Veselka serves tasty and satisfying East European comfort food. The traditional dishes may be "heavy," but they were prepared with a light, deft touch: the beef in the meat borscht was hearty but tender and lean, the beets rich with flavor and thankfully without added sugar; the cheese blintz was sweet but not overly so (I'd detail my experience with the blintz, but I devoured it too quickly). Everyone has family memories of the "right" way to make stuffed cabbage; Veselka's was neither as sweet nor sour nor salty as various diners may cherish, but the cabbage was soft and the rice and meat finely minced. The prices seemed to me very reasonable for the value.
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Robin M
4 contributions
Didn't like
• 12/18/25
• DoorDash order
The Borscht was good but the pierogies and soup were encased in plastic and the plastic offgassed into the food. Also you got a pint of soup with the 4 pierogi and was more expensive than getting a quart of Borscht that is separate on the menu.
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jason l
Local Expert • 33 contributions
Loved
• 3/16/25
• DoorDash review
Veselka is a New York City classic. I have been enjoying Veselka for over 30 years now. Their pierogi are the best in town. So delicious. Wonderful chicken noodle and matzo ball soup. I love their chicken schnitzel entree. amazing crepes. and the potato pancake is divine. Velselka also has fantastic cookies, brownies, and a killer baked chocolate custard. Veselka is a gem!
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Valerie C
Local Expert • 37 contributions
Didn't like
• 10/24/25
• DoorDash order
Chicken Noodle - Pint was mostly broth while the flavor was good the quality was poor due to the lack of ingredients. The Grilled Cheese was made with basic white bread and they gave me the heel of the bread. For the cost of this sandwich, I expected at least a proper slice of bread. Pickle was included in the box with the sandwich and fries so everything got soggy and no utensils provided.
The Rice Krispie Treat was fresh and delicious with some sprinkles mixed in for a nice presentation.
I would not recommend and would not order again.
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Li A
Emerging Expert • 17 contributions
Didn't like
• 9/30/24
• DoorDash order
Having been a patron of Veselka's for my entire life, it truly pains me to say it, but sadly, Veselka is not what it used to be.
Prices have gotten insanely high, and the quality, taste, and generous portions are no longer there. Pierogis are bland, and have very little filing, stuffed cabbage is mediocre at best (both veg and meat), and the once excellent matzoh ball soup tasted rancid.
Maybe it's just for the tourists and non-natives these days...
