ZipPicks Awards
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in Lower East Side
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in Lower East Side
Best Tasting Menus in Lower East Side
Master Critic Review
Ha's Snack Bar
8.5
Ha’s Snack Bar turns a tiny Broome Street wine bar into a Vietnamese-leaning chef’s counter where a chalkboard menu of seafood, offal, and vegetable plates is sequenced into a loose tasting. Born from the Ha’s Đặc Biệt pop-up, it feels like sitting inside a traveling chef’s table, with dishes landing directly from the open kitchen to the narrow bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Snails with tamarind butter, Oysters with green chili dressing, Seasonal onion soup or mussel toast
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A 24-seat Vietnamese-inspired wine bar where the chalkboard menu becomes a personalized snack tasting.
Who should go: Adventurous diners who like tight spaces and bold flavors.
When to visit: Line up before opening to claim early bar seats.
What to order: Tamarind snails, oysters with green chili, whatever’s newest on the board.
Insider tip: Order in waves and ask the team to build a progression like a mini tasting menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broome Street is limited; expect to circle. Best to use nearby paid garages on Essex or Allen.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean stylish but relaxed—jeans are fine, elevated tops encouraged.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but the bar-style layout and music keep the energy high.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45–75 minute wait if you’re not in the first seating; the room fills instantly at open.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; evenings only, with shorter waits early week.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options depending on the chalkboard menu—usually 1–2 composed vegetable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited and inconsistent; the menu leans heavily on seafood and butter-based preparations.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely given the tiny prep space—ask the team.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date enjoys adventurous eating and intimate bar seating. The tight space and chef interaction make it memorable but not ideal for shy or private diners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no formal reservations. Arrive 15–20 minutes before opening to secure the first seating; walk-ins later in the night rely on turnover and can face long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The space is tiny, seating is at a bar counter, and the menu skews adventurous. Best suited for adults and seasoned diners.
Best For
Better for: More experimental and pop-up–style than most chef’s counters in the neighborhood, with a constantly shifting chalkboard and intimate interaction with the team.
Consider Alternatives If: You want comfortable seating, predictable menus, or a quiet meal—larger tasting-menu restaurants offer more space and formality.