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Miss Lily's 7A Cafe

109 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Miss Lily's 7A Cafe 8.2
East Village
A brightly styled Jamaican spot that works especially well for happy hour when you want bold flavors and a lively room without committing to a full formal dinner. Keep the order balanced—one signature main, one shareable side, and a drink that can stand up to spice.
Must-Try Dishes: jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, oxtail stew
Scores:
Value: 7.7 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 8.8 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A high-energy Jamaican menu in a room built for social drinking.
Who should go: Groups who want flavor-forward food with drinks
When to visit: Early evening before peak dining hours
What to order: Jerk chicken, ackee & saltfish, oxtail
Insider tip: Split one hearty main and one side first, then add more if needed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the East Village and difficult after 6pm. Public transit or rideshare strongly recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning fun—jeans are fine, but bold colors, heels, or statement outfits fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—conversation is possible but not intimate once the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you arrive early or aim for the bar.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian-friendly dishes and sides, including vegetable-forward mains.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—ask staff about vegetable plates and modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available, but no dedicated prep area; cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a high-energy, social first date than a quiet one—the vibe is lively and fun, but not ideal if you want deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially during happy hour or early evening, but expect a wait later at night—bar seating moves fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes during daytime hours, but the atmosphere skews adult-focused; better suited for teens than young kids.
Best For
Better for: Bold Caribbean flavors, colorful energy, and group-friendly happy hour vibes compared to more subdued East Village spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner or highly polished fine-dining service—this is about energy, not subtlety.
Miss Lily's 7A Cafe 8.4
East Village
A high-energy Jamaican dining room where wings hit with real char and jerk heat instead of basic fry-and-sauce sameness. It’s best used as an early-evening happy-hour-adjacent move: order wings first, add one comfort side, then let the rum-and-reggae vibe carry the rest of the night.
Must-Try Dishes: Jerk Wings, Jerk Chicken, Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.4 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 8.9 Atmosphere: 9.1 Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Jerk-forward wings with real smoke, heat, and party-room energy.
Who should go: Groups who want wings plus a lively night out
When to visit: Early evening before the room peaks
What to order: Jerk wings, jerk chicken, mac & cheese
Insider tip: Order wings immediately—kitchen pace is the whole game.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; expect to circle after 6pm. Rideshare or subway is the easiest option.
Dress code: Casual but stylish. Jeans are fine—lean fun and going-out rather than polished.
Noise level: Loud and energetic—conversation happens, but you’ll raise your voice once the room fills.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak party hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a handful of veggie-friendly sides and plates work as a light meal
Vegan options: Limited - mostly sides; not ideal as a primary dining focus
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items, but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, high-energy first date than an intimate one—great if you want vibe and flavor, not quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes if you arrive early; after peak hours expect a wait or bar-style seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Early in the evening it can work, but the late-night crowd, music, and bar energy skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Bold, smoky jerk wings with real heat and a party-ready Jamaican atmosphere.
Skip if: You want mild wings, a calm dining room, or a relaxed pace for conversation.