Veselka

The East Village's standard-bearer for Ukrainian soul food since 1954, Veselka has big changes afoot. A spin-off, Veselka Bowery, is scheduled to open in October, featuring an expanded menu, a contemporary design and a full bar. The original, homespun location will remain open 24/7, specialising in handmade dumplings and homemade soups at a suitable price for humble allowances. The breakfast menu is more American—pancakes, corned beef hash and eggs any style—but there's also old-country fare like blintzes, potato pancakes and sides of J. Baczynsky's kielbasa. Portions are indelicate, so you may want to skip your next meal, making the savings here even bigger.