The name doesn’t tell a lie: You will find meatballs at the Meatball Shop—loads of them. Beef, spicy pork, chicken, and even a vegetable version. You pick a meatball, you pick a sauce (tomato, or a creamy Parmesan, or spicy beef, or mushroom gravy), and provolone or mozzarella, and it’s all piled onto a white or wheat hero. You can also go with a meatball-slider version, or a heftier “Meatball Smash” sandwich on a brioche bun. The only part of the name that’s misleading is “Shop.” There’s a full-fledged dining room here, albeit a small one, though you may opt to sit at the bar or grab your sandwich to go. On paper, the concept sounded a bit too niche; in reality, it’s a smash. Well-deserved: The meatballs, along with sides like a daily leafy green or the none-too-light risotto, polenta, or mashed potatoes, are just the thing for a spell of malaise, or a hangover, or too many lame protein bars.
The Meatball Shop: 84 Stanton St.; (212) 982-8895.
Prices/Features: Cheap/Casual.