NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Established in 1954 by WW II Ukranian refugees, Veselka was made famous for feeding the late-dining East Village beatniks for years. The only thing that’s really changed at this neighborhood stalwart is that now we call them hipsters. The pirogis (Polish dumplings), borscht, and heavy emphases on beets, cabbages, onions and potatoes remains savory as it ever was, and the menu is still served ‘round the clock.  Dubbed “Ukranian soul food,” and Ukranian for “rainbow,” blintzes and blueberry pancakes also color the brunch menu – attracting a morning fan base just as large as its nocturnal. No surprise that a famous clientele can usually be seen here – Veselka has also been the set for several films and even the muse for a few songs. While the space is open and filled with tables, the real hot seats are at the counter – the perfect winter place to grab a cocoa and watch the chefs flip latkes.