In the eight months since opening alongside the Williamsburg Bridge, Moscow 57 has established itself as a fun and inviting nightlife destination on the Lower East Side. The one-of-a-kind restaurant, bar and live performance venue doesn’t feel like a new spot, but one that’s been part of the neighborhood fabric for years. Until now, however, something’s been missing: a full-fledged food menu.
All of this time, partners Ellen Kaye, Seth Goldman and Ethan Fein have had to make a go of it without a fully functioning kitchen. But now, after months of delays, the gas has been turned on and Moscow 57 has debuted new dinner, late night and weekend brunch menus.
Even without the ability to cook most hot food items, the restaurant turned out a variety of satisfying dishes, including several interesting salads and sandwiches, smoked fish, kebabs, caviar and, of course, borscht. From the beginning, Kaye planned to offer a menu reminiscent of the old Russian Tea Room, which her parents operated for many years, while adding Central Asian and Georgian specialties. Now the vision is complete.
On the dinner menu, you will find classics such as: Chicken Kiev; Pelmeni, Russian dumplings with dill chicken broth sour cream and mustard; and Musrooms al la Russe, baked in a sour cream sauce and gruyere. There’s also Georgian Chicken Chakhobili (a tomato-based stew), Tajin Samak (red snapper with bay leaves), Pistachio Shrimp (marinated in wine) and Beef Stoganoff.
If you tend to crave breakfast-like dishes in the late night hours, you’re in luck at Moscow 57. “Late night diner specials” include lox and eggs, Russian salami and eggs and steak and eggs. Just to add a bit more multicultural flair, Chef Adan Moran offers up a “midnight burrito,” served with scrambled eggs, avocado and tomatoes, as well as dishes like Huevos Rancheros and nachos.
Moscow 57 has also added weekend brunch. There’s a generous smoked fish plate with bialy from Kossar’s, potato pancakes, over-sized blintzes stuffed with cherries and cheese or apples, and a full complement of egg dishes. You can count on being entertained any time you walk into the restaurant. Sunday brunch features singer Grace Garland, who was charming the crowd with cabaret classics when we stopped by last week. There’s a nightly performance lineup that you can check out here.
By the way, Moscow 57 is producing a grassroots radio show from the restaurant on Sunday evenings. It’s fun to hang out in the audience or you can listen on WVOX Radio and online.
If you missed our profile of Moscow 57 this past spring, you can check it out here.
Moscow 57 is located at 168 1/2 Delancey St. The restaurant is open Wednesday-Saturday from 5 p.m.-2 a.m. and Sundays from 5 p.m.-midnight. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Went for a drink the other night. Was fun with free jazz and other music.