Corner of Ukraine opened its doors on December 15, 2023 in the property previously occupied by Big Jerk Caribbean Restaurant. The stated purpose of this establishment is “to show you the culture and tradition of Ukrainian people.”. The restaurant's website includes the Ukrainian maxim, “The best food is made when you put there a piece of our soul. ” I was immediately intrigued and called a close friend of mine who is Ukrainian to book our reservation. New restaurants open up in Nyack all the time, and while many are gone within a couple years, some are favorites that I frequent with my family/friends on a night out. I went to find out whether Corner of Ukraine would be a new eatery to add to the list.
My group and I went to Corner of Ukraine for dinner on a Saturday night, and it was bustling with life. The restaurant is relatively small, with fewer than ten tables, but mostly large tables meant for groups over 6. Conversations bounce off the close walls, which, when paired with the energetic Ukrainian music playing through speakers, makes for a loud environment. The walls are adorned with traditional artifacts, including plates, utensils, tools, jars, and even some axes. Towards the back of the restaurant, there is a full bar with a TV and about eight seats. The lighting was dim and other decor included flowers and bulbs of garlic hanging from the ceiling, as well as fake windows painted onto the wall with ornate drapes.
As we sat down, our waitress introduced herself and immediately asked if we wanted anything to drink. She, along with all the other servers, was dressed in traditional Ukrainian dress and makeup. One of the group, who had grown up in Ukraine, likened the experience to visiting an American restaurant in a foreign country and having the waiters wear boots, jeans, and a cowboy hat with a pistol on his waist. While perhaps it was a broad stereotype, the garb definitely offered a look into a culture we don’t often get to witness. The server brought our drinks quickly and was always on hand for any refills. Once we ordered our food, she brought it quickly. Throughout the night, the staff was attentive and friendly.
The menu has many Ukrainian dishes, and the vast majority of the entrees were under $20. We started with an Eastern European staple: Borscht, a beet soup with meat and various vegetables. It was steaming hot and savory, hitting the spot on a cold winter evening. Of the entrees we all shared, a few stood out. The Golubcy, a cabbage roll stuffed with rice and meat, surprised me with its hearty flavors and delicious fillings, definitely a favorite of the night. We were less enthused with the Kyiv Cutlet, which was a chicken cutlet that had been stuffed with butter and then rolled in breadcrumbs and deep fried. I found it lacking flavor and a bit dry, a lowlight of the night. We also ordered the Miter Kielbasa, a giant Ukrainian sausage served with horseradish dip, and it was a flavorful crowd pleaser, great for sharing.
Overall, I would recommend any restaurant-goer to give Corner of Ukraine a try. The food doesn’t have the same bold tastes as Indian or Mexican cuisines, but its hearty goodness is perfect on a winter day. The food was satisfying, albeit not life-changing, but the atmosphere and experience that they created made for a fun evening. Next time you’re deciding on a restaurant, don’t just pick your go-to, try something new at 85 Main St in Nyack. Corner of Ukraine might just surprise you!