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Life Cafe - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch American (New), Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
343 E 10th St(between Avenue A & Avenue B)
New York, NY 10009
Neighborhoods: East Village, Alphabet City
(212) 477-8791
- Nearest Transit:
-
1 Av (L)
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
135 reviews for Life Cafe
Review Highlights
"try the huevos rancheros - to die for."
(in 15 reviews)
"...is the restaurant made famous in the "La Vie Boheme" song."
(in 6 reviews)
"And their sweet potato fries were yum."
(in 13 reviews)
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135 reviews in English
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Review from Line B.
10/22/2011
I have never seen Rent, I am not a Rent head but I have been here several times and when I was about to write this place a review I was saddened to read that the place has closed. I had some fun times at this place and I am and will always be a fan of their veggie-chili and their HUGE desserts - I love my sugar.
The atmosphere at this place is unique and very warm. I only had one experience where I really wanted to hit the waitress really hard, but that is what tips show ;) She did not get any from me that night because she was so rude that the people that had been invited to eat dinner with me and my boyfriend felt VERY uncomfortable. I guess she just had a bad night for the previous times I had been there she had been a great waitress, happy and welcoming.
I hope that they will be able to open up again before I get back to New York, this is definitely a place I would like to come back to one day. -
Review from Joi B.
10/15/2011
Closed? Are you effing kidding me?!?!
True story time: Life Cafe was a staple in my life since... that shitty play Rent was advertised on poorly copied flyers they'd paste in the windows.
That's right goddamn that play (I'm trying to figure out where I can find the page so I can review it, but do a search for "Rent" in NYC and you can only imagine). I blame Rent for making Life go from a pretty cool spot to stave off a hangover on a late Sunday afternoon at brunch (god, the service was always shitty, wasn't it?) into a place for glossy locked and bright eyed young 'uns to experience the so-called and long lost bohemian NYC lifestyle. Newsflash: it was gone long before Rent hit the stage in the mid 90s. Hell, it was barely still around in 91 when that play takes place. (Did I mention how much I HATE THAT PLAY?!!!) I recall the "Rentheads"-dear god- would sit with unbridled excitement at an adjacent table while there I was under the haze of a lousy bloody mary and bitter coffee, waiting an hour for my food to finally arrive. Don't even get me started on the tofu stir fry. But at least they had vegan stuff when there wasn't much around.
Life Cafe *was* an institution. The service sucked back in the day but then they tried to make it better once it became a tour bus stop. The food pretty much was edible or it sucked. There were decent specials and then the prices became ridiculous, can't blame 'em, but I still kept going right up until I moved out of NY 2 years ago.
Here's to the memories.
God, I'm old.Listed in: New York City Nostalgia
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Review from Alouise D.
9/20/2011
Why is it that we never appreciate something until it's too late?
Life is a funny thing. I actually went here last year when I was visiting New York. Yes I went for Rent, I'll admit to be a Renthead. I wanted to see the restaurant that had become so infamous. I wanted to go in and check out the vibe the cafe had. So I stopped by on a quiet afternoon.
First I really like the decor, and I loved the painted on Life magazine covers on the front of the bar. I loved the Rent section (obviously) but I didn't sit there. I felt silly for taking pictures, but I'm sure the staff have gotten used to that. My server was friendly, and the food was fine (I got the eggplant parm). Overall the vibe I got here was good, friendly, relaxed.
I took a couple postcards that they had in the washroom - one for me and one for my friend who is also a Renthead. I know they have another location, but I hope they are able to reopen the East Village location, so other people/Rentheads can experience the original Life Cafe. -
Review from Kaeleigh E.
1/17/2012
Yes, I am a Rent-head and so I flocked to the Life Cafe upon my first trip to NYC. Glad to know how much everyone hated me for being there, just because of being a Rent-head!!
I digress.... I really loved this spot and I'm sad to see that it's closed. We just had a copule of hot beverages on a cold day and it was cozy and unique and wonderfully perfect. Too bad I won't be able to go back when I return next month. -
Review from Katie W.
Manhattan, NY
1/1/2012
Sad this place closed. Went in the summer of 2009 (sorry for delayed review - starting on my 2012 resolution of giving back to yelp instead of just taking) and got the pre-fix brunch. It included a cocktail and was only about $13 bucks so great deal and the food was OK. The best part was the scenery in the garden where we were sitting. Hope they open back up in time for the summer!
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Review from Fallopia T.
Manhattan, NY
9/19/2011 1 photo
I'm sad to hear Life is closed, but not really surprised. A recent Villager article-- http://www.thevillager... --they say it's temporarily closed; we'll see. The scaffolding has been over the space for over a year now, and reportedly really hurt business. The place next door, Ninth Street Espresso, is probably doing better because people almost always need a place to park their dogs when they run in for their caffeine fix, and the scaffolding gives them an extra place to tie them.
I hadn't gone here for a few years because truthfully there wasn't much for a vegan to eat. Typically the menu would feature a lot of meat and cheese and have a token vegan dish in case someone vegan was dining with friends--although, fortunately there was the famous vegetarian chili. Naturally you can always get pasta or a salad, and, I hope, work with the kitchen on veganizing an existing menu item. For breakfast you could get a tofu scramble, but it was much more expensive than the eggs-and-toast breakfast special. (And "a glass of orange juice the size of your pinkie"--no, that was from a Frank Zappa song.)
I hadn't eaten here in a long time, but I've been a two-blocks-away neighbor for about 20 years and this was a pretty iconic place. Not only were scenes from the much-hyped RENT filmed here, but the place was founded by real junkies from the hood, man! How romantic! I did always like the découpaged LIFE magazine covers decorating the place and was glad they never really renovated. And Life did receive a Proclamation from the city a few years ago.
Actually, I knew Life had its financial ups and downs for a long time; Kevin from the now-defunct Superior Copy would tell me that Life's business had fallen off, and thus their orders had fallen off--and this was in the 90s. I'd like to see them reopen, and if they do, I'll certainly go there. Promise.
[ETA: I met the owner outside the other day while I was waiting for the 10th street bus; they definitely were forced to close by their sh*tty landlord--DSA Realty--because of his neglect, a lintel fell off the window of the building next door and a "Police Line--Do Not Cross" tape was drawn around it while a construction crew removed the debris. Life straddles two buildings and so has two landlords, who hate each other; the buildings suffer for it.]Listed in: Damn, I love my neighborhood
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Review from Tina C.
7/31/2011 3 photos
Learn from yesterday
Live for today
Hope for tomorrow
Be the change
RENT was film in this diner for selected scenes of the musical and movie. Jonathan Larson the creator of RENT whose photo and bio are displayed along with the cast head register books, among other memorabilia.
Following Sunday morning's service where myself and two women who of good faith with an amazing aurora, gathered for brunch. With great disappoint, I never saw the musical or movie as it is no longer running on Broadway. The food was good albeit my classic burger was messy but filling to hold substance. Service is attentive and efficient. Price is reasonable to segue the struggling young/mid adult scenery of the overall movie/broadway plot which greatly accomodates patrons in today's ailing economy. Life Cafe perfectly suit the vibe of East Village, Alphabet City.
Enjoy life! -
Review from Becky F.
Manhattan, NY
7/20/2011
Just moved to the neighborhood, and happy to have Life Cafe as a local sure thing where we can bring visiting friends. The London Buck is a delish, refreshing drink on a hot night, and a great counter part to some of their richer comfort foods. Hubs got the fried chicken with sausage gravy and biscuits which was a hit. I ordered the veggie burger- not my fave veggie burger I've ever had, but that's what I get for trying to be "healthy but not THAT healthy."
The seating on the sidewalk is kind of close quarters- we left when our neighboring patron turned into a petulant child and sent his food back twice and complained he didn't have his drink yet (it was sitting right in front of him).
I'll be back, but maybe I'll try the garden seating next. -
Review from Cecilia Z.
New York, NY
6/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the worst brunch experiences I've had recently. Or possibly ever...
The vegan scramble I got was a tiny portion of maybe 4 chunks of tofu, and some chopped green bell peppers, spinach and tomatoes. The hash browns I got on the side were very mushy and limp, without any crunchy edges that's almost necessary to make hash browns taste good. The food was edible, but definitely not unlike what you can find at any typical diner. The bf's steak, eggs and grits with gravy were just average at best. The grits was strangely gummy and pasty, reminiscent of Elmer's glue. Not that I'd know what Elmer's glue tastes like...
The restaurant was also extremely out of shape and old. There were cracks on the ceiling, flies were circling the dining room and the restroom was absolutely disgusting. The only redeeming part about the meal was that the waitress was nice, even though service was slow.
Damn, I just wish we weren't so hungry that we actually settled for this place blindly.Listed in: Brunchin' Around
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Review from Joelle B.
CANAL STREET, NY
11/13/2011
I have always loved Life Cafe. I hope they are only closed temporarily. I will fondly remember summers in their outdoor cafe, sipping margaritas and nibbling on that fabulous vegan burrito with soy cheese. I'm getting choked up :(
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Review from Jinna W.
Manhattan, NY
4/17/2011
I seriously fell in love with this place.
Maybe its the magical combination of cozy spring weather, sunshine, soft wind, an awesome camera, and the company of an even more awesome friend - but Sunday morning brunch was one of the best experiences I had since coming to NYC.
After an adventure in Stuy-town (we almost got stuck in a swamp! more on that later), my friend Travis and I strolled around the East Village looking for a cafe with outdoor seating so we can bask in the sunlight.
This little place on the corner of 10th and B was pretty busy, which usually means the food is very good, so we went and seated ourselves.
The cute waitress with tattoos and bracelets brought over the brunch menus. For $15 dollars, you can get a big-portioned meal with your choice of a mimosa, bloody Mary, Screwdriver, PLUS coffee or tea. I ordered the Huevos Merida which had guac and toast while Travis ordered the Huevos Rancheros.
The food was delicious and the drinks were refreshing. The waitress was super attentive without being overbearing. She brought us hot sauce when we needed it without us even having to ask.
Across the street is a playground/park so you can observe the athletic villagers while you gorge yourself on cheesy-carby concoctions.
Did I mention you get complimentary cornbread? Pure awesomeness. -
Review from Tannar V.
New York, NY
8/14/2011
Today was my first time here, at Life Cafe. I'd heard way too much about it to pass it by on yet another lunch crawl.
My expectations we're exceeded and I actually had a dining experience that even thumbs-up reviews from friends hadn't prepared me for.
For lunch, I had the blackened chicken sandwich with a salad and beer for $14 - great price, hearty portion, cold sweet beer that went great with the spiciness of the chicken. And even for a side salad, the veggies were crisp and flavorful, accompanied by a citrusy house dressing.
Right away, I felt comfortable here. The music was interesting and not too loud, the seating was spacious and gently worn in, and the aged Life magazine wallpaper against black walls written on in chalk gave off a casual vibe that assured the place has obviously been around for a while.
The food was extra-affordable, and I'd give it a high-8, or mid-9 for lunch from a place that has a beer on tap called "Brooklyn Concoction."
Best of all though, was our super amazing server, Annie. She went from table to table relating with different customers intuitive of their moods and limitations. Obviously, she was spot on picking out my friend and I as inappropriate little pisses who are wildly entertained by the absurd. Annie was perfectly courageous, outspoken, funny as hell and ready with a witty quip every time she returned to our table. She was willing to joke with us and laugh at the bullshit stuff we were saying. She was down-to-earth, respected the time we took enjoying our lunch, and was adequately attentive. Annie was a great waitress, but also seemed like a great person in general who I'd see myself slapping a high-five on a street corner.
I'm proud to Yelp! about Life Cafe and my super-duper lunch here. I'd recommend this place to anyone on all fronts - value, charm and quality of food. This place is kick-ass, and I'll definitely be sitting down here again as soon as possible. -
Review from christine a.
New York, NY
Updated - 6/21/2011
Seems something has changed here. Menu is brand new and shorter. No Sangria. All the waitstaff is new.
Skip the stir fry -- it was mushy and lacked flavor. And the margarita tastes like a mix.
But they still have sweet potato fries!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2010
Nice cafe with a wide selection for vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters. The food is dependable. The… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer G.
New York, NY
5/13/2011
outdoor seating and a garden space.
amazing brunch!
Choc chip pancakes are tasty.
good people watching.
always a crowd. -
Review from Keith T.
4/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had a first date over brunch here last weekend. The date gets at least 4 stars, but that didn't have a whole lot to do with the Life Cafe. The food was pretty good, the atmosphere was nice and chill and the service was very satisfactory. But $14.95 for 3 pancakes with berries and 2 cups of coffee? It seemed high. Maybe it's because the food is all fresh & organic and whatnot. Maybe it's because they think, "You're in the home of La Vie Boheme and you'll pay whatever the hell we want you to pay." Maybe it would've been less noticeable if I'd thrown back a few mimosas.
Like I said, everything was fine and I left full and happy. I just feel like I could have gotten the same brunch elsewhere for less money (and without a cab ride across town from my place in the West Village).
Also, I know they technically have outdoor seating, but when I went, there was scaffolding on the building, dousing the outdoor area into chilly shade. It's a pity, because it was a gorgeous day. -
Review from Jason G.
5/1/2011
Big fat meh! The bloody mary was gross. It came in layers, and when I hit the pure vodka layer, I nearly puked. It was basil-infused vodka. God, what were they thinking?
I ordered huevos rancheros, and got a greasy plate of goop that will haunt me for days. -
Review from Rita K.
Long Island City, NY
4/20/2011
2.5 stars
Upon entering the place, I get the impression it looks a bit dark and dull. We met up with a group and received 2 glasses of water. Ordered chicken and waffle and turkey burger.
Turkey burger came with sweet potato fries (my request). The fries were burnt and flimsy. I don't know whether that's how sweet potato fries should look like? We weren't given any condiments except for a small plate of thousand island dressing. Honestly I'm eating frozen Applegate Farm turkey burger now and it tastes better than the burger I had last night.
Then about 10 minutes later, the chicken and waffle arrived. I was perplexed. It came on an orange plate and comprises of one waffle and one strip of chicken breast resting on top of the waffle. THAT"S IT! The busboy didn't even look at me, probably thought I was a sucker.
I asked for the maple syrup and it tasted nothing like maple syrup, hey, at least it's a syrup. Not that it did anything to make the meal taste better. The waffle looked and tasted like an eggo waffle. I forced myself to finish it because that cost me a damn $10.99 plus tax and tips.
After talking and socializing with friends, I asked for the bill, it came 27 bucks. They added 20% gratuity which is fine, whatever, we were a big group. Only the service wasn't great. They only refilled my water once and I had to ask water in numerous occasions.
Regardless I had a great time with my group there, so I bumped it to 2 stars. I round it down because I definitely had experienced better food, better service and better ambiance. -
Review from Josh L.
New York, NY
5/11/2011
Let me preface this by saying I used to enjoy going here a few times a week for breakfast. I would always get the recession special which I still think was a great value.
That said, this place lost my business last month. It was pouring rain outside and I arrived with my laptop at 9:45 a.m. The doors were open but some chairs were up, so I walked to the kitchen and asked the guys in there if it was ok if I sat down. They said it was fine. So I sat down, took out my laptop, plugged it in, and logged onto the internet. At 9:50, one of the waiters walked over to me and said I couldn't be in there and had to leave for the 10 minutes until they opened. So I packed up my computer, walked out into the storm, and decided not to go back there. -
Review from Mike J.
12/24/2010
I'm a Rent-head and I can't believe I've never been here as this is the restaurant made famous in the "La Vie Boheme" song ... WINE AND BEER!!!
Definitely get a bowl of the chili - either veggie or meaty and with or without cheese.
You can't miss the chocolate and bananas crepe - SO f'ing huge!
Check out their different daily specials including half-price wine-bottle night, vinyl night with mystery beer and Action Movie $10 pitcher ( Brooklyn Lager or Kelso Pilsner ) Tuesdays.
I was disappointed by the sweet potato fries but definitely give thumbs up to the service. -
Review from Mark M.
New York, NY
11/8/2010
Full disclosure: Living in the neighborhood, I avoid the crowded weekend brunch scene so can't comment on that. And because this was for years the ONLY restaurant east of Ave A, I give them a lot of credit.
I've always liked the bohemian look and feel of this cafe, and it's a great spot to sit outside and watch a little of the world go by, with Tomkins Square Park across the street to the South and the only-recently civilized Ave B to the East.
I almost always order the Life Salad, and it never gets old. It changes with the seasons, but is always a delicious, heaping mound of healthy vegetables and tofu over mesclun with rice, beans, and tahini sauce.
Their Southern Fried chicken is extra crispy and tasty, and I've never been disappointed by the old fashioned meatloaf.
I'd give them 5 stars if it weren't for their overpriced beer and wine. -
Review from alexandra f.
New York, NY
1/3/2011
One of my closest friends will kill me when she sees this review of Life Cafe. I'm sorry, Katie.
I've dined here on several occasions the service always being spotty, down right terrible or mildly decent.
If you have a Rent-head friend who insists on dining here, here's what to order:
-Avocado, tomato and brie (ask to swap the Swiss) on whole grain. Plain fries. The sweet potato are funkified.
--French toast and bananas (it's better than getting 4 and 40 out of your hedge fund manager, truuuuust me)
Don't order:
--Huevos Rancheros. I hear that is devastating news since it's mentioned in a Rent song. Sorry, dude. Gave me wicked heartburn.
--Cobb Salad. They definitely do not wash their greens, naw mean?
--Bloody Mary. This was like slurping on hot sauce. No bueno. -
Review from BeeryMcGymrat X.
New York, NY
3/21/2011
The foods okay and the prices are what you would expect for the East Village. Some dishes are better then others, def look at other customers plates to figure out what you want. The french toast looks boss, but the other breakfast and mexican themed food I've had there was pretty boring. Service is subpar and the place gets a little loud when full.
I do not give a shit that some dude wrote "Rent" here. NYC is like four hundred years old, there's plenty of meaningful history elsewhere.
This joint is just a generic restaurant with a bar. -
Review from Mensa M.
Manhattan, NY
8/9/2011
Sucky, boring menu (meatloaf? really? best you got?), sub-par food, not enough chairs to accomodate the group, and 2 accidental run-ins with the ex keep me AWAY from Life Cafe!
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Review from Erin G.
Brooklyn, NY
9/1/2011
We had one bartender that was amazing but then another worker was BEYOND RUDE! So strange!
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Review from Caroline B.
Manhattan, NY
6/23/2011
I have mixed feelings about Life Cafe--the food is good, the outdoor seating is perfect at night with a drink in hand and I love "Rent." haha The service is always surly, though, and the place seems dirty.
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Review from Andrew W.
New York, NY
7/24/2010
Went here for brunch. An overpriced disappointment, considering what else there is on offer in the E. Village.
The food is sad and greasy, and the service slow and disinterested. I would perhaps go back for a drink, but steer clear of the food. No one in my party was impressed with the food, but others found it passable.
Of note Life Cafe was recently closed for a day or two last week (7/12), some say it was due to a Restaurant Inspection, which is certainly likely given they had 39 violation points on 6/11/10 (28 or over is bad).
Glad my dining experience was just days before the temporary closure; now I have a feeling what I should contribute my ill stomach to. -
Review from John M.
8/27/2010 1 photo
Great, Fun Cafe in Alphabet City!
Food - 4 Stars / Service - 5 Stars / Atmosphere - 4.5 Stars
We were here on a Sunday afternoon after church. We had a great lunch! This is the cafe famous for being in the movie version of "Rent."
We had a very nice salad, and our friends had their famous hamburgers. The salad had nice, fresh greens, vegetables and dressing.
The service was among the friendliest in New York City, the decor is fun and inviting, and the windows allow in wonderful light!
Recommended! -
Review from Abby M.
Brooklyn, NY
3/19/2011
Went to Life Cafe last night for a relaxed "happy hour" with friends and was not impressed...First of all, their concept of happy hour is not so happy. Only $2 off their exisiting prices, whereas you can get 2 for one margaritas at Benny's Burritos down the block. Also, the drinks are very very weak. I usually catch a buzz off one margarita, but at Life I had 2 and felt like I was sipping straight up sour mix. As for the food it also left alot to be desired. A friend of mine ordered veggie chili, and couldn't even eat it-even though she's a student and basically blew her wad for the evening on it! The appetizers were also kind of gross- I LOVE guacamole and salsa, and couldn't even stuff mine down. I was honestly scared to order an entree. And last but not least, the service was BAD. We hardly ever saw a server, and get this....we were asked to leave (very rudely) to make room for another party. I have lived in NY my whole life and have never been asked to leave a table in this fashion. One star goes to the ambiance of this restaurant, which is kind of homey and nice. The music being played was also very good. BUT, for the money we spent, my friend stated that we should have went to my apartment with my IPOD and made drinks ourselves. I won't be returning to Life!
P.S. I also saw our busboy picking up tissues from the sidewalk with his bare hands. Do you think he washed them before he served us our food? -
Review from Steph C.
4/9/2009
I walked into Life Cafe without first consulting Yelp. I know, I know, but we were hungry and the place looked pretty busy. We had apparently caught the Saturday brunch crowd.
The venue was pretty cute, open with something of a hip happening vibe. Our waitress was friendly and quick quick quick. No complaints about service.
We took a look at the menu and were pleased at the pricing. Brunch items came with your choice of alcoholic brunch drink and coffee/tea/soda, all for $13.95. Considering that my last New York brunch at Pastis required that much dough for one single (delicious) bloody Mary, I found myself ogling this deal. So far, so good.
Unfortunately, the drinks were gross. My bloody Mary was vodka flavored with tomato and fast-melting ice, and my roommate's mimosa followed a similar formula. Worse, my soda arrived in a glass that had not been properly cleaned. I'm not particularly fastidious about that kind of thing, and I drank it out of laziness, but there was a strange something or other on the inside of the cup that we never really identified. I hope my body is not hosting a foreign life form as I write this review.
For our meals, we split a vegan scrambled and a power breakfast. The scramble came with miso-marinated tofu, veggies, mushrooms, brown rice, and toast, with some sort of hummus-like sauce on the side. The power breakfast consisted of yogurt with honey, fruit, and homemade granola. The food came out suspiciously fast. In my experience, when your order appears in front of you with Harry Potter speed, what shows up is never that appetizing. Life Cafe did not provide the exception. The power breakfast was pretty good, with nice chewy granola, but I think it would take a great failure of a restaurant to screw up a parfait. The vegan scrambled was close to terrible. For all its components it was bland and lacking in texture. I had no desire to eat any more after the first bite, and though I persevered in case it improved, we came nowhere close to finishing that plate.
I do wonder if we just ordered the wrong item, but with all the other options in New York, I doubt I will ever find out - just as I will never find out what vile substance I ingested from that dirty glass. -
Review from Liz E.
Flushing, NY
9/8/2008
"2?" asked a disheveled, dweeby employee.
"No. We were seated and no one ever served us so we decided to leave" I said happily as I stood in the crowded entranceway of this soul-sucking excuse for a restaurant.
My friend, a devout Rent fan, wished to visit this cafe in order to take pictures and sign the "Renthead" book positioned on the wall. I was perfectly fine with that, and even willing to order a drink or two...until of course we actually walked into the joint.
It took awhile for the "hostess" to seat us, and when she took notice of our presence, sat us in a corner, but mind you, a well-lit corner directly in sight of one of the cash registers.
I decided I would get a cranberry juice as I watched my friend write it the book.
But no one ever came.
No one placed water on our table, no one so much as glanced in our direction; I never had a chance to so much as flag down a waiter with a flare and bullhorn. We sat like this for, ohhhh I don't know, perhaps 20 minutes? Once my friend finished her entry I suggested we leave, which brings us back to the opening exchange between myself and a completely oblivious imbecile.
Will I ever set foot in the direction of this cafe again? Absolutely not. Even the appearance of the flaccid fries and grey-colored burgers turned me off, and the attitude of the entire waitstaff was that of a bunch of prissy, underworked actors. Do all that you can to avoid this establishment. -
Review from Michael D.
Forest Hills, NY
5/16/2008
You know how there are certain restaurants that have been around so long -- without having ever remodeled themselves -- that walking into them is like stepping back into another decade...or another century, even?
Keen's Steakhouse is one of those places. Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop is another. Also, The Palm, McSoreley's, and so on.
Life Cafe is becoming one of those kind (I mean that in a good way) and if it hangs around a few more years, it will be a full fledged member of that group.
As its East Village neighborhood changes around it, Life Cafe's world stays that of the era when the literary journal "The Portable Lower East Side" was being published, of Eddie Boros' "Tower of Toys" in the 6th and B community garden, of the years when Allen Ginsberg was here...
OK, Life Cafe doesn't rock your world, but, Jesus, must your world be rocked every five minutes?
It's more interesting than your average Greek diner, less crowded than Veselka, it has TWO happy hours every night, it's a great place to find a window seat on a rainy day or weeknight evening and watch the skateboarders, joggers, bikers and strollers round the corner of 10th Street and Avenue B.
Or to meet up with friends who live near by and have a couple of their fluorescent blue curaco margaritas, or maybe a Blue Moon Belgian White, a hamburger or Caesar sald with grilled chicken.
For myself, for some reason I always picture it on an early autumn afternoon, with rain plastering the fallen golden leaves against the pavement... -
Review from Tom J.
Manhattan, NY
7/30/2011
I felt like the food was very good, but feel like we didn't much service in the way of wait staff. Our waitress only came when hailed, or when taking order or delivering food.
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Review from Lucy L.
11/11/2009
"Worst lunch I've ever had " -- DT
Simply quote from my lunch date and I felt bad that we went there, but I'm glad I know better now. I wasn't sure how to describe this place accurately. I believe this place could be fun if you have endless time on your hand. enjoy people watching. Anything slow paced would fit in this place
With all that being said.. of course we were in the hungry to grab a quick bit. Hints THIS IS NOT THE PLACE. food was just average. service was slow.
I maybe return for an afternoon coffee but not when I only have 30 minutes for lunch !! -
Review from Kristin W.
Montclair, NJ
8/19/2007
I used to come here all the time for cheap food in a close enough to stumble to location. I just returned after a several year hiatus, and it's just not as cool as I remember it being. Maybe because I was sober.
Anyway, here's the good stuff:
They cook their eggs well. They have huevos rancheros and merida, both yummy. The cornbread (with the merida) was really tasty...and not too dry. They offer mimosas with the still pretty cheap brunch ($10.95 when we were there). They refill coffee. They are dog and kid friendly. Accommodations for pups and strollers were made. The servers are just plain friendly. They accept credit now, which was not the case all those years ago.
Here's the less than good stuff:
Sloooooooow service. I don't mind waiting for the check if I have coffee, but I do mind waiting for my coffee! And check by once in a while; I like water. What used to be funky is now just grungy. I think I am the one who changed, but still. Grapefruit juice is not included with the brunch. (That's just a personal preference.)
Bottom line: I'll be back, but I'll bring some wipes and more time. -
Review from Andrew J.
Astoria, NY
1/11/2008
I was here last night for my work's holiday party which I was totally down for because, well, I love free stuff.
The place itself is really nice and pretty big. We had a huge party so they put us up in the back garden area which was cool because it was heated from a bunch of space heaters and stuff.
The food was really great though and was really the hightlight of the place. The chicken wings were really good. They managed to be both spicy and not covered in hot sauce and stuff. They also had crab empenadas and they were delicious too.
The one downfall of the place was our outdoor garden was right under someone's apartment and they started complaining that our party was too loud at like 11pm. On a Thursday! As I remember it, Thursday is the new Friday so those people should've been out drinking or something.
But anyway, I liked this place and would totally come back for the chicken wings. And I guess the fish 'n chips were actually pretty good. Their homemade potato crisp things weren't that great. I would have rather just got french fries. But good stuff overall! -
Review from Chris H.
Brooklyn, NY
1/23/2008
Kind of a cross between a diner, a cafe, and restaurant, Life Cafe is more of a great local place to hang out for food and drinks, rather than a dining destination that you would go to for a date or restaurant that you want to check out for their cuisine.
Once inside, you are greeted by a loud mix of christmas lights, 50's Life magazine covers, and random chalkboards with the day's specials scribbled across. The booths and tables are an aged brown, and the seemingly planned unkemptness matches the casual attitudes of the waitstaff.
The menu is nothing special, though not boring either - a mix of diner, vegan, and grill items, but the food is decently priced, with some great deals (like the plate of rice and beans for about five bucks). The drinks are run-of-the-mill.
I usually visit Life in the afternoon on weekends, sitting at the bar, and drinking a cup of coffee. The accomodating 'tenders usually keep me company, as I try to write my latest "masterpiece," (which consists of many blank pages) even though they've seen plenty of my types throughout the many years that Life has been in existence. Still, they give me that look as if I'm writing the next great American novel (even though I'm not), and they give me an encouraging wink as they replenish my depleted mug of coffee. -
Review from Krista L.
Spokane, WA
3/21/2011
I've only ever had brunch at the Life Cafe, so I can't speak to their nighttime vibe, but I adore them for brunch. The tempeh bacon is delicious and, this time around, I had the Green Goddess omelet with roasted potatoes, a cup of coffee, and a bellini for $14. Not bad for pricing and the food was delicious. This is one of the places I try to hit up every time I'm in Alphabet City.
-
Review from Jennifer C.
New York, NY
12/20/2008
This place needs a good cleaning. The dirtiest restaurant I've ever been in. Look up at the ceiling fan and you'll see that it hasn't ever been dusted in let's say....10 years? I couldn't imagine if it were a hot day and that sucker was spinning!
The tea water was given to me at a warm temp. I like it near boiling thank you. The sandwich was good, but the french onion soup was very warm. I think that is why I rarely ever order soups. They just rarely ever get served hot.
Don't go here unless you want below average food and to be surrounded by dust bunnies. -
Review from Diana Z.
Manhattan, NY
11/5/2010
The only reason I'm giving this place two stars instead of one is because I had been there a few times with nothing to be impressed about but nothing to find disdain for either. So several uneventful brunches/lunches there. Then I went back for another brunch with friends and it was probably the worst service I've ever gotten in over five years of living in the city.
The place was pretty much empty so it wasn't a matter of the server being in over her head. But from getting our menus to taking our orders to coming to check on our coffee to bringing food, etc etc - it was all done at a snail's pace. We waitd 30 mins just for her to ask us if we wanted coffee. Again, the place was practically empty. After being there for almost an hour and a half, we got our food, and everything was wrong. Every single order (there were three of us, so it wasn't a large group with confusing orders) was messed up. If someone asked for scrambled eggs they got sunny side up. If I asked for tea, I got coffee. If someone asked for no hollandaise on their eggs benedict, they got hollandaise.
On top of all that, the food was awful on this visit. The pototoes were burned to a crisp, there was something floating in someone's mimosa. The eggs were runny and practically inedible. Everything was awful.
And finally, the bill came out wrong and we were charged extra for cocktails that were included with the brunch specials and for things we didnt order. And the server - who this entire tirme was rude and paying no attention to us or the other 5 patrons there that day - included gratuity, for a table of 3 people! So we had to explain to her that we wanted the extra charges and her gratuity taken off the bill so we could decide ourselves how much extra that experience was worth. Answer: not much.
That was a year and a half ago and I havent been back since, even though I live in the neighborhood. -
Review from Alyvia M.
4/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been here many times. Every time is better than the last. I have yet to experience anything less than perfect there. The service is quick, the meat is always cooked the way I ask it to be, and the portions are larger than Life (pun intended).
Every other Wednesday, they have live comedy (awesome), and if you're around for happy hour during the week, you get a free cocktail with dinner. I can't complain. The sweet potato fries are delicious, the outdoor garden area is romantic, and the grilled swiss avocado tomato sandwich on 8-grain toast is my favorite.
There's a cozy vibe inside that makes me all warm and fuzzy. La Vie Boheme.
