MenuPages

The food took an hour to get here and I live 5 minutes from this place. When it got here it was cold. Never again.

Just arrived in NYC and on day 2 was looking for a cheap 'n cheerful place for supper. Mostly every place was $8-$12 roundabouts (granted I never searched that hard), so when I walked past Damask that night the board outside said "Falafel $5.75 + free soda". Now never to turn away from a bargain and pretty tired from walking all day, I went in. Tomato and onion? Yes. Hot sauce? Yes. Within in minutes I was chowing down a fantastic meal under 6 bucks. With a soda to boot! That was on a Monday, today is a Wednesday - where did I go for lunch? That's right, Damask. Yip, I like it! And I like the old school atmosphere - look you aint gonna seal the date here - but it kind of reminds one that the old East Village was a bit grimier. How do I know that? I overheard the guy and a customer having a chat. He runs a bookstore on 9th, and remembers coming into the old shop and there were always 3 homeless guys on the steps outside begging for change and someone doing drugs next door. Yes, I like it.

This little hole in the wall is unassuming, and you would never expect it to be the best in the city -- everyone thinks Mamoun's or Rainbow Falafel or all those cliche places. Let me tell you, I've tried them all, and Damask Falafel leaves them all in the dirt. I discovered this place when I lived across the street and randomly went in there one day when I was looking for food on the run. I was stunned and continued to go back almost every day. There is something about the way this guy makes his falafel -- the spices, I think -- that makes it taste unlike and better than any other falafel I have ever had. It is heaven. Also, the guy who works there is crazy and likes to screw with customers...but in a funny way. Try Damask Falafel, I guarantee you will never go back to Mamoun's again...

This tiny little storefront east village fixture still delivers delicious and fresh dishes daily. The chicken schwarma is delicious as either a sandwich or plate. The tabouleh (sp?) and all the salads are very fresh. Yummy desserts too (lined up in the storefront window to lure you in, and well worth it). Excellent for take out. The guy is a little kooky with a weird sense of humor, which is part of his charm. Try everything, it's all good!

I have never actually never eaten there, I have only ordered for delivery, so I can not comment much on the in house service or ambiance but the delivery is always fast. The hummus is great with a light olive flavor. The falafel is fresh and crunchy as well as the eggplant. They are open late so order after some drinks and you will be licking your fingers.