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Soda Club
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in East Village
Best Vegan Restaurants in East Village
Master Critic Review
Soda Club
8.6
A vegan Italian-American wine bar that treats pasta like the main event—fresh, rich, and built for lingering over a second glass. It’s intimate and low-lit, with a menu that rewards ordering a few plates and letting the kitchen’s Roman-leaning comfort lane do the work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bigoli cacio e pepe, Tagliatelle with lemon and capers, Carbonara pinsa
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Vegan pasta and natural wine in a moody, date-ready room.
Who should go: Pasta-and-wine dates and plant-based diners
When to visit: Weeknights for easier bar seats
What to order: Bigoli cacio e pepe, tagliatelle, pinsa
Insider tip: Start at the bar, then move to a table if one opens.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited and difficult after 6pm. Plan on walking, rideshare, or public transit.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively wine-bar energy, but still easy to hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused spot; weeknight evenings are usually easier for bar seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — fully vegan menu with house-made pastas and sauces.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but fresh pasta is the core focus. Ask the server for current options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The low lighting, cozy tables, and wine-forward pacing make it ideal for conversation without feeling stiff or overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Bar seating is often available on weeknights, but tables fill quickly on weekends. Arriving early improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The space is small, dim, and geared toward adults lingering over wine rather than families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Plant-based diners who still want indulgent, Roman-style pasta and a real date-night wine-bar atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re looking for classic red-sauce Italian, large portions for sharing with kids, or a quiet, early dinner experience.