Vanel on First
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 533-3511
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Between 5th Street and 6th Street
- Directions:
- F, V at 1st Ave
- Hours:
- Tue-Sat 5pm-12am, Sun 10am-12am
Editorial Review for Vanel on First – by Kara Zuaro
The Scene
At this pint-sized restaurant, dark-wood tables are pushed close together to make room for a small performance space between the dining area and bar. Local jazz trios play through dinner on the weekends, as visitors sip sweet tea or the vodka-spiked Kool-Aid drink, appropriately named "Back in da Day." Tin ceilings and black-and-white tiled floors give the space a retro look, and gracious servers make patrons feel at home.
The Food
Classic soul food is on the menu: To start, crisp catfish strips and spicy jerk chicken wings outshine the limp sweet potato fries. The entree serving sizes aren't huge--especially by Southern standards--but each comes with a choice of two sides, like creamy mac and cheese, sweet candied yams or tasty, traditionally prepared collard greens. Skip the bland baked salmon steak, but savor the tender blackened catfish or succulent baby back ribs, and save room for miniature apple pie.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoBe prepared for a $5 cover during weekend jazz performances, and if you're not ordering a dinner entree, there's also a two-drink minimum.
Save MoneyEnjoy half-priced appetizers and two-for-one drinks on Tuesdays and Wednesday until 9pm, and on Thursdays until 8pm. On Sundays, the drink special lasts all day.
The ExtrasAt the Southern-style Sunday brunch, served from noon to 4pm, soak up a hangover with bacon, omelets, pancakes, home fries and grits.
User Reviews for Vanel on First
06/11/2007 Posted by NJWalker78
A friend of mine stummbled upon Vanel one evening and was eager to try it out. The chalkboard sign that read "$5 Mixed Drinks" was very inviting! :) I was impressed immediately by the homey, "cool-Uncle" decor. I couldn't believe they were playing "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka" on tv! The service was great. I only ordered the Veggie Plate (3 side orders) because I had just eaten a couple of hours before and my friend ordered the fried chicken and two sides. We both ordered the Back in the Day, but I had mine with Rum, while she had the virgin...was probalby the best Red Kool-Aid I've ever had. When our food came, I knew I was in trouble...there was soooo much!!! And I ate almost more than half of it...WAS FANTASTIC!!! It was seasoned perfectly! We will definitely become frequent patrons of the Vanel and recommend it to anyone looking for real "Down South" cooking (not Carribbean) with a warm atmosphere.
Pros: Delicious, hearty food, comfortable decor, good service, Great Kool-Aid!
Cons: Small
04/29/2007 Posted by ctifre
This place is really nice. i went the other night with a friend and the food was fabulous. I had the catfish dish with mac n chesse and broccoli. The best mac n cheese i had in a while. The wine was great. I would definetly go back. The only negative is that its kinda small. And also like another reviewer said they are really cheap with their Kool Aid. So if your thirsty don't get Kool Aid. Pros- Food,reasonable prices,service Cons-Small,will only serve about 8 oz. of soda or Kool Aid
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