Veselka alternatives very close to it...

[sing me a bar]

Someone, I think posting here, said there was a cheaper, better place, almost next door. It may've been a Polish place, but I seem to remember it having been touted as more authentic and less hipster.

[Wilfrid]

Ukrainian is my favorite, and hipster free. Teresa's is okay, but definitely not as good food.

[Pan]

I'm not sure I agree. I think each place has a different strength, and the cuisine is somewhat different between the two.

[D...DF]

Maybe Little Poland?

200 2nd Ave, New York 10003
Btwn 12th & 13th St

I like their pierogis and borscht (hot and cold) better than Veselka's. For more standard diner fare, however, I'd stick with Veselka.

[chundi]

ukranian restaurant, right next door.

[Woodside Al]

Ukranian is definitely better and much more authentic than Veselka (although it doesn't have anything like the bustling scene). You go through the entrance to the Ukranian hall on 2nd Ave. just south of Veselka and go down the hall to the back of the building, which is where the restaurant is.

[piccola]

I think I'm the one the OP was referencing, and it is Ukrainian Restaurant.

It's really old school (as in, community center banquet hall) but the food and friendly service - a sore point for me at Veselka - more than make up for it.