Food was straight up amazing. You can tell they actually care about quality. Great spot to eat, relax, and enjoy some seriously good food. Ridwan and agnes good excellent serviced

The establishment was clean, cozy and not loud, save for a few rude guests behind us who were taking a business call during dinner... Our server was polite, and came by often to refill waters and ask how we were doing. The food: Salt and Pepper Squid - 3/5 - Tender and crispy the shrimp could have been great, but I felt like it was under salted and could have even used additional spices like white pepper or some of that pink peppercorn in such a dish. Tangy Glazed Shrimp - 4/5 - nicely sweet and sour, this Shrimp came in a good portion and had a nice bite to it too. It came on a bed of these jelly noodles, which seemed unnecessary, and were too slippery and too tender, slipping out of our chopsticks or breaking. It did carry the orange flavored sauce decently well though. Black truffle steak cubes - 5/5 - Great dish, you can taste the black truffle and onion sauce, the steak was tender enough for me, although could have been a bit more tenderized somehow. It came with mushrooms and snap peas that were great in breaking up the flavor and texture. Crispy fried chicken - 5/5 - another great dish, the skin was flavorful and crispy, and the meat tender. Not much more to say other than the chef did a great job with the prep and plating, no bones in the meat and pre sliced akin to Peking Duck. Sesame ice cream - 5/5 - simple tasty refreshing. If you like sesame you'll love this. Fried milk custard - 5/5 - served with some sticky condensed milk, this blew my mind. Crispy on the outside but with the texture of flan or custard inside. I don't know how they did it but the condensed milk added the perfect sweetness I will think about this dessert for a long time to come.

Came here with a friend for lunch and had a wonderful experience. The restaurant has a cozy, homely vibe (at least to me)—clean, comfortable, and welcoming. We sat by the window, which gave us a great spot to enjoy both the food and some quiet, natural light. We ordered the double-cooked pork belly, which was rich, savory, and had just the right touch of heat—paired beautifully with nutty purple rice. The cucumber salad with garlic gravy was one of those deceptively simple dishes where less truly means more: crisp, refreshing, and appetite-opening. We also tried the jellyfish salad. It was light, delicately seasoned, with that perfect chewy texture that makes it such a satisfying cold dish. The service was incredibly friendly and courteous. We were even treated to lychee ice cream on the house, which was a lovely surprise! I ordered the tea-smoked duck fried rice to go, and the waiter thoughtfully came back to confirm whether I wanted the regular portion or the lunch special (which I did)! A small gesture that showed real attention to detail! I truly appreciate this level of care and hospitality. Great food and great service! I’ll definitely be back!

I noticed a $14 lunch special that was too good to ignore. A main dish, white rice, two mini egg rolls and a side of pickled cucumbers—what a fantastic deal for NYC. That sign is what pulled me into Twilight Lounge, a newly opened Sichuan and Cantonese restaurant in the East Village that’s already showing serious promise. For the lunch special, I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken, which came with white or purple rice, egg rolls and pickled cucumbers. The chicken was tender with just the right amount of wok-seared edges, tossed in a glossy sauce that struck a nice balance between sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice. Crunchy peanuts gave it texture as well as the egg rolls w plum sauce and the cool, vinegary cucumbers on the side refreshed the palate between bites. For $14 in Manhattan? A steal. I came with family and we ordered a few dishes off the regular menu to share. The Spicy Cumin Lamb was a standout. Sliced thin and stir-fried with whole dried chilies and cumin seeds, the dish had a smoky, earthy depth that lingered in a good way. It packed some heat, but it was the kind that builds slowly—warming, not overwhelming. The real surprise for me was the dry-style Sichuan Beef Noodle. I usually expect something heavier or soup-based, but this version came tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce that clung beautifully to the chewy noodles. The marinated beef slices were flavorful and tender, and the overall dish felt comforting yet bold. It’s the kind of meal you could crave on a rainy day—or after a long one. The Twilight Fried Rice also deserves mention. Unlike typical fried rice dishes, this version arrived with a crispy bottom layer—almost like a socarrat from paella—adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful. It was savory, aromatic, and loaded with bits of egg, scallions, and diced vegetables. It's a clever and satisfying twist on a classic that I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. We also tried dishes like the beef pancake roll, which was like a scallion pancake rolled around savory beef slices, the wife and husband sliced beef in chili oil, spicy shrimp, and the spicy fried fish filet, both of which leaned on the hotter side, so be warned if you’re spicy –sensitive (or tell them to adjust the spice level). I found the lotus root stir-fry refreshing and light, with its mix of squash, wood ear mushrooms and lotus root slices. And a special shoutout to Jonathan, who took care of our table with warmth, efficiency, and always with a smile. Twilight Lounge an East Village gem that brings the heat, flavor, and hospitality. Definitely one to watch.

So happy this place opened up. We love Sichuan-style dishes but don’t always feel like waiting for a table to open up at some of the bigger places up at St. Marks. Great food, we got the crispy sichuan chicken, cumin lamb and the green beans. Authentic, great flavor with a good spice level. They serve beer/ wine too. Love the vibes, I plan to visit again with friends and family. The owner JC was friendly too.

This was one of the best Chinese food spots I have been to in a long time! Everything was so good. The beef pancake (perfectly juicy meat and the outside was crispy) and duck fried rice were especially memorable to me. Highly, highly recommend this place to anyone!

Dianne Simmons

The complete package delivered true enjoyment. It's a cozy spot that gets busy at noon, yet maintains good food and service standards. Staff delivered competent service throughout. The dishes maintained quality, I should acknowledge. Found this place with the help of yelp and would return at any time!

do bui

I prioritize visits here whenever my schedule opens up. We experienced genuine hospitality!! I've ordered diversely here and been consistently pleased. Their menu is diverse and employees are attentive. We unanimously decided to return here.

Zonda Montgomery

Came on a Monday in September. For Guinness lovers this is an absolute must. Saw a bad review on Reddit and possibly they had an off night but in my humble opinion along with dead rabbit on their game and Conleys this is the place. Great for ages 25 and up,

UR A LIL BEACH

Chloe the bartender was absolutely phenomenal ! Never met someone more attentive and caring. Take notes - this is the bartender blueprint.

Jack Zakka

Always a great ambiance during games & on holidays season as well.

+3

Orla Farrell

If I lived anywhere in Manhattan this would be my local pub! Or if I'm meeting someone in future in the city I will meet them here! We'd a really unforgettably good time in this wonderful place. We were visiting our cousin in the neighbourhood who insisted we visit this charming pub. It's his local and he said we would really enjoy ourselves. We actually only had a couple of hours to spend in NYC and this is where we spent them - such a cosy spot in town on a cold day! The welcome was warm, the company was first rate, the fun was fantastic. The Guinness was excellent, the conversation wide ranging, the staff were friendly, witty & knowledgeable. I especially like that it was easy to talk without loud music or TV commentary blasting which can happen in many places though the playlist was terrific feelgood tunes at a great level! We heard the snacks are great too but as we were going to dinner we didn't avail of them this time. Hmm we had such a good time we had to scramble for our dinner engagement as we'd lost track of time! We look forward to our next visit, keep doing what you're doing at the Grafton!

Victoria Barone

The potatoes soup was absolutely one of the best things I've ever put in my mouth. Staff was 10/10, band was awesome! Would definitely go back!

Amber Butcher

Excellent ambiance, service, and food. The staff are especially wonderful and treat you like family. It can get pretty busy for certain sporting events, especially college football, but even then, everyone is very accommodating to requests. Reservations help, the owner/managers will get back to you promptly and make sure you are pleased. They have one of the best burgers in the neighborhood, and their avocado toast for brunch is uniquely delicious.

Andrew Erskine

We came down to watch the game and were welcomed and had a great morning. We did not have any food but what we saw looked good, the beer was delicious and the service excellent though. A great place to visit if you want an LFC game while in New York.

Tyler Bennett

What a nice welcome to NYC. I walked east village for an hour looking for an approachable bar for a solo female not trying to be bothered, and this one sold me on the atmosphere. So, I found the one seat left at the bar and drank some beer while everyone cheered on the Bills. Turns out, the bartenders are incredibly nice and ended up giving me a beer on the house. Also has a very clean bathroom lol. I'll be returning for sure.

Mr Spiffy

A great bar with inside and outside seating. Plenty of TV screens and the flow of music was great. Their chicken sandwich with the those large steak fries definitely hit the spot. The service was great (thanks Ally). Definitely a good spot to hang out for sure. I had a great time.

Josh Zignego

Wings 10 Fries 10 Beer 10 Irish coffee 10 Service 10 Would definitely come back!

Came here for a late lunch and left with a pretty hefty bill. The place was clean and was pretty modern—service was decent as well. We ordered suan cai yu, which they used flounder as the fish. The fish was a bit flakey and didn’t taste amazing but the broth was good. It wasn’t too oily like some other places so that was a plus. We also had the crab roe tofu which was pretty good as my partner reallly liked it. And had the seasonal vegetable stir fry which was simple but delicious. For the price we paid after tax + tip I expected higher quality food but overall I’m not super mad about it because the portion sizes are good.

My completely unfounded hypothesis for how Twilight Lounge came to be is that the founders wanted to open an authentic Canto spot but after market researching (AKA talking to the locals), they learned that New Yorkers are crazy for Szechuan food, so they decided to tack that on--because Chinese people are nothing if not people pleasers. And thus this Cantonese-Szechuan menu was born. The above is based on an untrue story. Now on to the food. - Wood Ear Mushroom Salad: Refreshing and perfectly spicy - Lotus Root Stir-fry Medley: Because we all need fiber. Get this classic stir-fry to make your bathroom trips more fun. - Crab Roe Silken Tofu: Soft and tasty, better than I expected. - Wong Fei Hung Prawns: If you look at this name and the Jet Li theme song doesn't automatically play in your head, you're not Cantonese enough to appreciate this dish. But it's okay; this dish is so good, it would win over a vegan. It was easily the star of the show, everyone's favorite. The prawns were plump and juicy, and the peppercorns were crunchy and satisfying--all coming together in the perfect marriage of mouth-singing flavor. We picked this clean like buzzards circling a dead rodent. - Sichuan Braised Fish: Our first taste of their Szechuan offerings, and the verdict is....pass! This was spicy, umami and complex, loaded with mouth-tender fish and veggies, and as comforting and filling as similar offerings at Szechuan restaurants. - Tea Smoked Duck Fried Rice: Not much duck, smoke or tea flavor. Not much duck either. I'd skip this unless you really want to blow money on fried rice. Service was friendly and attentive, and decor was modern chic. Twilight Lounge has stiff competition from the borough, but it surprisingly holds its own--esp. if you're in this neck of the woods and craving umami.

Jong Lee

Lively popular bar in a nondescript store front on the ground floor. Allows minors before 8pm

Matt H. (TwoWay)

Midtown shan’t have a monopoly on fine, middle‑of‑road Irish pubs. Thankfully, The Grafton serves the East Village crowd with a Connolly‑esque community center vibe. Many TVs cover Euro soccer and American sports, while the kitchen turns out tasty grub (including non‑meat options). And golly: what a large, well‑stocked bar! Friendly, adept staff make this a go‑to—whether for a solo dinner or gathering of the gang. May the Graf long rake in the moolah! Ka‑ching $$ :-)

Albert Chang

I stopped by for St. Patrick's Day. The fries was tasty and the dipping sauce was also delicious. The drinks were great. The atmosphere was nice.

Scott Stevens

Visited to watch the Women's World Cup Finals. Had food and drinks and a great time watching the game. The place was packed of course, yet the staff was friendly and accommodating. Busy as hell, but kept the drinks and food coming. Great place to watch an event!

Overall, the dining experience was quite pleasant. We arrived close to closing time, yet the staff were still warm and welcoming, showing no signs of impatience—something that truly deserves recognition. From ordering to food service, the process was smooth and efficient, with dishes arriving promptly, which is a definite plus for diners who are short on time. As for the food, portion sizes were on the smaller side, so those with a bigger appetite may want to order a few extra dishes. The flavors were generally solid and reliable—nothing particularly outstanding, but also nothing disappointing. The Suancai Fish was well-executed, with a good balance of sourness and saltiness, making it a safe and steady choice. The standout dish, however, was the Salted Egg Yolk Tofu, which was excellent and easily the highlight of the meal. Overall, strong service and efficiency are the key strengths here. If you’re looking for a place for a quick and hassle-free meal, this restaurant is certainly worth considering.

Having tried a lot of Sichuanese restaurants in NYC, I kind of have a bar and this place failed to meet it. It’s a place for a more Americanized palate. The food lacked flavor and punch and was not served hot enough. The three pepper chicken was tough (didn’t want to even bring back any leftovers), the fried rice with mustard green shoots was good, the Fish Fillet w/ Silken Tofu Pudding was okay as it lacked flavor, the lotus root stir-fry medley was disappointing with big chunks of celery and cucumber and no flavor. They brought out the rice last, meanwhile what are you supposed to eat the rest of the food with? My biggest problem was with the atmosphere. The air conditioning was so strong that the food got cold in minutes add then was not enjoyable. You don’t need to blast the A/C and serve cold food - instead adjust it to pleasantly comfortable. Went to celebrate a birthday but was let down. Won’t go back.

Bridget Flynn

Meh burgers - deafeningly loud music with the cliental all screaming to talk to each other. It's ok but there are better local options.

eunSONG

the bartender had a real attitude, and was condescending, was not helpful and told me i needed to order a minimum of two drinks AFTER he took my card and tried to lie to me saying i ordered four drinks when i only asked for one. there’s other reviews here saying the staff are not friendly to poc and he definitely gave me that impression. Another bartender later helped me with my tab and he said nothing about the two drink minimum and I paid for my one drink.

Tyler

If you don't want to be discriminated against as a person of color I highly suggest staying away from this place. I went in there with my service dog and was told by staff and management that it was fine as long as he was not barking, which he wasn't. Once I was seated and ready to order the owner decided to come up and call me out Infront of everyone and said I needed to leave with my dog and if I could not provide a card for my service animal, which is illegal in NYC to ask as a business owner. This incident however, is not the first time I was met with hostility by staff and management at Grafton. So please be cautious if you are a person of color or a dog owner when going there.

Cristina Zirpolo

I had the most inappropriate interaction with the host on Saturday afternoon. I was with my boyfriend and my service dog about to meet some friends on the back garden and the hostels repeatedly told me that my dog was not allowed. I told her he was a service dog but that wasn’t not enough so she pulled a document and held the line to ask me what disability i had from the list of the ones approved form the NyC department of health. After i explained what was my disability i had to show my dog documentation and finally was granted access. The beer was great but the service terrible.