212 East

388

378

881

8 months ago

this spot is v underrated. great prices, the drinks were strong, vibe was high. the place was packed and the service was quick. loved it here read more

212 East - teriyaki chicken (delish) - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Sian S.

8

182

323

1 year ago

Unfussy, no-frills spot. Wonderful place to drink--drinks range from $3 straight liquor shots, $4 flavored shots, to $6-7 cocktails. Everything is decently strong and the interior & vibes are conducive to a great pregame. Loved the interior, service was nice if not too fast (but they're busy, I understand it). Will definitely be bringing friends back here & I more than appreciate my friends for bringing me here and not gatekeeping, because the prices are AMAZING. Did not try the food but can vouch for the drinks, especially the green tea shots! read more

212 East - Green tea shots - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Shenelle K.

5

34

42

1 year ago

Literally a gem. Cheap drinks, cheap food (that tastes good), service is great and fast as well. Go-to spot to pre game for a lot of people. The place is a bit small, so you may not have much space to stretch out because someone may be immediately next to you. But, it's a bang for your buck. Be mindful of the days or time you go there, because it may be a bit of wait. Totally worth it though. read more

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Christopher A.

0

4

6

5 months ago

Great food and cheap drinks.. if you are a college student this is a great spot for a pre game or to finish the night with some great food. The service was great and the ambiance was wonderful read more

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Ria D.

20

118

287

2 years ago

A hidden gem in nyc! My friend recommended this place to me and I stopped here before a night out. The line was very long, but they told us we would get seated in 10 minutes and that was true. What makes this place unique is how cheap the drinks are- honestly haven't seen any place beat these prices. I didn't try the food but will be back to try it. The place is loud, which makes it good for a night out but probably not a place to go for a nice dinner. There was a time limit on the tables, but everyone was extremely friendly and made our experience there fun. Overall, a great spot to grab a drink! read more

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Danielle D.

Elite 23

13

157

373

1 year ago

Best pregame spot ever. So affordable and i love the vibes. If you like loud music & a younger crowd, this place is for you. The calamari was delicious and only $10. The drinks were pretty sweet but got me going & they were only $8. read more

212 East - Espresso martini & AMF - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

212 East - calamari - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Lucy K.

14

73

128

3 years ago

Great ambiance and friendly service. Came here for happy hour with some coworkers, and there was ample seating. The waiter came by to refill water multiple times, and the food arrived in ~10-15 minutes after ordering. The drinks were a good price, and the food had l good portions given the prices in NYC! We sat near the window with a view of the street. The food was pretty good as well. The "Big Plates" come with rice and salad, so the Korean Beef was a good deal. read more

212 East - Caesar Salad with Chicken - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

212 East - Strawberry Dalquiri Amaretto Sour Adios M Popcorn Shrimp Basket of Fries Calamari Korean Beef Plate - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Meira S.

20

47

16

1 year ago

Good prices for drinks, good prices for food. Excellent service and really nice staff working there. Popping music playing too. There was a decent line waiting to get in though. read more

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Khadijah S.

0

1

0

3 months ago

This place was AMAZING !!! The food was REALLY fulfilling. The Drinks was STRONG. The shots was even STRONGER. I did my bday celebration here ...it was crowded but the music was bussin and the Customer service was on point ! They place was Amazing ! Defintely going back !!! read more

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Rassean S.

0

1

0

3 months ago

Beautiful environment, delicious food the teriyaki salmon was perfect. Amazing hospitality and the drinks were great all around 10/10 see you again soon! read more

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Morgan N.

8

73

250

1 year ago

10/10 vibes for a pregame or fun dinner with friends. Music is always good and attracts a fun & young crowd. The price point for drinks is chefs kiss especially for the area. The food isn't the most amazing gourmet meal you'll ever have but is still tasty and gets the job done especially when you're turnt from the shots read more

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Jordan-Johnson N.

1

71

123

1 year ago

3rd year in a row visiting this gem, 212 Hisaes please never go way. Yes, this is a college bar with cheap food and drinks but it can't be beat. Fantastic service and cheap drinks that stack up and really turn your night around. Noticed a sort of dip in food taste since last year but whatever still an experience and steal all on its own. 212 Hisaes you will always be famous read more

212 East - Kimchi Fried Rice, Gyoza - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Shanaya L.

0

32

34

1 year ago

The food, the service, the pricing, the MUSIC!!! Enduring, definitely come try it because I'll be back for sure lol read more

212 East - This tequila sunrise hits the spot - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Tiffany Y.

437

650

2218

3 years ago

If you're looking for strong and cheap drinks, this is definitely the place for you. We came on a Friday night and there was a wait to get in, but we were able to skip the line since we were okay eating outside. The drinks are huge and have lots of alcohol in them, so be careful of how much you're drinking! We were able to order a Lychee Mojito ($7), Strawberry Margarita ($6), Long Island Iced Tea ($7), Bahama Mama ($7), Green Tea Shots ($4 each), and Lemon Drop shots ($3 each). The flavored cocktails were decent, but the alcohol taste is definitely overpowering. The basket of fries were also pretty crispy and were a nice bar food to eat with the drinks! read more

212 East - Lychee Mojito ($7), Strawberry Margarita ($6), Long Island Iced Tea ($7), Bahama Mama ($7), Green Tea Shots ($4), and Lemon Drop shots ($3) - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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J Z.

0

263

72

1 year ago

Cute place to drop in if you're waiting for your dinner reservations. Drinks are fairly cheap and strong. Many choices for appetizers & everything comes out quickly. The inside wasn't too busy for a Friday night and the all day happy hour is what got us through the door. read more

212 East - Curly fries & dumplings - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Yani O.

323

198

406

2 years ago

First all off this place says it's tapas style but this is not your normal tapas spot. Like tapas time 5, they're bigger than we all expected. We ordered the teriyaki chicken wings, veggie dumplings, veggie spring rolls, ginger shrimp, kimchi fried rice and fried chicken. Whooaaaaa! It was so much food! Every single bite was delicious i loved the wings they were my favorite. Yo, they have happy hour all night. We ordered lychee mojitos, which were really good i must say. Then i ordered a passion fruit margarita also delicious. Absolutely recommend, you'll leave there full AF! read more

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Danyel M.

40

96

138

1 year ago

CHEAPEST COCKTAIL PRICES IN NYC!!! WOW amazing place! They have great food and fast service. It was a little loud, but I really liked the music they were playing and the drinks here are so worth. The price is so low, and they have so many different kinds and flavors. I heard it gets pretty busy on the weekends because it's a great pregame spot, but I came on a Sunday and the line was just starting to form. Would definitely recommend the sweet potato fries! read more

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Samantha D.

22

1040

2154

2 years ago

I can see why this place gets long lines during the week especially located so close to NYU and some of its dorms. The drinks and food are cheap, and the service is quick. Screwdriver was stronger than I thought it would be considering it was only $6. Super sweet, but I expected nothing less. Fries were pretty good, a little bit on the soggier side but seasoned well. The portion is generous too. They limit you to an hour at the table, but that's enough time. Cards are charged a fee, so make sure you have cash if you want to avoid it. Tip was also automatically added even though we were only a party of 4. read more

212 East - French Fries - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Casey P.

0

115

4

1 year ago

Cheap drinks and a great time. Literally have only been my drunkest at this place. Shoutout to the bouncer, Ray. Love that dude.

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Roberto G.

3

0

1 year ago

Great price drinks and a chill place at night. Recommend to go with friends and food is good

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Jess B.

21

249

181

2 years ago

Super cheap drinks but they're weak, super young college type crowd and you have a time limit on the table which we didnt know

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Pratima M.

4

1172

2703

4 years ago

If you're looking for cheap drinks, tasty food, and a good time, this is the place to be! They have a line that goes out the door so would recommend coming slightly earlier in the evening. The crowd tends to run younger and the decor inside isn't anything special, but it does what you need it to do. The restaurant is good for smaller and larger groups, but I would suggest coming with a smaller party to be seated quicker. They have Asian bar food that's filling before a night out and a ton of tasty drinks, too! I got the Kimchi Fried Rice, Egg Rolls, and Fries to share and everything was honestly delicious! I especially loved how flavorful the fried rice was. Even with 2-3 drinks per person, this place didn't break the bank and it was the perfect start to our night! read more

212 East - Egg Rolls - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

212 East - Kimchi Fried Rice and Fries - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Andrenkia B.

464

49

41

1 year ago

I absolutely LOVE this place! All of the drinks were amazing and STRONG! The food was hot and super tasty! I mean delicious! This is kind of a hidden gem to me! My best friend and I will be back often! Also this place is SUPER AFFORDABLE! A real bang for your buck! The music was also great! The waiter was so sweet and attentive! read more

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Angela B.

2

19

25

1 year ago

The perfect place to start or end your night in New York! The wait isn't too bad , and they get people in and out very efficiently without making you feel rushed. The most affordable place I've ever been to in a Saturday night in NYC. The drinks are strong so be careful! They food is amazing but honestly after a few shots it doesn't take that much to impress me. The music is great, everyone is so friendly and you'll definitely leave with a friend or two! read more

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Elizabeth X.

112

621

1367

4 years ago

I love coming here when I'm looking for a cheap drinks spot. Drinks are large but sweet - not consistent on the alcohol amount though I think. I've had nights here where the drinks are super strong and others - not so much. Food is cheap and satisfies those junk-food-post-drinking cravings. The line gets pretty long so start your night early here. Dark ambience, feels kind of like a college bar, and it's loud. read more

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Akiko I.

131

198

206

3 years ago

Perfect, and perfectly priced with authentic J pub food: Run by Hisae, an older Japanese from Hokkaido who's had a number of her own establishments in NYC prior to this place. Go here for J curry, not those chains. The service is good: It's run by a J person so no fooling around in that department! The clientele veers young (weekend nights NYU students during the school year) though there was a working-class Gen X couple near us as we arrived. One star off for the excessive use of plastic straws (all drinks including the water) with no option to refuse and the limited vegan/vegetarian selection. read more

212 East - Chicken curry (top), veggie curry, side salads, and white and very delicious brown rice. - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

212 East - The waters - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Eva L.

Elite 24

118

99

427

2 years ago

Drinks are mediocre and watered down but cheap. Be very cautious! My party of two had a 18% gratuity added and we weren't notified of it. I ended up overtipping and didn't realize till a few days later. I ended up tipping around 46% on mediocre service and drinks because we didn't notice the extra charge. read more

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Asia C.

332

283

658

5 years ago

If you're looking for a good pregame or hanging out with friends then this is the place for you. This is definitely for a younger crowd (located near NYU) so if that's not your vibe then I'd get it. I heard about this place because my other friend said that there were really cheap drinks and boy was she right. While the tequila shots were $3 and was about as bad as swallowing medicine, the mixed drinks were pretty tasty at around $5-7. You'll definitely feel it depending on what you get. We got the mojitos. When my friend and I came it was around 9 and jammed packed. We thankfully were sitting closer to the end because it was so loud. Don't be here for a first date because you won't here a word they're saying. They had some pretty decent food that was also well priced which I wasn't expecting. They had tapas as well as full plates. We ordered the tapas which were honestly full plates and thank goodness it was because for $5 we got more than one thing! Service was pretty average considering how busy it was. But they were helpful. I'd recommend it overall. 212 will get you to where you need to be, whatever that may entail. read more

212 East - Kimchi Fried Rice, Spring Rolls, French Fries - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Agnes L.

0

8

35

3 years ago

I love going here to pregame. The drinks are all $6-7 and they work for sure. The appetizers are under $5-8 for HUGE portions. My fav is the Tater Tots ($5) and Calamari ($8)! There's a 3.99% credit/debit card fee so bring cash if you can. We ordered the Adios and Strawberry Mojito for drinks and we got Tater Tots, Calamari, and a Kimchi Fried Rice to fill ourselves. We underestimated the portions and couldn't finish it all. The place isn't the cleanest/cutest inside but the food is bombbbbb especially for the price. The only thing I don't really like would be how packed and loud it is inside but that just goes to show how popular it is! read more

212 East - prices - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

212 East - we devoured - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

212 East - Kimchi Fried Rice + Tater Tots + Calamari - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Emily B.

110

270

716

2 years ago

incredible every time we go! i've come here every week (at least) for roughly 5 months since i moved to nyc read more

212 East - garlic chicken - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

212 East - shrimp tempura - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Tamika K.

0

25

1

1 year ago

Food was horrible. Vodka was cheap. I woke up with a headache the next day, after only two drinks. Thankfully, I was in good company. I won't be returning. read more

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Avori W.

0

1

0

10 months ago

I came here alone while my fianceè was busy being at a concert and the vibes (in my genuine opinion) were great. It was (for me) a 5-10 min wait but the food and strong drinks made it up for me. I ordered the fish and chips and as someone that's very picky, I LOVED it. They make the seasoning for the fried fish in-house and it is genuinely so good. I wish I lived here so I could come here every week. read more

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Bonnie N.

580

337

2080

4 years ago

Came here for cheap drinks and food before an event and it did not disappoint. The line was so long to get in - it is across the street and it grew longer down the street as we waited. I got kimchi fried rice which was huge for under $10. Drinks range from $3-$7 which is also insane because they would've been sooo expensive elsewhere in the city. The vibe with the loud music, dark lighting, cheap drinks reminded me of a college bar haha. There's an H-Mart around the corner if you want to buy snacks if you get hungry in line. I'm guilty of buying a pack of kimbap while waiting haha. My friends and I had a great time here and then we went on our merry way to the event! read more

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Ashley B.

58

181

303

5 years ago

I was so excited to try this place out, but the experience was so terrible, I truly would never go back again. Just because it's a strong and cheap drink doesn't mean you should put up with ridiculous service First, you wait outside for an hour and a half in the cold. Whatever, but after the "it'll be 45 minutes" doubled, can't say I was too happy We go in, after 15 minutes someone finally decided to address us and we order drinks. I got the cosmopolitan first, and no less than 30 seconds later a server CRASHES into me, he falls and almost knocks me out of the seat. I get a cold "sorry" and he runs away, half my cosmo on the table. Left to clean up the mess and half a drink gone, we waited another HOUR before our next round of drinks because there truly is no one there to serve you. We asked for waters, never got them. Ordered fries and dumplings, only got the fries. And then, 2 rounds of drinks in when we should been 3/4, they bring us the check. 4 hours wasted and not even a slight buzz. It's not worth the cheap drinks, or the terrible service. read more

212 East - Cosmos - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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Megana V.

99

632

1243

3 years ago

Strong and cheap drinks. Not necessarily good but their drinks were extremely cost effective and get the job done. A fun pregame spot with a group of people, definitely the cheapest alcohol prices I've witnessed in the city. There's a line to get in on weekend nights but it moves quick as they have a 1 hr limit per table. Didn't try the food. read more

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Albert L.

0

7

0

11 months ago

The white wine sangria was ok. The maraschino cherries were a nice touch. The teriyaki chicken I ordered was drowning in sauce. It was a little too much. read more

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Gopika N.

3

34

46

2 years ago

Everything so affordable!! Amazing happy hour deals and the food is so cheap. It's a bit of a line to get in but everything we had was great. read more

212 East - Menu - Japanese Near Me - New York, New York

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More info about 212 East

212 E 9th St
New York, NY 10003
East Village
Directions
(212) 614-3226
Call Now
Visit Website
https://212hisaes.store

Full menu

Hours

What time does 212 East open?

212 East opens at 4:00 PM on Monday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.212 East opens at 4:30 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

What time does 212 East close?

212 East closes at 11:00 PM on Monday and Sunday.212 East closes at 11:30 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.212 East closes at 1:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Sun 4:00 PM - 11:00 PMTue-Thu 4:30 PM - 11:30 PMFri-Sat 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does 212 East take Bitcoin?

No, 212 East does not take Bitcoin.

Does 212 East take credit cards?

Yes, 212 East takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does 212 East have catering options?

Yes, 212 East does have catering options.

Does 212 East have a drive thru?

No, 212 East does not have a drive thru.

Does 212 East have a happy hour?

No, 212 East does not have a happy hour.

Does 212 East serve alcohol?

Yes, 212 East serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does 212 East allow dogs?

No, 212 East does not allow dogs.

Does 212 East have TVs?

No, 212 East does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does 212 East have bike parking?

No, 212 East does not have bike parking.

Does 212 East have outdoor seating?

Yes, 212 East has outdoor seating options.

Does 212 East have parking?

Yes, 212 East has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is 212 East wheelchair accessible?

Yes, 212 East is wheelchair accessible.

Does 212 East have free WiFi?

Yes, 212 East has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Asian Cuisine, Kozara, Tapas, Japanese Food, Cute Little Old Asian Lady Bustling Around and Being Hospitable, Drinks, Alcohol

History

Established in 2014.

Hisae Vilca has been in the restaurant business almost since she came to America after World War II. Her success precedes most of us on Yelp--Hisae's Fishhouse, The Village Gate, to name a few. But more of us will be familiar with her last independent place: Cooper 35 Asian Pub. The Landlords booted us, and tore down our home before we could get it landmarked, but now we are back. Old Familiar dishes make a reappearance, and so do the prices!

Meet the Manager: Hisae V.

Forthcoming: summing up more than 80 years of one active lady in less than a thousand characters is hard.

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This location in particular is very small…read more Niku udon - super chewy and flavorful noodles! Broth had a lot of flavor this time too! Meat had one good piece but rest was too dry and/or too fatty 4.5/5 Shrimp tempura - a bit oily but still good! Shrimp is soft and bouncy but wish it was bigger in comparison to the tempura 2.75/5

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0.7 mi•South Village

I don't visit NYC too often but when I do, Raku is the #1 spot I always make sure to come back due…read moreto its delicious udon and its soup quality that is not commonly seen in most Japanese restaurants I have been. I have been to famous spots in Japan within Kyoto and Tokyo and Raku definitely is on the top of the list in terms of service, food quality, and vibes. I have ordered to-go, DoorDash and dined in and its never been a disappointment.

Salmon oshizushi was good but I think a bit too much rice for more and was a little too firm. The…read moreudon was perfect and chewy and i really liked the broth. Also a lot of meat which I liked. I wasn't a huge fan of the green tea tiramisu, but then again I don't think I ever am but I always want to try it if places have it It was very busy and we got there like 20 min after our reservation (flight + transportation delays) but they still were able to seat us which is a plus in my book and so grateful for because we had to go to a play after

Wagyu tataki

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Sansai Bukkake Udon

Izakaya Fuku

So this place is small and charming, dark and well I hate to say it (cus it sounds cliche now) but…read moreit's a vibe. For real. From the decor to the music to its surroundings. She's a gem. The service was attentive yet not pushy. Knowledgeable and hospitable without being extra. Just chill and on point overall. They definitely read the room and that's my favorite kind of service. The food: Chicken curry katsu! Perfection! Carbonara udon! Delightful! Black garlic ramen! Delicious! Whatever you choose I'm sure you will not be disappointed! Honestly. And tbh, literally because of that, we're headed back today! lol. Like for real no joke haha

Izakaya Fuku in New York offers the kind of dining experience that feels memorable from the very…read morestart. Even before the food arrives, the restaurant leaves a strong impression with its stunning Japanese-inspired interior. The space is beautifully designed, blending warmth and elegance in a way that feels both inviting and refined. From the soft lighting to the natural wood accents and thoughtfully arranged decor, everything about the atmosphere feels intentional. It captures the intimate charm of a traditional izakaya while still feeling modern and stylish, making it a wonderful setting for anything from a casual dinner to a more special night out. The food more than lived up to the beauty of the space. One of the first highlights was the salmon onigiri, a dish that proved how satisfying simplicity can be when it is done well. The rice was soft, fresh, and perfectly formed, holding together without feeling too compact, while the salmon added a savory richness that made each bite feel comforting and flavorful. It was balanced, delicate, and deeply satisfying in a way that made it memorable despite its simplicity. The seared salmon salad was another standout. The salmon itself was beautifully prepared, with a lightly seared exterior that gave it a subtle crispness, while the inside remained tender, buttery, and smooth. That contrast in texture made the dish especially enjoyable. Paired with the freshness of the salad, it felt light and refreshing, yet still substantial enough to feel like more than just a side dish. It was a dish that managed to feel both clean and indulgent at the same time. The grilled squid was particularly impressive and easily one of the most memorable items of the meal. Squid can often be difficult to get right, as it can become rubbery or overly chewy if even slightly overcooked, but that was absolutely not the case here. The texture was spectacular--tender, delicate, and pleasantly springy without any toughness. Each bite had a light smokiness from the grill that added depth, while the squid itself retained its natural sweetness. It was expertly prepared and showcased a level of precision that really stood out. For the main courses, both the Tonkatsu Ramen and the Black Pepper Ramen delivered distinct experiences, each with its own appeal. The Tonkatsu Ramen was deeply comforting and satisfying, with a broth that had a rich, velvety texture and a full-bodied depth that coated the palate beautifully. It felt smooth, hearty, and luxurious without being too heavy. The noodles had an ideal texture as well--firm enough to provide a satisfying bite, yet soft enough to soak up the broth and integrate perfectly into the dish. Altogether, it was a bowl that felt warming, balanced, and incredibly comforting. The Black Pepper Ramen, on the other hand, brought a bolder and more assertive flavor profile. The broth had a smooth, glossy texture, and the noodles again had a pleasing chew that gave the dish structure and substance. The black pepper added an unmistakable warmth and aromatic intensity that made the ramen stand out immediately. It was flavorful and memorable, though the pepper was slightly overwhelming at times. A bit less black pepper would have allowed the other flavors in the broth to come through more clearly and created a more balanced bowl. Even so, the ramen was still enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate strong, pepper-forward flavors. Overall, Izakaya Fuku is a restaurant that succeeds on every level. The stunning Japanese interior creates an atmosphere that feels both immersive and elegant, while the food reflects a real attention to detail in both flavor and texture. From the comforting salmon onigiri, to the fresh and beautifully prepared seared salmon salad, to the expertly grilled squid with its exceptional texture, and finally the rich and satisfying ramen dishes, every part of the meal felt carefully executed. It is a place that offers not just excellent food, but a complete dining experience, and it is well worth visiting for anyone looking for standout Japanese cuisine in New York.

Ika Teriyaki Don

Shio Saba Bento

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Interior

Tonchin

4.4(2.5k reviews)

1.4 mi•Midtown West

This is a winner. Hands down amongst the best vegan ramen dish i can recall: broth, add ins,…read morenoodles, vegetables, the whole show. Three of us had the same dish, same applause. Communal tables are the fastest seating, nothing wrong with them, take what you're given, rather than risk stepping away because you'd rather a booth....

We finished a tour of Michelin recognized casual restaurants here…read more I didn't order right. I did the dipping noodles and they were too salty for me. I've had them before so I knew what to expect but it was way too salty, less flavorful. Had a very nice flavor, the salt overpowered it though. I tasted mushroom. The sauce stuck to the noodles well and the noodles were delicious. My daughter and husband ordered the spicy ramen and they said it was very very good. Couldn't decipher distinctly from other top notch ramen so it wasn't knock your socks off. From now on I'll order the base dish when I go places so I can judge better. The gyoza was cooked very nicely, came sizzling and the bun with meat was a little ugly, it looked boiled and unappetizing. The taste was just okay. The topping on it was notable. The waitress didn't help us at all when ordering. We weren't bowled over with the food, although it was noted the meat in the ramen was high level. It hit the spot but I will try other places in the search for our "return forever" ramen place.

Interior

Kimchi mushrooms

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Chicken Tsukune Bun

Katsu-Hama

4.0(1.8k reviews)

1.9 mi•Midtown East

I am a sucker for delicious Katsu and you'll struggle to find better than Katsu-Hama. Katsu-Hama…read morehas a quaint, Japanese vibe in a small but comfortable dining area. It's not especially big, so you may have a bit of a wait if you frequent right at lunch or in the evening but whatever amount of time you have to wait it will be well worth it. Service is top tier but you come for the food. They have a varied menu with a lot of options so if you're bringing a buddy that isn't up for Katsu, they'll have plenty to choose from. The Katsu is the star and I think what sets this place apart is that they offer Berkshire pork katsu as an option. Arguably some of the best pork, it's great to have the option if you're looking to heighten the experience. I love their pork katsu and go nuts over the chicken katsu curry. It's super crispy, slightly greasy but never off-putting. And it's served with the most delicate and delicious cabbage slaw. I could eat a mountain of this it's so good. Highly recommended.

This place is a bit hard to spot, but it's on the same side of the street as the sorta famous (50…read moreyears +) Phil's Stationery. Katsu-Hama is about two doors to the Left of Phil's, and has minimal, very discreet signage. I got some tonkatsu...I forget the exact type, but it was essentially the most fatty of the tonkatsu offered. It came with cabbage (with a sesame ginger type dressing), daikon radish (with some type of sauce on top), and the standard sauce for the tonkatsu, along with some crushed sesame seed and hot mustard. I'd have to say...the tonkatsu was quite good....not quite as sublime as my favorite tonkatsu place in Tokyo...but still, very, very good. The dish also came with a bowl of miso soup (good, and not overly salty) and a bowl of white rice, which I considered the most disappointing part of the meal. The rice seemed a bit dried out...not moist.... All in all, an excellent meal. I'd definitely come back.

Oyster and katsu

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Agedashi Tofu

Yakitori Totto

4.0(1.5k reviews)

2.5 mi•Midtown West

Still the best in New York. Unique, flavorful chicken skin skewers among many things (see my…read morephotos), though somehow grilled chicken soft bone is a bit tasteless? Fast service. You can order a little and keep adding depending on how big or small each dish is. We came right at 5 pm when they opened. We didn't have a reservation, and after some fumbling they got us four seats at the bar (looking over grilling chefs at work). Not bad, though we were hoping for a table. Great decor and ambiance as always. Wish the grilled shrimps come with shell on, and with salt only (no sauce).

Yakitori Totto has been around for ages, and I've visited this location in person a few times…read morethough it's been a while! Their location is a little hidden, it's on the second floor above Soba Noodle Azuma on 55th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, closer to 8th. You have to go up a stairwell on the side. Getting to the food, their focus is on meat, seafood and vegetable skewers though they also have a variety of appetizers, rice bowls and noodles, and dessert. The meats and veggies are grilled over charcoal while basted with "tare", a house-made sauce that adds a level of umami to the caramelized grill flavors. Recently I got a handful of skewers for takeout, including: - Ebi (shrimp) $8 x 2: the shrimp were cooked just right, tender and juicy, yum! - Hotate Eringi (scallop and oyster mushrooms) $8 x 2: the textures of the oyster mushrooms and scallop pieces complemented each other, and were kinda similar. Another tasty offering. - Negi pon (pork belly with scallions) $7: I'm not a huge fan of pork belly in general, though they grilled it well here and chopped scallions added a little spicy tickle. While not the cheapest for skewers that you can find, (and inflation hasn't helped,) their flavors are authentic and their quality and consistency is key here. I'm glad it's still here since there seems to be fewer and fewer good yakitori spots in Manhattan these days. They used to have another location in the city though I believe this closed pre-pandemic, however from their website they now have another location in Boston. This was also the sister restaurant to Ramen Totto which had four locations at one point though all have shuttered as well. Hope this location stays around for a long time!