SoHo Israeli Cafe With Hummus and Schnitzel on MacDougal

12 Chairs Cafe brings Middle Eastern cooking to 56 MacDougal Street in Soho, with a cozy, rustic setting and fresh plates made for sharing. The small dining room holds 10 to 12 tables, with seating arranged close together. Start with hummus, then choose eggplant stuffed pita, schnitzel, or roasted chicken and potatoes for the table.

Private gatherings can take over the space for up to 50 people, giving this little cafe another role beyond a regular meal. Parties of eight or more should fill out the event inquiry form. Reservations are available, and booking ahead is recommended for a meal in the dining room.

The cafe opens at 8 AM daily, closing at 11 PM Sunday through Thursday and staying open until midnight Friday and Saturday. That schedule leaves room for an early start or a later meal on those two evenings.