Ba'al Cafe & Falafel

"This sleeper in the southwest corner of Soho specializes in falafel that’s freshly fried. But it also offers all sorts of other chicken and vegetable sandwiches and pita pizzas. For this rather expensive neighborhood, the prices are a steal, but there’s not much seating, so head to one of the nearby pocket parks along Sixth Avenue." - Robert Sietsema, Melissa McCart

"Ba’al is your best option in Soho for a quick Middle Eastern meal that’s relatively affordable. For a variety of things, go for a combo platter with your choice of items like super crispy and moist falafel, creamy hummus, or some next-level charred cauliflower. The overstuffed kofta kebab pita sandwich and the lentil soup are great too. This tiny spot only has two tables and a small counter, so there’s a good chance you’ll have to wait for a seat to open up. That’s okay—you can try to identify all the NYC landmarks painted on the colorful wall while you wait. " - Kenny Yang, Carlo Mantuano, Hannah Albertine, Bryan Kim

"Ba’al is your best option in Soho for a quick Middle Eastern meal that’s relatively affordable. If “falafel” is in a restaurant’s name, it better be good. And it is here. Each one is about the size of a doughnut hole with a crispy crust and moist filling. You can get them as part of a combo platter with your choice of other items like super creamy hummus, tabbouleh, or some next-level charred cauliflower. The overstuffed kofta kebab pita sandwich and the lentil soup are great too. This tiny spot only has two tables and a small counter, so there’s a good chance you’ll have to wait for a seat to open up. That’s okay—you can try to identify all the NYC landmarks painted on the colorful wall while you wait. photo credit: Kenny Yang" - Kenny Yang