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Grand Street Skewer Cart
ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Restaurants in Lower East Side
Master Critic Review
Grand Street Skewer Cart
7.7
The Grand Street Skewer Cart near the Grand St subway entrance grills cumin-dusted meats and vegetables late into the night for LES and Chinatown passersby. It’s a classic street-side stop where the smoke, spice, and crowd around the cart signal a solid, budget-friendly late-night snack.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cumin Lamb Skewers, Chicken Thigh Skewers, Enoki Mushroom Skewers
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A late-night street cart turning out smoky cumin skewers steps from the subway.
Who should go: Hungry night owls wanting a fast, flavorful street snack
When to visit: Around midnight, especially weekends, when the cart is busiest
What to order: Cumin lamb skewers, chicken skewers, enoki mushroom skewers
Insider tip: Bring cash, and be ready to eat your skewers on the sidewalk or on the way home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect limited availability on Grand Street late at night. Easiest option is to walk from the Grand St subway station steps away.
Dress code: No dress code at all — it’s a sidewalk food cart, come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate street noise from traffic and subway foot traffic; conversations are possible but this is a grab-and-go environment.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on the bar crowd and late-night rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the cart may not operate consistently during daytime hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable skewers like enoki mushrooms and occasionally tofu options.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable skewers are usually vegan, but ask about marinades to confirm.
Gluten-free options: Generally yes — most skewers are simply seasoned and grilled, but cross-contact is unavoidable at a street cart.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves street food and casual, spontaneous experiences. It’s more of a fun late-night stop than a sit-down date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables — everything is eaten standing up or on the go. No reservations needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens comfortable with street food setups. Young children may find the crowds, heat, and street traffic overwhelming.
Best For
Better for: A quick, flavorful, ultra-budget late-night bite with smoky cumin spices — faster and cheaper than nearby sit-down spots.
Skip if: You want seating, long meals, alcohol, or a quieter environment. Opt for a restaurant instead if you need comfort or a broader menu.