Kiki’s
An all time New York favorite
You know when you love a restaurant, café or a bar so much that every time you enter the room the waiter asks “do you want the same as usual?” Yeah, I thought that only happened to retired people or in movies too. But I am a living example that it actually happens in real life if you are really obsessed with a place.
Anyways, on the corner of Orchard and Division Street, in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, you will find my all time favorite restaurant: Kiki’s. It became my typical “New York restaurant-scene” when I lived only a few blocks away. And man, how I loved it. I still do, and I am pretty sure you are going to love it too!
Go-to hotspot for locals
You won't see the name outside of this ah-mazing place as it doesn't say, but you will definitely see the ridiculously long line of people waiting outside to get a table. So make sure to get there before 7pm so you don't have to wait an hour or more for a table. And yes, I know… New Yorker’s eat their dinner even later than this but if you don't want to wait for a table (which is actually worth it) you have no choice.
This gem opened up a few years ago, and it became a go-to spot for locals in a days notice. I mean, there is a reason why I love it, and I will tell you this very second. Three words: Greek, cozy, cheap. It's not that easy to find an amazing, yet cheap restaurant in New York. But this place… They’ve got it all!
”Mouth-watering kind of good”
Kiki’s is located in such a cool neighbourhood: skater boys are cruising outside the restaurant, all the floor-to-ceiling windows are wide open in the summertime, and you are surrounded by unique stores and boutiques that provide you with their own label and story. It is a typical Lower East Side scene, so no need to dress up. But if you want to, feel free. It’s New York after all.
The staff is amazing (you will definitely make new friends at this place) and the food… Ohhh, the food! It is dangerously good—mouth watering kind of good—yet cheap. And most importantly: no words can describe the most satisfying taste on their entire menu: the cheesecake! No need to go to the cheesecake factory, guys. Even if you don’t even like cheesecake, you are going to love this one! …Seriously though.
Oh. My. God. How I miss this place!