Mama's Cupboard
Tucked below street level, this Vietnamese spot serves banh mi by day and transforms into a cozy live jazz speakeasy at night.
- Mon – Wed, Sun, 11:30 – 20:00; Thu – Sat, 11:30 – 21:00
- $
- 235 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
- 4.4 (117 reviews)
Description
During the day, the kitchen turns out inexpensive comfort food like spring rolls, chicken rice, and rice bowls—with details like crispy tofu kept crunchy by being layered on top rather than mixed in. The vegetarian banh mi is portioned generously enough for two people to share, though the bread itself gets mixed reviews. While it functions as a clean, straightforward lunch spot, the space shifts its energy after 8 pm to accommodate the evening's music and drinks.