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East Village

Your search for the best German döner in NYC is over!

by Julia Mazza May 20, 2023

written by Julia Mazza

While it’s tragically hard to find good German Döner in NYC, we come bearing good news: your search for the best is over!

Döner Haus, which opened its walk-up window location in the East Village back in March (just in time for spring weather walks) is just the place to get your Döner on.

This new casual spot in the East Village was a passion project of NYC resident Nikolaus von Solodkoff—before he even stepped foot on the city sidewalks. Since 2010, he’s dreamed of bringing “the real German Döner” to the U.S.—a dream that has now come to fruition. And damn, does it taste good.

The Döner Kebab, accompanied by Haus Fries and a drink of choice.

Staying true to the mantra “we do one thing and do it right,” the menu at Döner Haus consists only of three items: Döner Kebab, Döner Box, and Haus Fries. While they offer a choice of chicken and beef for their Döner Kebabs (with a vegan option on the way!), their beef is definitely their crown jewel. And there’s no better sight then taking a peek inside and watching the meat rotate vertically on their broilers.

When ordering the Döner Kebab, you can enjoy your meat of choice stuffed into a pita with an assortment of vegetables—all lathered in garlic sauce. Upgrade to a “Kombo” to enjoy a side of Haus Fries, which is tossed in German-Turkish seasoning, along with your soft drink of choice.

The Döner Box, topped with assorted vegetables and lathered in garlic sauce.

My favorite? Without hesitation, that would be the Döner Box. For an entree that promises to “cure hangovers,” I found it delightfully enjoyable while not suffering from post-inebriation symptoms. The best loaded fries you’ll ever taste consists of their secret weapon, the Haus Fries, with your meat of choice with lettuce, tomatoes, and radishes layered above, and a finishing touch—garlic sauce on top.

You can enjoy Döner Haus’ offerings during the warmer weather months with outdoor standing tables just a few steps away from their walk-up counter!

📍 240 E 14th St. (between 2nd and 3rd Ave.)

🕒 11:00am-11:00pm Monday-Saturday (closed on Sundays)

May 20, 2023 0 comment

On The Scene: Wiggle Room in East Village

by Avyana Chapman June 30, 2022

written by Avyana Chapman

Looking to “wiggle” on the dance floor till the am? The Knockturnal has you covered! Check out Wiggle Room in the fun and funky East Village neighborhood.

Wiggle Room is the brainchild of Eric Kruvant, Jaime Felber, and Darin Rubell, leaders on the NYC bar scene for the last 20 years. The trio is responsible for famed downtown spots including Mister Paradise, Pretty Ricky’s, Boulton & Watt, Drexler’s, Paper Daisy, and more. Their experience dates back to GalleryBar and Ella, and grew roots with the legendary disco mecca, Studio54 (owner Steve Rubell was Darin’s cousin, and instilled hospitality in him from the

get-go). Wiggle Room is the team’s latest venture, made for New Yorkers and Brooklynites craving the newest music, delicious drinks, and great times. Wiggle Room’s storied space (formerly the home of Drexler’s) features two floors, both thoughtfully designed for dancing, drinking, and good vibes.

We started the night by meeting the Beverage Director Will Krepop, getting a tour of the establishment from him as well as some drink recommendations from him. I decided to start off with a drink named, “Hot Lava” while my boyfriend tried the “Tennis Club Colada”. Hot Lava was made with Milagro tequila, ayuk pasilla, pineapple, toasted sesame, and hot honey. While the Tennis Club Colada had El Gobernador Pisco, Midori, green chartreuse, arrack, falernum, honeydew, lime, and coconut. Will did an excellent job finding us the perfect drinks that would satisfy our taste buds and get the night started the right way!

Cocktail curator Will Krepop is originally from Ohio but spent years bartending in Australia, New Zealand, France, and now NYC. He has worked in some of the best cocktail bars, including Jungle Boy and The Palm Royale in Melbourne, and most recently at Cote in New York City. He is passionate about bartending and his travels between Australia and Asia constantly inspire his drinks.

After getting our drinks we wiggled our way back downstairs to dance our asses off to Tiana Verhagen on the-ones-and-twos. Tiana is a California native whose creative flair and unique talents naturally lured her to the entertainment capital of the world: Los Angeles.

Tiana’s meteoric rise began by hosting weekly parties at hot spots such as Doheny Room, Skybar, Avenue and Highlight Room; gradually contributing to a solid reputation as a skilled and versatile DJ. Quickly doubling up as a venue consultant and music curator for several properties including international hospitality Morgan’s Hotel Group and Rosewood Hotels. As an in-demand DJ, she has played events all over the world, and is a proven staple everywhere from international fashion weeks to playing monthly residencies in London’s most exclusive members clubs. Opening for acts including Mark Ronson, Jhein Akio, Ty Dolla Sign, Dustin Lynch and Nelly. Tiana’s creativity and

exceptional taste in music quickly gained the attention of fashion and lifestyle brands across the city. With a keen eye and love of fashion and beauty, Tiana has collaborated with brands to execute high end parties and intimate events alike, teaming up with clients such as Adidas to launch a shoe collaboration with Kylie Jenner, Louis Vuitton, Alice + Olivia x Nicky Hilton, Etro, Urban Decay and MAC Cosmetics x Nicki Ninaj. Tiana believes in pushing creative boundaries, and crafting innovative experiences through the power of music. Source: The Kagency

After enjoying the lively dancefloor for a while we made our way back upstairs for a more relaxing and conversational atmosphere. We sipped on a couple of glasses of Cabernet and talked to some staff members and Wiggle Room goers. This was the perfect way to end an epic night!

Designed by the Wiggle Room team alongside Robert Stansell of Emporium Design, Wiggle Room’s interiors are vibey and modern, reflecting the experience of listening to music. Soft shapes and fluid lines are a focal point throughout, while a muted color palette of forest greens, neutrals, and grays promotes a laid-back atmosphere. Tom Dixon ‘melting’ light fixtures and playful, artfully-placed neons create a warm glow. Venetian walls, geometric artworks from Greece, and minimalist sculptures made in Amsterdam create subtle texture.