Led Zeppole

CLOSED
There must have been a communication breakdown, because, sadly, Led Zeppole is gone, having been replaced by a sub shop. I swear I’m not dazed and confused!
Led Zeppole, it’s been over a year now since I’ve been loving you. In the evening last night, I thought «I’m gonna crawl up to Led Zeppole, grab a whole lotta love, and bring it on home.» But it was no celebration day, because it turns out I had the hots on for nowhere. The heartbreaker behind Artichoke sent Led Zeppole to the gallows pole. «Hey hey what can I do,» I said, staring at their vacant store front like a fool in the rain.
Some people seem to think Led Zeppole (and the idea of carnival-​style fried food in NYC) was a case of what is and what should never be, but I think, o fried carnival goodness, that your time is gonna come.
So to Led Zeppole, for all the deep fried oreos: Thank you.

I will first insert these caveats regarding this review. First I was sober, second this is the first time ive ever had a zeppole. My wife just told me oh, its just like a beignet, fried dough with powdered sugar on top. When i tried it, the consistency was not crispy like i was expecting, but more doughy and chewy. There was not much flavor to it other then powdered sugar. Also for the cream puff, i felt like there was way too much cream, other then that it was pretty good. Suffice it to say, I was not that impressed, but probably likely to change once inebriated. Also of note, they make everything fresh to order. Our order took like 15 minutes and we were the only ones waiting, so i just went to the next door bicycle shop to browse and kill time.

Powdered Sugar Galore!
They don’t just lightly sprinkle the powdered sugar on top of your goodies, it’s an explosion of it. It smells so good in here.
I love Funnel Cake and Fried Oreos but I usually spot them at fairs and theme parks only. I’m so glad I found Led Zeppole. Now I know a place that offers some of my favorite treats all the time.
Seating is availble, about 21 chairs. The employees here are always very sweet and helpful. The Fried Oreos were perfect. Lighty crisp on the outside but cakey and creamy in the middle. I really enjoy their Zeppoles. The outer layer is slightly thick and it’s fluffy within. An order comes with 3. They go perfectly with some coffee.
Cash Only.

Dear Giant Bag of Deep Fried Oreos (DFO),
I once saw an episode of Oprah where her and Gayle consumed you as well as your cousin, deep fried butter. I thought to myself, WOW, if Oprah loves it… it must be good as I was drooling at the TV set. I mean, I did buy 3 books from her book club years ago and loved all three. I looked far and wide for you but I did not find you anywhere in San Francisco. I hate how you play hard to get with me! I mean, how often is there a fair/​carnival in the city? Never. Years passed and I was quite sadden that I would never have a chance to meet your dark chocolate fluffy fried deliciousness. I mean, I can technically make you myself but, I’m lazy.
Thank you Led Zeppole, for uniting me with my deep fried Oreos. It was everything I imagined and more. Served nice and hot with extra oil drizzling down my mouth while inhale my sweet, delicate DFO. Although you were amazing DFO, I think I have to take you in small doses so I’ll just leave you be in NYC and I’ll meet you once again in a few months when I return to NYC. Sorry, but I know if I have you frequently, I’ll grow stretchmarks on my ass and maybe on my legs… and that wouldn’t be really attractive. Would it?
Love your summer fling,
Jacquelynne

Did you leave a restaurant hungry and need something sweet, filling, cheap and desperately greasy? Go no further: this is the place.
Their zeppole are powder sugar-​covered, a meal themselves, super cheap ($ 3 for 3 of them… 4 if you go before 9p) and yes… deep fried.
Either you’ll love them or hate them!
They have much more than them. Yesterday I tried their cannoli and they were actually very good!

Can this be true?
Tell me can this be real?
How can I put into words what I feel?
My life was complete
I thought I was whole
Why do I feel like I’m losing control?
Yes, that is ‘N Sync. And yes, that is how I felt after eating here.
First things first. Upon entering, there is one thing that stands out. A huge painting of Eddie Murphy (pic uploaded). In general, that is an automatic 5 star rating. Led Zeppole, however, would not need that boost.
I came for the fried oreos. While I did indulge in them, there was one other dish that captivated me, catapulting my soul to heaven. It was sweet as nectar, tender as a cherub’s bottom, fluffy as Snuggle the fabric softener bear, yet perfectly simple. It was a deep fried Twinkie.
+1 Service (guy is both cook and waiter)
+1 Options (deep fried PBJ???)
+1 Taste (glorious)
+1 Accessibility (open late, near Union Sq)
+1 Huge painting of Eddie Murphy
Glad I came. I will return, for I cannot — nay, will not resist temptation.

Was the first place I had zeppoles. It was so good. White powdery fried dough, made fresh when asked. Such a good dessert.
Also had a cannoli here. Sweet, delicious, and hits the spot!
This is a wonderful dessert joint. Go go go!

Best cream puff I ever ate? Led Zeppole’s fried cream puff, hands down.
We unexpectedly decided to come into the store after eating at Artichoke’s Basilles pizza next door and we were craving for some sweets.
Right when we entered, we hear a guy moan while eating his cream puff. So I said, «I want what he has.» I didn’t know what to expect but it sure sounded tasty.
I knew it was freshly made since it took awhile for them to fry these babies. They sprinkle powdered sugar on it, shake it like a salt shaker, and it’s ready to go. First bite in was magical. It’s like a bad boy… you like them but they ain’t good for you! The cream puff is essentially a fried zeppole with cream inside with powdered sugar on top. The zeppole is like a fluffy dough with the right amount of chewiness and crispiness. It definitely can get messy but it was so finger lickin good! Definitely worth a visit to try these. I wish I had more room to try their fried oreos but that just means I’ll have to come back to NYC for some more sweets!

Standing on a street corner, sniffing, inhaling rather, white powder, yes, I have problems. I am completely unable to control myself. I have no will power. I am unable to resist the temptation. I’m too weak.
Even though I’m full from dinner, I can’t resist getting dessert from Led Zeppole as I walked by. Three large zeppoles for $ 3. A single zeppole would have been sufficient, but eating all three in one go was an act of sheer gluttony. I discovered that zeppole, like a good steak, tastes best after it rested for a minute or two.
As soon as I was handed the white paper bag, I grabbed a zeppole (burned a fingertip or two), and bit into it (and burned the roof of my mouth). Crisp exterior and a thick, chewy, but not at all doughy interior. Although it’s a denser donut, it’s surprisingly light. It didn’t feel heavy in my stomach.
My thoughts on the first zeppole: Hmm. .. pretty tasty.
Second zeppole: Ooh, this is really really good. Tastes even better than the first.
Third zeppole: OMG, this is incredible! This is really really amazing. I just can’t stop eating! Nom! nom! nom!
Yeah, resting the zeppole makes *that* big of a difference.
I also bought the mini blueberry pie from them. AMAZING pie! The crust is so light and flaky (almost like phyllo). It’s one of the best crusts that I’ve ever had. It made the perfect dessert last night after I popped it in the oven to warm it up and paired with hot chocolate. Mmmm.. .

Oh nostalgia.
This place would make a Texan proud. As a State Fair veteran, I am familiar with frying everything under the sun. Led Zeppole does just that. :)
We tried the fried Oreos. 3 Oreos for $ 4. It was pretty amusing. Trans fat that’s deep fried and covered in powdered sugar. I ate one and thoroughly enjoyed it. The oreos are fried to order and they actually soften a bit after being deep fried. I don’t know if I would eat another one because it left a funny taste in my mouth but I do want to try their quiches and pies, they looked absolutely inviting.

*Mobile Review*
Came here for fried oreos
With Elite Unilocaler: Tiffany D.
With Unilocaler: Janice C.
Décor: 3.5÷5
–Nowhere to sit
–Large food display
Service: ³⁄₅
–Service was god
Food Presentation: ⁴⁄₅
Taste: ⁴⁄₅
–Food is fried to order. They also have items like funnel cake & pastries.
–I’ve never tried fried oreos and Led Zeppole makes me want to eat one everyday –_​_​–
Come here if you have a sweet tooth.

My wife tells me I look like someone that would enjoy Zeppoles.
Well, in September when the feast of San Gennaro is at full swing, you’ll find me looking like Tony Montana with a bag of Zeppoles in my hand. (And not sharing with my kids!)
This mental picture changes at Led Zeppole.
First off, When they give you a bag of zeppoles they are BURNING HOT!
Holy Sheet! Hot, hot, hot
Next, the dough is too dense. A zeppole is supposed to be light and shaped like a ball.
These zeppoles have a hole in the middle?
I also ordered a mini cannoli that was pretty good but this place is not the end all be all for Zeppoles.
I wont be back.

I don’t want to psych myself out yet and give this place a 5 considering that I haven’t had everything on their menu. But judging on the CANNOLI & ZEPPOLES, this place rocks!
Their zeppoles are huge, way better than the ones you get at the church fair or local pizzeria. Dusted to perfection on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, its a deep fried piece of heaven!

Friend and I hit up Little Poland and went all out. That didn’t stop us from saving room for dessert. And it’s hard to followup greasy, fried Little Poland with a Chikalicious cupcake, DessertTruck, or 16 handles. It was only proper to go with fried oreos (3 to an order)
As everyone mentioned, this place is a merely an open storefront. Standing room only. The aforementioned wheel is pushed off to the side and the front case is full of goodies that look like higher end, pretty, delicate Italian pastries. Someone who worked there told us that they were from their friend’s place in Staten Island. Fruit tarts, coconut tart, almond croissant cookie looking thing, chocolate cake, quiches, flan in pastry shell, freshly fried potato chips or other chips, and I even spotted some whoopie pies in the corner.
There must be a bit of stuff that is off-​menu. I was going to get an Italian ice (since I enjoyed it at the Unilocal Country Club event), but went for vanilla/​choc softserve after a guy in front of me ordered it. I didn’t see that on the menu! Also, flavors for Italian ice aren’t posted anywhere. And a freshly fried oreo goes SO well with the softserve twist.
Since stuff like the fried oreos and funnel cake are made to order, expect a wait and be patient.

Yes it is THE girl who wrote THAT review and I am back again. In fact, this time I brought along my gang, because that is just how I roll. Actually, I wanted to spread the newfound joy that I had discovered at the recent Unilocal event I attended. Italian ice. I am trying to understand it. Last week I thought I had found love.
My friend was craving Italian ice and since I am obsessed with ice cream like shops I coerced everyone to Led Zeppole to celebrate a days worth of bonding over pizza. It was an appropriate venue. With no line next to Artichoke, we would have instant gratification. Or would we?
I could tell my friend was a tad bit disappointed at the lack of choices for Italian ice. Led Zeppole is no Ralph or Rita but ice is not their primary focus either. My friend went with mango and said while it was good it wasn’t what he expected. I went with the peanut butter & jelly which was delicious but looked kind of gross. Let’s face it. It didn’t resemble ice or have any form. It looked like oatmeal. As Atif I mentioned previously he also had an experience where the ice wasn’t set yet. Others went for the cookies & cream and soft serve. I can vouch for the flavor of the cookies & cream for it is just as good as the PB & J. I didn’t try the soft serve on a cone but it was the nicest looking of all and probably the safest bet.
The ices were a definite improvement over the fried Oreos and cannoli but not enough to warrant anything more than a just okay. From now on, I think I’ll just concentrate on the real stuff. Why hello Cones… Nice to see you again.
The only time soupy sales is acceptable is if you are a comedian with a tv show. At least then we can laugh about it. I’d recommend holding on to your dollars though. Led Zeppole I thought I loved you last week but this week I just like you. Consider it a junior high crush. You now have two pages in my slam book.

I think this place exists in a bizarre, alternate space time continuum where our reality doesn’t apply to them. Just imagine this scenario.
Sandy C. and I, happily passing by at night after watching a free movie screening provided by Unilocal.Music from an old record player plays into our ears, coming from the direction of Led Zeppole.
What’s that? It’s like the call of the sirens. Can’t… resist… The music is too happy.
My feet grew a mind of their own and I was led to this little bizarre carnival like shop with the happiest, most upbeat lady behind the counter with giant red chairs for earrings.

«Step right up» She said «Buy $ 2.50 worth of food and you get a spin at the wheel for some free food. Who’s the luckier one of you? Who should take the spin?»
Dazzled by the ladies enthusiasm, I silently, dazedly pointed to Sandy. Sandy gave it a twirl. It spun… and spun… and spun. till… nothing. Damn you Sandy. I thought you were lucky.
We bought a bag full of Fried Oreos. Fried Oreos. what evil chef concocted this? Take something unhealthy, full of fat and sugar and make it unhealthier by frying it and adding even more sugar (powdered) on top? But one bite and we ignored all that. It is bliss in our mouths. Not oily tasting at all. «Umm… more Fried Oreos please.»
We walked away from the happy music. It slowly fades into the night, and in our minds, all we could think of is that other place where Oreos dared to dream to be ever so much more.

To end the night I stopped by here with Wing L. and we gotten the fried Oreos. The cute, funny and really sweet girl behind the counter asked, which one of us is the lucky one to spin the wheel. Wing let me try, but turns out I wasn’t that lucky afterall, so no free zeppole. But that’s okay, we got to listen to great music coming from a wooden box, while we’ve waited for our Oreos and chatted with the girl behind the counter. I really love her red chair earrings, which she was so adorable and sweet that she allowed me to take a picture of her with them. She said «These chairs, they go on top of tables.» She’s pretty funny too.
We got our oreos and they were so freshly made that it was too hot for me to touch. We took our little goodies and ate them greedily at Union Square Park. It was pretty good. Even though it was deep fried, it wasn’t too oily for my taste. However, eating these can be dangerous because you get attacked by powdered sugar with each bite. But it is really good, so they shall be forgiven.

«It has no soul!»
Crestfallen, my brother looked at the Led Zeppelin poster on his bedroom wall. In the months he had been away at college, my mother had finally delivered on her warning, «Remove it — or I will make it acceptable for anyone visiting our house.» My brother had refused to compromise, and so, inspired no doubt by the artwork of the ‘Breeches Painter’ in covering up The Last Judgment, Mom had employed her own artistic skills to gift a shirt to Robert Plant.
John Bonham must have turned in his grave.
Led Zeppole, have you no shame?
In what has to be the most blatant exploitation of people whose judgment has been impaired by hours of drunken revelry, Led Zeppole aims at serving greasy, unhealthy, fried unwholesomeness in the garb of desserts. In case your senses weren’t high already, you can now also get a fried sugar high. You like Oreos, let them fry it for you. Would you want some Funnel Fries? Sure, just pretend you’re having ghetteaux. There, you just added yet another regret to your next morning guilt.
AND, if you want some bland on the rocks — there are also two insipid versions of unholy cannoli — one with choco chips and the other with sliced almonds. At its best, the shell is cookie like in texture and doesn’t splatter on contact, while the ricotta cheese is amongst the worst you will find in the city. If you’re less unlucky, you will be in time for a freshly made batch, but in either case you are stuck with a pre-​piped cannoli.
Oh, and you’ve never had Italian ice before? You will love the PB&J or the Cookies and Cream here. But, in case you DO have discerning taste buds you will look at the server incredulously upon taste, who will apologize for the ice not having enough time to set.
Their prices are a «ridiculously good deal»? Sure. Death was never so cheap! You’ve got to ask yourself a question. Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?!
So, the only real question is about the rating. Is it an acknowledgment of the owners business savvy and flawless delivery on the business model (be it pizza or zeppole)? Or a summary reminder of the two middle fingers that they fully deserve? Let’s spin the wheel on that, shall we?
Save your money for another horror franchise — A Nightmare on Elm Street.

I’d heard so many wonderful things about this place, I don’t know, I was just expecting more. After my order, I said «I forgot to mention, I write on Unilocal,» and the two guys behind the counter shot me a condescending look, saying «That doesn’t work anymore.» Then I asked «May I please spin the wheel?» and they responded with «I suppose, if you must.» and when the pointer landed right on a prize they said «No, it’s not all the way in, it’s still a little on the other one» and acted completely dismissive… I’m sorry, but where’s all the warmth and friendliness that people keep talking about? Yes it was a Saturday night, but it wasn’t even that late! Where was their A-​game?
The fried Zeppoles were fine. The fried Oreos were okay. The peanut butter and jelly ice cream was alright. I just couldn’t enjoy myself very much in this sour atmosphere.

I can’t believe Artichoke’s open this joint, another artery-​clogging eatery! But I say screw it because it is gotta be good! I tried the fried zeppole, fried Oreo, fried Canoli and they are all so yummy.
My favourite is the fried Zeppole; you have to eat it warm because the sugar powder and syrup make the warm dough so much better. Fried Oreo is amazing too; the Oreo pretty much blends into the dough.