Streecha

"A Ukrainian restaurant in the East Village, originally closed but later relaunched with volunteer staff after a chef departure." - Emma Orlow

"Streecha, located at 33 East Seventh Street, near Second Avenue, is a traditional Ukrainian eatery that recently reopened after a temporary closure. The venue is connected to St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church and features a volunteer staff from the parish. The menu, originally limited to a few dishes like beet borscht, stuffed cabbage, potato and cheese varenyky, and kielbasa with sauerkraut, has expanded to include new items such as a 'special plate' with options like pork ribs and goulash, as well as new soups and the unique dish banosh. Despite the price increase, the menu remains a good deal. Streecha is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a basement space under a chiropractor's office." - Robert Sietsema

"This unfussy, welcoming East Village spot is only open for breakfast and lunch, offering up really cheap, heavy Polish classics cooked by Ukrainian grandmothers that belong to the church across the street, served on paper plates and cafeteria trays in a community center-esque basement space. The pierogies here are boiled, offered with traditional fillings like pepper-flecked potato, and topped with finely minced, deeply browned fried onions and sour cream. Also consider the thickly cut kielbasa served over fried cabbage with a side of mustard, or the rotating daily specials, which might include dense nubs of homemade pasta with pork loin. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and on the other weekdays, it’s only open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. On weekends, Streecha opens its doors two hours earlier." - Alexandra Ilyashov

"Streecha, a Ukrainian community center and restaurant in the East Village, has permanently closed after operating for around five decades. It was located in a basement below a chiropractor’s office and served traditional Ukrainian dishes. The restaurant was a community hub, especially during the Russia-Ukraine war, and was known for its modest, home-like atmosphere." - Emma Orlow

"Longtime Ukrainian restaurant in a chiropractic office basement, Streecha has closed; it was an extension of St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, with the restaurant run by volunteers; sales went to the church. An Instagram post on May 23 announced, effective immediately, the lunch counter is done." - Luke Fortney