Sahara East Restaurant
(212) 353-9000
184 1ST Ave
New York,
NY
10009
40.7296
-73.9837
Neighborhoods: East Village, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Sahara East Restaurant
The Editor
Karen Hudes
Citysearch
In Short
Once the warm weather hits, a Middle Eastern dinner here can be truly transporting. In the garden--covered with a canopy of red, green and gold fabric--regulars order hookah pipes for the table, and choose between 40 tobacco flavors, including apple, watermelon, vanilla and jasmine. The menu includes baba ghanoush, eggplant moussaka, miniature donut-shaped falafel and hummus. Baklava is available for dessert.
User Reviews
FranReguso
May 30, 2009
I have been coming here for a few years and the place has only gotten better. My initial visits were nothing out of the ordinary but in the last couple of months the place has really changed. I came here as a group of five and we had to get two hookahs and a one drink minimum per person, a bouncer at the door made sure we did not get any alcohol but thats alright. Drinks are a bit pricey at 5 dollars for anything from tea to soda. The hookahs are exceptional though and the music is great, late at night you get to choose some of your own songs. The best part of the night were the new waiters. They now speak english and are very memorable and attentive. A young man named Mike was very helpful, chatting with us, promptly offering service, and most importantly SPEAKING ENGLISH. He talked us through all the hookah flavors and recommended his favorite, (lemon mint), afterwards he played us a couple of requested songs. All the new waiters they have are definitely the most enjoyable and attentive staff. The surprise came when we could not pay with credit card, a fact I found out only tonight, all other times paying with cash which made a very unpleasant run to the ATM machine a necessity (a block away). But all in all, great service, great hookah, great fun. I recommend this place to everyone and anyone.
read full review
Sejal
April 24, 2009
I went there last night and I've never had such an experience where I have felt the urge to write a review. I had a friend with me who loves their Lamb Shawarma so that's what we ordered. The menu's description is "thinly-sliced lamb" while the lamb dish was filled with hunks of lamb that was undercooked. Further it was served with fries that just the same type of fries, you can get from the frozen food section of the grocery store. Zero rice and they served pita bread that was dry and I guess you were supposed to eat alone. We talked to the server and he didn't understand english and didn't offer anything. I talked the manager that my friend said that he had this dish plenty of times before and it just wasn't made the same and the manager just blew me off with a shrug. Lastly, FYI this place had the audacity to charge $13.95 for the dish that I wouldn't even feed a dog, but then for 2 ppl they added a service charge (gratuity) into the bill. I'm an atty and gratuity is optional it's for the SERVICE. Zero service was provided and the food was inedible! I will not be returning to this place - restaurants in NYC should learn that if you serve disgusting food and give poor service - well there are inordinate amount of other places to patron! Go at your own risk!
read full review
anna89nj
February 15, 2009
I went there a month ago for my friend's birthday. So admittedly, the drinks are really pricely, $7 for a juice is really stretching it. I'm no expert on Middle Eastern cuisine and I opted for a chicken cutlet, but it was tasty. The waiters aren't very good, they don't speak English well and they didn't really get what we were asking them. There's nothing phenomenal about the decor but it seemed fitting. I have to say that the music was amazing! I expected it just to be Arabian, but it was a lot of club/pop/hip hop/rap, it really set the tone for a good Sat night out. Unless you're there to be alone and boring, DEFINATLY get seated in the back. So overall, our waiter didn't understand us, it was snowing so the roof was leaking on us, the bill was way more then we could afford, there were really annoying girls across from us that kept screaming and I STILL had a really good time. The best thing is they don't rush you out at all, we must have been there for over 3 hours. If you're high strung and high maintence and need to be treated like a princess don't bother going. But if you're chill and really just want a relaxed good time, I really recommend this place.
read full reviewThe Details on Sahara East Restaurant
The Extras:
Sahara East supplies the goods for Liquids' lounge party.
Know Before You Go:
Mamlouk also offers water pipes, in a more stylish setting.
