When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
A10 Kitchen
Why A10 Kitchen is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
A10 Kitchen offers a unique and inviting dining experience in the heart of New York City's East Village. Specializing in American comfort food with a modern twist, this restaurant reflects the culinary creativity of Chef Matthew Capone, who combines his American Italian heritage with inspirations from NYC to craft distinctive comfort dishes. Paired with Beverage Director Michael Belasco’s innovative cocktail creations, A10 Kitchen presents a vibrant menu that is locally and seasonally sourced, ensuring fresh flavors with every visit. The ambiance is casual yet stylish, making it an ideal spot for friends to gather for a relaxed meal, enjoy happy hour specials, or dine outdoors on their heated patio seating. Open from Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours on weekends, A10 Kitchen provides a social atmosphere complemented by friendly service and a central location easily accessible for residents and visitors. With options for takeout and delivery as well, it accommodates various dining preferences in the bustling East Village neighborhood.
Here's what people think of A10 Kitchen
As of recent, A10 Kitchen holds a 4.5-star rating based on 279 reviews.
Customer reviews of A10 Kitchen highlight its lively atmosphere and welcoming vibe, making it a popular choice for casual meetups and social gatherings. Positive feedback often points to the enjoyable happy hour deals and the strength and flavor of their cocktails, especially the margarita pitcher which many consider perfect for sharing. The menu's modern take on American comfort food, including standout dishes like shrimp, is frequently praised for quality and creativity. Reviewers also appreciate the outdoor seating options, which enhance the dining experience, especially in pleasant weather. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention issues with slow service and occasional inattentiveness, such as not receiving menus promptly or servers being distracted. Despite these occasional service hiccups, the overall sentiment remains positive with many customers expressing an interest in returning, impressed by the combination of tasty food, good drinks, and a vibrant bar scene. The diversity in experiences suggests that while service can be inconsistent, the food and atmosphere largely meet expectations, making A10 Kitchen a well-regarded destination in the East Village culinary landscape.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
S
TLDR; incredible cocktails, awesome food, stellar service, and cute vibes. very generous happy hour hours. we stumbled upon this place looking for a last-minute dinner before a show, and were so pleasantly surprised. The cocktails were amazing and reasonably priced. we got burgers and the fried chicken sandwich, both of which were great. The fried chicken was perfectly cooked and seasoned. our server was amazing, didn’t write anything down, but made no mistakes and was super quick. wish I lived closer so I could luxuriate on the patio with delicious cocktails. (the Blackberry Bangkok and the Dark Horse were amazing. real fruit puree and well balanced.)
donatella donkor
I’ve been coming here 2.5 yrs and just recently back after a few months and everything has changed. It was like walking into a new world the only thing recognizable was the waitress and i had to ask her what happened. New owner she said which broke my heart. They strip the walls of soul and the food and music as well. They got a new chef who obviously used frozen chicken for wings. The wings that they used to serve always looked fresh and weren't breaded. Im so disappointed i was truly looking forward to coming here after being away but this was a complete shock. I hope they bring the old chef back because the frozen and under cooked food is not it.
Tito
Decent burger. Can definitely get better in the area. Wouldn’t come back for food, but chill spot to sit outside on a busy street for a couple beers.
Marcos Izquierdo
This spot is fully underrated!! Fun, laid back spot for some of the best drinks in NYC and the food never misses. The entire team is fun and energetic. You can tell they care about your experience. They also got the best happy hour specials.
Shivaun McGuckin
Had a great night here in early April. Sat at the bar, superb service from Grace and Florian and they were so personable - making conversation and chatting to them all night. I definitely made the most of the $7 Happy Hour Spicy Margaritas, so much so that I probably should have gone for the $21 pitcher 🤣 while my husband drank beer. We didn’t really eat - other than gorgeous pretzel bites - but the food that other people ordered looked really good. It was the first night of our trip and a great way to start. Would definitely recommend.
How to reach A10 Kitchen
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Why A10 Kitchen may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
A10 Kitchen in New York City’s East Village is an exceptional destination for gathering with friends due to its vibrant yet intimate atmosphere, outstanding food and drinks, and overall inviting energy. With a solid rating of 4.5 from nearly 280 reviews, this spot has earned a coveted reputation as a hotspot for socializing and dining alike. The moment you step in, you will be embraced by a cozy ambiance that feels both upscale and approachable enough to relax and enjoy the company of your group. The friendliness and attentiveness of the staff further enhance the experience, making you feel genuinely welcome and cared for throughout your visit. Additionally, A10 Kitchen’s outdoor seating area is beautifully decorated, allowing for a laid-back, cool vibe that pairs perfectly with their delicious cocktails and creative American cuisine. Whether you're celebrating an occasion or simply want to catch up over good food and drinks, the combination of excellent service, quality fare, and a lively setting makes A10 Kitchen highly conducive for memorable moments with friends.
What activities make A10 Kitchen ideal for group meetups?
A10 Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it’s a hub for several engaging activities suitable for groups, making it a perfect spot to host social meetups. First and foremost, their renowned happy hour is a major draw; it includes incredibly generous deals on cocktails, pitchers, and food items which makes sharing drinks and dishes effortless and affordable for everyone in your party. The happy hour offers such as margarita or sangria pitchers for $18 and house cocktails at just $5.00 enable groups to indulge without breaking the bank, promoting a carefree and festive mood. The food menu caters beautifully to sharing with finger foods like the famous chicken dumplings, crispy wings with blue cheese, and their creamy mac & cheese, each crafted to be flavorful and satisfying. Beyond eating and drinking, the ambience itself creates activity—lounging in their uniquely styled indoor or outdoor seating areas, enjoying the seasonal music playlist, or simply soaking up the East Village's vibrant street energy just outside. The setting invites casual conversation, laughter, and long-lasting memories, with enough space to accommodate both small and larger groups comfortably.
How does the food and drink menu enhance the group experience?
One of A10 Kitchen’s greatest strengths lies in its curated food and drink menu, which enhances the group dynamic by encouraging sharing, tasting, and conversation. They offer a stellar selection of American fare with standout dishes like the mac & cheese served in a cast iron skillet that is both creamy and indulgent, alongside perfectly seasoned chicken wings crumbed with blue cheese. These dishes are designed not just for individual enjoyment but for communal delight, increasing interaction around the table. Their cocktail menu, featuring creative concoctions such as the signature frozen Tajin-rimmed spicy mango margarita and the locally-inspired "All Bets Are Off" with New York Apple Brandy, provides an adventurous drink experience. These drinks balance refreshing flavors with strong character, catering to diverse tastes within a group. Furthermore, the affordability and quality of the food and beverages allow everyone to taste a broad array of items without hesitation. This encourages sharing plates and sampling cocktails, which naturally fosters a more social and engaging meetup atmosphere. The combination of delicious, thoughtful dishes with expertly crafted drinks ensures that a group outing here feels special and satisfying.
What does the ambiance contribute to group gatherings?
The ambiance at A10 Kitchen is a vital element that elevates any group meetup. The space strikes a balance between cozy intimacy and lively energy, making it a perfect backdrop whether you want a relaxed chat or a more upbeat social event. The uniquely styled outdoor seating area is adorned with yellow and black striped furniture complemented by fans that keep the space cool and comfortable, even on warmer days. Indoor seating provides a refuge with music and air conditioning, giving groups options depending on their preference. Reviewers frequently note the vibe as grown and sexy with a hint of casual charm, featuring tasteful decor and thoughtful distancing measures with plastic panels that maintain the safe yet open feel. Music is curated to complement the energy of the space without overwhelming conversation, ideal for a group setting where communication is key. Whether it’s a casual weekday evening or a weekend celebratory outing, the restaurant manages to feel both exclusive and welcoming. This ambiance, paired with excellent service, builds an environment where groups not only enjoy their food and drinks but also the overall shared experience.
Why is A10 Kitchen’s service important for group visits?
Exceptional service is one of the hallmarks of A10 Kitchen and significantly contributes to making it a premier spot for group gatherings. Guests consistently praise the staff for being chill, attentive, and accommodating, traits that are especially crucial when managing the dynamics of a group. The servers are known to be friendly and efficient, ensuring all orders are correctly handled and that everyone’s needs are anticipated—whether that’s recommending popular dishes, managing the timing of shared plates, or replenishing glasses promptly. Given that groups often require flexibility with orders and seating arrangements, A10 Kitchen’s service excels at creating a comfortable and hassle-free experience. This level of personalized attention helps groups feel relaxed and valued, allowing them to focus more on enjoying their time together. Even with a bustling atmosphere, the staff maintains a balance of professionalism and warmth, making every guest feel like a regular. The positive interactions with the servers add an intangible yet impactful layer to why groups prefer this restaurant as a meetup venue.
How does the location of A10 Kitchen add value to a group gathering?
Situated in the lively East Village of New York City, A10 Kitchen benefits immensely from its prime location, enhancing group outings by immersing them in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The East Village is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and cultural spots which means that a meetup at A10 Kitchen can easily extend into other activities before or after dining. Its proximity to Tompkins Square Park invites groups to enjoy a stroll or simply converge for some fresh air, adding an outdoor element to your gathering. This area is favored by locals and visitors alike for its youthful energy and diverse crowd, making your meetup feel seamlessly part of the local scene without the tourist-heavy pressure. The accessibility by subway and multiple bus lines also makes it convenient for all members in your group to join, regardless of where they are coming from. Together, the location and neighborhood atmosphere amplify the overall experience, offering not just a meal or drinks but a full social outing woven into the fabric of one of New York City’s cultural hubs.
What makes A10 Kitchen’s pricing appealing for groups?
A10 Kitchen’s pricing structure is notably group-friendly, making it an excellent choice when budgeting for social gatherings without sacrificing quality. The establishment offers generous happy hour deals that run for extended hours nearly every day, including weekends. Pitchers of margaritas or sangria available for $18 enable groups to enjoy generous servings suitable for sharing, reducing individual costs. Similarly, food items like the baby mac & cheese and chicken wings are not only delicious but affordable, priced around $5 to $10, allowing groups to order multiple dishes and experiment with tastes collectively. This combination of reasonable pricing and large portion sizes encourages groups to order broadly, turning a meal into an engaging and interactive experience. Knowing that everyone can find something affordable and satisfying reduces stress around cost-sharing and makes the outing inclusive. This value proposition is reinforced by the high quality of food and drink, making it feel like a smart investment for groups seeking both flavor and economy.
How does A10 Kitchen cater to diverse group preferences?
One of A10 Kitchen’s strengths as a venue for group meetups is its ability to cater to varied tastes and preferences, ensuring that everyone in the group feels accommodated. The menu features a variety of classic American dishes with creative twists, like the crispy wings and chicken dumplings that appeal to fans of savory comfort food, alongside lighter or vegetarian options available upon request. The cocktail offerings cover a broad spectrum from frozen fruity margaritas to more complex, spirit-forward beverages, giving choice to those who prefer sweet, tart, or strong drinks. This diversity extends to the ambiance as well, where guests can choose between outdoor seating for a breezy, social vibe or a more controlled indoor environment with a cooler temperature and curated music. Staff members are also attuned to dietary restrictions and special requests, making the experience seamless for groups with varied needs. This versatility helps reinforce A10 Kitchen’s appeal as a one-stop destination where everyone in the group can find something to enjoy.
Why do customers regard A10 Kitchen as a “hidden gem”?
Many customers describe A10 Kitchen as a "hidden gem" because it combines exceptional quality, ambiance, and value in a location that feels slightly off the beaten path of the mainstream tourist itinerary. Unlike more commercialized venues, A10 Kitchen retains a sense of discovery and authenticity that appeals to locals and discerning visitors. The combination of refined yet unpretentious food, a curated cocktail list, and attentive service creates an experience that feels special and rewarding. Its reputation builds organically through word of mouth and consistent positive reviews rather than aggressive marketing, enhancing its status as a prized find in the East Village. This “hidden gem” quality means groups can enjoy excellent food and drinks in a lively but not overwhelming environment, setting the stage for relaxed and memorable social gatherings. The feeling of having uncovered a superior, somewhat secret spot adds to the prestige and excitement of organizing meetups there.
What safety measures have been integrated for group comfort?
A10 Kitchen has thoughtfully integrated safety measures to ensure that group visits remain comfortable and secure without compromising the ambiance. The venue has installed plastic panels and dividers within the outdoor seating area that effectively create safer separations between tables while maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere. This attention to health safety enables groups to feel more at ease during their meal or drinks, particularly important for those mindful of current health considerations. The staff maintains hygiene protocols and is proactive in accommodating guests’ comfort related to space and service. These features reinforce trust and confidence among patrons that their wellbeing is respected, making it easier for groups to focus on enjoying their time together rather than worrying about safety risks. This thoughtful approach to health and comfort adds another layer of appeal to A10 Kitchen as a modern social destination.
By providing an exceptional combination of welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, inventive cocktails, value-driven pricing, and group-friendly amenities, A10 Kitchen stands out as one of the premier venues for anyone looking to rally with friends or family in New York City. Its blend of casual elegance and local charm ensures every visit feels like an event worth repeating.