Kafana
“It really blows my mind how Serbian-Croatian-Bosnian food hasn't took off in NYC yet.”
“I had a spinach pie for appetizer which was pretty good, and for entre I had quail and lima beans, which was fantastic.”
“The walnut stuffed, bacon wrapped prunes are addictive, as are the various sausages.”
Kafana
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
Rate and write a review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
If all the world could taste Kafana's sausages there would be no war. There would also be no hunger, because this meat will stay with you for days to come – like a heavy, comforting sausage brick. I'm getting sleepy just thinking about it.
Came to Kafana the other week with a real Serb (do that – the staff is all Serbian and it's awesome to hear someone order in the language) and essentially devoured the menu. We ordered everything I couldn't pronounce, from the feta salad to the spinach and feta pie to the bacon-wrapped chicken liver dates to the sausage over traditional Serbian baked beans. And then we ordered these little sausages. Oh, the little sausages. I want to have a plate of those near me always.
A glass or two of Serbian wine and spirits later and I was euphoric. And comatose.
So if you're looking for an authentic Serbian feast in an adorable hole-in-the-wall candlelit restaurant, it doesn't get much better than Kafana.
I came here last night.
What I Like About this Place:
-It's SERBIAN FOOD……. which I have never had!
-It is far enough out of the way that locals or people who know about this spot only come here so its not overly crowded.
-Dim lighting, great atmosphere and speedy service.
-Exposed brick walls…. I'm a sucker what can I say?
What We Ate:
-Jagnjeca Kapama – Lamb & spinach stew- This is served hot with a side of sour cream, which might sound a little odd but its amazing!!! This was a surprise of tastiness.
– Stuffed Cabbage- this one was also tasty but I'll stick to mine.
To Drink:
-Prokupac, Triada, Vino Budimir, Serbia 2007- I have never had a Serbian Red before. It was good!!!
I would go back!
Great place for Balkan food. The menu contains many choices that cannot find anywhere else in the city, as this is the only Serbian restaurant in NYC.
Ordered the following:
Veal soup: very hearty with a hint of parsley. Contains celery roots.
Sautéed Swiss chard: nice balanced flavor.
Grilled stuff plum and chicken liver wrapped in bacon: very interesting combination, perfectly grilled.
Their dining room is kind of packed so it's better to sit outside if possible.
I always appreciate authentic Serbian food (my sister-in-law is Serbian). If you dare, try the Serbian burger stuffed with ham and cheese. It will literally melt in your mouth and leave you feeling full and satiated for the rest of the day.
I would also recommend their house wine, which had an orange tint to its appearance. I'm not sure why, but it was something new to try for me.
And when the weather is warm, they open the entire side facing the street so you're basically dining inside but outside!
Came here for a late weekday dinner around 830 and there were plenty of tables available for 2. Had the meat combo and the pita with labneh. That labneh cheese is the best thing I've discovered in a while, so light and tasty especially with warm pita straight out of the oven. The meat combo was an overwhelming platter of sausages, pork chop and other slices of meat. Meat is great but it was just TOO much meat with little other complementary sides to offset it. The quality and taste were just okay. It came with a little side of salad but it didn't help make the dish any better. Love the pita with labneh but meat plate left much to be desired.
The fixed menu is a great idea for group/birthday parties! All is served family-style and you get to try just about everything including dessert, sausage, spinach pie, etc! Make sure to save room starting with appetizers because the meat comes out later. The Serbian beer is not bad (light, mellow)! It's cash only (bring a lot)!
Food was quite good. Not bad, but nothing to write home about. More American-Serbian than authentic Serbian honestly. Ajvar was good. Rakija was good. Had the meat platter for two – good portion and good value for money.
Service was good and quick. Atmosphere was nice as it was a Sunday evening. Reasonably priced. Would recommend.
I can see how this place has great reviews as it is an independent business and therefore does deserve plenty of credit for doing something original and having great interior decor. I am sure that the wine selection is great for those who partake in alcohol, so my review may be better if I was part of that crowd. However, as far as the food and service is concerned, there are simply much better food options nearby. I had the minced meat links, which were somewhat like breakfast sausage except with less flavor. The menu didn't really have the variety I would expect (I was born in that part of the world and travel there frequently). My plate was basically some links and bread for 13 bucks excluding the tip (also a small amount of spread and some cut up onion). Service was fast but extremely inattentive (no follow up after food was served, no water was poured – had to ask someone other than my server for water, I felt like I was interrupting when I needed to order and when I needed the check). I was sat down and promptly forgotten. Apart from the links and the bread, there was some plain cut up onion on the side (why?) and the roasted pepper spread was of course delicious, but I didn't get enough of it and nobody cared to ask if I would like more. No credit cards accepted, which is unacceptable for a restaurant that wants to charge a premium for being cute and cozy. If you want this type of ethnic food (without the cute cozy atmosphere and you just want to eat like a hungry guy) go to big arc chicken on 14th.