Is VESELKA A Tourist Trap? Trying NYC's ICONIC Ukrainian Restaurant

Veselka is the most famous Ukrainian restaurant in NYC. One of the last Ukrainian restaurants left in the East Village, it was founded in 1954 and received objective accolades for its food in the 70s. Today, Veselka in NYC is still standing, even as all the old Slavic restaurants in the East Village have moved away. Veselka was famous for being open 24/7, but today it is also famous as a gathering place to show support for Ukraine during the Russian Ukraine War. Lines at this restaurant can sometimes go around the corner and around the block, as hundreds seek to show their support to a famous Ukrainian owned business.
While no one can deny Veselka's cultural impact on NYC, both past and present, is Veselka still one of the best Eastern European restaurants in New York City? Is it still an excellent authentic Ukrainian restaurant? Join us on this journey as we seek to find out if Veselka is still producing amazing and well-priced food, or if this Ukrainian food destination is now just a tourist spot and a trendy spot for New Yorkers and not Ukrainians. We will try all of their famous traditional Ukrainian foods, such as cold borscht, pierogis, stuffed cabbage, kielbasas, and more!
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Restaurant Deets:
Veselka
144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

[@YASTravelsEatsWell]

First ate there in 1975. Being from Philadelphia there were no Russian/Ukrainian restaurants at that time. Looked appetizing and nourishing, it's a good deal at $30 for the prix fixe. Nice that they participate in New York's restaurant week!

[@jlkinzie1]

Pierogis with buttery mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese fillings are the best! My hubby's grandma introduced me to pierogis, and she made the best ones I've ever eaten. Boy, that lady could cook! Grandma was from Slovenia and Grandpa was from Slovakia via Ukrainian.

[@ViolinistWilliam]

Such an interesting menu! Thanks for hitting this place up!

[@rexiioper6920]

this might be the first and only time ukranian food has been described as interesting 😂

[@dhenry1976]

Please consider doing this full time. I like your videos alot!

[@afcgeo882]

NOTHING at Veselka is authentic, including the owners who I believe are 4th generation Americans and don’t speak any Ukrainian. It’s absolutely a tourist and transplant trap and frankly has been since the late 80’s. The restaurant you showed down the block, on the other hand, IS authentic and host mostly a Ukrainian clientele. Half a block down the street is Streecha, also a very authentic cheap eats spot.

[@sundaybest27]

Yeah, I had more authentic eastern European cuisine in Brooklyn. This is way overpriced!!!!

[@diddlybop]

Thanks i was about to go 😂

[@ramencurry6672]

I ate there years ago, it was ok. Back then the appeal of Veselka was they were a 24 hour restaurant …..In my opinion, NYC doesn’t do European food that well in general

[@afcgeo882]

@@ramencurry6672 NYC does European food incredibly well, but you need to go to the right places and neighborhoods. If you want real Ukrainian food, Streecha is the place to go, unless you’re willing to trek to Brighton Beach.

[@ramencurry6672]

@@afcgeo882 I know you can find it but it’s not as easy as finding good Asian and other ethnic foods in NYC

[@bigworldddd9566]

The long-gone Kiev restaurant was the spot!!

[@afcgeo882]

Odesa diner was too.

[@rexiioper6920]

@@afcgeo882 russian tea room

[@milesdufourny4813]

Kiev was great.

[@crabstick250]

Remember the big ass buttered bread they'd serve with soup? Mmmm kiev.

[@bigworldddd9566]

@@crabstick250 Absolutely!!

[@patrickwong4824]

I prefer my pierogies pan-fried and cover with a lot of fried onion and bacon. As for the stuffed cabbage, it is a cabbage roll with a white sauce. Solid review for some solid home cooking.

[@johnkovalicky3389]

Never had a galumpki with a white sauce in my family sounds good though it was always in a tomato juice sauce very light of course every region has their own thing going on no disrespect here❤

[@fongsungjaupseio5542]

Man, your food description and analysis is top notch

[@TEE2323]

Nice review bud! 🤠✌🏾

[@FrankGutowski-ls8jt]

Nice review!

[@100185261]

thanks for the video UA!!!!!

[@PatriciaRoggero]

Great video thanks

[@2Wheels_NYC]

Great vid as always UA! So I'm Polish, and a lot of the food is very similar. I've never been here, but now I'll have to!

[@mscapricorn-ce1pl]

Great food review.

[@dlee4236]

Thanks for uploading this. We're coming to NYC in a week. Will definitely try this place.

[@afcgeo882]

Don’t. Go to Streecha down the block instead. Cheaper, better quality, more authentic, and the proceeds all go to the local church and get sent to Ukraine.

[@NoName-ym5zj]

I lived in Ukraine my whole life and never heard of borscht being served cold lmao ... It doesn't look like a regular borscht tho, I assume it has different stuff in it to make it work as a cold soup. Cool video! 17:06 - You are right btw, they are supposed to be just a slightly bit crispy and eaten while hot, can't say much about the cheese as I don't have a huge reference point for that.

[@wowjunkie73]

If you live in NYC, you should go to Streecha which is less known but is so good!

[@dennisburby8585]

Love your honesty about the black pepper error.

[@nsbioy]

As someone born in Russia and used to these foods, your take on them was spot on. The pierogies are supposed to be not bland, even the potato ones. Caramelized onions are commonly added into potato filling. Blintzes are supposed to be moist and not dry also, so I am glad you picked up on that, too.

[@sundaybest27]

And technically, borscht originated in Russia anyway.

[@nsbioy]

@@sundaybest27 let's not go there, shall we

[@sundaybest27]

@@nsbioy Speaking strictly from a cultural culinary perspective, you know I'm right. Have a good evening.

[@ramencurry6672]

I don’t think NYC does European foods that well in general. You have to go to Europe for much better representation

[@salinator5966]

@@sundaybest27 Typical Russian attitude of everything always ruZZia, and you're wrong. Borscht was invented by ethnic Ukrainians in what is now the Kharkiv and Donbas regions. The only thing remotely Russian about Ukrainian Borscht is that it was invented during the time of invention, Ukraine was under Russian rule at the time of its invention. By your reasoning, borscht is German because Russia was ruled at that time by Catherine the Great. Russian adaptation of borscht eliminated the sour cream and substituted the pork with beef.

[@vhchoo]

I love this video .. a good one

[@RyanCoomer]

AWESOME VIDEO PERRRRR USUAL!!!!!! my favorite food channel on youtube! i always tell my son HEY! UA EATS HAS A NEW VIDEO!!!! He gets annoyed with me but i love telling him when you have a new video haahhaha

[@user-up9iq7ic8z]

If We were Closer, That would be a Has too TRY. !! I have had Perogies in South Philla Years ago and nothing was better.Great pick for Your V-IDO...

[@tigerpinky]

the stuffed cabbage looked very good! I am a beet fan!

[@garwingcheung9617]

?

[@oftedahlh]

meal looked really good bro

[@lamesbond0077]

drinkable dragonfruit sounds so much better than pukey pepto-bismol

[@garwingcheung9617]

Hello everybody im so exited😮

[@johnkovalicky3389]

About what😮

[@milesdufourny4813]

Never been to this place. Back in the late Seventies and most of the Eighties we used to always go to the Kiev on 2nd Ave. We also used to go to 2nd Ave. Deli on days we went to New York to go record shopping.

[@paullawson2830]

Oooohh can't wait, love your content! :)

[@garwingcheung9617]

Me too 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@lisabudd5979]

I usually think the traditional foods are limited a bit suppressant in ingredients and variety really . The difference is the restaurant here is buzzing with good atmosphere . Id give it a go .💖🇦🇺👍😀 love your volgs keep them up .

[@MobyShamu]

pepto bismol soup.

[@johnkovalicky3389]

Yeah right it didn't look good at all yuck

[@jmbear628]

most interesting observations on a food not known to you. i applaud you for your willingness to try new foods. if you were a chef or cook you would have had a better understanding of these dishes. thank you for the vlog.

[@user-ut3nn1ey7h]

hello eats, thank you for the st marks and this food outside of the street just north south of the 10th street japantown. they are good dumplings with apple chutneys. pieroges - polish with raspberry wrapped crepes for dessert.

[@user-ut3nn1ey7h]

oh - the blintz is a flat crepe wrapped. the takeout is different maybe.

[@OldDirtyPhil]

UA did you see where sunnyV2 mentioned you in his salt bae video???? oh and good vid today here keep it up bro!

[@LordLOC]

I used to LOVE eating there. I used to go there all the time when I was growing up in the early 80s and into my adult years in the mid-90s or so. Pierogis...I mean come on. Absolutely as the kids say "fire" or "bomb". I'm a potato pierogi guy. Blintzes, beef stroganoff and other dishes bring back so many memories of not only this restaurant but also just growing up in Brooklyn NY. Going to this spot, and all the Jewish delis around town. Man, I miss those days now.

[@kamshafty]

I wish someone had recommended that you try the latke WITH sour cream, as well BLINTZ!!! Yum!

[@robertjason6885]

Borscht with southern and scallions is a fave. They added sour cream. It is very healthy.

[@headsuphockeypodcast2707]

I recommend you try Naleśniki with strawberry jam and kompot (fruit juice). Poland is known for their pierogi and it’s true, but Ukrainian pierogi are made a bit differently.

[@mscapricorn-ce1pl]

My family is from Poland, Pierogies, stuffed cabbage, popular meals.

[@keithss67]

I have eaten there many times. Great food! Wouldn’t stand on line for it though

[@splinky99]

This is one of my favorite restaurants….the mushroom and sauerkraut pierogi are the best, but need to be fried and need the onions! You should try Karczma in Greenpoint….to be fair!

[@rickjansson4391]

So, a blood-red color is not too appetizing, yet the Pepto-Bismol color is? 😅But borscht is delicious. Yum!!! I’m also a pan-fried-in-onions-and-brown-butter kind of Pierogi guy.

[@shevek8]

I've been eating st Veselka from time to time for 20 yrs and can't argue with your opinion. It's a solid, reliable, good vibes neighborhood place with affordable choices. My favorites are the latkes, chicken paprikash and the goulash. Pierogis were never my thing but my family likes them.

[@MrBrooklynDude]

UA, have you considered doing Las Vegas Strip restaurant reviews? I know there are many KZbinrs doing them but you have a unique style. There are steakhouses galore!

[@dickriggles942]

Oversaturated tbh.

[@joelb.2685]

There are literally 1,000 vloggers doing Vegas. The kid UA is good but Vegas is way out of his league.

[@dickriggles942]

@@joelb.2685 It's not out of his league. It's just content. You act like Pompsie is going to be doing content head to head with him, lol. Doing it full time would be dumb. Vegas has been done. He should do it but stay away from buffets, most are overrated and boring.

[@lanak6353]

Hi! I definitely suggest you to go to Mari Vanna. I do love their food!! Beef stroganoff with mashed potatoes, Siberian pelmeni, Oliver salad, Pirozhki (I like with meat), Honey cake. For drinks, if you want to try something new, kvas is a must. With love, Lana. ❤️

[@robertko5425]

It taste like CAT !!!

[@jimmymcnutty4844]

Was the Blintz warm when you got it? It cooled down and condensation softened the pancake texture.

[@garwingcheung9617]

Its gonna be epic...

[@headsuphockeypodcast2707]

Syrena Polish Deli in Linden, NJ is a must go

[@muhchung]

Those dishes do not look vastly different from Polish cuisine (we used to have plenty of Polish restaurants here in Chicago).

[@rochesterjohnny7555]

we had the same ingredients to work with, wheat, potatoes, onions, beets, and meat sometimes

[@johnkovalicky3389]

Golumpki kielbasa pierogies !!!❤ Ukrainian polish Slovak . Pot roast and potatoes beef stew of any kind fried pork chops with kapusta we love it all ! It's the same region of ethnic foods it's all good and delicious. You can't compare it to anything else that's all I'll say❤

[@evcoolgene]

Well said

[@tien-yuchang1745]

You tell it like it is for the viewers. You didn’t comment on the bread. What are Ukrainian type drinks ? Do Ukrainians think the taste is authentic? Great job on your videos. What were the snacks on the way in, near the front of the restaurant ?

[@afcgeo882]

You won’t find any Ukrainians, Russians or Poles eating at Veselka as it’s an overpriced, gimmicky American diner. Nothing there is actually authentic and hasn’t been for over 30 years.

[@rexiioper6920]

They drink vodka I’d imagine. And beer. And tea.

[@robertjason6885]

Latka with sour cream is also good

[@crabstick250]

i like their veggie stuffed cabbages...but ya know I'd never wait in a long line. The prices have jumped up up up in past 10 yrs. Its understandable that prices have gone up since covid.

[@rongaugler9190]

I eat here every time I'm in NY (about twice a year). Every Eastern European grandmother make food that's just a little bit better then here. Since my grandmother has been in heaven for many years Veselka is the next best thing. Go and enjoy.

[@tomascech6772]

When you transition from protecting galaxy with Rick Sanchez to food review. Well done Birdperson. Well fcn' done!!!

[@rochesterjohnny7555]

Traditional food from Ukraine and eastern Europe is usually hearty but bland, my ancestors didn't have much access to spices and seasonings so you just get plain tasting ingredients, I usually don't seek it out, I prefer Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American food because they have seasoning

[@chaostheory16]

Uh-oh, the “GRADE PENDING” sign outside is worrying. Often means they failed/got a lower than preferred grade and get some time to remediate. Knowing nyc, rats and/or mice are not out of the question. I’ve been there once or twice. Decent, not amazing, but the 24 hour part was (is?) nice. Oh, and I actually did some work for them. It was kinda cool to be upstairs in the office area.

[@rexiioper6920]

bet everyone in that line also goes to a soul food resto during black history month and posts wildly about it on social media 😂

[@dickriggles942]

I write influencers off who pull the "black owned" line. It's absolutely patronizing and insufferable. It gives me White savior vibes.

[@afcgeo882]

Pretty much.

[@ryansquires5098]

If you are ever in Toronto, check out Barrel House Korchma. Trust me - it doesn't disappoint. Think of Veselka, but more authentic. P.S - ...That mushroom gravy looks amazing

[@gonegolfn07]

gotta get the fried short rib pierogies. They will blow your socks off.

[@unknown-xf4ko]

@UAEats I wish you could travel to an Eastern European like Poland and try their local food in future videos.

[@SparkzMxzXZ]

Maybe those pierogies are a bit on the more.. healthy side? Haha pierogies are pretty popular where i live, especially at this particular specialty dumpling place. No one i’ve talked to has ever commented on them being dry or bland

[@johnkovalicky3389]

Yeah right I'm polish and I never had a dry pierogi. UA has nothing to compare to which means he's not well-rounded and authentic Foods pretty-much you can't compare perogies dumplings two dumplings really❤

[@SparkzMxzXZ]

@@johnkovalicky3389 well he did make the disclaimer that he doesnt know much about this cuisine in particular so it’s understandable! I like watching the vlogs regardless

[@maareentak]

Never seen a restaurant serving a half sausage.

[@johnkovalicky3389]

Neither have I

[@drothberg3]

When I lived in NYC I ate at Veselka a few times, as well as several other Eastern European restaurants that were similar. My take on the food was like that in the video. Solid food, like a good diner, but with an Eastern European twist. Great neighborhood restaurants with good value. Not fine dining.

[@alisachamoy225]

The stuffed cabbage there is very authentic and really good. The sauerkraut & mushroom varenyky are really good too.

[@MultiJejje]

I don't know much about Eastern European food also but I was horrified when borsch got big amount black pepper in it. If you eat soups from different countries which has hundreds of years history - you eat how it's served. Soups are one food where adding something might ruin it totally. Good video btw! Enjoyed. :) Greetings from Finland.

[@sadworldwide]

Or just eat you want to eat something?

[@Gamer-zq5eb]

Can you please try Yemen Cafe in Brooklyn? Their bread and soup is really good!

[@garwingcheung9617]

When do you come to Belgium? Is in Europe...

[@t0rnt0pieces]

The food at Veselka is mostly pretty bad, although they somehow manage to put out a decent burger and good borscht. The Ukrainian Restaurant (I think that's the actual name of the place) right next door, visible in this video, is better. Also, Veselka said they were going to bring back 24 hour service but they never did.

[@yungnguyen82]

He was having a tough time with the food😂

[@alebroker7587]

UA if you try my moms Gazpacho I guarantee you would love it.

[@robbiedaniels2164]

Prices there have almost doubled past 10 years. One of their most famous dishes is their burger. Not sure how that's Ukranian.

[@Mrbeahz1]

"May I please have some hot oil and vinegar for my dim su - uh - pierogies?"

[@zsvorcan]

works 24H...food is average...but at 6 AM there is nothing else....unless U ended up at some "home party"

[@jayzdialysisstrong8300]

Hey, dodo eat the perogi with onion and sour cream at same time .

[@Faerrox]

I think when the staff member said that before the war it wasnt very popular with Ukrainians says enough about this place.

[@afcgeo882]

It still isn’t.

[@garwingcheung9617]

You are always right✅🌿🥒🫑🫛🥦💸

[@patshozo9158]

Figured Ukrainian food is similar to Russian cuisine. Thanks for doing this video !

[@afcgeo882]

Much of it is similar, but also different as Western Ukrainian food is closer to Polish than Russian food.

[@nsbioy]

A vast majority of Ukrainian food is well known and very common in Russia. Russian cuisine is harder to define clearly as the territory is vast with influence from countless regional ethnic cuisines endemic to one particular spot.

[@rexiioper6920]

@@afcgeo882 is there really that much of a difference between 🇷🇺 and 🇵🇱 food?

[@nsbioy]

@@rexiioper6920 yep. Similar in the overall theme, but there are differences.

[@afcgeo882]

@@rexiioper6920 There is, actually.

[@tompaciga7386]

Grew up eating Eastern European food and i agree that looked mid at best

[@Yaroslav_Tselovanskyi]

Borsht is usually served hot.

[@Yaroslav_Tselovanskyi]

Also everything on that plate works with sour cream.

[@joesonnenblick2269]

I grew up on Veselka, and it’s delicious to this day. Some of the comments here… You can tell a lot of nothings from nowhere watch this dudes videos. Veselka is a New York staple. Please don’t come here and ruin it.

[@ArturMusaev7811]

what was inside of blintzes is not cheese, but tvorog

[@Zukkoyaki]

The dessert may have just been due to getting it to-go.

[@user-fw5yc7ks5t]

"Drinkable Dragon fruit" 😂

[@danman1287]

I think he has something there with his facial expression /reaction to eating different plates. Perogies is not going to wow when u r Asian n have eaten all types of dumplings.

[@johnkovalicky3389]

Yep I agree totally you have to be well-rounded in ethnic foods which apparently he's really not

[@WhoopityDoo]

Jesus Christ, New York prices are ridiculous.

[@joenovak6393]

Being Hungarian and Slovick, that is not stuff cabbage as what I learned from my grandma helping, her cook for the church, you ate a Rice Ball, as Stuff cabbage is mostly Meat (Beef, Pork and or Veal, then rice). We use Tomato base (Campbell's) soup for the liquid. I also like to pan fried the pierogies in butter, onions.

[@pattis6543]

A person after my heart

[@Gruskinator]

I've eaten there a couple times and I think I agree with pretty much everything you said. It gives me diner vibes, especially how the plates are put together in a very "no frills" kind of way. Their pierogis are ok at best, and I've had them both ways (boiled and fried). However if it is late at night and you are drunk they do hit the spot. I agree the potato and cheese ones kind of blend in with the dough, and imo the best ones are the short rib, arugula, and any of the mushroom ones. The stuffed cabbage is great. Other dishes like the goulash or stroganoff are kind of bland imo. The mashed potatoes and egg noodles don't help. Overall it's ok and something I would bring friends to if they've never had Ukranian food and we were in the area but not something I am dying to go back to.

[@tested123]

serious comfort food!

[@cherylmoore747]

Maybe you should have chosen the meal items instead. What you think

[@edreid7872]

I would imagine over the years it has succumbed to tourist trap.. I remember when it was a quiet, cool spot you’d eat in after a late night partying, with lots of club kids and locals..but after years of hype, it’s riding more on its former rep than good, cheap food..

[@cscss2923]

It looks like the same food from back in the 24/7 post-club days. But today's prices are kind of crazy like many restaurants. I still remember $4 tofu burger platters at Dojo's.

[@edreid7872]

@@cscss2923 Was just thinking about Dojo’s yesterday..🤣.. But my favorite spot was on Second Ave and 7th Street I think… Polish and Ukrainian food.. cheap and excellent food..Can't remember the name, but it was very popular..

[@cscss2923]

@@edreid7872 I think I've been to that place too, but I doubt it's there anymore, just like all the thrift and used record shops that are all gone. The Village is a different place now.

[@edreid7872]

@@cscss2923 So true.. lived in the East Village for decades, and my favorite spot was St Marks between Third and First.. Roller skated that stretch countless times..Still here, and haven’t walked there in quite sometime.. depressing.. nothing like it was back in the day.. NYU owns that spot now..Sounds was my favorite record store.. I lived on that stoop..

[@afcgeo882]

It’s been two generations since then. It used to border on sucking in the 90’s, but when you’re drunk, and it was cheap…

[@soupafi]

Have you considered using a GoPro to film?

[@mauromatos3124]

Enticing pink color😂😂😂

[@mg8718]

That so called soup looks like Pepto-Bismol.

[@nycjarheadnyc]

It's not borscht...this soup is called Svekolnik. Pink is because of sour cream. Basically. the Ukranian Gazpacho..FUGGHEDBOUTIT

[@paigewillow8768]

Its called Borscht in Polish. Same soup guy.

[@nsbioy]

Correct. This is not borsch, but svekolnik

[@paigewillow8768]

@@nsbioy cold beet soup without meat is a borscht. There are many types of borschts btw. When you add meet to this soup then it is not a borscht. This one seemed not to have meat. Depending on region in east europe this cold beet soup without meet is calked a cold borscht. Facts. Svekolnik is also a meatless cold Beet soup with sour cream. So both are true.

[@afcgeo882]

Svekolnik (beet soup) is also called “cold borscht” in Ukraine.

[@nsbioy]

@@paigewillow8768Growing up in USSR, I may have had more borsch than probably everyone in this comment section. There is overlap between borcsh and svekolnik, but the differences have been disputed forever and are regional. In my view, svekolnik is traditionally meatless cold beet soup that, unlike borsch, does not contain cabbage or tomatoes. I was surprised to learn that Svekolnik can also be served hot, so differences aren't that significant. Just eat what you like :)

[@707Berto]

Dry without sauce. Duh???

[@paullawson2830]

Ukraine was never a country that came up in conversation in my life before (And I am 50 years old). Now that Russia has done the evil that they have done to Ukraine, I ROOT for Ukraine to win and push back Russia back to their borders. I hope we send them everything they need to win the war against the invaders. That being said, I am intrigued about the Ukrainian food! God bless and Slava Ukraine!

[@rexiioper6920]

you definitely tugged one out after this post, also u should make private donations and go volunteer over there

[@BlowinFree]

The food looks terrible! UA I think you are brilliant 🤩 💋

[@BlowinFree]

Those potato things look sooo good tho 😋

[@a5kobe313]

looked like canteen foods

[@MrHir2012]

There are Ukrainians all over the American continent. Having a restaurant of their own is something I have just found out.

[@rexiioper6920]

lots of former nahtzees and their descendants

[@MrHir2012]

@@rexiioper6920 Ukrainians are Germanic. That is why they do not want to be under Russia, which is Slavic.

[@AKhan.28]

Bro why are you wearing an adidas hat? You are UA you should only be wearing UA

[@gennadikorban6475]

prices are ridiculous.🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@religionisapoison2413]

are you half laos half mongolian? interesting facial structure