The Best Veggie Burger in the East Village

Who needs meat with a veggie burger this good?

I am far from a vegetarian. But something about this exceptional quinoa veggie burger ($10) called out to me at the newly renovated East Village institution, Sidewalk Cafe.

The 26-year-old Sidewalk reopened last month after a six-month renovation. It's like the very average looking nice girl at school who finally lost weight and got a makeover. Wow, she looks good. But not in an overdone, slick way. Same chilled Sidewalk, just better. That goes for the menu too.

Good eats

Consulting chef Felipe Donnelly cleverly took Sidewalk's signature menu of simple, great value bar food, but just made it better.

And his wildly popular quinoa veggie burger is a perfect example. The 'meaty' burger is tender but crisp on the edges. The batter fried onions add depth and texture. And the vegan balsamic vinegar/mustard slaw is tangy and crunchy.

Come by during weekday lunch hours and get it as part of the any burger and beer daily special for $10. Dinner entrees include homemade mushroom ravioli ($12), spaghetti + meatballs ($9), and grilled skirt steak ($18). A full bar includes creamsicles and other spiked milkshakes for 10 bucks.

The staff is proud of the new look and will gladly explain that the spanking new walls actually come from a deconstructed barn in upstate New York. Some things haven't changed. Like the nightly live music in the upgraded back room. And still no cover charge.  And happy hours every day from 3-8pm.

Lookin' good, Sidewalk

94 Ave A @ 6th St.
212 473 7373