Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Meatball Shop Drops $5 Balls For Its Fifth Birthday
By
Nell Casey
Published Feb 5, 2015
Modified Feb 5, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nell Casey
Published Feb 5, 2015
Modified Feb 5, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Hard to believe it's only been five years since The Meatball Shop first foisted its balls upon the Lower East Side. To celebrate this most auspicious occasion, on Monday, February 9th the flagship shop on Stanton Street will be practically giving their balls away for free, with a special 5th anniversary menu for just $5.
Starting at 6 p.m., diners willing to brave the wait—which, to be fair, happens almost every night—can score any entree plus a side for $5. That includes their classic beef, spicy pork, chicken, veggie or special Mediterranean lamb meatballs served either "Naked" (with bread) or in a Meatball Hero (on a baguette), Meatball Smash (on brioche) or in the Kitchen Sink Salad (with mixed greens and vegetables).
Sides include a variety of starches like pasta, mashed potatoes, polenta and white beans, plus greens like a simple salad or steamed broccoli or spinach. Chef Daniel Holman—who'll be on hand to personally handle your balls—has also created a special TMS 5-Year Anniversary Menu, which includes the special lamb meatball; a Black Trumpet and Black Truffle Risotto; Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Creme Fraiche and Caviar; a Celery and Romaine Market Salad with Fried Capers and Bottarga; and a veggie side of Creamed Chard with Fontina Parmesan.
Finally, the cocktail for the evening: The Last Word, a Bulldog Gin-based drink with green chartreuse, lime juice and a Maraschino liqueur. As an added philanthropic touch, all bar proceeds from the evening with be donated to Covenant House, providing housing and counseling to homeless youth.
84 Stanton Street, website
Tagged
cheap balls
LES
Lower East Side
meatball shop
original
Nell Casey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Can opening a restaurant in a New York museum turn the food into a work of art?
These city institutions — including museums, galleries, and auction houses — are hoping customers will find a luxurious meal to be as appealing as the priceless works on the walls.
By
Joshua David Stein
Published Nov 4, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Food
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
By
Hannah Frishberg
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .