Seemor
The Laurels Cafe and BarBWorth Trying
231 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
· Restaurant, American restaurant, Bar
· 4.6/5 Google (301 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively East Village brunch-and-cocktail spot with creative twists, solid wings and burgers, mixed food consistency, and good happy hour value.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
The Laurels delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality highlighted by standout Thai wings and burgers, plus attentive, friendly service that keeps the energy high. However, inconsistent execution across visits—ranging from excellent to bland or oversalted—prevents a higher grade, and scattered food safety concerns warrant caution. Best experienced for brunch or cocktails in its lively East Village setting rather than as a destination for culinary reliability.
Restaurant Summary
On a busy corner in the East Village, The Laurels feels like a lively neighborhood hub where brunch crowds, pre-show sippers, and trivia teams cross paths. Guests call out the Thai wings and easygoing service, with one saying the staff kept "the glasses full" while the room buzzed. It is casual and social, sometimes quite energetic, with outdoor tables that shine in warmer months. In the kitchen, it is American bar fare with creative twists: kimchi and bao buns alongside burgers, saffron risotto under short rib, and brunch sweets like cornflake-crusted French toast. The highs are easy to love—crisp wings, juicy burgers, strong cocktails—though a few plates land softly or skew salty. If you enjoy a modern, slightly fusion take rather than strict tradition, this will feel right up your alley. For families, there are plenty of kid-friendly options: flatbreads, burgers with fries, pasta, and simple sides. Brunch leans approachable, though the scene can be rowdy at peak times. If you have picky eaters, stick to burgers, fries, or Margherita flatbread; adventurous items like kimchi or spicy wings may be less appealing.
At a Glance
- Lively brunch vibe with strong happy hour and bottomless deals
- Standout Thai wings and crowd-pleasing burgers
- Food consistency varies across visits and items
- A few reports of off seafood and policy friction
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- bottomless_brunch_deals
- creative_wings_and_burger_program
- corner_location_near_ucb
What People Love
- Friendly, attentive bartenders and servers
- Wings and brunch favorites that hit the spot
- Good value via happy hour and deal-site brunch
- Festive decor and cozy pub-like setting
Points of Concern
- Food consistency varies: some items arrive bland, over-salted, or over/undercooked
- Isolated but serious seafood concerns (fishy shrimp, oyster unease) amid otherwise clean reports
- Policy friction around bottomless/Groupon and table time limits can sour the finish
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For kids or cautious eaters: Margherita flatbread ($19), fries ($9), pasta ($19).
- Value seekers: wings or apps plus happy hour cocktails.
- Adventurous diners: Short-rib bao, saffron risotto, kimchi accents.
Perfect For
- Pre-theater drinks and snacks before UCB
- Weekend bottomless brunch with friends
- Casual date with cocktails and shareables
- After-work happy hour on a corner patio
Location Insights
Area: Trendy East Village corner spot attracting brunch-goers, after-work drinks, and weekend groups.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban nuisances at peak times.
Nearby: Near Union Square and UCB Theater; bars, cafes, and shops within short walk.
East VillageThe East Village offers a dynamic dining scene ranging from casual eateries and ethnic restaurants to trendy bars and upscale dining. The neighborhood is known for its bohemian vibe, creative energy, and a strong sense of community, attracting a diverse crowd who appreciate its cultural richness and nightlife.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday15:00–02:00
Tuesday11:00–02:00
Wednesday11:00–02:00
Thursday11:00–04:00
Friday10:00–04:00
Saturday10:00–04:00
Sunday10:00–02:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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