Superiority Burger

Superiority Burger started life as a tiny counter on East 7th Street with barely room to stand, and its vegetarian burger quickly attracted a following among chefs, critics and meat eaters as well as vegetarians. In 2022 it moved into a much larger space on Avenue A, the former home of the Odessa diner, and reinvented itself as a full-service vegetarian diner with booths, a counter and a menu to match. It was founded by Brooks Headley, formerly an acclaimed pastry chef in Manhattan fine dining, and that background shows in the kitchen's attention to detail.

The namesake burger is still the place to start, a compact vegetarian burger that many people order alongside something from the specials board. Around it, the menu reads like a diner menu reimagined without meat, with sandwiches, seasonal vegetable dishes, salads and inventive sides that change regularly. Desserts are a real strength, reflecting Headley's pastry career, and are worth saving room for. Many dishes are vegan or can be adapted, so it is a straightforward choice for mixed groups.

The atmosphere is relaxed and a little retro, in keeping with the diner format, and it works as well for a quick solo supper at the counter as for a long meal with friends. Prices are low to moderate by Manhattan standards, which makes it good value for a sit-down meal in the East Village. Tables can be booked through Resy, which is worth doing for evenings and weekends, and the restaurant takes party bookings through its website.

It suits vegetarians and vegans, budget travellers, families and anyone wanting a casual dinner before a night out in the neighbourhood. Delivery is also available. Opening hours are not published on the restaurant's home page, so check its booking page for current times before you go, and book a table rather than relying on walking in at peak times on Fridays and Saturdays.

Superiority Burger is at 119 Avenue A, opposite Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. The nearest subway stations are First Avenue on the L line and Second Avenue on the F, each about ten minutes' walk. St. Marks Place, McSorley's Old Ale House and the bars and restaurants of the East Village are all close by.