Best Manhattan izakaya?
Going out tonight with a buddy, both thinking we wanted yakitori etc., anyone have any recommendations? Other than Village Yokocho (which I love, just want to try somewhere new) and that greasy place on St. Marks... What's your favorite joint?
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10 Comments:
Hey, Simon! I've actually spent the past several months conducting my own investigations. I'll get around to writing up my findings on SE, but for now, I hope this rough ranking helps. (My favorite places are ones with a varied menu and mellow atmosphere ... I like 'em delicious, interesting, and convivial.)
1. Rockmeisha (hands-down favorite izakaya. Sun Records soundtrack; Kyushu-style offerings)
2. Torys (great yakitori; least crowded of this chain's izakayas)
3. Soba Totto (crowded but has a nice bar and intriguing seasonal menus)
4. Hakata Tonton (also crowded but has awesome roasted pig feet)
5. Riki Yakiniku on 52nd St (mellow; great happy hour between 6-7 pm)
6. Aburiya Kinnosuke (great yakitori; also serves lunch bentos)
7. Ariyoshi (cozy, comfortable)
8. Oh! Taisho/Yakitori Taisho (great shochu tasting menu, festive, but quality of food varies)
9. Sakagura (pricey)
10. Uminoie (kind of sleepy)
11. Yakitori Totto (good yakitori, indifferent service, overly crowded)
12. Hagi (average food, average service, overly crowded)
Haven't yet tried Tsukushi, Kyo Ya, Village Yokocho, or Zenkichi but I do mean to.
Tam Ngo at 5:29PM on 12/29/08
Awesomeness - please do a formal write up. If you need reinforcements, let me know, I'd be glad to help. Not just saying that as so many do; feel free to contact me if you need research assistance.
In the time after I posted my question, I found this:
http://www.japanesefoodreport.com/2008/04/new-yorks-best-japanese.html
Was thinking of hitting Riki. Are they affiliated with the Riki Yakiniku you listed?
simon at 5:42PM on 12/29/08
Thanks for the offer :)! The hardest part is putting pen to paper.
Riki is affiliated with Riki Yakiniku. I haven't been down to the 45th St site to sample the difference, so if you go, let us know what you think.
And yeah! The Japanese Food Report and Harris Salat are really helpful resources. (I'm just now completing a Japanese hot pot project for him ...)
Happy Eating,
Tam
Tam Ngo at 6:03PM on 12/29/08
Well simon, iza likes her Manhattans like she likes her men........
izatryt at 8:53PM on 12/29/08
I wouldn't really call Kyo Ya an izakaya. Reservations are a must. The atmosphere is very serene, the decor is modern, the kitchen is tucked away in the back (though you can eat also at the chef's counter), and they serve a kaiseki tasting menu. Good place for a date, though.
kathryn at 11:49PM on 12/29/08
Zenkichi, like the one in Brooklyn?
That's not really an izakaya either. It has an omakase menu and small plates.
It lacks the small bar vibe that make an izakaya what it is.
fuuchan at 12:59AM on 12/30/08
Dunno about "best," but my neighborhood (EVil) go-to is Kasadela on 11th between Ave B and C (closer to C). Great small, friendly vibe to it. Chicken wings are a must.
bedwell at 11:27AM on 12/30/08
omg, too hungover to respond.
simon at 11:44AM on 12/30/08
Had a good time, huh?
kathryn at 2:06PM on 12/30/08
For fish - Aburiya Kinnosuke - don't do lunch, don't do beef (including tongue; just do fish /seafood (sashimi or robata/shichirin grill), their vegetables, and specials on the board. Oh, don't forget to order their earthenware rice at the beginning of the meal. Take 30 mins at least to cook, but well worth the wait.
For chicken/yakitori - Tottos - but I only order the unique parts, like hearts, gizzards, tails, hiza nankotsu. Negitori rice with raw egg is very good too. (Even though Torys is from the same owner, it is inferior to Tottos foodwise)
For drinks - Sakagura.
For Japanese home cooking - Tsukushi - I love this restaurant which serves some of the most delicious home-style Japanese food in town. It is the kind of place that I go when I am home sick and want something from mom or your favorite neighborhood small town restaurant in Japan. The chef serves you whatever he has that day (not really a menu - but if you ask for one they will have one mostly for first timer). It doesn't have a sign, but you can walk in. People are very nice there, but they mostly speak Japanese.
kobetobiko at 3:07PM on 12/30/08