Balade

- 208 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009

Welcome to Balade, an exceptional Lebanese restaurant in the vibrant East Village of New York City. Balade isn't just a place to eat; it’s a destination for an authentic and memorable culinary journey to the heart of Lebanon. Combining a cozy, romantic, and trendy atmosphere with a menu that's both traditional and innovative, Balade offers a truly unique dining experience for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a lively spot for a group outing, Balade delivers with its delicious food, extensive drink menu, and warm, inviting ambiance.

This is the kind of place that captures the essence of a lively New York City eatery. Reviews often praise the friendly and attentive staff who are dedicated to ensuring a good experience for every guest. The space itself is cozy and intimate, with tables that are close together, adding to the bustling and energetic atmosphere. You might notice the restaurant is often packed, particularly on weekend nights, which is a testament to its popularity. It's a favorite among New Yorkers in their 20s and beyond, making it a perfect spot for a lively evening out. While the indoor seating is popular, there is also outdoor seating, though the vibrant street life of the East Village means the indoor experience is often preferred. The crowd is diverse, attracting both groups and couples, and it’s a great place for solo dining as well.

The menu at Balade is a celebration of Lebanese cuisine, featuring a wide array of options designed for sharing and exploration. You can start your meal with a selection from the extensive list of mezze, or small plates. The hummus is a standout, praised by many for its outstanding quality. Other popular choices include the flavorful falafel and the refreshing fattoush salad. The portions are known to be generous, even by New York City standards. For the main course, you can choose from a variety of platters featuring grass-fed lamb, beef, and naturally-fed poultry. The Balade Mixed Grill and the House of Lamb Kabab are excellent choices, showcasing the restaurant's expertise in grilled meats. The menu also includes Lebanese "pita pitza," manakeesh (Lebanese pizzas), and a selection of sandwiches that are lightly toasted and served with a choice of sides like hand-cut fries or laban bi khiar.

Balade also prides itself on its beverage selection. The restaurant features a great wine list with a curated selection of both Lebanese and international wines, including rare vintages like the Chateau Musar from Lebanon. There’s also a range of great cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic options like freshly-squeezed lemonade and Balade's unique Jallab drink. The coffee and tea selection is also a highlight, with options like freshly-brewed coffee and Lebanese tea with fresh mint. And don't forget to save room for dessert. Customers rave about the desserts, with options like baklava, mouhallabie, and the unique Kenafa.

Balade is conveniently situated in the heart of the East Village, a lively and easily accessible neighborhood in New York City. The address is 208 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, USA. This central location makes it a great spot for both residents and visitors exploring the city.

Getting to the restaurant is straightforward. For those using public transportation, the neighborhood is well-served by subway lines and buses. The location is also very accessible for people with mobility needs, as the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone.

Parking can be found nearby, with options including free and paid street parking, as well as paid parking lots and garages. This offers flexibility whether you're driving in for a special occasion or just dropping by.

Balade offers a comprehensive range of services to cater to various dining preferences and occasions.

• Dine-in: Enjoy a full-service dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Reservations are recommended, especially for lunch and dinner, to secure a table, and can be made by phone or online.

• Takeout: For those on the go, the full menu is available for takeout, allowing you to enjoy authentic Lebanese food wherever you are.

• Delivery: Balade offers both regular and no-contact delivery services, bringing their delicious dishes directly to your doorstep for a convenient meal at home.

• Curbside Pickup: A convenient option for quick and easy order retrieval without leaving your car.

• Catering: Balade provides catering services, making it an excellent choice for events, parties, and corporate lunches with a taste of Lebanese hospitality.

Balade stands out for several key features that contribute to its popularity and reputation as a top-tier Lebanese restaurant.

• Outstanding Wine List: The restaurant boasts an impressive wine selection, with a focus on high-quality Lebanese wines that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the food. You can also find great selections from France, Italy, and Argentina.

• Great Cocktails and Drinks: The bar offers a variety of well-crafted cocktails, happy hour drinks, and other alcoholic beverages, including beer and hard liquor. Non-alcoholic options are also plentiful and unique.

• Exceptional Coffee and Tea: Whether you prefer a quick espresso or a pot of authentic Lebanese coffee, the hot drink selection is a highlight. The Lebanese tea with fresh mint is particularly noteworthy.

• Delicious Desserts: The dessert menu is highly praised, featuring traditional Lebanese sweets like baklava and mouhallabie, which are a must-try for a sweet finish to your meal.

• Diverse Offerings: The menu is incredibly inclusive, offering a wide range of options to suit different dietary needs, including healthy, vegan, vegetarian, and halal choices. Small plates are a great way to sample a variety of dishes.

• Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance is often described as casual, cozy, and romantic, making it a perfect spot for a date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. The trendy vibe attracts a lively crowd, particularly in the evenings.

• Solo Dining Friendly: Balade is a comfortable and welcoming place for individuals dining alone, proving it's a great spot for any occasion.

• Amenities: The restaurant provides a restroom, Wi-Fi, and a bar onsite. High chairs are also available for children, making it a family-friendly choice.

If you're ready to experience the flavors of Lebanon, you can reach Balade at the following contact information:

• Address: 208 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, USA

• Phone: (212) 529-6868

Balade is truly worth choosing for anyone in New York City seeking an authentic, high-quality Lebanese dining experience. The menu is a journey in itself, with standout dishes that showcase the richness of Lebanese cuisine. The hummus is a non-negotiable starter, with its creamy texture and authentic flavor. The fattoush salad is also a fantastic choice, providing a fresh and zesty counterpoint to the richer dishes.

For mains, you can’t go wrong with the grilled selections, particularly the Balade Mixed Grill, which offers a great way to sample a variety of perfectly cooked meats. The shish tawook and beef shawarma are also highly recommended. If you're a fan of small plates, the mezze selection is expansive and perfect for sharing. The batata harra (spicy potatoes) and the aarayis (grilled pita stuffed with meat) are flavorful and satisfying.

The restaurant also caters to various preferences with a variety of halal, vegan, and vegetarian options, ensuring there's something for everyone. The drinks menu is another reason to visit, with a thoughtfully curated wine list that includes rare and high-quality Lebanese wines. The great cocktails and happy hour options also make it a destination for pre-dinner drinks.

What truly sets Balade apart is the combination of its delicious food, lively atmosphere, and attentive service. The staff’s friendliness and dedication to a positive customer experience are frequently mentioned in reviews, making diners feel welcome and well-cared for. While some dishes may be on the pricier side, the quality and portion sizes justify the cost, and the overall experience is one that many customers say is well worth it. Whether you're a long-time fan of Lebanese cuisine or new to its flavors, Balade provides a rich and rewarding dining experience that will have you coming back for more.

Balade

208 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009, USA