The Meatball Shop
(Now Closed)Italian Restaurant and Sandwich Spot$$$$
Lower East Side, New York
The experts at Food Network and Serious Eats recommend this place
612 Tips and reviews
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Ray LopesAugust 24, 2016If you like meatball sandwiches, DO NOT HESITATE a visit. The "built your own food" menu style is easy, fun and flexible so you can build whatever you like best. Small but great beer selection.
Village VoiceAugust 4, 2014Start out with the exemplary beef meatball hero: It's the best in town. The lamb meatballs, when available, are even better, and the pork's good, too, but skip the salmon balls and vegetarian balls. Read more
SunainaFebruary 12, 2015Perfectly seasoned balls that melt in your mouth making you want more. I tried the chicken balls with pesto and the pesto was a bit much for me. Next time I'm gonna try the marinara.
Serious EatsFebruary 21, 2013No matter how you choose to eat them, the meatballs are solid: juicy, well-seasoned, and tasty, if not life-changing. Very good with cheap beer.
Oh meatball shop, how I love thee. The classic beef, spicy pork, and vegetarian meatballs - all are made to perfection. Also can't go wrong with any of the sauces, though pesto is my personal fav.
New York HabitatNovember 1, 2011The classic meatballs here are definitely worth the wait. The menu comes with a black marker so just check off what you want and send it off. With so many options, the combinations are endless!
Brittany HicksMarch 14, 2015the staff is unreal. not only is the food obviously awesome, but every staff member is super fun, friendly and down for a late night dance party to kick ass hip hop music. skip the club and go here.
Jacob ForsterJuly 29, 2015As everyone said, spicy pork with spicy meat sauce is the best! Above all, don't leave without getting an ice cream sandwich. Pro tip, you can choose a different cookie on the top and bottom!
Cole KennedyJanuary 9, 2017It's almost hard to find on the menu, but for a few more dollars you can get rigatoni with your meatballs. Spicy pork with spicy meat sauce, by the way.
Travel + LeisureJune 4, 2013The mix-and-match menu of meatballs, sauces, and sides is worth the wait at this super-casual, deliciously simple spot. Save room for an ice cream sandwich on homemade cookies.
The chicken balls are ridiculously good. Pro-tip: get them with a fried egg on top. Heaven. The market salads are always fresh and on point.
Headlines and HeroesNovember 11, 2014Their menus are overflowing with every flavor, from Classic Beef to Spicy Pork, Chicken and Vegetable, and sauces like Classic Tomato, Spicy Meat Sauce, Mushroom Gravy, Parmesan Cream and Pesto.
James MarshallOctober 16, 2015Spicy pork, spicy meat sauce, on the hero. Provolone cheese. Get a slider of whatever the special is too. Mashed potatoes (I know) are excellent. Ice cream sandwiches are awesome.
Tony XerriFebruary 17, 2013There's almost 400+ repetitious tips about how good this place is. There's a reason for that. The only advice I can give is is to skip the table and eat at the bar. Amazing. Delicious. Phenomenal.
Mike OlsenMarch 4, 2013Get the spicy pork meatball with the spicy meat or mushroom sauce. The sangria is also great, get the quart size.. it comes in an old fashioned milk bottle!!
Adrienne SMarch 23, 2012One of my all time favs on the LES. Esp the lamb balls when they have them. there's always a wait so I usually get take out. The ice cream sandwiches and sides are yummy too. (4 of 4 petals via Fondu) Read more
After 25 visits, I feel qualified to say spicy pork/spicy meat is best or chicken/pesto. Try all the sides & if the special ice-cream is dulce de leche, sandwich it between any cookies and enjoy.
I just can't stop ordering the spicy pork meatballs with the spicy meat sauce & spaghetti underneath. YUM. Make sure to check out the specials on the chalkboard & be ready to wait if you want a table.
Food NetworkAugust 15, 2011On Meat & Potatoes, host Rahm Fama stops by The Meatball Shop, a meat-lover's spot that's open late into the night and tries the special goat meat Billy Balls. Find more tips at Food Network Local. Read more
Dana OMalleyFebruary 18, 2013Carafe of the Malbec. Spicy pork balls w/ spicy pork sauce smash. Get whatever roasted veg they're offering as a side. Snickerdoodle with vanilla ice cream sandwich. Start ticking that menu, sailor.- The pesto is heaven. They change their salads, vegetables, and other menu options weekly. The naked balls are great as a start. But seriously, try the pesto. It's crazy good.
Stephanie S.December 27, 2012Beef with spicy meat sauce on a bun! veggie meatballs with pesto were good as well. Looking forward to trying out the other meatballs and sauces. Fast service. Only negative is area's super tight.
Katie MillerJuly 29, 2012Can get really busy but it's worth the wait. I recommend getting "everything but the kitchen sink" with your favorite balls. Chef will pick some delicious sides. Also, get the cookbook, great recipes!
Anneliese GartnerApril 12, 2013Service was amazing. I recommend the sliders, I had the chicken with Parmesan sauce and the vegetable with mushroom sauce. Must try the dessert; brownie walnut cookie with vanilla ice cream
Steven YAugust 7, 2014Start with the spicy pork meatballs with classic tomato sauce, get a side of spinach and finish it off with the chocolate cookie ice cream sandwich with vanilla
Get my favorite: beef meatballs with pesto sauce on top of risotto.
Richard RevillaMarch 22, 2015Great way to mix a meal 4 meatballs with a side and you pick the sauce. Brunch on weekends till 4.
Jack SiegelSeptember 4, 2018What can I say that hasn't already been said? This place rocks on all cylinders; from music, to service to taste and quality of thier balls. You have to be here.
Finish In 4May 19, 2012Spicy meatball's and other assorted goodies are a party in your mouth! The menu's layout give lots of choices. Not a big fan of cookies and ice-cream but if you are they look like the cat's meow too.
Shiri LaraOctober 26, 2016The Kitchen sink is a very sizeable portion. I added the egg thinking it would be dinky but I was off the money on that one!
Michael AnthonyApril 20, 2019Had heard about this place forever and wanted to go. Finally got there and it lived it up to the hype for the most part. Fairly priced, delicious meatballs!
MelAugust 8, 2014Great meatballs, parm sauce is quite thin, rigatoni cooked al dente. Tattooed bar tender was amazing. Really cares about her work. Great Moscow mule.
AyinMay 30, 2015I just found my perfect meatball triumvirate: mole chicken, chicken with pesto, and chicken with spicy meat sauce!
Katherine KruegerAugust 23, 2014Are you a man who likes the company of your man friends? Come here for meat and potatoes comfort food. Try the daily risotto and mashed potatoes as sides.- A BCDAugust 5, 2015Yummy restaurant with a meatball-focus. Lets you mix and match balls and spaghetti and subs and stuff. There's a few other locations around the city.
- A BCDAugust 5, 2015Yummy restaurant with a meatball-focus. Lets you mix and patch balls and spaghetti and subs and stuff. There's a few other locations around the city.
Vivian LeeOctober 30, 2012need to come back here for those amazing meatball sandwiches. i tried the veggie one, and it was amazing!!! and definitely crowded when i went there, and a friendly bartender.
Joshua ChanJuly 1, 2015Their grapefruit ale is perfect combination with their balls. I recommend The Kitchen for a lighter and more refreshing meal. Their parmesan or their mushroom gravy is a must try.- Guest of a GuestFebruary 8, 2012The Shop offers a wide assortment of meatballs (e.g. beef, vegetable, spicy pork, buffalo chicken), sauces, and sandwich options to appease consumers of any culinary persuasion. Now in 3 locations!
amNewYorkOctober 25, 2011There are also several cookies to choose from - peanut butter, coconut macaroon (feel free to mismatch the top and bottom cookies), plus ice cream flavors such as strawberry, mint and espresso.- Village VoiceAugust 4, 2014The various combinations of cookies and ice cream made into dessert sandwiches are wonderful. Read more
Stabitha ChristieJanuary 20, 2013The wait for a table here can be extreme, but it's worth it every time. Etiquette tip: Don't linger at your table forever when you're done so someone else can be seated.
Rich GallagherAugust 31, 2011Mull how there is a meatball place in NYC that is so successful, then, try the meatballs and understand why. I recommend giving the special a try - I had the buffalo meatball and was blown away.
Maya PerrySeptember 3, 2014Great Moscow Mule, even more incredible meatballs. Get full on great food and a reasonable price.
I see meatballs in a whole new light no matter which one u get.ur experiencing excellence the side dishes are yummy the vibe and crowd are trendy. If u wanna eat not wait go during the week and early
Fatou BahOctober 12, 2014Heavenly meatballs! The mushroom gravy sauce over the meatballs with mashed potatoes were to die for. Great pumpkin beer as well.
Alp OzcelikJune 1, 2014I always go for the classic beef with the mushroom sauce: so comforting, so tasty. Get a side of mashed potatoes as well.
Chris LopezMay 10, 2012You can't go wrong with any of the choices! Their specials are always good too! The DESSERT is a MUST! Chocolate chip with vanilla sandwich is my choice.
Stephanie PatafioMay 12, 2011The mushroom gravy is amazing. If you get your balls over greens add on a Family Jewels. Why not? And save room for dessert. Don't leave without trying the peanut butter cookie. Amaze ballz!!!
Daniel AzevedoAugust 7, 2012Great service, friendly staff. The spicy meatballs + mushroom sauce are really good. Next time in NYC I'll return for sure.
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The Meatball Shop
84 Stanton St (btwn Allen & Orchard St)
New York, NY 10002
United States
New York, NY 10002
United States
The Meatball Shop is an unpretentious sustainably focused restaurant pioneering simple and locally sourced fast comfort food. In short; we make balls!
Permanently closed (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 5:00 PM–1:00 AM
- Fri
- 5:00 PM–2:00 AM
- Sat
- 11:30 AM–2:00 PM
- 5:00 PM–2:00 AM
- Sun
- 11:30 AM–Midnight
(212) 982-8895
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Music
No
Restroom
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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