The Kiev Restaurant (also known as the Kiev Diner or simply the Kiev) was a Ukrainian restaurant located in the East Village section of New York City.
Founded in the 1970s by Michael Hrynenko, for most of its existence the Kiev was open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It was located at 117 Second Avenue, on the southwest corner of the intersection of Second Avenue and Seventh Street. At one time, the area was known as the "Pierogi Belt" because of the large number of Ukrainian restaurants; 2007, only a few remained. In its original form, Kiev closed in 2000. It then went through several abortive remodelings and reopenings, closing for good in 2006.
The cuisine was largely Eastern European, including pierogi, challah, matzah brei, kasha varnishkis (Kasha over bow-tie pasta), blintzes, fruit compote and so on, though typically American items such as french fries were also available.
The restaurant was a local cultural institution, famed not only for its cuisine and perpetual availability but also for the eclectic and colorful variety of patrons. It is mentioned in the song "Detachable Penis" by the band King Missile.
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