Frank Introduce
Nestled on a lively stretch of 2nd Avenue in the heart of the East Village, Frank is a true New York City institution. This beloved Italian restaurant exudes a classic neighborhood charm that feels both authentic and incredibly welcoming. Frank is part of the same family as the well-known Lil Frankie's, and it shares the same commitment to serving reliable, delicious, and hearty Italian food in a cozy, intimate setting. Stepping inside, you're immediately immersed in a warm and bustling atmosphere, full of character and a sense of shared community. The space, though compact, is vibrant and full of energy, making it a perfect example of classic New York dining.
The menu at Frank is a celebration of rustic Italian comfort food. It features a fantastic array of classic dishes, from fresh appetizers and salads to a wide selection of pastas, entrees, and even an all-day breakfast menu. The dishes are straightforward, focusing on high-quality ingredients and traditional flavors. It’s the kind of food that feels like a hug on a plate, designed to be both satisfying and deeply flavorful. While the restaurant is often bustling, with a wait that is a testament to its popularity, the service remains friendly and attentive. The staff is known for being knowledgeable and passionate, often offering great recommendations for food and wine pairings. Frank is a place that promises a memorable and genuine dining experience, perfect for a romantic dinner, a casual lunch, or a gathering with a group of friends.
Frank is perfectly positioned in the East Village, a neighborhood celebrated for its unique character and diverse culinary scene. You will find the restaurant at 88 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA. This central location makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists exploring the area.
The restaurant is easily accessible by a number of public transportation options. The F train stops at 2nd Avenue and the L train stops at 1st Avenue, both a short walk from the restaurant. The 6 train is also nearby at the Astor Place stop. For those driving, paid street parking is available, though it can be challenging to find a spot in this busy part of Manhattan. Frank is also committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring that all guests feel welcome and comfortable. For those who enjoy al fresco dining, the restaurant offers charming outdoor seating, which adds to the vibrant street-level atmosphere.
Frank provides a wide range of services to accommodate its customers, from dining in to taking a meal home.
- Outdoor Seating: The restaurant has a popular outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying a meal on a pleasant day.
- Curbside Pickup and Delivery: For those who prefer to eat at home, Frank offers both convenient curbside pickup and delivery services.
- Takeout and Dine-in: You can either enjoy the lively atmosphere inside the restaurant or order your food to go.
- Reservations: Reservations are accepted and highly recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner due to the restaurant's popularity and tendency to have a wait.
- Table Service: The restaurant provides full table service, ensuring a comfortable and well-attended dining experience from start to finish.
What truly sets Frank apart is a combination of its atmosphere, its menu, and the special touches that make it a favorite among New Yorkers.
- Fast Service and Great Dessert: Despite being a popular and often crowded spot, the service is known for being fast and efficient. The dessert menu, particularly the homemade tiramisu and chocolate cake, is a major highlight.
- Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant has a casual and cozy vibe that is perfect for a relaxed yet memorable meal. It’s trendy without being pretentious, making it a great spot for a variety of occasions.
- Late-Night Food: Frank is a great option for late-night food, serving its delicious comfort dishes well into the evening.
- Full Bar with Wine and Cocktails: The bar is a central part of the experience, offering a solid selection of wines, beer, and hard liquor. The wine list, in particular, is noted for its quality and thoughtful pairings.
- High Chairs for Children: Frank is a family-friendly establishment and provides high chairs for younger diners.
To make a reservation or for general inquiries, you can reach Frank using the contact information below.
Phone: (212) 420-0202
Address: 88 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA
With a menu full of enticing options, it can be tough to choose just one thing at Frank. However, some dishes consistently receive rave reviews and are highly recommended.
The pasta dishes are a definite highlight. The RIGATONI al RAGU is a classic and reliable choice that is always a hit. For something a little different, the BLACK Linguini / calamari is a standout, praised by customers as a "great" and flavorful option. The Uncle Tony's Gnocchi is also a popular and well-regarded choice.
Among the appetizers and salads, the Crostino Toscano is highly recommended. The Beets / Arugula, & Goat Cheese salad is another popular choice, offering a refreshing and flavorful starter. A reviewer even recommended adding a slice of lemon to the sausage pasta to elevate the dish to another level. For dessert, the Homemade Tiramisu and the Chocolate Cake are must-tries and are a perfect way to finish the meal.
Ultimately, what is truly worth choosing at Frank is the overall experience. The food is reliable and delicious, the service is warm and friendly, and the atmosphere is authentic and full of character. It’s the kind of place that captures the spirit of the East Village and provides a genuine taste of a New York City neighborhood gem. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, Frank consistently delivers a memorable meal that feels both special and comfortably familiar.
Frank Menu
Appetizers & Salad
- PAPPA di ZUCCHINE $14.95
freshly pureed zucchine Soup ( hot or chilled)
- ROASTED GARLIC BREAD $8.95
- BRUSCHETTA of Tomatoes $8.95
- CROSTINO TOSCANO $10.95
liver pate on Tuscan toast
- MOZZERELLA di BUFALA $21.95
with ripe tomatoes and basil
- PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM $20.95
with greens & tomatoes
- ARUGULA with TOMATOES & shaved Parm $17.95
(or substitute goat cheese 20.95)
- VEGETABLE SALAD $21.95
beets, stringbeans, tomato, potatoes, fennel. arucola & broccoli
- Shaved FENNEL Salad with Parm. $19.95
- BEETS / Arugula, & Goat Cheese, E.V. O. oil $21.95
Sandwiches
- ROASTED CHICKEN SANDWICH $19.95
with Goat cheese & slow cooked plum tomatoes
- MOZZARELLA di BUFALA $19.95
with basil, ripe tomatoes, oil & vinegar
- SAUSAGE & MEATBALL Hero $18.95
in Carmella!s slow cook "gravy"
- PROSCIUTTO di PARMA $19.95
with ripe tomatoes, arugula & E.V. olive oil
- FRANK BLT $18.95
roasted plum tomatoes, country bacon, arugola & E.V. olive oil
- Chicken PARMIGIANA or MILANESE $19.95
Entrees
- ROASTED ROSEMARY CHICKEN $26.95
with mashed potatoes and Gravy, olives & slow cooked tomatoes
- TAGLIATA TOSCANA $24.95
- POLPETTONE $21.95
Spiced meat loaf with mashed potatoes & Carmela!s Tomato Gravy
- SEARED SALMON $26.95
with lemon, capers, sage, arugula& Virgin olive oil
- CHICKEN or PORK alla PARMIGIANA $29.95
with spaghetti
- CHICKENor PORK alla Milanese $25.95
with salad
- FAVA & CICORIA $23.95
Puree of fava, dandelion and roasted vegetables.
Pasta
- SPAGHETTI with Garlic & E.V. olive oil $22.95
- RIGATONI al RAGU $23.95
Grandma Carmella!s tomato & meat "Gravy"
- SPAGHETTI MEATBALLS $20.95
- PENNE tomatoes & Basil $21.95
- Handmade RAVIOLI of the day (P/A)
- UNCLE TONY'S GNOCCHI $24.95
with tomatoes, basil & Parmigiano
- SPAGHETTI with PESTO $24.95
- SPAGHETTI Limone $24.95
- SPAGHETTI / Broccoli $22.95
- PENNE alla VODKA $24.95
- BLACK Linguini / calamari $26.95
add Ricotta for 6.95, add Stracciatella for 9.95, add Grilled Chicken for 10.95, add Prociutto for 7.95, add Broccoli for 6.95
Breakfast (served all day)
- Omelettes
Come with greens and toast
- French Omlette with Fresh Herbs $20.95
- Spinach & Goat Cheese $20.95
- Zucchini & Goat Cheese $20.95
- Spinach, roasted Garlic & Asiago Cheese $20.95
- Mozzarella di Bufala $20.95
- Roasted Fennel Parmigiana & Arugula $20.95
- 2 Eggs Any Way $19.95
comes / greens, bacon or sausage & toast
- Eggs Benedict $20.95
poached eggs with hollandaise sauce & pancetta
- Pane e Nutella (mornings only) $10.95
Warm Baguette with Nutella
- Pane PB & J $10.95
Warm Baguette with peanut butter & jelly
BREAKFAST SIDES
- Crispy Fried EGG $6.95
- Bacon or Sausage $10.95
- Potatoes $10.95
BEVERAGES
- Fresh Squeezed ORANGE Juice $6.95
- Homemade Lemonade & Iced Tea $3.95
- Mineral Water (Flat or Spakling) $10.95
- Coke, Diet, Sprite, Ginger Ale $3.95
- Coffee (Americano) $5.95
- Espresso $4.95
- Tea $3.95
- Cappuccino $5.95
- Caffe Latte $5.95
- MORETTI Beer $8.00
Sides
- Sauteed, Steamed, or Creamed SPINACH $13.95
- Mashed Potatoes $10.95
- Sauteed BROCCOLI with garlic & oil $13.95
- Sauteed STRING BEANS with garlic & oil $11.95
- Side MEATBALLS $15.95
- Side SAUSAGES $15.95
Dessert
- Homemade Tiramisu $13.95
- FRESH FRUIT $13.95
with fresh hand whipped cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream $13.95
- Chocolate Cake $13.95
with fresh hand whipped cream & fruit
- Panna Cotta $13.95
drenched in chocolate sauce with fresh fruit
Frank Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frank Photos










Frank Location
Frank Reviews
raguchicken parmATMbrunchrigatonigarlic breadkalehip hopvillageink
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Amazing find! Full of atmosphere, friendly, great service and amazing service. We ordered the crostini toscano, beet salad and sausage pasta (ask for a slice of lemon to take it to another level) and all was amazing! We sat at the bar served by Leandro.. lovely man! Follow his lead on wine and food! Highly recommend!
April 04 · NatalieBelonging to the same family as Lil Frankie's this is a great option for reliable Italian food and a last-minute large group spot. I ended up having the black spaghetti with calamari and it was great! Would recommend the watermelon basil salad and the molten chocolate cake for dessert. If you're looking for a ton of space you definitely won't find it here...but then again, it's the East Village... and also New York.
August 01 · Nilima ShetI love everything about this place. Came for dinner with a friend after a 2 day conference. One of our friends who lives in town recommended Frank, and so thankful for his recommendation. The bartender/waitress is amazingly friendly, gorgeous and you can tell she loves her job. The menu had so much to choose from. Service was fast and friendly. It's a small and cozy place with only 1 closet bathroom in the middle of the place. They have an amazing outdoor seating space when it's good weather.I highly recommend this place if you are in town.
July 29 · Mari PhonasaNow that's what real authentic Italian food tastes like! Everything was absolutely delicious. Try the Italian beer and definitely get an Affogatto for dessert.
July 16 · Steve WiidemanGood good, especially the gnocchi with squid. The gorgonzola with pear disappointed me, the cheese was pretty tough and not that tasty. The fennel salad was good. Generally it felt a bit expensive, especially how crowded it is and people keep bumping into the tables.
March 15 · Javier Kohen
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