Eastern Noodles (CLOSED)

One of the best of the hand-pulled-noodle shops on the LES, this tiny spot has limited options to match its sparse decor. Steaming bowls of rich star-anise–scented broth—with dumplings, duck, mutton or beef—are the main events here, but you’d be wise to sample two other homemade standouts: peanut-sauced noodles (which are slick, simple and cooked to a toothsome doneness) and the “potato fish ball,” a doughy round filled with seasoned pork, served in a simple broth.