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  5. Lower East Side
Sauce, New York, NY
Sauce, New York, NY
Sauce, New York, NY
Sauce, New York, NY
Sauce, New York, NY

Sauce

4.7
4.7
1023 Reviews
$30 and under
Italian
The neighborhood knows us for our heritage chicken parm, grass-fed beef meatballs, homemade pasta, and extra thin crust pizza, but what people really come back for is the thing that anchors it all: the sauce. Staying true to Italian tradition, the team starts their day with pots of simmering sauce, just like Nonna does when prepping for Sunday dinner. The recipes are tried-and-true and made with the best ingredients with love from Italian expert chef consultant Maura Ardu. The space is cozy, the music is always just a little bit too loud, and the dishes are classic and consistent.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 41 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Pizzeria
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (212) 420-7700
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Maura Ardu
  • Catering
    Please e-mail reservations@saucerestaurant.com for catering options!
  • Private party facilities
    Whether it's a bday party, baby shower, office function or any other special event, please contact us at reservations@saucerestaurant.com or check out our website and we'll do our best to accommodate your desired date and any requests you may have to make your party/celebration memorable.
  • Private party contact
    Angela Terrafino: (212) 420-7700
  • Neighborhood
    Lower East Side
  • Cross street
    Allen St
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    F train to Second Avenue. F, M, J train to Delancey Street/Essex Street. B, D train to Grand Street.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,023 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

1,023 Reviews
  1. Mich

    Greater Boston

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We had a large party of eight. The service was great but rushed. Usually the opposite!! They were very attentive but to the point that you could tell they wanted to turn the table. But that was fine. The food was delicious! Really great! The only complaint was that it was so incredibly loud, I couldn’t hear the person sitting across from me. I mean distractingly loud. If you are looking for a romantic dinner, eat outside! I would go back though and maybe sit in the front room or sit outside. Overall, great meal!!

    Is this helpful?

  2. RicardoL

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Thanks for a great dinner last night. Vibe was very fun and the food was awesome. Prosciutto and Arugula pizza and the meat sauce pasta special was so good. Everything we were hoping for :)

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    The only thing enjoyable about Sauce was the good music and atmosphere. The meatballs tasted like they were processed or frozen and the tagliatelle bolognese was okay but not great. Since the atmosphere was cool I may think about coming back to try the pizza

    Is this helpful?

  4. EricardoE

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food = great. Wait staff = great. The ambience = great. Sauce = great!!!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kumars

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Too noisy, not sure eating places have to have clubby vibe. Average food. Expensive. Friendly staff.

    Is this helpful?

  6. ChelseaT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Very cool space. Food was awesome. Would love to come back next time I’m in town.

    Is this helpful?

  7. LarryLar

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Some very solid and fun Italian food with the emphasis on the sauce (which tasted homemade and was very good!)

    Is this helpful?

  8. jensh22

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Little pricey for what it was. Restaurant was very loud. Food was good.

    Is this helpful?

  9. KirstenB

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I'm never disappointed with Sauce! they accommodated a last-minute addition to our party, the food was delicious, and the staff was friendly and attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  10. SydS

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for making my son's birthday dinner a blast! Food, service and ambiance was great!

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Having ordered our drinks and meal, we were generally having a good experience at the restaurant, however a large party of around 12 soon arrived at which point the servers were distracted and disinterested in providing us with any additional attention which was a shame.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Emily

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Sometimes a little too dark but one of my fave restaurants with great drinks and food!

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sauce has been my go to for Italian in LES for years. I Just love the fusion of hip hop and Italian food. Sauce bring back the original steak for 2

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    BEST NIGHT EVER

    Is this helpful?

  15. lukem

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always delicious! Always fun! Always a great time!

    Is this helpful?

  16. SammmyaC

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    The pasta was cold and the sauce was barely mixed. Also, the pasta was not properly cooked and many of the strings of the spaghetti were attached to each other.

    Is this helpful?

  17. SamanthaM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    It was very beautiful in there. The servers try to up charge you on everything which gets old fast, and do not order the garlic bread- it is absolutely disgusting. I couldn’t believe they charged us $3 for one piece of absolutely disgusting bread.

    Is this helpful?

  18. BenjaminS

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Great service. Most food was great but the chicken parm was soggy.

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  19. LaurenT

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a classic spot in LES. Was a great bachelorette dinner and they brought us Prosecco when we sat as requested when i booked. Great service and delicious food.

    Is this helpful?

  20. EmmaP

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super fun place with great food, good for a birthday dinner, date, or dinner with friends.

    Is this helpful?

  21. SophieD

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Lovely dining experience - we were a group of 6 and it was a great atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  22. JessicaL

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My girlfriends and I came here on a Saturday night fans it was energetic and buzzing. The food was fantastic. The ambiance was lively but too loud to hear one another.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious and the restaurant was more than accommodating to our allergy specification. We were four people, got five drinks, two pastas, a pizza, two desserts, and sides and came out to $60 a person. Great place great value! Will be going back and have already recommended it to friends.

    Is this helpful?

  24. AlexM

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    So disappointed. We had multiple friends recommend this place to us to try and it was just awful. The pasta was bland, I could have made a better dish at home. Frozen meatballs. And the ambiance was like a frat party sitting down to dinner. Sadly we won’t be going back.

    1 person found this helpful

  25. Maggiemay

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    food and service really great. One issue only - they have PACKED tables in so there isn't even room for the waiters to move well through the restaurant. Understandable - need to recoup from pandemic lows - but it was super crowded. Other than that - really good place.

    Is this helpful?

  26. SusanS

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Had an early dinner at Sauce before attending a late event. The Gilda salad was delicious, loved the dressing. Good pizza. Best part of the evening was interacting with Carly, our cheerful and attentive server. We will go back.

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Need to add a second door with enclosure. 10 degrees out and the side door was constantly open and shut our entire meal flooded with freezing cold air. Service was great initially but when our sever took off, table bussers took over and left our plates empty for a half hour, never checked in to see if we wanted anything else or how the food was just dropped the check on my girlfriends place when I was in the bathroom. Chicken parmigiana was good but a little thin which makes it chewier. Pasta Bolognese was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    The music was a bit too loud and heavy for my taste but we loved the food and the decor of the restaurant. Seats are very close too, if you have a problem with size or sitting close to your neighbor.

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun night at Sauce! Lively atmosphere and great music! Cauliflower pizza was amazing

    Is this helpful?

  30. JamesJ

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent takes on the classics, and a great happy hour value.

    Is this helpful?

  31. Nate

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lasagna dish was outstanding, calamari & meatball dishes were incredible! Sangra pitchers were strong and flavorful.

    Is this helpful?

  32. abab

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 2, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Music a little loud and lighting very dim, a vibe but somewhat difficult to talk. Lovely place - I will come back!

    Is this helpful?

  33. KristinG

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was amazing and the food was delicious. Can’t wait to go back the next time we are in town.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Jules

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 25, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Definitely good to share some dishes with friends. The gnocchi in truffle sauce is so good you can't eat it without closing your eyes to savor the flavor. Have fun!

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 25, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great spot, will definitely go again.

    Is this helpful?

  36. victoriab

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 23, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Back door opening and closing created a cold dining experience but other than that, great all around

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cousin came to visit from Colorado and I wanted to eat somewhere fun, good, and unpretentious, but still cool. Sauce fits the bill. I often choose Sauce for visiting family and friends dinners. The pasta is very good and the wine selection is also solid. The vibe is casual, but cool.

    Is this helpful?

  38. EmilyF

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, decor, service were all great! My only critique is that where I was seated was right next to the speakers. It was quite loud with the music and large groups of people around us, so it was a bit hard to hear the person I went with. However, that is not a deterrent from going, I will definitely be back! :)

    Is this helpful?

  39. dspf

    New York Area

    84 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    84 reviews

    Dined on January 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous menu, outstanding service, delicious food

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Usually it’s good but they were very busy so the food was not as good as usual and they put us at the worst table in the place and kept bumping into us. I know they are generally better so will still go back!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Sauce does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Sauce also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 420-7700.

Sauce is rated 4.7 stars by 1023 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 41 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Sauce

78 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Allen St
  • Neighborhood
    Lower East Side
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–12:00 am Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Contemporary Italian, Pizzeria
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    F train to Second Avenue. F, M, J train to Delancey Street/Essex Street. B, D train to Grand Street.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Maura Ardu
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (212) 420-7700
  • Catering
    Please e-mail reservations@saucerestaurant.com for catering options!
  • Private party facilities
    Whether it's a bday party, baby shower, office function or any other special event, please contact us at reservations@saucerestaurant.com or check out our website and we'll do our best to accommodate your desired date and any requests you may have to make your party/celebration memorable.
  • Private party contact
    Angela Terrafino: (212) 420-7700
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