Dora’s

Peruvian spots in the city often balance bold flavors with a no-frills approach, and the ones that stick around tend to do both well. Dora’s fits that mold, serving up the kind of comfort food that doesn’t overcomplicate things but still leaves an impression. Cocktails and dessert get mentioned as often as the mains here, which says something about how people actually use the place—less as a special-occasion stop, more as a reliable go-to.

Tucked along Avenue B in the East Village, the address at 40 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009 puts it in a stretch where late-night options and solo-friendly tables are part of the neighborhood’s rhythm. Happy hour draws a crowd, but the hard liquor and beer selections keep it steady beyond the discount hours. Fast service helps, too—no one lingers out of obligation when the food arrives before the second round.

They list a phone line for anyone who prefers to call ahead: (646) 484-5684. Coffee and alcohol sharing the same menu might seem odd until you’ve spent enough time in this part of town to understand the logic. For the simplest route, the map cuts through the usual confusion of one-way streets. Around here, a place that does dinner right without overpromising is already doing more than most.