Veselka: The Iconic East Village Diner with a Legendary Burger

Veselka Introduce

Veselka is far more than just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of New York City history, an East Village institution that has been a culinary and cultural hub for generations. Founded in 1954 by Ukrainian refugees, it has grown from a small newsstand to a beloved 24-hour diner known for its authentic Ukrainian comfort food. While the menu is famous for its homemade pierogi, borscht, and other Eastern European classics, Veselka also holds its own in the fiercely competitive world of American diner fare, offering a standout selection of burgers and sandwiches. This unique blend of traditional Ukrainian and classic American comfort food makes it a destination for a diverse crowd, from local college students and families to tourists and late-night revelers.

The atmosphere at Veselka is a key part of its appeal. It's a place that feels both historic and timeless, with a casual and cozy vibe that makes everyone feel at home. The restaurant is a true "rainbow" (the English translation of its name) of cultures and generations, and its status as one of the last remaining Slavic restaurants in the area makes it a cherished landmark. Veselka's commitment to its community is also a huge draw; the restaurant has a long history of supporting Ukrainian humanitarian efforts, especially during recent global events, and it employs many Ukrainian refugees. This deep-rooted connection to its heritage and its community gives every meal a special meaning, making a visit to Veselka an experience that is both delicious and deeply fulfilling.

Veselka is centrally located at 144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA, in the heart of the East Village's historic "Little Ukraine" neighborhood. This prime location makes it an easy and accessible destination for a meal at any time of day or night. The East Village is well-served by multiple subway lines and bus routes, and the restaurant is a short walk from major transit hubs. For those who choose to drive, paid street parking and paid parking garages are available in the vicinity, though it's worth noting that parking in the East Village can be a challenge. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, providing a pleasant option for dining on a nice day and enjoying the bustling street life of Second Avenue.

The restaurant’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its wheelchair accessible entrance, restrooms, and seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all. This, combined with its family-friendly atmosphere, high chairs, and kids' menu, makes it a welcoming place for everyone.

Veselka offers an extensive list of services designed to provide maximum convenience and hospitality.

Outdoor seating: Enjoy your meal al fresco and soak in the neighborhood atmosphere.
Delivery: Get delicious Ukrainian and American comfort food delivered right to your door.
Onsite services: A full-service restaurant experience with a cozy, historic atmosphere.
Takeout: A quick and easy option for grabbing your food to go.
Dine-in: Enjoy table service in a casual and friendly setting.
Catering: Veselka offers catering for events, bringing its famous dishes to your next gathering.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly useful for brunch and dinner when it can get busy and there's often a wait.

For payment, Veselka accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and effortless.

The features and highlights of Veselka are what have cemented its status as an iconic New York landmark.

Historic and Iconic Status: With a history dating back to 1954, Veselka is a genuine New York institution, featured in films and media.
Ukrainian Specialties: The menu's core is authentic Ukrainian food, with highlights including handmade pierogi (varenyky), flavorful borscht, and dishes like beef stroganoff and stuffed cabbage.
American Comfort Food: The menu seamlessly blends Ukrainian food with American diner staples, offering a fantastic selection of char-broiled burgers, sandwiches, and all-day breakfast options.
24-Hour Service: Veselka is famous for being a round-the-clock diner, perfect for satisfying late-night cravings or an early morning breakfast.
Comprehensive Menu: The offerings are extensive and cater to all tastes and diets, including vegetarian options, healthy choices, and a variety of beverages from coffee to a great beer and wine selection.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The restaurant is good for kids, providing high chairs and changing tables, making it a stress-free option for families.

These features, combined with fast service and a warm atmosphere, make Veselka a versatile and reliable choice for any meal.

For all inquiries or to place an order, you can contact Veselka using the following information.

Address: 144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 228-9682
Mobile Phone: +1 212-228-9682

These details are essential for any New Yorker looking to experience this classic spot.

What is worth choosing about Veselka is its unique identity as a cultural landmark and a culinary powerhouse. While it’s renowned for its Ukrainian dishes, the char-broiled burgers and the "You-Should-Be-Sleeping-But-Since-You're-Not" menu are equally deserving of praise. The burgers, made with 85% lean ground beef, are a testament to classic American diner fare, cooked to perfection and customizable with various toppings. A particular standout is the patty melt, a rich and savory combination of a burger patty, Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions on toasted rye bread. This dish, along with their other burgers, is a fantastic option for those who want a taste of classic Americana in a setting that offers so much more. Choosing Veselka means you are getting more than just a meal; you're partaking in a New York tradition. The combination of its historic ambiance, delicious and diverse menu, and commitment to community support makes it a place that truly stands out. It’s an ideal spot for an authentic, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying dining experience, whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch, a late-night bite, or a classic burger.

Veselka Menu

Seasonal Beverages
Raspberry Lemonade $5.00
Our house specialty made with real raspberries
Honey Mint Ginger Iced Tea $5.00
Rose Wine $9.00
A great drinking Rose from Provence, France
Watermelon Ice Tea $5.00
Homemade summer specialty with fresh watermelon and black tea

Seasonal Desserts
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream $4.00
Vanilla, Chocolate, or Strawberry
Blueberry Pierogi Dessert Bowl $10.00
Three fried blueberry pierogi topped with a scoop of Ben & Jerry's Ice cream and chocolate sauce

Featured Specials of the Week
Classic Ukrainian Veselka Pierogi Bowl: 65th Anniversary $14.00
Includes 2 Potato, 2 Meat, 2 Sauerkraut Pierogi topped with slab bacon, grilled kielbasa and caramelized onions
Classic Ukrainian Veselka Pierogi Bowl: Vegetarian $12.00
Includes six potato pierogi topped with Brinza cheese (feta cheese from sheep milk) and chopped green onions
Homemade Salmon Burger $18.00
Our house favorite served on a seeded brioche bun with horseradish tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, coleslaw with a choice of fries and chips
Steak Frites $20.00
8 ounce choice hangar steak grilled to your liking and served with your choice of fries and includes a house salad
Roasted Salmon Salad $19.00
Roasted salmon served over mixed greens with avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, cornichons and served with a creamy horseradish dressing
Vegetarian Reuben Latkes $17.00
Homemade Sauerkraut served over two of our Latkes with Ukrainian dressing and melted Swiss cheese, served with a side of beet/horseradish salad
Vegetarian Summer Chili $14.00
Roasted zucchini, yellow summer squash, red peppers, eggplant, corn, beans, simmered with tomatoes and topped with fresh basil and homemade corn bread

Breakfast Specials
All breakfast specials are served with 4oz juice & choice of coffee or tea
Two Eggs, Fried or Scrambled $11.00
Served with Potato Pancake or Kasha or Tomato and choice of toast
Blueberry, Banana, or Chocolate Chip Pancakes $13.00
Buttermilk or Buckwheat Pancake
Pancakes or Challah French Toast, Two Eggs $14.00
With bacon, kielbasa, sausage or corned beef hash. Buttermilk or Buckwheat Pancakes or French Toast, choice of two eggs any style (no poached eggs)
Classic Fried Egg Sandwich $6.00
With choice of Bacon, Kielbasa or Sausage and choice of cheese on a Roll or choice of bread
Veselka's Special Fried Egg Sandwich $7.00
Grilled smoked ham, gruyere, and arugula on a whole wheat brioche bun
Fried Egg with the Works Sandwich $8.00
Grilled smoked ham, red pepper, onion, baby spinach and gruyere on a whole wheat brioche bun

Potato Pancakes
Potato Pancakes $14.00
Pan-fried to a crisp golden brown served with sour cream & apple sauce

Homemade Pastries
Ukrainian Poppy Seed Bread $5.00
Danish, Turnovers, or Bumble Bee Muffin $3.00
Apple Crumb Cake $8.00
Brownie $5.00
Apricot Raspberry Bar $5.00
Apricot or Raspberry Rugelach $3.00

Fruit Salad
Fresh Fruit Salad $8.00
Farmer's Cheese & Fruit Salad $12.00

Homemade Muffins
Fresh-Baked or Split & Griddled with Butter
Banana Crunch $3.00
Blueberry $3.00
Whole Wheat Blueberry $3.00
Cranberry Walnut $3.00
Raspberry Crumb $3.00

Pancakes & Waffles
Our pancakes and waffles are made from scratch, & made to order. With 100% pure Vermont maple syrup $3 extra
Plain Pancakes $10.00
Buttermilk or Buckwheat
Banana, Blueberry, or Chocolate Chip $12.00
Raspberry Pancakes $13.00
Challah French Toast $10.00
Buttermilk Waffle $10.00

Eggs & Omelettes
Omelettes served with kasha or potato pancake or tomato and challah bread or toast
Two Eggs Any Style $8.00
Western $11.00
Peppers, Onion, and Ham
Mediterranean $11.00
Feta and Tomato
Plain Omelette $9.00
Egg whites available

Blintzes
Our award-winning Ukrainian-style crepes filled with lightly sweetened farmer's cheese.
Plate $15.00
Single $8.00

Hot Oatmeal
7 am to 12 noon only
Old-Fashioned Slow Cooked $6.00
With milk until creamy
Homemade Granola with Milk $8.00

Bagels & Breads
Homemade Challah Bread or Toast $1.00
Croissant $3.00
Hard Roll, Bagel, or English Muffin $1.00
Bagel with Schmear $3.00

Brunch
Mimosa $9.00
Prosecco $8.00
Veselka's "Brunch" Pierogi (Varenyky) $13.00
Our homemade Ukrainian Dumplings filled with bacon, scrambled egg, Vermont cheddar and potato. Served with a creamy chipotle ketchup
Eggs Benedict $15.00
Two poached eggs served on an English muffin with grilled smoked pork loin and hollandaise sauce. Includes a side of fresh fruit, coffee or tea and juice
Kale Eggs Benedict $16.00
Two poached eggs and wilted kale served on potatopancakes with hollandaise sauce. Includes a side of fresh fruit, coffee or tea and juice
Hot Oatmeal $9.00
Old Fashioned and Slow Cooked
Blintzes with Seasonal Compote $17.00
Our traditional blintzes served with seasonal stewed fruit and a side of sour cream. Includes a choice of coffee or tea
Corned Beef Hash Pierogi Bowl $15.00
Our homemade Ukrainian Dumplings filled with corned beef hash, topped with 2 eggs any style and chopped green onions. Includes choice of coffee or tea, and shot of juice
Salmon Latka Eggs Benedict $17.00
Two poached eggs and sliced smoked salmon served on top of potato pancakes with hollandaise sauce. Garnished with capers and scallions. Served with fresh fruit, coffee or tea and juice
Chef's Omelette $16.00
Three egg omelette stuffed with smoked salmon, cream cheese and green onions with choice of potato pancake, kasha or sliced tomatoes. Served with coffee or tea and juice

Salads
Dressings: homemade Russian, blue cheese, creamy dill vinaigrette, and balsamic vinaigrette
Organic Smoked Turkey Cobb Salad $18.00
With avocado, Danish blue cheese, hard boiled egg, bacon, tomato on greens with blue cheese dressing
Lentil Salad $16.00
With carrots, feta cheese, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, served over greens with creamy dill vinaigrette
Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Salad $16.00
With toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds on greens
East Village Spinach Salad $16.00
With mushrooms, hard-cooked eggs, bacon and feta cheese
Mixed Green Salad $13.00
With a scoop of chicken, tuna or egg salad

Homemade Soups
Ukrainian Borscht $9.00
Also Available in Cup
Cold Borscht $9.00
Also Available in Cup
Matzoh Ball $9.00
Also Available in Cup
Chicken Noodle $9.00
Also Available in Cup
Cold Cucumber $6.00
Vegetable $9.00
Also Available in Cup
Mushroom Barley $9.00
Also Available in Cup
Veselka's 3 Bean Chili $7.00
Blue Plate Special $12.00
Cup of soup & 1/2 tuna, egg or chicken salad sandwich

Signature Sandwiches
All Signature Sandwiches are served with a choice of French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Potato Chips, or Side Salad for an additional $3
The Baczynski $15.00
Thinly sliced Polish ham, Ukrainian salami, podlaski cheese, pickled vegetable relish on pumpernickel bread
Madame Alexander $13.00
Organic smoked turkey, Vermont sharp white cheddar and chipotle cranberry on Amy's raisin fennel bread
Kielbasa Hero $15.00
With house made ketchup and sauerkraut on a challah baguette
Ukrainian Meatball Hero $16.00
With mushroom gravy and sauerkraut on a challah baguette
Veselka's Reuben $15.00
Thinly sliced krakovska, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and homemade Russian dressing on seven grain bread
Chicken Schnitzel $15.00
Panko crusted thinly pounded all natural Bell & Evans chicken breast, served with lemon pepper mayo and sliced pickles on a seeded roll
Smoked Salmon on a Bagel $16.00
Cream Cheese, Tomato, and Capers
Chicken Salad $12.00
Albacore Tuna Salad $12.00
Egg Salad $10.00
Grilled Cheese $9.00
Classic BLT $12.00

Our Homemade Varenyky ~ Pierogi
Ukrainian-style dumplings, handmade daily in our kitchen, served boiled or fried with sautéed onions & sour cream
Fillings $7.00
Meat, Potato, Cheese, Truffle Mushroom, Arugula & Goat Cheese, Sauerkraut & Mushroom, or Sweet Potato
Short Rib Pierogi $9.00

Ukrainian Specialties
Beef Stroganoff $19.00
Sliced beef slow-simmered until tender in a rich mushroom sour cream sauce. Served with egg noodles & one side
Stuffed Cabbage $17.00
Choice of meatless (mushroom and rice) or meat-stuffed (beef, pork and rice) smothered in our rich mushroom gravy or savory tomato sauce. Served with any one side
Ola's Famous Veal Goulash $19.00
Veal braised in a creamy herb sauce served with mashed potatoes & any one side
Bigos $18.00
Hearty Ukrainian hunter's-style stew of kielbasa, roast pork, sauerkraut and onions. Served with mashed potatoes & one side
Ukrainian Meatballs $18.00
Tender pork & beef meatballs served with our rich mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes & one side
Mixed Ukrainian Grill $19.00
Three types of smoked-cured pork sausage served with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut & a house salad

Ukrainian Combo Plates
Served with cup of soup or salad (no substitutions, boiled pierogi only)
Meat Plate $17.00
2 meat, 2 potato pierogi, 1 meat stuffed cabbage with mushroom gravy, a side of sour cream & beet horseradish salad
Deluxe Meat Plate $19.00
1 meat, 1 potato, 1 sauerkraut and mushroom pierogi, 1 meat stuffed cabbage with mushroom gravy, grilled kielbasa, side of sour cream & beet horseradish salad
Vegetarian Plate $15.00
2 cheese, 2 potato pierogi, 1 meatless stuffed cabbage, side of sour cream
Deluxe Vegetarian Plate $16.00
1 cheese, 1 potato, 1 sauerkraut and mushroom pierogi, 1 meatless stuffed cabbage, kasha with mushroom gravy & a side of sour cream
Blintzes $8.00
Our award-winning Ukrainian-style crepes filled with lightly sweetened farmer's cheese
Potato Pancakes $6.00
Pan-fried to a crisp golden-brown served with sour cream & apple sauce

Char–Broiled Burgers
All Deluxe burgers made with 85% lean ground beef and served with choice of French fries, sweet potato fries, or homemade potato chips for an additional $3. Burger Toppings: Vermont Cheddar, Swiss, or American Pepper Jack $2 per topping, Bacon $2.50
Burger $12.00
Turkey Burger $13.00
Veggie Burger $10.00
Served with wasabi mayonnaise
Salmon Burger $15.00

Sides
$5 each
Mashed Potatoes
French Fries
Egg Noodles
Ukrainian Beet & Horseradish Salad
Fresh Steamed Vegetables
Mixed Green Salad
Potato Salad
Sauerkraut
Kasha

Homemade Desserts
Apple Crumb Cake $8.00
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake $8.00
Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie $8.00
Banana Cream Pie $8.00
Sour Cream Cheesecake $8.00
Carrot Cake $8.00
Chocolate Custard $7.00
Apple Pie $6.00
Brownie $5.00
Lemon Bundt Cake $6.00
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream $7.00
Kutya $7.00
Traditional sweet Ukrainian pudding of wheat berries, raisins, walnuts, poppy seeds & honey
Fruit Pierogi Bowl $10.00
Three fried seasonal fruit pierogi topped with Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Ice Cream and chocolate sauce

Specialty Beverages
Raspberry Lemonade $5.00
Cherry Lime Rickey $3.00
Egg Cream (Vanilla or Chocolate) $3.00
Ben & Jerry's Milkshake $9.00
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Soda $7.00
Homemade Hot Cocoa $5.00
Hot or Cold Apple Cider $5.00
Fresh Local Cider

Beverages
Coffee or Tea $3.00
Iced Coffee / Decaf $4.00
Fresh Brewed Unsweetened Iced Tea $4.00
Espresso $4.00
Cappuccino $6.00
Iced Cappuccino / Decaf Cappuccino $6.00
Orange Juice $5.00
Cranberry, Apple, or Tomato Juice $3.00
Milk $3.00
Soft Drink $3.00

Seasonal Beverages
Raspberry Lemonade $5.00
Our house specialty made with real raspberries

Draft Beer
Obolon Lager $8.00
Ukraine
Zyweic $8.00
Poland
Pilsner Urquell $9.00
Czech

Bottled Beer
Lvivske 1715 $7.00
Ukraine
Obolon Lager $7.00
Ukraine
Brouczech Dark $7.00
Czech
Tyskie Pilsner $7.00
Poland
Amstel Light $5.00
Harpoon Cider $5.00
Vermont
Clausthaler (Non-Alcoholic) $4.00
Yonkers IPA $5.00
New York
Weihenstephaner $5.00
German Wheat Beer

White Wine
Bernard Griffin Chardonnay $9.00
Citrus notes, creamy palate; California
Breganze Pinot Grigio $10.00
Refreshing, floral aroma; Italy
Ponga Sauvignon Blanc $10.00
Smooth easy drinking; New Zealand
Lucashof Riesling $10.00
Elegant dry style, peach notes; Germany

Red Wine
Côtes du Rhône $9.00
A ruby color, rich; France
Rioja (Montana) $9.00
Blackberry & spice; Spain
Castle Rock Pinot Noir $10.00
Plums, silky texture; California
600 Peak Cabernet $10.00
Medium bodied, aromatic; California

The You-Should-Be-Sleeping-But-Since-You're-Not Menu
Veselka's Patty Melt $15.00
Hamburger, swiss and cheddar cheese, homemade sauerkraut, and homemade Russian dressing on grilled rye. Served with choice of fries
Pierogi Smorgasbord $15.00
Four potato and four meat pierogi fried and topped with caramelized onion, chopped bacon and a homemade cheese sauce
Smothered Latke $16.00
Two of our homemade potato pancakes topped with either Beef Stroganoff or Veal Goulash and a dollop of sour cream
Special Egg, Bacon, Cheese, and Potato Pancake Sandwich $12.00
Served deluxe with fries

Veselka Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great coffee
Great dessert
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Historic
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Paid parking garage
Paid street parking
Parking

Pets
Dogs allowed

Veselka Photos

Veselka Location

Veselka

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Veselka Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 7290 user reviews.

pierogisborschtpotato pancakesstuffed cabbageblintzesbeef stroganoffeastern european foodmatzo ball souplatkeshorseradish salad

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I will say it again if it's this popular it cannot be that good. Go here with someone who has never had Ukrainian food before and they will love it, very good intro to Ukrainian food for newbie. the meats should have had more flavor. Sauerkraut was lacking fermentation taste. I enjoyed the borscht and the mushroom sauce.
August 31 · Emily dorothy
A cozy, friendly atmosphere serving authentic Ukrainian food! The sauerkraut and mushroom pierogi was my favourite…and I don’t typically enjoy either of those things!! A bit of a wait on Sunday but the turnaround was decently fast. I’ll be coming back for sure!
September 08 · Grace Ma
Our second time here, and this time was for dinner. A short line but wait was not bad. Menu has gf and v labels, so that was helpful. Food seems to be simply prepared and arrives very quickly. One gf dessert, which was a cherry and chocolate flourless cake. Friendly staff.
June 17 · TK
My wife was thrilled with her cold borsht (on a hot August day), and her pierogis were excellent, too.I had Ukrainian Mixed Grill with three different sausages. One was excellent, and the other two somehow managed to overshadow it. The sauerkraut was wonderful, even the mashed potatoes were great.And dessert…maybe even better.
August 14 · Kent Borg
🇺🇦 Authentic Ukrainian comfort food in the heart of NYCWhile walking near the famous Carrie Bradshaw apartment, we came across Veselka — a Ukrainian restaurant we simply couldn’t pass by, especially as Ukrainians ourselves 🇺🇦The atmosphere instantly feels like home — from the Ukrainian flags and traditional decor to symbolic items and even photos of the president. It’s more than a restaurant — it feels like a warm cultural corner of Ukraine in the middle of New York.🥟 We ordered a variety of fried varenyky (dumplings) with:• Potato• Meat• Sauerkraut & mushroomsEverything was freshly made and delicious. The presentation was simple and nice, served with water right away. The staff was friendly and attentive, and despite how busy the place was, service was smooth and pleasant.✨ This restaurant is lively, welcoming, and full of familiar flavors. You can tell it’s a popular spot — people kept coming in, and the energy was great.✅ Highly recommend Veselka to anyone who wants to enjoy real Ukrainian cuisine, whether you’re from Ukraine or simply want to taste something different and soulful. You’ll leave full and happy!
July 09 · Maryna Stupak