Red Bamboo: The Heart of Vegan Comfort Food in Greenwich Village

Red Bamboo Introduce

Nestled in the vibrant and historic Greenwich Village, Red Bamboo stands as a true institution in the New York City vegan dining scene. This restaurant is a haven for those who crave the rich, satisfying flavors of classic comfort food, all expertly crafted from plant-based ingredients. Red Bamboo has a long-standing reputation for transforming familiar meat, chicken, and seafood dishes into delicious and innovative vegan masterpieces, making it a go-to spot for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Since its opening, Red Bamboo has been a pioneer in the city's plant-based movement, and its longevity is a testament to its quality and popularity. The menu is a delightful fusion of American soul food, Asian cuisine, and other international flavors, all united by a commitment to delicious, cruelty-free dining. It's a place where you can find everything from Creole Soul Chicken to Filipino favorites like Kare Kare, all made with incredible attention to detail and flavor.

The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for a diverse crowd. It's a place where college students, families, and tourists feel right at home. As a proudly women-owned, Asian-owned, and LGBTQ+ owned business, Red Bamboo fosters a community-focused environment that is celebrated as an inclusive, transgender safe space. This welcoming vibe, combined with the amazing food, is what makes so many people consider it a favorite.

Location and Accessibility

Red Bamboo is perfectly situated at 140 W 4th St, New York, NY 10012, USA, in the heart of the iconic Greenwich Village. Its location on West 4th Street, a stone's throw from Washington Square Park, places it in a prime spot surrounded by a lively mix of shops, bars, and theaters. This area is easily accessible via numerous subway lines, including the A, C, E, B, D, F, and M trains at West 4th Street – Washington Square station.

The restaurant offers several service options to accommodate everyone, including curbside pickup, delivery, takeout, and dine-in. For those who choose to visit in person, the venue has seating and a gender-neutral restroom, highlighting its commitment to being an inclusive space. While the restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours, it does accept reservations, which are highly recommended as there is often a wait. Paid and free street parking are available in the area, though public transit is the easiest option for most New Yorkers.

Services Offered

Red Bamboo provides a comprehensive range of services to ensure a seamless dining experience for all its customers.

Dine-in: Enjoy the cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere inside the restaurant with full table service.
Curbside pickup: A convenient option for a quick and easy grab-and-go meal.
Delivery: Have your favorite vegan comfort food delivered right to your door.
Takeout: Perfect for those who want to enjoy Red Bamboo's food at home or on the go.
Catering: For events and large gatherings, Red Bamboo offers catering services to bring its delicious food to your party.
Happy Hour: The restaurant offers both happy hour food and drinks, making it a great spot for an after-work get-together.
Reservations: Guests can call ahead to make a reservation, which is particularly useful for dinner as the restaurant is known to have a wait.

Features and Highlights

What makes Red Bamboo a standout destination in the NYC vegan scene?

Extensive and Diverse Menu: The menu is a feast for the senses, with an incredible variety of options that span different cuisines. From classic American soul food to Asian stir-fries and even Filipino favorites, there's something to satisfy every craving.
Realistic Mock Meats: The restaurant is famous for its mock meat and faux fish dishes, which are so flavorful and well-prepared that even meat-eaters have been impressed. The Creole Soul Chicken, in particular, is a fan favorite.
Great Cocktails and Wine: In addition to a full bar with beer and hard liquor, Red Bamboo is praised for its great wine list, offering a variety of options to perfectly pair with your meal.
Late-Night Food: The kitchen stays open late, making it a perfect spot for a late-night bite after a show or a night out.
Community Focus: Identifying as Asian-owned, LGBTQ+ owned, and women-owned, and being a designated transgender safe space, the restaurant has a strong sense of community and inclusivity.
Exceptional Dessert: Customers rave about the desserts, with the vegan tiramisu receiving particularly high praise as "the best vegan tiramisu ever."
Fast and Friendly Service: The staff is known for being "super sweet and nice" and providing fast service, adding to the overall positive dining experience.

Contact Information

To place an order, make a reservation, or learn more about Red Bamboo, you can contact them at the information below.

Address: 140 W 4th St, New York, NY 10012, USA

Phone: (212) 260-1212 or +1 212-260-1212

What is worth choosing

Choosing Red Bamboo is choosing to experience some of the most delicious and creative vegan comfort food in New York City. The menu is so vast that it can be a bit overwhelming, but the staff is happy to provide recommendations. Customers consistently praise the Creole Soul Chicken and the Almond Coconut Chicken, which are great entry points for those new to the restaurant. The Barbecue Buffalo Wings and the Cajun Fried Shrimp are also popular choices for their incredible flavor and realistic texture.

For a heartier meal, the main course options are where Red Bamboo truly shines. The Sizzling Pepper Steak Platter and the Southern Fried Chicken are excellent examples of how the restaurant masterfully replicates classic dishes. The Filipino Favorites section of the menu is a unique highlight, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes like Chicken and Pork Adobo in a plant-based format.

Beyond the main courses, you absolutely cannot skip dessert. The vegan tiramisu is a star, and it's a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. The reviews highlight it as a standout, and it's a perfect ending to an amazing meal. The drink menu is equally impressive, with a selection of cocktails and a great wine list, perfect for pairing with your meal.

The prices are considered reasonable, especially for the generous portion sizes, which is a significant plus in New York City. The combination of delicious food, a wide variety of menu options, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere makes Red Bamboo a special place. Whether you're a long-time vegan, a curious meat-eater, or just someone looking for a great meal in Greenwich Village, Red Bamboo offers a truly memorable and satisfying experience. It's not just a restaurant; it's a cornerstone of the community.

Red Bamboo Menu

starters
barbecue buffalo wings $18.00
our famous soy wings marinated in a spiced citrus BBQ sauce. served with vegan ranch dressing and celery sticks.
grilled bourbon chicken $14.00
jerk-marinated soy chicken grilled over an open fire. served with a side of sweet chili sauce.
creole soul chicken $12.00
our signature soy chicken nuggets panko-breaded with Cajun and rosemary seasoning and fried. served with hickory-smoked vidalia dressing.
collard green rolls $12.00
three fried rolls stuffed with sauteed collard greens and soy ham. Served with sweet chili dipping sauce.
chicken satay $14.00
skewered soy chicken charbroiled and marinated in coconut curry seasoning. Served with peanut chili dressing
crab rangoon $15.00
deep-fried wontons filled with shredded soy crab, scallions and vegan cheese. served with sweet chili dipping sauce.
fried zucchini and tofu $15.00
lightly battered and fried tofu and zucchini served with a side of spicy scallion and sesame Korean sauce
roti canai $10.00
indian crepe served with a soy chicken and potato coconut curry dipping sauce
asian dumplings $14.00
three steamed spinach dumplings filled with shredded soy protein, carrots and cabbage. served over mixed greens and soy-lime ginger dressing
dragonfly dumplings $14.00
three fried rice dumplings filled with shredded soy protein, carrots and cabbage. served over mixed greens and soy-lime ginger dressing.
spring rolls $8.00
two fried vegan rolls filled with cabbage, carrots and mushroom. served with vegan duck sauce.
caribbean jerk-spiced seitan $11.00
grilled seitan skewers marinated in a spiced lime-citrus dressing
curry wings $17.00
soy chicken drumsticks and potatoes tossed in a sweet coconut curry sauce.
edamame $7.00
steamed soy bean pods sprinkled with sea salt.
cajun fried shrimp $11.00
deep-fried soy shrimp seasoned with paprika. served with vegan cocktail sauce.
bamboo nuggets $14.00
garlic soy chicken nuggets fried and served with vidalia onion sauce.
popcorn chicken $12.00
fried soy chicken nuggets served with our homemade BBQ sauce.
popcorn shrimp $12.00
fried bite-sized soy shrimp. served with Sriracha mayo.
almond coconut chicken $14.00
crispy soy chicken strips breaded with toasted almonds and shaved coconut. served with sweet chili dipping sauce.

salads
house salad $12.00
mesclun mix, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, olives, cucumbers and mushrooms. Served with your choice of dressing.
kale salad $15.00
raw kale chopped and tossed with diced red onions, red and yellow peppers and our homemade lemon-citrus dressing.
caesar salad $17.00
seasonal green leaf lettuce tossed in our vegan Caesar dressing with homemade garlic croutons and topped with vegan parmesan.
greek salad $17.00
seasonal green leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, kalamata olives and vegan feta. served with a side of our tangy lemon herb vinaigrette.
wedge salad $17.00
iceberg lettuce wedge, chopped tempeh bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and crumbled vegan blue cheese with a side of ranch dressing.
fried chicken salad $17.00
mesclun mix, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, cucumbers and mushrooms topped with sliced breaded and fried soy chicken,
grilled jerk chicken salad $17.00
grilled jerk-marinated soy chicken served over mesclun mix, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, mushrooms and cucumber.

sandwiches + burgers
soul chicken sandwich $16.00
panko-breaded fried soy chicken nuggets with vegan mayo and vidalia dressing, lettuce and tomato. served on a ciabatta roll with fries or salad.
chicken cutlet sandwich $16.00
two breaded fried soy chicken cutlets with dijon mustard, vegan mayo, lettuce and tomato. served on ciabatta bread with fries or salad.
pulled pork sandwich $16.00
shredded smoked BBQ soy pork, sauteed with caramelized onions and sliced pickles on a sesame bun with fries and coleslaw.
classic BLT $16.00
organic tempeh bacon, lettuce, tomato and vegan mayo on whole wheat bread with fries or salad.
bamburger $11.00
vegan soy beef burger marinated and grilled. topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, caramelized red onions and vegan mayo on a sesame seed bun.

heroes
philly cheese steak $16.00
roasted soy beef slices sauteed with caramelized onions, BBQ sauce and melted vegan Daiya cheddar cheese. served on toasted hero bread.
barbecue steak hero $16.00
citrus-marinated soy beef chunks with caramelized onions, sliced mushrooms and vegan Daiya cheddar cheese. served on toasted hero bread.
eggplant parmesan hero $16.00
breaded and fried eggplant, vegan Daiya mozzarella cheese and our sweet basil marinara sauce. served on toasted hero bread.
chicken parmesan hero $16.00
breaded and fried soy chicken cutlets, vegan Daiya mozzarella cheese and our sweet basil marinara sauce. served on toasted hero bread.
meatball sub $15.00
Tender soy meatballs simmered in our basil marinara sauce and topped with NUMU mozzarella cheese. Served on toasted hero bread.

vegetable entrees
teriyaki vegetable stir fry $18.00
zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, squash, carrots and cauliflower sauteed in a sweet teriyaki glaze. side of brown or white rice.
red curry tofu $20.00
tofu sauteed with eggplant, snap peas, green beans, red and green peppers in a mildly spicy Thai red curry sauce. served with a side of white or brown rice.
black bean ginger stir fry $18.00
zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, squash, carrots, cauliflower and Cantonese black beans sauteed in a chile ginger glaze. side of brown or white rice.
vegetable tempura $18.00
broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, onions and peppers fried in a traditional tempura batter.
eggplant parmesan $16.00
lightly seasoned breaded eggplant smothered in a sweet basil marinara sauce. served with garlic toast and melted vegan Daiya mozzarella cheese.

noodles and pasta
veggie lo mein $18.00
vegan noodles sauteed with zucchini, squash, carrots, broccoli and snap peas.
spaghetti and meatballs $16.00
soy meatballs over a bed of pasta smothered in our special marinara sauce and served with garlic toast.
macaroni and cheese $17.00
elbow macaroni with vegan cheddar cheese
teriyaki chicken bowl $20.00
vegan pasta stir-fried with broccoli, snap peas, carrots, zucchini, teriyaki chicken and topped with sesame seeds.

main course
creole soul chicken $20.00
panko-breaded fried soy chicken with Cajun and rosemary seasoning. served with garlic mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed carrots, broccoli and corn on the cob.
grilled bourbon chicken $20.00
jerk marinated soy chicken grilled and served over mixed greens with sauteed collard greens and brown or white rice.
butterfly soy chops $22.00
lightly breaded soy pork chops topped with roasted apples and raisins. served with sauteed collard greens and raisins. served with sauteed collard greens with soy ham and garlic mashed potatoes with gravy.
southern fried chicken $24.00
herb-breaded soy chicken and two drumsticks served with sweet potato fries and collard greens with soy ham.
tonkatsu chops $18.00
deep fried gluten pork chops served with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, broccoli, squash, zucchini and cauliflower. served with a side of savory tonkatsu sauce.
spicy chicken with broccoli $20.00
wok fried with fresh chilies, peanuts, broccoli, red and green bell peppers. served with a side of brown or white rice.
mango chicken $20.00
slices of mango, grilled soy chicken, red onions, red and green peppers sauteed in a mildly spicy citrus sauce served in a mango shell with a side of brown or white rice.
cashew chicken $20.00
soy chicken chunks sauteed with carrots, broccoli, red and green bell peppers, cashews and a side of brown or white rice.
sweet and sour chicken $20.00
battered soy chicken sauteed with onions, pineapples, lychees, carrots, green and red bell peppers. served with a side of brown or white rice.
bamboo curry chicken $20.00
sauteed soy chicken and potatoes marinated in a Indian coconut curry sauce. served with steamed zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and white or brown rice.
sesame beef $19.00
grilled soy beef strips topped with sesame seeds and a side of steamed carrots, snap peas and broccoli. served with a side of brown or white rice.
dante's cuisine $18.00
black pepper soy beef medallions sauteed in our mushroom gravy. served with a side of asparagus spears, yellow squash, zucchini and garlic mashed potatoes and gravy.
steak and potatoes $20.00
vegan soy steak served with vegan buttered fingerling potatoes, roasted garlic French beans and sliced almonds.
sizzling pepper steak platter $22.00
black pepper steak sauteed with mushrooms and red and green peppers on a hot plate. topped with fried onion rings.
thai beef curry $20.00
massamam sweet coconut milk curry with a zip. shredded soy beef simmered with slow cooked potatoes, carrots and green beans. served with brown or white rice.
ginger beef $18.00
marinated soy beef stir-fried with garlic, scallions, ginger, carrots and sugar snap peas. served with a side of brown or white rice.
citrus beef $18.00
citrus soy beef stir-fried with red and yellow peppers, zucchini and yellow squash. served with brown or white rice.
szechuan beef $20.00
mildly spiced vegetarian peppered beef sauteed with Chinese chilies, broccoli, red and green peppers. served with a side of brown or white rice.
chicken parmesan $24.00
breaded soy chicken cutlets topped with vegan mozzarella cheese and a sweet tomato basil marinara sauce. Served on a bed of pasta with garlic bread.
barbecue ribs $19.00
flame-grilled soy strips served with a side of steamed carrots, broccoli, snap peas, garlic mashed potatoes and gravy.
coconut chicken $20.00
soy chicken delicately breaded with a crispy shredded coconut batter. paired with flame grilled pineapple slices and a side of white or brown rice.

specialty rice
garlic and scallion fried rice $14.00
traditional Filipino recipe sauteed with white rice, diced cloves of garlic and scallions.
ginger chicken fried rice $17.00
ginger marinated soy chicken sauteed with white ice, diced scallions, zucchini, yellow squash, red and yellow bell peppers.
vegetable fried rice $15.00
white rice sauteed with onions, zucchini, yellow squash, red and yellow bell peppers.
pineapple seafood fried rice $17.00
white rice sauteed with pineapple, zucchini, yellow squash, scallions, red and yellow bell peppers, soy fish, scallops, crab and shrimp.

filipino favorites
BBQ Pork Skewers $25.00
three seitan skewers marinated in our sweet and savory sauce then grilled to perfection. Served with garlic and scallion fried rice, lumpia shanghai, two fried eggs and mango salsa.
chicken and pork adobo $25.00
Soy chicken and seitan braised in a marinade of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and peppercorns. Served with garlic and scallion fried rice, lumpia shanghai, two fried eggs and mango salsa.
tortang talong (eggplant omelet) $25.00
two roasted eggplants dipped in vegan egg then pan fried until crispy. Popular Filipino breakfast. Served with garlic and scallion fried rice, lumpia shanghai, two fried eggs and mango salsa.
tocino $25.00
sweet seitan pork belly cured in sugar, garlic and soy sauce. Served with garlic and scallion fried rice, lumpia shanghai, two fried eggs and mango salsa.
kare kare $25.00
classic Filipino stew with soy oxtail, bok choy, eggplant and string beans in a thick savory peanut sauce. Served with garlic and scallion fried rice, lumpia shanghai, two fried eggs and mango salsa.
lumpia shanghai $12.00
crispy Filipino spring rolls filled with minced soy pork, celery, carrots, onion and cilantro. Served with a side of sweet chili sauce.

Red Bamboo Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned
Identifies as LGBTQ+ owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great dessert
Great wine list

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Free street parking
Paid street parking

Red Bamboo Photos

Red Bamboo Location

Red Bamboo

New York New York County New York W 4th Street

140 W 4th St, New York, NY 10012, USA

Red Bamboo Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 1949 user reviews.

buffalo wingsbbq wingsbroccolichicken parmcrab rangoonroti canaisweet and sour chickenbbq ribscutletvegan cake

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This place is 10/10 in terms of taste, staff and vibe. The food was delicious, loved it. The prices are reasonable and portion size is good.We ordered :Creole Soul Chicken - 8/10Almond Coconut - 8/10Tiramisu - 10/10 (The best vegan tiramisu ever)The staff is super sweet and nice, they recommend you the best.So visit here if you are in NYC.There are so many vegan dishes to try, you will be confused!100% recommended!
June 23 · Vinita Dugad
This place is great! I just think the food is very salty and/or a little sour. My mom came here when she was in collage! Still open and great! Other dishes are probably better than mine. I ordered the veggie lo mein.
July 09 · Shaany Raut
It's great to have a vegan alternative to Filipino food! As a very meat-centric culture, I was happy to try dishes that traditionally were off my plate. I can't wait to try other dishes there!!
June 04 · Rich L
Red Bamboo140 W. 4th. St.New York, NY 10012Buffalo Barbecue WingsVegetable TempuraGrilled Bourbon ChickenCoconut Chicken With Pineapple SlicesCreole Soul ChickenSizzling Pepper SteakOreo CheesecakeCoconut Custard CakeAppearance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️It is quite the feat to prepare scrumptious meat that isn’t actually meat. Serving American to International vegan cuisine, you will be blown away at how authentic everything tastes.The spicy, tangy, chewy wings are smothered in sauce. Don’t worry about biting into any bones because there’s only a wooden stick in the center that’s easy to remove.If you aren’t a fan of vegetables, the tempura will change your mind. The battered coated veggies was served piping hot. It put a new meaning to broccoli, peppers, and zucchini!The sizzling pepper steak arrived literally sizzling with smoke billowing from the skillet like a locomotive. Between the seasoning and sauce, you won’t go wrong.You won’t be disappointed with whichever chicken plate you desire. My personal favorite was the coconut chicken because of its crispiness with a touch of sweetness; pineapple is a strong backbone to this dish!Cheesecake Factory has a fierce competitor. Even though it’s not actually Oreos, The Oreo cheesecake is so delicious that I would have thought it was made using the prestigious Nabisco cookie!If you are looking for fine dining that is not prepared from animals or their byproducts, check out Red Bamboo. You won’t even notice a difference in this vegan utopia.#RedBamboo #veganfood #tempura #vegancheesecake #westvillagenyc #lowermanhattan #veganfoodporn
July 09 · Jeff T. Critic
I ordered the sweet and sour chicken and got it delivered. Online, it said that the soy “chicken” would be sautéed with the vegetables but they were all RAW (as seen in the picture)! I did the like the soy bits though. Additionally, the bottom of the container was watery…. As seen in the picture this made the bottom of several pieces wet and mushy. I received the sauce in a separate container and the portions were good but it is SO sweet and overwhelms the other flavors. I really wanted to like this restaurant and had been meaning to try for a while but this was disappointing. I ordered the vegan fried eggs that honestly looked sad. I literally never leave reviews but this baffled me. EDIT: I see the owners responded and I appreciate that. I understand the sauce was separated and had no issue but the vegetables were not cooked at ALL and the sauce was very overwhelming.
June 05 · nana28