(212) 982-5870

105 1st Ave (Between 6th Street and 7th Street)
New York, NY 10003 40.7267 -73.9861

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: East Village, Downtown

counternyc.com

Hours:

Mon-Thu 5pm-12am

Fri 5pm-1am

Sat 11am-1am

Sun 11am-12am

Price:

$$

Last updated 10.17.11

Category:

Restaurants, Wine Bars

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Catering Services:

Restaurant Management

Restaurant Special Features:

Notable Beer List, Family-Friendly Dining, Brunch, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List, Prix Fixe Menu

Cuisine:

Vegetarian

What People Are Saying About Counter

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – Set in a pleasant white room with quasi-retro aqua and pink accents, fronted by a handsome, circular wine bar, Counter has a friendly air of cleanliness and competence. The staff are well-trained, eager to please--occasionally to the point of intrusive doting--and opinionated about the food and drink they serve. – – The Food – An all-vegetarian take on mostly traditional Southern cuisine, with a few Asian and other flavors thrown in. Standouts among the Southern fare include a terrific lentil-based version of meat loaf with savory mashed potatoes, an…

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
Check out the bar, which features a large all-organic selection of beers and wines. Educate your palate with an $12 flight: two-ounce pours of three different wines.
ambiance
96.42999649047852% positive
  1. VEGAN food, (not your typical, either) organic wine bar that is stunning, enjoyable atmosphere, soothing lighting, clean bathrooms (very important for me) and service that is knowledgable, attentive, yet unobtrusive.
  2. also liked the atmosphere--hip, but not trendy--and the bathroom was nice and clean.
  3. Whether we're seeking a casual meal and sangria with friends, or a romantic evening with a bottle of organic wine followed up by one of Counter's amazing vegan desserts (the chocolate tart with berry sauce is our favorite), we always leave satisfied and i
  4. The only nice things about the restaurant were the ambiance, the friendly restaurant host and the organic wines.
  5. The decor is warm and hip with diner-style tables that are casual enough to make everyone feel welcome anytime.
  6. the atmosphere and great food make this a must hit in the east village.
  7. Nice atmosphere, very cool bar area.
  8. Plus it has a great atmosphere, pleasant service and very good wine.
  9. my husband and i could not get over the child friendly atmosphere and service but this would also be a place to go with just the two of us later in the evening.
  10. Counter is a great date spot to soak up some East Village ambiance while keeping your karma clean.
  11. hip decor, good veggie burger
  12. Wine tastings are fun but nothing on the "out of ordinary whites" list impressed me.
  13. The organic wine bar is fun and you may even learn something about wine from the knowledgeable staff.
  14. The food was prepared very nicely and the decor was very comfortable.
dessert
85.0% positive
  1. liked the desserts- hard to believe they had no milk products!
  2. The food was amazing, everything from our 3 Mezze Apps, to our delicious Lentil Terrine (which my husband, a meat eater, was very satieted with), to the complimentary birthday dessert.
  3. amazing desserts that don't taste like the vegan dense, dry bricks that are far to common in this world.
  4. My children love the deserts they have.
  5. The caramelized onion/mushroom/ricotta pizza app was delicious but the shepherd's pie entree was a glorified, layered salad.
  6. Whether we're seeking a casual meal and sangria with friends, or a romantic evening with a bottle of organic wine followed up by one of Counter's amazing vegan desserts (the chocolate tart with berry sauce is our favorite), we always leave satisfied and i
  7. Pomme frites were top notch paired with a harissa mayo and homemade ketchup; especially loved the raw cheesecake dessert.
  8. AND, don't forget to order dessert - Go for the chocolate torte and the ice-cream sundae!
  9. There was so much food and all of it good but I had room for the great chocolate dessert.
  10. We skipped dessert and an entree and left shocked at what a bad experience we had after all the positive reviews we had read.
drinks
84.25999641418457% positive
  1. Also, expect wonderfully friendly bartenders who are always ready to recommend an outstanding bottle of wine.
  2. Great wine bar and awesome organic martinis!
  3. Prices are reasonable and am very fussy about coffee and theirs is the best!
  4. The drinks were mediocre though.
  5. Plus it has a great atmosphere, pleasant service and very good wine.
  6. The service was just ok and the wine was limited - this life-long vegan rather go to a steak house with friends and enjoy a dry baked potato & a good glass of wine.
  7. The huge selection of earth-friendly wines rocked, and the bar was a great spot for a pre-dinner drink.
  8. warning: earth friendly wine/spirits/cocktails/teas may cause unending mental and/or moral 0rgasm for eco-conscious folk.
  9. love the wines, all organic and great great food!
  10. The only nice things about the restaurant were the ambiance, the friendly restaurant host and the organic wines.
  11. The wine was fabulous, as was the service.
  12. Good food, amazing wine, great service.
  13. VEGAN food, (not your typical, either) organic wine bar that is stunning, enjoyable atmosphere, soothing lighting, clean bathrooms (very important for me) and service that is knowledgable, attentive, yet unobtrusive.
  14. Nice atmosphere, very cool bar area.
  15. Their selection of organic wines was impressive and affordable and the food was delicious.
  16. and with such a huge wine list I have my work cut out for me.
  17. organic and biodynamic wines--the perfect compliment to a great dining experience.
  18. The organic wine bar is fun and you may even learn something about wine from the knowledgeable staff.
  19. Whether we're seeking a casual meal and sangria with friends, or a romantic evening with a bottle of organic wine followed up by one of Counter's amazing vegan desserts (the chocolate tart with berry sauce is our favorite), we always leave satisfied and i
  20. love wine.
  21. The food was taking a VERY long time so we kept ordering drinks which you would think the restaurant would want but the waitress was quite rude about it.
  22. the waiter offered us a perfect wine recommendation for each of our courses and the kitchen whipped up a special soba and peanut sauce dish for the kids.
  23. Sangria was not very tasty and citrus iced tea tasted medicinal.
  24. They had a top notch drink menu and a great variety of tasty vegetarian foods.
  25. The drink menu is brilliant and the bartender Tanya was great.
  26. The service at the bar was awful and tacky.
  27. Love the bar!
food quality
86.87000274658203% positive
  1. Had a terrific meal at Counter tonight.
  2. was in need of a big glass of anything alcoholic and some food to fill the longing belly after a few stressfilled day.
  3. came here with a friend who thought I might enjoy the food because of the menu (I'm vegan).
  4. It might be that we ordered the wrong thing, but we got 4 things and of all of them I really only liked 1: The food was pretty mediocre.
  5. wonderful choice for fresh, inventive eating.
  6. The caramelized onion/mushroom/ricotta pizza app was delicious but the shepherd's pie entree was a glorified, layered salad.
  7. Whether we're seeking a casual meal and sangria with friends, or a romantic evening with a bottle of organic wine followed up by one of Counter's amazing vegan desserts (the chocolate tart with berry sauce is our favorite), we always leave satisfied and i
  8. Its so nice to have a place I can take even my meat eating friends too for a fantastic organic meal with a lot of style and a lot of class.
  9. My burger was delish, my sis's portabella mushroom dish was much more expensive but no better than my burg.
  10. probably the worst value meal i've had in the last year.
  11. Cuz ordered the asian salad, which seemed refreshing.
  12. also tried their grilled eggplant with pomogranate seeds, and their mushroom leek flat bread.
  13. The flavours are delicate, and the food is filling without leaving you feeling heavy.
  14. There are numerous other vegeatrain resaurants but a third of the price that are far tastier and have way more delicious options.
  15. How serendipitous that I would come during Rioja restaurant week where I only had to order a delicious cauliflower salad small plate to get a glass of organic Rioja together for 12$.
  16. The artichoke farinata (a kind of crepe meets a pizza) was a great appetizer, while the risotto style cauliflower with morel mushrooms was downright delicious.
  17. The frozen sake mojito was very tasty but a bit too minty even for a mojito.
  18. Overall the meal was decent but our waitress ruined our whole dining experience.
  19. the 'meat'loaf was great comfort food!
  20. As vegetarians that are always seeking out great vegetarian food in the city, we decided to give this East Village place a chance.
  21. how can the food here be so good?
  22. Their selection of organic wines was impressive and affordable and the food was delicious.
  23. The food is amazing and we're always asking ourselves "how can this be vegan?
  24. at least hoped the food would be good.
  25. Not only is the restaurant beautiful and sexy but the food blew me away.
  26. the waiter offered us a perfect wine recommendation for each of our courses and the kitchen whipped up a special soba and peanut sauce dish for the kids.
  27. Everything is fresh and healthy and prepared in interesting and creative ways.
  28. The food was prepared very nicely and the decor was very comfortable.
  29. Good food, amazing wine, great service.
  30. he's a vegetarian, im not (though i do LOVE my share of yummy veggies, tofu, tempeh, et all) both of us were not impressed.
  31. the atmosphere and great food make this a must hit in the east village.
  32. wanted to like this place, but unfortunately the food quality wasn't enough to justify the cost: a meal for 2, plus sangria: $80 :(
  33. Went here with a big group for bachelorette party and had a wonderful meal.
  34. The melange of flavors in this dish was EXCEPTIONAL, and one of the best meals I've EVER had!
  35. even if you don't like vegetarian food you must try it out.
  36. The food is some of the best vegetarian cuisine that I have had in the city.
  37. Cauliflower "Risotto" was super yummy and really special.
  38. I'm a huge fan of the homemade sangria & the walnut-lentil panini, and he loves the veggie burger.
  39. The food was tasty and inventive.
  40. love the appetizer with great hummus and all the other delicious spreads.
  41. The food was taking a VERY long time so we kept ordering drinks which you would think the restaurant would want but the waitress was quite rude about it.
  42. The French Lentil and Wild Rice Terrine (this is what one of my friends got) was also delicious!
  43. Counter has the best food of any restaurant in this very competitive neighborhood.
  44. VEGAN food, (not your typical, either) organic wine bar that is stunning, enjoyable atmosphere, soothing lighting, clean bathrooms (very important for me) and service that is knowledgable, attentive, yet unobtrusive.
  45. recommend this place for the burgers and sandwiches; they seemed to be of the best value, which I am very concerned with as i am a cheapskate.
  46. The food was amazing, everything from our 3 Mezze Apps, to our delicious Lentil Terrine (which my husband, a meat eater, was very satieted with), to the complimentary birthday dessert.
  47. hip decor, good veggie burger
  48. For a vegan restaurant, it's a very non-vegan friendly restaurant, as in you can bring meat-eaters and they would probably be impressed a little bit.
  49. Meanwhile, the food is brilliant.
  50. love the wines, all organic and great great food!
  51. Brunch is super yummy, too.
  52. loved their grilled romaine salad and cauliflower risotto with wild mushrooms.
  53. The food is fresh, imaginative, and tasty.
  54. They had a top notch drink menu and a great variety of tasty vegetarian foods.
  55. Our waiter was excellent, but bus boy kept bringing us food from another table.
  56. The food was fine (although whom I found out later was the owner) but the person seating us with her mouth full of food was strange at best.
  57. affordable & tasty organic Merlot and eating some of the best food that I've had in a long time.
  58. Not super tasty, but the spinach was extremely FRESH.
  59. love the food here.
  60. We ordered a bunch of different dishes to share and everything was excellent.
  61. However, That's when you remind yourself that there is a cost to cooking totally FRESH food from LOCAL ORGANIC producers.
  62. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious.
  63. The service was just ok and the wine was limited - this life-long vegan rather go to a steak house with friends and enjoy a dry baked potato & a good glass of wine.
  64. Po Boy sandwich was excellent and ginger crepes were delicious.
  65. Sangria was not very tasty and citrus iced tea tasted medicinal.
  66. This was the first time in 6 months that I REALLY enjoyed a meal out and didn't feel like I was missing anything.
  67. really ordinary food and way overpriced.
  68. Awesome quality vegetarian cuisine.
  69. Great service; bland food.
  70. There was so much food and all of it good but I had room for the great chocolate dessert.
  71. recommend the blue plate special, the beet salad (beets are marinated in citrus, the arugula is garden fresh and the vinaigrette is bright and light) and the roasted veg napoleon--love those roasted garlic cloves!
  72. otherwise nothing adorns the walls, albeit what looks like a dirty fish tank in the back.
  73. This place has such a cool vibe and great veg food to boot
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. There are numerous other vegeatrain resaurants but a third of the price that are far tastier and have way more delicious options.
  2. Their selection of organic wines was impressive and affordable and the food was delicious.
  3. But, quickly all would realize that most items on the menu are grease-laden, and the portions are so big that you'd get tired of the flavors before you finish half a plate.
  4. The drink menu is brilliant and the bartender Tanya was great.
  5. great menu and service
  6. came here with a friend who thought I might enjoy the food because of the menu (I'm vegan).
  7. because the flavors are so rich and diverse.
  8. The huge selection of earth-friendly wines rocked, and the bar was a great spot for a pre-dinner drink.
  9. They had a top notch drink menu and a great variety of tasty vegetarian foods.
  10. love the variety of raw foods they have.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. think I have found my new favorite restaurant--Counter!
  2. Its so nice to have a place I can take even my meat eating friends too for a fantastic organic meal with a lot of style and a lot of class.
  3. What a great place to unwind the knots that were so tightly bound throughout the week.
  4. The only nice things about the restaurant were the ambiance, the friendly restaurant host and the organic wines.
  5. If you want bland, "well everything is great," pollyana-type waiters, this is not the place for you.
  6. As vegetarians that are always seeking out great vegetarian food in the city, we decided to give this East Village place a chance.
  7. I'm vegetarian, my fiance is not, and Counter is by far our favorite restaurant.
  8. The actual restaurant was quite beautiful and I thought it would be a great place for a date.
  9. Counter has the best food of any restaurant in this very competitive neighborhood.
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. wouldn't return back to the place unless I had rich vegatarian relative in town picking up the bill and fortunately for me I don't.
  2. But because our entrees were so good, I'd definitely return!
service
83.97000312805176% positive
  1. The service at the bar was awful and tacky.
  2. have heard people complain that the portions are on the small side and the place is a bit pricey.
  3. am so grateful to have met more of these wonderful people and looking forward for a life in NYC if it'll continue to have me!
  4. Plus it has a great atmosphere, pleasant service and very good wine.
  5. Service was friendly.
  6. Definitely go here, if for no other reason than to get outstanding service.
  7. The waiter we had was a little slow but maybe he was new and couldn't handle such a big group of demanding people :) I guess he deserved the 20% included tip @ the end.
  8. If you want bland, "well everything is great," pollyana-type waiters, this is not the place for you.
  9. The only nice things about the restaurant were the ambiance, the friendly restaurant host and the organic wines.
  10. The service was great.
  11. Portions were generous but not overwhelming, service was impeccable, and not once did we feel rushed.
  12. Also, expect wonderfully friendly bartenders who are always ready to recommend an outstanding bottle of wine.
  13. my husband and i could not get over the child friendly atmosphere and service but this would also be a place to go with just the two of us later in the evening.
  14. warning: earth friendly wine/spirits/cocktails/teas may cause unending mental and/or moral 0rgasm for eco-conscious folk.
  15. Kinda rude.
  16. Attentive service.
  17. however, for some reason, people really liked the blandness.
  18. The drink menu is brilliant and the bartender Tanya was great.
  19. The service was just ok and the wine was limited - this life-long vegan rather go to a steak house with friends and enjoy a dry baked potato & a good glass of wine.
  20. The service is not the best in the city, to be polite, but that's fine.
  21. We were not only tended to by an excellent waiter, who though very busy, gave us wonderful service, but also the GM who made sure my birthday dinner was perfect.
  22. the waiter offered us a perfect wine recommendation for each of our courses and the kitchen whipped up a special soba and peanut sauce dish for the kids.
  23. the look of this restaurant is cool and hip but unpretentious and the same goes for the wait staff.
  24. The food was taking a VERY long time so we kept ordering drinks which you would think the restaurant would want but the waitress was quite rude about it.
  25. Overall the meal was decent but our waitress ruined our whole dining experience.
  26. The owners are friendly and the service is great.
  27. The wine was fabulous, as was the service.
  28. VEGAN food, (not your typical, either) organic wine bar that is stunning, enjoyable atmosphere, soothing lighting, clean bathrooms (very important for me) and service that is knowledgable, attentive, yet unobtrusive.
  29. Great service; bland food.
  30. Our server whom was nice (thin female- sorry no name) had to apologize three times for her work mates actions.
  31. Whether we're seeking a casual meal and sangria with friends, or a romantic evening with a bottle of organic wine followed up by one of Counter's amazing vegan desserts (the chocolate tart with berry sauce is our favorite), we always leave satisfied and i
  32. The entire staff (from bussers to owners) is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and genuine.
  33. Good food, amazing wine, great service.
  34. Our waiter was excellent, but bus boy kept bringing us food from another table.
  35. great menu and service
  36. For a vegan restaurant, it's a very non-vegan friendly restaurant, as in you can bring meat-eaters and they would probably be impressed a little bit.
  37. The organic wine bar is fun and you may even learn something about wine from the knowledgeable staff.
  38. The huge selection of earth-friendly wines rocked, and the bar was a great spot for a pre-dinner drink.
  39. Service was attentive yet not intrusive and our server, Kirstin was knowledgeable and helpful - going back next week.
value
77.77999877929688% positive
  1. Their selection of organic wines was impressive and affordable and the food was delicious.
  2. and with such a huge wine list I have my work cut out for me.
  3. Overall it was a good experience and definitely worth a try.
  4. Portions were generous but not overwhelming, service was impeccable, and not once did we feel rushed.
  5. affordable & tasty organic Merlot and eating some of the best food that I've had in a long time.
  6. really ordinary food and way overpriced.
  7. probably the worst value meal i've had in the last year.
  8. Good prices -- most are in the $20 and $30 per bottle range.
  9. I'm a huge fan of the homemade sangria & the walnut-lentil panini, and he loves the veggie burger.
  10. But, quickly all would realize that most items on the menu are grease-laden, and the portions are so big that you'd get tired of the flavors before you finish half a plate.
  11. There are numerous other vegeatrain resaurants but a third of the price that are far tastier and have way more delicious options.
  12. recommend this place for the burgers and sandwiches; they seemed to be of the best value, which I am very concerned with as i am a cheapskate.
  13. The huge selection of earth-friendly wines rocked, and the bar was a great spot for a pre-dinner drink.
  14. My burger was delish, my sis's portabella mushroom dish was much more expensive but no better than my burg.
  15. have heard people complain that the portions are on the small side and the place is a bit pricey.
wait time
35.0% positive
  1. Only drawback is that they seem nervous about the slow start.
  2. affordable & tasty organic Merlot and eating some of the best food that I've had in a long time.
  3. The waiter we had was a little slow but maybe he was new and couldn't handle such a big group of demanding people :) I guess he deserved the 20% included tip @ the end.
  4. The service was just ok and the wine was limited - this life-long vegan rather go to a steak house with friends and enjoy a dry baked potato & a good glass of wine.
  5. The food was taking a VERY long time so we kept ordering drinks which you would think the restaurant would want but the waitress was quite rude about it.
4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/05/11

Good Vegan

by Danielle Finkler

I'm a vegan and pretty picky when it comes to my food but this place did it right. Prices are reasonable depending on what your getting but not too bad. Thanks to the new chef I have to say that this place is an excellent vegan spot that I will returning to shortly.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/29/10

Wonderful Evening

by KimBar

Had a terrific meal at Counter tonight. Everything we ordered was fresh and delicious. Highly recommend the beet and arugula salads. Pomme frites were top notch paired with a harissa mayo and homemade ketchup; especially loved the raw cheesecake dessert. Prices are reasonable and am very fussy about coffee and theirs is the best! Service was attentive yet not intrusive and our server, Kirstin was knowledgeable and helpful - going back next week.

  • Pros: Excellent in all areas
  • Cons: None
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/23/10

Lots of counter space

by truetildeath

I had first visited Counter as a vegan while in college, many years ago (vague, as I am not trying not to date myself), and I must admit, because of this previously underwhelming experience, I was hesitant to return. However, upon hearing that they had a new chef and revamped menu, I decided to try it again, now as a vegetarian. Honestly, I felt stupid for not trying Counter sooner, after sampling several amazing "small plates" including intelligent pairings of quinoa, brussel sprouts with goat cheese, as well as a main course of seitan that changed my life. Portions were generous but not overwhelming, service was impeccable, and not once did we feel rushed. The vegan dessert selection trumps any other vegan dessert in the city and includes home made vegan ice creams and small cakes. Overall, Counter has been one of the best vegetarian experiences I have had in the city, and I now pledge to make it one of my regulars.

  • Pros: food, price, desserts
  • Cons: none
1 Star Rating: Poor

03/08/10

Sustainable In Name Only

by MovieMax

What self-respecting vegetarian who cares about animal rights, "organics" and "sustainability" would eat in a restaurant that covers all its furniture in dead animal skin? Uch! I mentioned the seemingly perverse "oversight?" of universally leather-upholstered furnishings to the host and he simply giggled, shrugged and muttered something like, "Well, maybe its fake leather." Wink wink. Is this place a sociological case study in the stupidity of well-intentioned New Yorkers???

  • Pros: Decent food, though nothing inspirational
  • Cons: Gross hypocrisy
1 Star Rating: Poor

01/29/10

Bland and Overpriced

by phelanclancy

I came here with a friend who thought I might enjoy the food because of the menu (I'm vegan). But I found the food boring and way too "earthy" for me. The service was just ok and the wine was limited - this life-long vegan rather go to a steak house with friends and enjoy a dry baked potato & a good glass of wine.

  • Pros: Great Space
  • Cons: The Food!

The Details on Counter

Place Categories:

  • great food
  • great service
  • great place
  • favorite vegetarianvegan restaurant
  • fresh everything
  • nice atmosphere
  • fantastic organic meal
  • loved cauliflower risotto
  • love wine
  • unexpectedly fabulous dining experience
  • amazing vegan desserts
  • extremely knowledgeable entire staff
  • good prices
  • not like vegetarian food
  • very cool organic wine bar
  • delish veggie burger
  • enjoy good glass
  • romantic evening
  • warm decor
  • great date spot
  • always loved counter
  • much more expensive portabella mushroom dish
  • helpful kirstin
  • clean bathroom
  • helpful server
Advertisement

Featured In

Recent Reviews In Manhattan

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Curry Dream

66 W. 39th St, New York, NY

4 Star Rating: Recommended

Libation

137 Ludlow St., New York, NY

4 Star Rating: Recommended

Blackstones Pub & Restaurant

245 E 55th St, New York, NY

1 Star Rating: Poor

Garage Restaurant and Cafe

99 7th Avenue South, New York, NY

Advertisement