Forget the sad slice of pizza you grab on the walk home. Hen House NYC is making a strong case for ending your night with Lebanese shawarma, garlicky sauces and sandwiches that mean business. This East Village favorite takes Middle Eastern comfort food, adds a few unexpected twists and serves it up with enough flavor to make your usual late-night order look seriously underdressed.
Located at 120 First Avenue, Hen House began as a popular Smorgasburg food stand before spreading its wings into a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Chef-owner Antony Nassif has built the concept around Lebanese flavors, generous portions and creative fast-casual cooking.
Shawarma, Crunchwraps and Seriously Good Garlic Sauce
The traditional chicken shawarma pita is a reliable starting point, packed with chicken, garlic sauce, lettuce and Lebanese pickles. Prefer something heartier? The lamb shawarma pita features slow-roasted lamb shoulder seasoned with an elaborate blend of spices, alongside sumac onions, parsley, tahini and pomegranate molasses.
But Hen House isn’t interested in playing it entirely safe. Its Lebanese-inspired crunchwrap combines lamb and soujouk sausage with fries, cheese, crispy pita, toum and punchy sauces. Think fast-food nostalgia with a Middle Eastern passport.
The piri-piri fried chicken sandwich is another crowd-pleaser, pairing juicy chicken with garlic sauce, pickles, mint and a fiery kick. Meanwhile, sides such as crispy garlic rice, hummus and batata harra — spicy potatoes with cilantro and garlic — make excellent supporting acts.
And yes, the housemade toum deserves its own fan club. The intensely garlicky Lebanese sauce has a way of turning even the simplest bite into something memorable.
Your East Village Late-Night Food Fix
Hen House has earned attention for delivering satisfying food when New Yorkers are especially hungry: after drinks, after dancing or simply after realizing dinner was several hours ago.
Whether you’re craving lamb shawarma, a loaded pita or an inventive sandwich, Hen House NYC offers a flavorful alternative to the city’s usual late-night suspects.
Find Hen House at 120 First Avenue in the East Village. Come hungry, order extra garlic sauce and don’t be surprised if one sandwich turns into an entire spread.
