ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Lower East Side
Best Lasagna in Lower East Side
Master Critic Review
Spaghetti Incident
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Spaghetti Incident is a narrow, casual pasta counter that serves saucy spaghetti and other shapes in paper cones and bowls for eating on the go or at a few tight seats. It’s more playful than formal, making it a go-to for quick Italian comfort before a night out nearby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti carbonara, Spaghetti alla bolognese, Pesto spaghetti cone
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Cone-served spaghetti and pastas that turn a sit-down dish into street-friendly comfort.
Who should go: Casual diners wanting fast, fun pasta near bars and galleries.
When to visit: Evenings before peak bar hours for the shortest line.
What to order: Spaghetti carbonara, a red-sauce option, and a pesto cone.
Insider tip: If you’re eating nearby, order to go and take your cone to a neighborhood park bench.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect limited availability on Ludlow and nearby blocks, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Come as you are — casual attire is perfectly normal for this quick-service pasta counter.
Noise level: Moderate during peak evenings due to the narrow space; generally easy to hold a brief conversation if seated.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar traffic nearby; occasionally longer right after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a brief line that moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several red-sauce and pesto pastas are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of tomato-based options may qualify, but customization is minimal.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta; those with sensitivities should plan accordingly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and low-pressure. The tight space and to-go cone format make it better for a quick bite before heading elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service only and first come, first served. Seating is limited, but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy pasta and can manage counter seating. Limited space makes it less ideal for strollers or toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable, playful pasta that works perfectly as a pre-game bite before exploring the Lower East Side.
Skip if: You want a seated, lingering Italian meal, refined pastas, or gluten-free accommodations.