I stopped by Streecha for lunch last Sunday after wanting to try it for ages. It's a basement, no frills Ukrainian restaurant with a classic menu and comfortable, casual cafeteria vibes. I had a cup of borscht and an order of dumplings, which were both great. The borscht was something I will crave for a while. The broth just had an incredible, balanced flavor. I thought since my food was pretty warm up and serve, that it would be a quick meal, but the service was pretty slow. I sat and waited a while. It was Mother's Day, so I think they were busier than usual with catering orders and moms and grandmas stopping by for desserts for brunch at home. So the pace of service may have been affected/out of ordinary for that reason. For those visiting for the first time: Take a look at the menu upstairs on the sidewalk before going down to the restaurant, because there was only menu downstairs at the counter where you order, so anyone coming for the first time will have to flip through the menu while holding up the line to order unless they know what they want already. When you go downstairs, the restaurant is behind the first door to your left; it's not well-marked. A lot of reviews say it's cash-only, but that may have been under the prior owners/management, because they definitely took credit cards/Apple Pay when I was there last weekend. If you love Ukrainian food, Streecha is well worth a visit. I love its no frills, classic approach to dining. It's a great option for a casual lunch if you're in the area and are craving some Eastern European fare. read more

Streecha - Down the stairs, first door on the left - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Home cooked local spot with good portions and even better prices. Here's what you need to know: 1. They've expanded the menu (see photo) 2. Now taking card! 3. Don't miss out on the pierogi and pastries. The borscht is also a hit. 4. Quick service 5. Still has the local vibe read more

Streecha - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Streecha offers great comfort food for all of us who are either familiar or unfamiliar with Ukrainian cuisine. I dragged my partner to the basement kitchen that is Streecha and he was unprepared to face three nuns in the hallway leading to the kitchen with his tattoos uncovered. The fear in his voice when he asked if we were in the right place was already a great sign. Tucked in a room to the left were several long tables and a lady in the front taking orders. We wanted to try a little bit of everything so we settled for half a dozen of meat verenyky, a half dozen of potato and cheese verenyky, borscht, and stuffed cabbage. Our favorites of the bunch were the stuffed cabbage and the half dozen potato and cheese verenyky. We only wished everything was hotter because it seemed only the potato verenyky was hot. But as a self-service kitchen that relies on the help of volunteers, it wasn't surprising. So if you're looking for Ukrainian food without spending a fortune at Veselka, Streecha is a great alternative. I also think they do affordable lunch specials so that's something else I need to try. read more

Streecha - Stuffed Cabbage, Potato and Cheese Verenyky and Meat Verenyky - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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I liked the casual vibe of the place (it's always these simple tucked away restaurants that have the best food). I only got the pierogis, and 6 for $6 is such a great deal! However, the outside was a little gummy at first, and they were just sitting in a puddle of oil. I still really enjoyed it, especially with the caramelized onions on top! I can see why they're such a neighborhood staple, and I can't wait to come back to try more of the menu :) read more

Streecha - Pierogis - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

In the basement of this unassuming building is where you'll find no-fuss comfort food being served, such as pierogies, beet soup, and stuffed cabbage. Down their steps and through their doors is a hidden cafeteria where apparently, you can find some of the best Ukrainian food, at a traditional spot that's different than anything else you can find in NYC. The kitchen is mostly run by volunteers. What we ordered: $4 borsch soup - sour red beet soup $6 varenyky/pierogi + $1 sour cream and onion topping - European-style dumplings filled with potatoes. $6 for 6 or $12 for 12. $5 holubtsi/stuffed cabbage - made out of pork, rice, onions, and carrots It's a small menu at Streecha, but everything that comes out of the kitchen is simple, comforting, and delicious. Open 3 days a week: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9am-5pm. read more

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Damn good food at unbeatable prices. Ordered the borscht ($4) and half dozen pierogies ($6, dozen is $10). Added on sour cream and onions for $1 extra. The girl working was really sweet and the food came out quickly - I waited less than 10 minutes. The borscht was excellent and the pierogies were maybe the best I've ever had. The potato was so light and fluffy. I always think of pierogi as being so heavy but these weren't (in a good way). They have some baked goods on display that looked excellent. Only downside is that it's a bit of a pain in the tuchus to eat here in that it's cash only, only open 3 days a week, and sometimes sells out (attempted to go yesterday around 4:30 - they close at 5 - and was told they were sold out). But it's a family owned business so I understand. Would absolutely go back. read more

Streecha - Borscht ($4) - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

First time trying Ukrainian food. Charming underground place. Almost felt like I was in a different country. All the plates, cups, utensils etc are disposable paper and plastic so don't expect like a typical sit down dining setting. I tried a bit of a lot of things and my favorites were the stuffed cabbage and the pink/red drink in the cup. Other than those, it wasn't my favorite set of dishes, everything was texturally kind of mushy and I wasn't used to the flavor profile of the cuisine but I really enjoyed the experience overall. read more

Streecha - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

CASH ONLY This place is so homey: it's giving grandma cooking a meal for a community center. Situated in a discrete underground room across the street from Velseka, this place the definition of a hidden gem. It's bare bones, no frills, cash only charm is perfect for a cozy quick meal alone or for a divey gathering with friends and family. The menu remains the same; it's very basic cafeteria style food but it's all tasty. The borscht is a thin soup and the pierogi are a great snack. I could eat the stuffed cabbage endlessly and the sausage was good too. Ok so this is how it works though. You go down the stairs down the hallway and enter the restaurant/room with a bunch of long tables and plastic silverware in baskets. Go to the counter and place an order there or to go. Keep in mind, it's cash only. Then wait - it comes out pretty quick! read more

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This is my new favorite lunch place! I ordered their $10 lunch special which was a pan fried whitefish over some friend potatoes and a some salad. The food is hearty but delicious. And of course, very easy on your wallet. Expect homestyle Ukrainian meals, just as if you're going to a Church lunch. read more

Streecha - Daily specials plus borscht - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Got the borscht, cabbage rolls, and pierogis at Streecha! There's a lot of seating, which is great for large groups. There are also lots of cool pictures and features on Streecha that decorate the walls. The service was friendly and fast. I've tried to come to Streecha a few times but they have fairly limited hours (Friday through Sunday from 9-5 pm). They are cash only and have a fairly limited menu, but every item I've tried has been delicious! The pierogis are very flavorful and I do recommend the toppings with sweet onion and sour cream. The borscht is not very thick and didn't have a lot of beets, but the dill was a lovely addition. The cabbage roll was amazing and the meat was very succulent and cooked perfectly in the tomato sauce. I would definitely come again! read more

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There are signs or markings in front of the building in English. Stairs leading down to the basement and enter a door marked, "private." Feels like a speakeasy or underground and I love that! I heard of the place from YouTube. My first time eating Ukrainian food and I was impressed! I plan to return and try other meals. Service was a type of fast casual, in that order was taken at counter and name called as food was served. I recommend giving Streecha a try! read more

It's a cash only church basement vibe, so you know it's going to be great. My boyfriend and I shared the kielbasa, stuffed cabbage and two orders of pierogis. The stuffed cabbage was the highlight, followed by the kielbasa. $25 total. Damn good. read more

Streecha - The spread - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Seeing posts of the outdoors helped us because I wouldn't have known we were at the right place since the blue banner doesn't say "STREECHA". Enter a basement door and the next door on the left leads into the dining area. Very cozy, a lot of people eating on a snowy Saturday. Made sure to get there before 5pm and brought cash. Menu is small. Ordered to-go. Wanted to try their Stuffed cabbage, $5@ - tomato-based sauce, could tell it was freshly cooked, slicing into it was smooth and hot (bent the plastic knife!) - was good (I first tasted this dish from a polish place decades ago, with gravy though so have to try that place again soon). Also liked the potato pierogis which were bite-sized, dough was soft and not heavy- with little bit of caramelized onions and sour cream. Lunch today was described by the young lady at the counter as ribs with potatoes and salad. Sounded like a lot but was not when we opened the container $10. We still had a satisfying meal with the other items we ordered. read more

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This place is literally a hole in a wall/speak easy style restaurant. Thanks to Here Be Barr from Youtube for this recommendation otherwise I would have not known about this. Their homemade Ukrainian food reminds me of my colleagues delicious homecook Ukrainian food. Delicious. I ordered the perogies and the cabbage rolls and I could tell it was made in house and not store bought. Very cheap and tasty. This place only opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and cash only. read more

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Anytime you walk into a spot with no English speaking staff/customers and it looks like the basement of a church, you know you are in for a good time. We tried the potato dumplings, cabbage rolls, and sausage. All of it was great!!! It was also a great value for the price. Overall definitely want to try everything in the menu, it felt so homey :) read more

Streecha - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

We visited in March 2025 on a cold, windy day. The borscht was hot and fresh and made us feel happy from head to toe! Warm, cozy ambience. Delicious verenyky!! Slava Ukraini read more

I came in craving solyanka, but didn't check the menu beforehand: my mistake, since Streecha doesn't serve it. My boyfriend and I decided to order beef borscht and dumplings to go instead. When we got home, I realized our borscht had no meat in it, even though we specifically asked for the beef version. That was... disappointing. I also didn't think to request sour cream, but at most Slavic restaurants it's either included or offered -- here, there was none, though oddly enough there was ketchup on every table. Ordering was also confusing. I spoke English out of respect (I'm Russian and didn't want to cause discomfort), but the woman at the counter had trouble understanding me, so the only way of communication was me pointing at the menu. I asked for blini, which she didn't recognize until I showed her the item -- and then I was told they didn't have it. Blinis is that one dish that you would like to be served fresh... We ended up waiting about 20 minutes, though we were the only customers. Perhaps the dumplings took time to cook, but it certainly wasn't the borscht. The atmosphere itself was also underwhelming. I've been to many "stolovayas" in Russia with a similar look, but they usually feel more home-like, even if simple. Here, it just felt sad. Empty walls, cold lighting, one TV that is playing pop music on YouTube. In the end, we paid $40 for two small borschts (without meat) and 12 dumplings that seemed a bit undercooked. For a casual spot -- not a high-end restaurant -- that price felt steep given the quality. Then we had to pay another $8 dollars to buy sour cream at our local bodega. Unfortunately, this turned out to be one of the worst food experiences I've had: a wrong order, disappointing borscht, and food that didn't meet expectations. read more

Streecha is an excellent choice for no-frills Ukrainian staples. Go downstairs to the basement and through the door, you're in the right spot! My favorites are the pierogis and latkes. The latkes are exactly as they should be- fresh, hot, and crispy from the grated potato. (NOT mashed potato, thank goodness) They recently started accepting credit cards so no need to worry about having enough cash. read more

Pierogies were my favorite! They filling inside with the potato was really delicious and creamy. This spread was like $20 which is unheard of!! Tucked in a lower level area and so unassuming. Staff are sweet and hardworking. It feels like you're eating in a small local gem in nyc. Def try! read more

Streecha - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Happy New Year everyone! For my first review in 2024, I will be highlighting this authentic Ukrainian restaurant! Streecha is a hidden gem in the East Village. I've had this place bookmarked for a while and finally got to try it. I came here with a group of Ukrainian friends on a Friday evening. Plenty of seating available for large groups. The entry is in a basement, so make sure to walk downstairs when you arrive. It's a no-frills scene, but it feels like you are at home. Cash only as many have noted. This place is self-service - they call your name and you pick up your food at the counter. Small menu, but delicious food! Simple, but very comforting :) I wanted to try a little of everything, so I ordered the Borscht Soup, Potato Varenyky, and Kielbasa with cabbage. The varenyky were perfectly made with a nice touch of oil. The kielbasa was a great cut of meat - flavorful and juicy. The borscht was good, although it tasted more like a broth. Didn't have much beets inside, but it was fine. Overall the prices are quite modest for the food and I will definitely come back. I only wish this place was opened for more days so I could stop by more often! Highly recommend if you want to experience the flavors of Ukraine. read more

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A real hole in the wall, in the basement behind a secret looking door to the left when you enter down the steps. Inside, is a cozy and clean cafeteria looking place where it feels like you're being fed by a Ukrainian grandma. They have a very simple and small menu but everything tastes homemade with care. My group of 3 ordered the pierogis, stuffed cabbage and borscht which came with a fluffy garlic roll. The food was delicious and I can't wait to come back to try the special! read more

Streecha - Inside - very cozy and clean - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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A hole in the wall. You need to go down stairs and into a covered doorway. The food was good. I think the best was the sausage with cabbage dish the pierogis. Cash only though. read more

Streecha - Pierogis, stuffed cabbage and sausage with canbage (left to right). - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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I appreciate how everything works together perfectly here. Every guest found their selection satisfying. All needs were met by the attentive staff. They treat guests well in a comfortable space. I found every aspect satisfactory. read more

Came by for lunch around 2pm on Friday. It's a bit hard to find: look for the blue banner with yellow text. It should lead to a basement to the right. Go through two doors and on the left is a red "Come in, we're open!" sign. Through there's the restaurant! You walk into quaint little cafeteria-like seating arrangement with lots of Ukrainian decor. Go to the front to order. I got the $10 lunch special. Today's was ribs or fish with mashed potatoes and some assorted veggies. I opted for the fish which came topped with some herbs and cheese. Very tender and flavorful. There was also a cucumber and tomato salad plus a more savory cucumber salad in the middle which I wasn't sure what it was but it was very delicious. You also can't go wrong with mashed potatoes. Overall the food was great. They were very friendly and very willing to talk through the menu for you. Be aware it is cash only! Highly recommend dropping by for some authentic Ukrainian eats. Will definitely be coming back. read more

Streecha - White fish with mashed potatoes and assorted veggies - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

History of Present Indulgence: Once in a while, I like to walk around NYC in search of cheap eats. It's my personal version of a Hot Girl Walk. On this fine Sunday, I roamed around the East Village and stumbled upon Streecha, which I would not have known was a restaurant if it wasn't for it being on the Yelp map. Physical Exam: Taste - I'm no expert on Ukrainian food, but I can taste and feel homemade when it's given to me. I had a simple lunch of pierogies and a warm borscht soup for just $10 and it was the most comforting meal on this little food tour I did (I also had a slice of pizza, a birria taco, and Chinese pork dumplings). I could have drank an entire quart of that borscht. Atmosphere - From the outside, there is just a blue banner with yellow lettering posted on the wall of a random building with no door underneath. It's not until you get closer to the wall that you'll see a few steps going down to what feels like someone's basement apartment. When you walk in, it actually shouldn't be surprising that it in fact feels like someone's living room. After ordering from the counter, I sat at one of the tables next to a family who was just there watching Ukrainian news on the television in the far corner. It's a true mom & pop shop, hole-in-the-wall place. It feels like they are serving you food from their personal kitchen. Assessment/Plan - Ask anyone from New York about the Ukrainian VIllage or where to get pierogies in the city, and Veselka will immediately come to mind. In contrast to Veselka, Streecha offers a more unassuming, untainted by fame approach to Ukrainian food. The food is delicious, the prices are incredibly fair, and the environment is welcoming. read more

Streecha - Pierogis and borscht - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

Everyone who tries this place seems to become a fan. The laid-back Streecha maintains a clean, positive atmosphere. The crowd that Sunday evening justified any service delays. This place hits all the right notes! Weekly meals at this place would be perfect! read more

Warning: This review gets political. Like so many people, I've watched helplessly from afar the horrific situation happening in Ukraine. And like many New Yorkers, I feel the need to just...connect with and support....the community in whatever way I can. On a warm winter afternoon, I was heartened to see a long line outside Veselka of what were no doubt similar-minded New Yorkers. Having anticipated that, however, I had Streecha in mind to patronize instead. And I'm so glad I did. This might be my favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant I've ever been to in the city. And the fact that the food is delicious just makes it even more precious. The Borscht was warm comfort food. The potato varenyky (pierogies) were large, fluffy and perfectly seasoned. And the Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage) was so good, we regretted not getting two. I love cabbage, and stuffed cabbage dishes in particular--this was one of the best stuffed cabbages I've had from every variation made in Europe. It was that good. And best of all, I got that sense of community connection and support I was yearning for. The place was packed full of happy diners from every walk of life--many of whom were discussing the situation and expressing their solidarity with the staff and community members who were also dining there. As I sat there digesting my meal (which came out to just $13), I remember thinking that this was what New Yorkers did best: vote with their wallet and connect through food. #StandWithUkraine read more

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The food quality keeps me returning regularly. Five stars seems like underrating this remarkable place. Every non-sweet option we sampled was superb, looked professional and matched well. Their service team exceeds all expectations. I'm genuinely excited about returning. read more

This spot sees my face at noon often. I was content with my visit here. Every plate comes out perfect. The staff impresses; offering warm greetings and handling requests with cheer. I intend to dine here in the future. read more

Awesome spot in the Ukrainian Village which is exactly as advertised: hidden restaurant under a church, with good and cheap food. I'm glad I went. If you have ever gone to a neighborhood Sunday meal after mass at church or anything along those lines, then you'll feel right at home here - and it doesn't get much more Mom n Pops than this. The menu is about as simple and straightforward as you could possibly imagine - they have 4-5 meal options in total, for cheap prices (which, in the heart of Manhattan, is no small feat). Which meant that we had to try pretty much everything on the menu, when we went this last weekend. The pierogi's are definitly their best feature - just perfect bites of goodness. Definitely spring for the extra toppings, either onion & cream or bacon bits, or apple sauce - well worth it. Apparently they also have a daily lunch special, which you can find on their Instagram page (@streecha) ahead of time. Will have to come back and give that a try. If you're in the neighborhood and want to avoid the lines and prices of other, more well-known establishments - definitely give this place a try. read more

Streecha - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

My dining dollars are well spent at this place. The kitchen provides good products and generous amounts. Streecha is absolutely outstanding. The employees delivered fast service alongside courteous and supportive behavior. I liked the atmosphere; I'll visit again :) read more

I liked this food. All very delicious. Service is great. We often meet here . Ambience is great there.

Love this place! Totally "no frills" throwback, with delicious basic Ukrainian homemade food, right size (not oversized) portions, and a fair price. It's in a basement, with nothing fancy from the table cloth to the decor, but Streecha's food is satisfying and humbly warms the soul. Their hours are limited, but always worth it when I'm in the East Village and it's open. Glad places like this still exist in the big city! Thank you, Streecha! read more

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The place is one of the more traditional Ukrainian spots I've been to. The staff was incredibly kind and patient with me as I did not have cash (it is cash only). They held onto one of the last potato piroshkis for me while I got cash. It is delicious and you can taste the love behind the food. read more

Bring cash!! Streecha is cozy and casual. The food is made to order and super affordable - my friend and I ordered everything on the main menu to share and it was $24 for our whole spread. My favorites were the stuffed cabbage (tender, flavorful, savory, and sweet) and the borsch soup. read more

Streecha - cabbage roll (stuffed with pork and veggies), pork sausage with cabbage, 6 pc pierogies, and borsch soup ($24 total!!!) - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Things you want to know: yes it is in a basement (don't be afraid to open the door and find it in the hallway), bring cash to pay, expect a small but mighty menu that tastes like your Ukrainian grandma made it. Borscht, Kielbasa, Pierogi, holubtsi (like Polish golabki) and some sweets and desserts that change day to day. They prepare everything by hand ahead of time, so service is very fast. Portions are good if you aren't looking to literally stuff yourself. Guess you can always order more? But I was happy with one portion of pierogi and soup. No reservations, no substitutions, nothing fancy at all. Just good food straight from them to you. The place is decorated beautifully, you'll want to take photos! read more

Streecha - Pierogi and soup - Ukrainian Near Me - New York, New York

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Very cozy spot with friendly people and comforting food! The pierogi are very satisfying and hearty, pairing well with the sour cream and caramelized onions. The cabbage roll is huge and features ample meat and rice filling with soft cabbage in a tomato-y sauce. As others have mentioned, this place only takes cash! I would love to come make pierogi with them on a Saturday as well. The entrance is the stairs next to the blue banner which leads to a double door. read more

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I was told by my kids that this place kicks ass. Naturally, as a proud Ukrainian , I had to check it out myself. Upon arrival, we were told that they are under new management and there is a new chef. The place hardly looks ethnic Ukrainian now. Naked walls and one picture of Kobzar on the wall. The food was okey at best ,served cheaply on paper plates. Borscht was served in a paper cup (WTF?!!) The place looks now like it's some kind of cheap temporary setting. I was disappointed and upset because we did have other options. There's no way in hell I'm ever going back to that cheap cafeteria. read more

So delicious. So authentic. Great underground place so affordable. A must try in nyc. (Much better than veselka) and you can tell it's made with time and care. I come here as much as I can and you should too!!! read more

This is one of my favorite places!! It's a small Ukrainian restaurant in the basement of a building in the East Village. They have a modest menu, and all of the food is delicious. I've had the pierogis, stuffed cabbage, and borscht. INCREDIBLE!! On Saturday mornings, you can volunteer to help them wrap pierogis, and it's a fun way to help this small business. The people are friendly and the food is amazing. I love coming here! read more

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