Ruffian Introduce
In the heart of Manhattan's dynamic East Village, there is a wine bar that stands out for its unique blend of sophistication and casual comfort: Ruffian. This isn't your typical wine bar; it's a destination for those who seek to explore an incredible world of wine and food, all within a cozy and intimate setting. Ruffian has quickly established itself as a local favorite for its curated and extensive wine list, featuring everything from sparkling and orange wines to rare selections that will delight both the novice and the seasoned connoisseur. It's a place where the atmosphere is as memorable as the menu, making it perfect for a romantic date night, a relaxed solo dining experience, or a catch-up with close friends.
Ruffian is more than just a place to grab a glass of wine; it's a culinary journey. The menu is crafted to complement the diverse wine offerings, with a focus on small, shareable plates that are bursting with flavor. The chefs at Ruffian demonstrate a clear commitment to quality, using top-tier ingredients to create dishes that are both innovative and delicious. From the savory Whipped Feta to the unique Roasted Pepper & Eggplant Dip, each plate is thoughtfully prepared to enhance your wine-drinking experience. The combination of a top-notch wine program and an exciting food menu, all served with a warm and friendly approach, makes Ruffian a standout gem in the vibrant East Village dining scene. It's a testament to the idea that great wine should be accessible and enjoyable, served in a space that feels both upscale and incredibly welcoming.
Location and Accessibility
Located at 125 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA, Ruffian is perfectly situated in one of New York City’s most historic and exciting neighborhoods. The East Village is known for its creative energy, and Ruffian fits right in, offering a tranquil and stylish escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The address is easily reachable by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes serving the area, making it a convenient destination whether you're coming from another part of Manhattan or one of the outer boroughs. The location on E 7th Street also places it within walking distance of many other local attractions, making it a great spot to visit before or after exploring the neighborhood.
The space itself is designed to be inviting and accessible. While specific details on physical accessibility are not provided, the layout is part of a trendy and casual environment that's easy to navigate for most guests. The ambiance is notably comfortable and cozy, creating an intimate setting that makes you feel right at home. Ruffian offers outdoor seating, which is a fantastic option for enjoying a glass of wine on a pleasant evening and soaking in the East Village vibe. The wine bar is also known for being a welcoming and safe space for all patrons, including being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace, which speaks to its inclusive and respectful atmosphere. This commitment to a friendly environment for everyone is a key part of what makes Ruffian such a special place to visit.
Services Offered
Ruffian provides a variety of services to ensure your visit is enjoyable, whether you're planning a full dinner or just a quick drink. Their offerings cater to different preferences and occasions. Here's what you can expect:
- Dine-in: The primary service is a full dine-in experience. You can enjoy table service and seating inside the cozy and intimate bar, perfect for a long evening of conversation and great food. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and often romantic, making it a top choice for a date.
- Outdoor Seating: On a beautiful day or evening, you can opt for their outdoor seating. This is a great way to enjoy your wine and small plates while taking in the neighborhood's energy.
- Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy Ruffian's delicious bites and curated wines from the comfort of home, delivery service is available. You can have your favorite dishes brought right to your door.
- Table Service & Seating: The bar offers full table service, where attentive staff will guide you through the extensive wine list and menu, providing a personalized and high-end experience without the stuffiness of a formal restaurant.
Features / Highlights
Ruffian stands out in the crowded New York City dining scene with several key highlights that make it a truly special place. These features contribute to its reputation as a must-visit spot in the East Village.
- Great Wine List: This is arguably Ruffian's biggest draw. Their wine list is celebrated for its extensive and unique selection, featuring sparkling, orange, white, and pink wines. The list is thoughtfully curated and regularly updated, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to try.
- Creative and Delicious Food Menu: The food menu goes far beyond typical bar snacks. The dishes are designed to be shared and are highly praised for their innovative flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients. Standout items like the Charred Sardines, Ricotta Dumplings, and the famous Khachapuri showcase a culinary approach that is both surprising and deeply satisfying.
- Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance at Ruffian is a perfect balance of trendy and cozy. The upscale casual setting makes it ideal for a romantic date night or a special occasion. It feels intimate without being cramped, and the decor contributes to a warm and inviting vibe.
- Fast Service: Customers consistently mention the fast and efficient service. The staff is knowledgeable about the wine and food menu, providing great recommendations and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.
- Solo Dining Friendly: Ruffian is a popular choice for solo diners. The comfortable and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great place to sit at the bar, enjoy a glass of wine, and have a delicious meal on your own.
Contact Information
To make a reservation or inquire about a visit to Ruffian, you can use the following information:
Address: 125 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA
Phone: (347) 674-1618
What is Worth Choosing
When you're looking for a wine bar in New York City, the choices can be overwhelming. What makes Ruffian worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to providing a truly unique and high-quality experience. It's not just a place to grab a drink; it's a full-sensory journey into the world of wine and food pairing. The star of the show is, without a doubt, their exceptional wine list, which offers a thrilling exploration of different styles and regions. Paired with this, the food menu is equally impressive. The small plates are crafted with precision and an adventurous spirit, turning simple ingredients into memorable culinary moments. Whether it's the savory Lamb Pie or the unexpected delight of the Swiss Chard and Millet, each dish is a testament to the kitchen's skill.
Beyond the food and drink, the atmosphere at Ruffian is what truly sets it apart. The combination of a cozy, romantic, and trendy space makes it ideal for a variety of occasions. It’s perfect for celebrating a milestone, a first date, or simply treating yourself after a long week. The staff's expertise and the fast service ensure that your evening will be seamless and enjoyable. Ruffian’s status as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace also speaks to its role as a genuinely welcoming establishment for all. The ability to make reservations adds a layer of convenience, helping you plan a perfect night out. For a place that successfully marries an incredible wine selection with equally incredible food and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Ruffian is a must-visit destination in the East Village. It's a place you'll want to return to again and again.
Ruffian Menu
Dinner
- Three-Course Tasting Menu $60.00
Rotating seasonal three-course tasting menu. (Vegan & gluten free options available.)
Dinner
- Pickles & Olives $8.00
Assortment of seasonal pickles & olives
- Charred Sardines $23.00
Over crispy potatoes with Meyer lemon aioli & olive gremolata
- Sourdough & Khmeli Oil $10.00
House baked bread with Georgian spiced oil
- Whipped Feta $15.00
with green strawberry jam and papadums
- Roasted Pepper & Eggplant Dip $14.00
with herbs and papadums
- White Bean Lobio $16.00
with market greens, crispy leeks, and papadums
- Maitake Kebab $23.00
with crispy turmeric rice, pickled radishes, and chimichurri
- Burdock Brandade $18.00
on focaccia
- Cucumbers $16.00
sourdough emulsion, dill candy
- Swiss Chard and Millet $23.00
with crispy potatoes and smoked figs
- Asparagus $22.00
Yolk jam, angel food cake
- Ricotta Dumplings $26.00
spring peas, lavender vinaigrette
- Tahini Eggplant $27.00
with cherry plum, white beans, and market greens
- Khachapuri $25.00
Farm Egg, Date Ajika
- Lamb Pie $36.00
Tarragon Yogurt, Market Salad
Dessert
- Kashkar $14.00
hibiscus kasha mousse, apricot gastrique, fenugreek tart
- Tandoor S'More $12.00
black sesame shortbread, yuzu meringue, honey
Ruffian Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Ruffian Photos










Ruffian Location
Ruffian Reviews
wine listnatural wineorange winesmall platestasting menuflavorpatiodumplingsintimatechickpeas
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Ruffian was an incredible experience overall, from their delicious bites to their extensive wine list! There are sparkling wines, orange wines, white wines, and even pink wines! The sparkling wine pictured below was SO crisp and also subtly sweet. A perfect combination for summer. The menu primarily has shareable plates so I would order a lot if you’re a big party. The portions were quite small. The quality of the produce was top tier. We could also tell that they put a lot of thought into the flavor combos. One of my favorites probably had to be the one with beets. I would go back again and again and again!!
July 02 · Zimmi CokerWe ordered crab and artichoke dip, dumplings with parsnip and caraflex cabbage. I was very impressed with the cabbage. It did not have much smell and had excellent sauce on top, I would say you must try. All dishes were delicious, cake was mediocre( personally, I didn’t like cream, it has artificial flavor). Excellent service and outstanding wine list.
March 16 · Violette OspolAmazing experience here, such unique flavors in their wines. We had two custom flights (reds and whites and an incredible extra glass of orange wine). Until going here I’d never had a white wine with notes of “dried aged meat” but it was great. Our server Joseph was very knowledgeable and helpful with navigating the menu. We will definitely be back!
August 02 · Jesse WintersWe had a fantastic evening at Ruffian! The selection of wines by the glass is both exciting and unconventional – with lots of interesting discoveries, including some great non-alcoholic options.We ordered several small plates to share, and the staff paired each one with the perfect wine. Everything was flavorful, well-balanced, and a great way to start the evening. The potato and chard dumplings and the hamachi were particular highlights – absolutely delicious!A big thank-you to the team for the warm, attentive service and the overall wonderful experience.
July 19 · Christian PoppAmazing Eastern European, Eurasian and Middle Eastern wine list. Great alacart menu and desserts. Amazing service that truly deserves a generous tip. Do not skip the Hungarian dessert wine (Tokaji) that is literally liquid sunshine and golden happiness in a bottle.
February 14 · Elif Kuyucu
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