"Baba’s looks like a place that would serve grain bowls in Soho or Midtown—it’s a bright, all-wood space with speakers playing alt-rock and a menu by the register explaining how to construct your order. But instead of fancy bowls or ancient grains, this place does build-your-own pierogies. Choose your type (boiled or fried), your filling (standard ones like sauerkraut or unusual ones like mac and cheese), and your toppings (sauteed mushrooms or smoked bacon bits). Our go-to order is potato and cheese, fried, with caramelized onions and sour cream." - bryan kim, carina finn koeppicus, willa moore