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Bowery Bungalow
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Bowery Bungalow
7.7
A SoHo room doing a modern Mideast/North Africa/Anatolia mash-up with a menu designed for sharing and late-evening pacing. Go for the bold spreads and a couple of larger plates—this is more about mood, cocktails, and contrast than a traditional Mediterranean “greatest hits” run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tahini Toast, Smokey Babaganoush, Mideast Chicken Parm
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A modern mash-up menu built for cocktails and share plates.
Who should go: Night-out diners who like bold flavors
When to visit: Later dinner for the full vibe
What to order: Tahini toast, smoky babaganoush, chicken parm
Insider tip: Lead with dips—then pick just one or two larger plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in SoHo; plan on nearby paid garages within a few blocks or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but most guests elevate the look for a night out.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, louder later in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; evenings are generally easier Monday–Tuesday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple mezze, spreads, and vegetable-forward plates work well for a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—several spreads and sides can be ordered without dairy; ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options available, especially spreads and mains; cross-contamination possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—strong cocktails, dim lighting, and share plates make it easy to keep things social without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early or on weeknights; later evenings and weekends usually mean a wait unless you book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is a late-evening, cocktail-driven room better suited for adults than families.
Best For
Better for: Mood, cocktails, and bold, modern Middle Eastern–leaning flavors in a buzzy SoHo setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, traditional Mediterranean classics, or a family-friendly environment.
Bowery Bungalow
7.8
A SoHo modern Mideast room where the goal is contrast—bold sauces, herbs, and spice built for a cocktails-first pace. It’s at its best when you treat the menu like a curated trio: one spread-driven opener, one rich main, and one wildcard share plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tahini toast, Lamb shank, Beef tongue gnocchi
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Cocktail-driven modern Mideast cooking built around contrast and spice.
Who should go: Night-out diners who like bold flavors
When to visit: Weekday early evening for smoother service
What to order: Tahini toast, lamb shank, one seasonal share plate
Insider tip: Start with spreads, then pick just one main to avoid heaviness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—stylish jeans work, but most diners come ready for a night out.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, louder as the night progresses.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short walk-in window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple spread-based starters and vegetable-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—several spreads and seasonal plates can be ordered vegan.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it’s a strong pick if you want energy and style. The room feels buzzy and polished without being overwhelming, especially earlier in the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—early weekday evenings are your best bet. Late nights and weekends are tough without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The vibe, cocktails, and pacing skew adult; better suited for teens than young kids.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward nights, bold modern Middle Eastern flavors, and social dining with a fashionable crowd.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, traditional Middle Eastern classics, or a fast, no-frills meal.