolls $12.00
three fried rolls stuffed with sauteed collard greens and soy ham. Served with sweet chili dipping sauce.
chicken satay $14.00
skewered soy chicken charbroiled and marinated in coconut curry seasoning. Served with peanut chili dressing
crab rangoon $15.00
deep-fried wontons filled with shredded soy crab, scallions and vegan cheese. served with sweet chili dipping sauce.
fried zucchini and tofu $15.00
lightly battered and fried tofu and zucchini served with a side of spicy scallion and sesame Korean sauce
roti canai $10.00
indian crepe served with a soy chicken and potato coconut curry dipping sauce
asian dumplings $14.00
three steamed spinach dumplings filled with shredded soy protein, carrots and cabbage. served over mixed greens and soy-lime ginger dressing
dragonfly dumplings $14.00
three fried rice dumplings filled with shredded soy protein, carrots and cabbage. served over mixed greens and soy-lime ginger dressing.
spring rolls $8.00
two fried vegan rolls filled with cabbage, carrots and mushroom. served with vegan duck sauce.
caribbean jerk-spiced seitan $11.00
grilled seitan skewers marinated in a spiced lime-citrus dressing
curry wings $17.00
soy chicken drumsticks and potatoes tossed in a sweet coconut curry sauce.
edamame $7.00
steamed soy bean pods sprinkled with sea salt.
cajun fried shrimp $11.00
deep-fried soy shrimp seasoned with paprika. served with vegan cocktail sauce.
bamboo nuggets $14.00
garlic soy chicken nuggets fried and served with vidalia onion sauce.
popcorn chicken $12.00
fried soy chicken nuggets served with our homemade BBQ sauce.
popcorn shrimp $12.00
fried bite-sized soy shrimp. served with Sriracha mayo.
almond coconut chicken $14.00
crispy soy chicken strips breaded with toasted almonds and shaved coconut. served with sweet chili dipping sauce.

salads
house salad $12.00
mesclun mix, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, olives, cucumbers and mushrooms. Served with your choice of dressing.
kale salad $15.00
raw kale chopped and tossed with diced red onions, red and yellow peppers and our homemade lemon-citrus dressing.
caesar salad $17.00
seasonal green leaf lettuce tossed in our vegan Caesar dressing with homemade garlic croutons and topped with vegan parmesan.
greek salad $17.00
seasonal green leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, kalamata olives and vegan feta. served with a side of our tangy lemon herb vinaigrette.
wedge salad $17.00
iceberg lettuce wedge, chopped tempeh bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and crumbled vegan blue cheese with a side of ranch dressing.
fried chicken salad $17.00
mesclun mix, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, cucumbers and mushrooms topped with sliced breaded and fried soy chicken,
grilled jerk chicken salad $17.00
grilled jerk-marinated soy chicken served over mesclun mix, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, mushrooms and cucumber.

sandwiches + burgers
soul chicken sandwich $16.00
panko-breaded fried soy chicken nuggets with vegan mayo and vidalia dressing, lettuce and tomato. served on a ciabatta roll with fries or salad.
chicken cutlet sandwich $16.00
two breaded fried soy chicken cutlets with dijon mustard, vegan mayo, lettuce and tomato. served on ciabatta bread with fries or salad.
pulled pork sandwich $16.00
shredded smoked BBQ soy pork, sauteed with caramelized onions and sliced pickles on a sesame bun with fries and coleslaw.
classic BLT $16.00
organic tempeh bacon, lettuce, tomato and vegan mayo on whole wheat bread with fries or salad.
bamburger $11.00
vegan soy beef burger marinated and grilled. topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, caramelized red onions and vegan mayo on a sesame seed bun.

heroes
philly cheese steak $16.00
roasted soy beef slices sauteed with caramelized onions, BBQ sauce and melted vegan Daiya cheddar cheese. served on toasted hero bread.
barbecue steak hero $16.00
citrus-marinated soy beef chunks with caramelized onions, sliced mushrooms and vegan Daiya cheddar cheese. served on toasted hero bread.
eggplant parmesan hero $16.00
breaded and fried eggplant, vegan Daiya mozzarella cheese and our sweet basil marinara sauce. served on toasted hero bread.
chicken parmesan hero $16.00
breaded and fried soy chicken cutlets, vegan Daiya mozzarella cheese and our sweet basil marinara sauce. served on toasted hero bread.
meatball sub $15.00
Tender soy meatballs simmered in our basil marinara sauce and topped with NUMU mozzarella cheese. Served on toasted hero bread.

vegetable entrees
teriyaki vegetable stir fry $18.00
zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, squash, carrots and cauliflower sauteed in a sweet teriyaki glaze. side of brown or white rice.
red curry tofu $20.00
tofu sauteed with eggplant, snap peas, green beans, red and green peppers in a mildly spicy Thai red curry sauce. served with a side of white or brown rice.
black bean ginger stir fry $18.00
zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, squash, carrots, cauliflower and Cantonese black beans sauteed in a chile ginger glaze. side of brown or white rice.
vegetable tempura $18.00
broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, onions and peppers fried in a traditional tempura batter.
eggplant parmesan $16.00
lightly seasoned breaded eggplant smothered in a sweet basil marinara sauce. served with garlic toast and melted vegan Daiya mozzarella cheese.

noodles and pasta
veggie lo mein $18.00
vegan noodles sauteed with zucchini, squash, carrots, broccoli and snap peas.
spaghetti and meatballs $16.00
soy meatballs over a bed of pasta smothered in our special marinara sauce and served with garlic toast.
macaroni and cheese $17.00
elbow macaroni with vegan cheddar cheese
teriyaki chicken bowl $20.00
vegan pasta stir-fried with broccoli, snap peas, carrots, zucchini, teriyaki chicken and topped with sesame seeds.

main course
creole soul chicken $20.00
panko-breaded fried soy chicken with Cajun and rosemary seasoning. served with garlic mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed carrots, broccoli and corn on the cob.
grilled bourbon chicken $20.00
jerk marinated soy chicken grilled and served over mixed greens with sauteed collard greens and brown or white rice.
butterfly soy chops $22.00
lightly breaded soy pork chops topped with roasted apples and raisins. served with sauteed collard greens and raisins. served with sauteed collard greens with soy ham and garlic mashed potatoes with gravy.
southern fried chicken $24.00
herb-breaded soy chicken and two drumsticks served with sweet potato fries and collard greens with soy ham.
tonkatsu chops $18.00
deep fried gluten pork chops served with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, broccoli, squash, zucchini and cauliflower. served with a side of savory tonkatsu sauce.
spicy chicken with broccoli $20.00
wok fried with fresh chilies, peanuts, broccoli, red and green bell peppers. served with a side of brown or white rice.
mango chicken $20.00
slices of mango, grilled soy chicken, red onions, red and green peppers sauteed in a mildly spicy citrus sauce served in a mango shell with a side of brown or white rice.
cashew chicken $20.00
soy chicken chunks sauteed with carrots, broccoli, red and green bell peppers, cashews and a side of brown or white rice.
sweet and sour chicken $20.00
battered soy chicken sauteed with onions, pineapples, lychees, carrots, green and red bell peppers. served with a side of brown or white rice.
bamboo curry chicken $20.00
sauteed soy chicken and potatoes marinated in a Indian coconut curry sauce. served with steamed zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and white or brown rice.
sesame beef $19.00
grilled soy beef strips topped with sesame seeds and a side of steamed carrots, snap peas and broccoli. served with a side of brown or white rice.
dante's cuisine $18.00
black pepper soy beef medallions sauteed in our mushroom gravy. served with a side of asparagus spears, yellow squash, zucchini and garlic mashed potatoes and gravy.
steak and potatoes $20.00
vegan soy steak served with vegan buttered fingerling potatoes, roasted garlic French beans and sliced almonds.
sizzling pepper steak platter $22.00
black pepper steak sauteed with mushrooms and red and green peppers on a hot plate. topped with fried onion rings.
thai beef curry $20.00
massamam sweet coconut milk curry with a zip. shredded soy beef simmered with slow cooked potatoes, carrots and green beans. served with brown or white rice.
ginger beef $18.00
marinated soy beef stir-fried with garlic, scallions, ginger, carrots and sugar snap peas. served with a side of brown or white rice.
citrus beef $18.00
citrus soy beef stir-fried with red and yellow peppers, zucchini and yellow squash. served with brown or white rice.
szechuan beef $20.00
mildly spiced vegetarian peppered beef sauteed with Chinese chilies, broccoli, red and green peppers. served with a side of brown or white rice.
chicken parmesan $24.00
breaded soy chicken cutlets topped with vegan mozzarella cheese and a sweet tomato basil marinara sauce. Served on a bed of pasta with garlic bread.
barbecue ribs $19.00
flame-grilled soy strips served with a side of steamed carrots, broccoli, snap peas, garlic mashed potatoes and gravy.
coconut chicken $20.00
soy chicken delicately breaded with a crispy shredded coconut batter. paired with flame grilled pineapple slices and a side of white or brown rice.

specialty rice
garlic and scallion fried rice $14.00
traditional Filipino recipe sauteed with white rice, diced cloves of garlic and scallions.
ginger chicken fried rice $17.00
ginger marinated soy chicken sauteed with white ice, diced scallions, zucchini, yellow squash, red and yellow bell peppers.
vegetable fried rice $15.00
white rice sauteed with onions, zucchini, yellow squash, red and yellow bell peppers.
pineapple seafood fried rice $17.00
white rice sauteed with pineapple, zucchini, yellow squash, scallions, red and yellow bell peppers, soy fish, scallops, crab and shrimp.

filipino favorites
BBQ Pork Skewers $25.00
three seitan skewers marinated in our sweet and savory sauce then grilled to perfection. Served with garlic and scallion fried rice, lumpia shanghai, two fried eggs and mango salsa.
chicken and pork adobo $25.00
Soy chicken and seitan braised in a marinade of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and peppercorns. Served with garlic and scallion fried rice, lumpia shanghai, two fried eggs and mango salsa.
tortang talong (eggplant omelet) $25.00
two roasted eggplants dipped in vegan egg then pan fried until crispy. Popular Filipino breakfast. Served with garlic and scallion fried rice, lumpia shanghai, two fried eggs and mango salsa.
tocino $25.00
sweet seitan pork belly cured in sugar, garlic and soy sauce. Served with garlic and scallion fried rice, lumpia shanghai, two fried eggs and mango salsa.
kare kare $25.00
classic Filipino stew with soy oxtail, bok choy, eggplant and string beans in a thick savory peanut sauce. Served with garlic and scallion fried rice, lumpia shanghai, two fried eggs and mango salsa.
lumpia shanghai $12.00
crispy Filipino spring rolls filled with minced soy pork, celery, carrots, onion and cilantro. Served with a side of sweet chili sauce.

Red Bamboo Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great dessert
Great wine list

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking

Red Bamboo Photos

Red Bamboo Location

Red Bamboo

New York New York County New York W 4th Street

140 W 4th St, New York, NY 10012, USA

Red Bamboo Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 1954 user reviews.

buffalo wingsbbq wingsnuggetsshrimpchicken parmcrab rangoonroti canaisweet and sour chickenbbq ribsvegan cake

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

One of the best feelings is stumbling upon a restaurant that is unassuming but just offers delicious, no frills food. That is Red Bamboo. Stepping into the restaurant and speaking with the owner, Jade, is like stepping back into a time from when I was younger, before every restaurant was filled with gimmicks or aesthetics and portions were meant to fill you up. It's always nice to support small businesses in these times and especially when the owners are as kind as this one.I had never gotten Filipino food before and did not think I could ever have it as a vegan. I'm glad that this restaurant offers some authentic Filipino food (I had the adobo). For those who may want something different, they also have a wide variety of other foods and desserts. Their wings are some of the best vegan wings I've had. Also for those who don't know, these are the wings that were featured on the Hot Ones with Ariana Grande (the barbecue wings are great). They also offer a Hot Ones challenge for those who want to try some spice.Having been here for 31 years, Red Bamboo deserves more attention. I'd highly recommend checking it out. I think it deserves a spot as a vegan staple in NYC amongst the many others.
September 08 · Ray Pak
This place is 10/10 in terms of taste, staff and vibe. The food was delicious, loved it. The prices are reasonable and portion size is good.We ordered :Creole Soul Chicken - 8/10Almond Coconut - 8/10Tiramisu - 10/10 (The best vegan tiramisu ever)The staff is super sweet and nice, they recommend you the best.So visit here if you are in NYC.There are so many vegan dishes to try, you will be confused!100% recommended!
June 23 · Vinita Dugad
It's great to have a vegan alternative to Filipino food! As a very meat-centric culture, I was happy to try dishes that traditionally were off my plate. I can't wait to try other dishes there!!
June 04 · Rich L
Red Bamboo140 W. 4th. St.New York, NY 10012Buffalo Barbecue WingsVegetable TempuraGrilled Bourbon ChickenCoconut Chicken With Pineapple SlicesCreole Soul ChickenSizzling Pepper SteakOreo CheesecakeCoconut Custard CakeAppearance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️It is quite the feat to prepare scrumptious meat that isn’t actually meat. Serving American to International vegan cuisine, you will be blown away at how authentic everything tastes.The spicy, tangy, chewy wings are smothered in sauce. Don’t worry about biting into any bones because there’s only a wooden stick in the center that’s easy to remove.If you aren’t a fan of vegetables, the tempura will change your mind. The battered coated veggies was served piping hot. It put a new meaning to broccoli, peppers, and zucchini!The sizzling pepper steak arrived literally sizzling with smoke billowing from the skillet like a locomotive. Between the seasoning and sauce, you won’t go wrong.You won’t be disappointed with whichever chicken plate you desire. My personal favorite was the coconut chicken because of its crispiness with a touch of sweetness; pineapple is a strong backbone to this dish!Cheesecake Factory has a fierce competitor. Even though it’s not actually Oreos, The Oreo cheesecake is so delicious that I would have thought it was made using the prestigious Nabisco cookie!If you are looking for fine dining that is not prepared from animals or their byproducts, check out Red Bamboo. You won’t even notice a difference in this vegan utopia.#RedBamboo #veganfood #tempura #vegancheesecake #westvillagenyc #lowermanhattan #veganfoodporn
July 09 · Jeff T. Critic
This place is great! I just think the food is very salty and/or a little sour. My mom came here when she was in collage! Still open and great! Other dishes are probably better than mine. I ordered the veggie lo mein.
July 09 · Shaany Raut