Hot Pepper Cafe

I used to get falafels here after my late NYU classes. The other reviewers didn’t think much of the food. I really liked the falafel sandwiches here. Or perhaps I was just really really hungry when my classes let out. Either way, I loved this place and I’m giving it ⁴⁄₅ stars. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

Nice service here but, much like nearby Wawa Canteen, patronage should be releaged to harried or lazy NYU students.
The falafel/​hummus/​tabouli trio was fairly priced at $ 7.75 but was unremarkable. The three falafel were huge but bland and the outside v inside were texturally indistinguishable. Kind of felt like a meatball or matzohball in that regard.
The hummus and tabouli were both decent but not worth a special trip.
For falafel, go up a block to Maoz or venture to Café Rakka, Mamoun’s, Cinderella, or even University Pita before this place.

Hmmm I’m not too sure how many stars I should give this place… I went there to get a falafel sandwich to go, and half of my sandwich tasted great, the other half was just gross. Let me explain: I got it with tabouli and baba ghanouj instead of lettuce, and everything tasted fine (including the falafel, which was actually quite good), until I got to the baba ghanouj. The baba ghanouj was just rancid… it tasted like blue cheese. I wish I was exaggerating, but no: it *really* tasted like blue cheese! Just disgusting: after one taste of it I had to throw the whole thing away. I’m not sure what was wrong with it, but it probably had been sitting in the store for too long and wasn’t fresh any more. Up until the baba ghanouj, this was a four-​star experience, but quite seriously I don’t think I can give it more than 2. Maybe it was just one bad experience, and I may give it another try sometime. I must say the service, though, was quite friendly.

I’ve only ever had the falafel sandwich here which is good. Nothing out of the ordinary but certainly not disappointing.
For the longest time I didn’t know what this place was called since their awning just has the giant ass text «Falafel Spot». In fine print it’s Hot Pepper Café.
Which certainly explains why the dudes behind the counter are always wearing those shirts with hot peppers all over them.
The guys are always friendly and speedy and certainly recognize their regulars. It’s a small place, but there’s the nearby park to go sit down at. NYU students back this place up out the door if you come here at lunch time. Just a warning.