Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
'Merica-Themed Restaurant Will Open In The East Village Next Week
By
Gaby Del Valle
Published Oct 8, 2016
Modified Oct 8, 2016
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
Gaby Del Valle
Published Oct 8, 2016
Modified Oct 8, 2016
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
Depending on who you ask, 'Merica NYC, the USA-themed restaurant opening in the East Village next Saturday, is either a patriot's refuge or a parody of extreme nationalism.
According to EV Grieve, 'Merica is a joint venture between two of the neighborhood's established restauranteurs: Radouane Eljaouhari, who owns the restaurant that previously occupied 'Merica's space at 320 East 6th Street, and Zach Neil, owner of the Tim Burton-themed bar a few doors down.
'Merica is every bad USA stereotype come to life: unhealthy food, assault rifles as decor, and Chuck Norris movie marathons will live in unholy union under its roof. On Thursdays, the restaurant will host a weekly debate night between patrons. It's basically this Simpsons clip of the time they went to Japan's Americatown, but somehow real life:
A sample menu that was posted (and deleted) on the restaurant's Facebook page earlier this week included dishes like The Kanye, described as "fried breast of chicken tossed in a creamy rich Alfredo sauce served over mashed potatoes, then drizzled with a balsamic glaze. This meal will make you into a famous rapper and a narcissistic asshole. Ask the public to loan you the money for it. $18"
Although it's true that Kanye West is a national treasure, The Kanye isn't actually going to be on the restaurant's menu and was apparently devised solely for "shock value." A recent Facebook post on the restaurant's page says the menu will include an array of "American comfort foods" like mac and cheese, burgers, fried chicken, chili, and wings.
The restaurant will also reportedly sell both Trump- and Hillary-inspired burgers. The T-Rump Mexican Burger includes rump meat, American and pepperjack cheese, and a wall of onions, peppers, and mushrooms. On the other side of the political spectrum, there's the Clinton-inspired 100 Calorie Lie triple bacon cheeseburger that comes topped with mac and cheese.
'Merica will have to try pretty hard to surpass the most patriotic moment in this country's history: Trump hugging an American flag during an anti-immigration speech in Tampa, Florida.
Tagged
merica
oh say can you see
patriotism
usa
Gaby Del Valle
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Published Oct 10, 2026
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
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 .