Life Cafe

Not only is the atmosphere inviting but the service is pretty good. If you're ever in East Village I would definitely stop by Life Cafe. The food and drinks are reasonably priced and it is not too crowded which makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal.

I always have a great time when coming to LIFE CAFE. I've been here several times on plenty of occasions and enjoyed it everytime. They have really good margaritas, the ambience is perfect, the food is delicious. It is reasonably priced, and the wait staff is friendly, for the most part. I haven't had a bad experience, and I don't think I ever will at LIFE CAFE. The music is actually good too, Its a great place to check out when in the village, its worth the time. I highly recommend to.

Even though the food was really good and I had a good time, the service wasn't all that great, but I would probably still go back because its not really crowded and the area is nice. The price isnt too bad either, I had an O.K time here.

that's why I love this place so much. I think that--if I had decided to go into the restaurant biz--this is the kind of place I would have wound up creating. I think that everyone who comes to NYC should visit the East Village; and everyone who visits the East Village should eat at LIFE CAFE.
Life Cafe is featured in the story (play and movie) RENT, which is cool, and I often get delivery from there when I'm too lazy to go out, but when it's time to go out with the wifey, it's LIFE CAFE. Regardless of their claim to fame with RENT, they'd be successful anyway. Personally, I like to sit on the sidewalk cafe and people-watch, but my wife likes to sit in the garden, weather permitting. But the cool thing about sitting in the dining room is the music. Apparently, management lets the wait staff bring their own CDs (iPods and whatnot!). There's always an interesting and widely varied selection of things to be heard there. I find the cafe sticks pretty darn true to their roots as being "the Original East Village Experience". dig it. Dishes I'd recommend there: Burgers, of course. During breakfast or brunch, either the Huevos Merida or Huevos Rancheros if you're into eggs, or try the Monte Cristo sandwich. For dinner, the mussels are fantastic, great BBQ, and of course... errrr... the Burgers! :D

PROS: great prices for simple greatness
CONS: not open 24/7