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"There’s no shortage of great in the East Village, and Hen House—which is open until 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays—is one of the better options. Between their juicy shawarma, ’90s hip hop playing at a perfect conversational volume, and the greenery on the walls, Hen House is a nice off-ramp from your night of dancing and drinking cheap beer. What was once a popular Smorgasburg stand is now a small spot on 1st Ave. that specializes in chicken or lamb shawarma with super garlicky toum and pickles. It’s especially useful when it looks like will take longer to make your than it takes Frank Ocean to release a new album. There are a handful of tables—somewhat of a rarity for quick-serve, late night options in the area. You can actually sit and enjoy your juicy, housemade piri-piri hot sauce-laden lamb shawarma wrap and not have to worry about trespassing on someone else’s stoop. While it’s not the city’s best shawarma, it is pretty damn crispy and satisfying, and it’s even better the closer you get to closing time. Be on the lookout for their gigantic fried chicken sandwich special. It’s spicy, juicy, and full of the acidic Lebanese pickles. " - Will Hartman
