12 Chairs

The name 12 Chairs comes from its origin as a tiny cafe with just a dozen seats. Though it has since expanded, the restaurant has held onto that intimate, neighborhood feel on its busy block of MacDougal Street. The space is still compact and cozy, with a wall of books and bar seating that runs along one side. In the evenings, the music gets a little louder and the room takes on a lively, almost party-like atmosphere. When the weather is good, the small patio out front fills up quickly. The menu is a straightforward survey of homemade Israeli cooking, with dishes prepared to order from a small kitchen. Things usually start with dips – hummus with falafel, babaganoush, and labneh – served with warm pita and challah for tearing. For mains, the shakshuka, with eggs poached in a savory tomato sauce, is a constant, alongside a popular chicken schnitzel and a lamb burger seasoned with Middle Eastern spices. You’ll also find grilled items like chicken skewers, called shipudim, and arayas, which are pitas stuffed with minced lamb and grilled. Brunch is a major event here, especially on weekends when the kitchen makes jachnun, a special Yemenite fried dough. The restaurant is a neighborhood pillar and has been for over two decades, so it gets very busy – reservations are a good idea. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options woven throughout the menu. The SoHo location serves only beer and wine.