KENKA
category: Japanese restaurant, Asian restaurant
address: 25 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, United States
Phone: +1 212-254-6363
worktime:
address: 25 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, United States
Phone: +1 212-254-6363
worktime:
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 5–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5–11 PM |
| Friday | 5 PM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 5 PM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 5–11 PM |
site: https://kenka-nyc.com/
rayting: 4.2
services: Service options: Takeaway, Dine-in,
Highlights: Fast service,
Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining,
Accessibility:
Offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Comfort food, Late-night food, Quick bite, Small plates, Spirits, Wine,
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Dessert,
Amenities: Bar on site, Toilets,
Atmosphere: Casual, Cosy, Trendy,
Crowd: Groups, Tourists, University students,
Planning: Usually a wait,
Payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards,
rayting: 4.2
services: Service options: Takeaway, Dine-in,
Highlights: Fast service,
Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining,
Accessibility:
Offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Comfort food, Late-night food, Quick bite, Small plates, Spirits, Wine,
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Dessert,
Amenities: Bar on site, Toilets,
Atmosphere: Casual, Cosy, Trendy,
Crowd: Groups, Tourists, University students,
Planning: Usually a wait,
Payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards,
Japanese restaurant near me:
Haiku Asian Bistro | Yakitori Totto | Koi New York | Ichiban Sushi & Hibachi Japanese RestaurantName: D**** W******
Date: 2024-02-04 04:06:54
Rating: 5
Comment: WORTH THE WAIT!! This place never disappoints and the prices are unreal for how much food you get and the quality. Best resturant on all of St. Marks and my favorite Japanese restaurant in NYC.
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Name: C***********
Date: 2024-01-09 16:05:21
Rating: 5
Comment: This place has absolutely insane decor and fantastic prices for a bar. $8 for a beer pitcher is nuts and the Ramen is great too. Just be careful taking a date here unless you know shes into the freaky vibe.
Name: J**** G**
Date: 2023-12-17 01:22:36
Rating: 5
Comment: KENKA in New York City is a culinary adventure that immerses patrons in the lively and flavorful world of Japanese izakaya dining. From the moment you enter, the vibrant atmosphere and eclectic décor set the stage for a unique and entertaining experience.What distinguishes KENKA is its diverse menu featuring an array of izakaya-style dishes, from savory yakitori skewers to satisfying ramen and eclectic bar snacks. Each dish is a celebration of bold flavors and inventive combinations, showcasing the chefs skill and creativity.The quirky and lively ambiance, complete with traditional Japanese décor and vibrant artwork, adds to the overall charm of KENKA. The restaurants commitment to providing an authentic izakaya experience, complete with communal seating and a casual vibe, contributes to its popularity among locals and visitors alike.In summary, KENKA is a must-visit for those seeking a dynamic and delicious izakaya experience in the heart of New York. Its diverse menu, lively atmosphere, and commitment to authenticity make it a standout destination for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts.
Name: M*******
Date: 2023-12-10 18:11:10
Rating: 5
Comment: Love Kenka. Have been going here for a while and its always such a fun vibe. Food is great, very similar to Japanese street food with a large variety of dishes like takoyaki, sashimi, croquettes, tonkatsu, and so much more. The size of the dishes was also perfect because you can try a lot of dishes and still get so full. Recommend you come here with a big group! Also the best part is the great pricing on drinks. $1.50 for a pint of sapporo and $8 for a pitcher. Great place to pre with friends. Quirky atmosphere and bustling tables because of the seating. Always worth it though!
Name: I******* P****
Date: 2023-11-26 16:38:40
Rating: 5
Comment: After a disappointing experience next door, we ran here and were pleasantly surprised! The atmosphere is so fun, the staff were very friendly, and most of all the food was fantastic. The gyu tataki was amazing, really fresh and well seasoned. The ramen was simple and delicious. The gyoza were juicy and had a fantastic skirt from being pan fried. Everything came out hot, fresh and fast, and the pricing was shockingly good compared to the surrounding restaurants. Cant recommend this place enough!
Name: J****** C******
Date: 2023-08-19 06:01:12
Rating: 5
Comment: My last visit was actually great, food was much better then some previous visitsIm happy this place has bounced back, regardless it will forever be one of my favorite restaurants in NYC
Name: M****** G*****
Date: 2023-07-21 17:48:47
Rating: 5
Comment: Love kenka almost always go every week! Its my go to spot and I love it
Name: M*****
Date: 2023-07-11 02:22:05
Rating: 4
Comment: Food was great. The sashimi was too fishy. The interior design is slightly disturbing. However, it is very crowded on weekends and price is pretty affordable.
Name: M****** K* T***
Date: 2023-07-02 14:26:26
Rating: 5
Comment: KENKA (“Fight!” in Japanese) still slaps as hard as ever after all these years. Brought my partner from Niigata to the OG izakaya of the East Village, and she remarked “this is the place where your uncle businessman would go to”.Food is even better than I remember, and it seems the restaurant doubled down on its theming.One of the best value restaurants in the city in 2023, especially if you can get a table within 20 minutes.
Name: B*** K*******
Date: 2023-06-30 02:16:21
Rating: 4
Comment: First time going here it was real interesting. I had good time the food was good staff was welcoming. The food prices were reasonable .
Name: S S*****
Date: 2023-06-26 00:35:27
Rating: 5
Comment: I have not had better prawns in my life, the grilled chicken and edamame was great too, loved the vibe of the place, felt like I was sitting at some underground food place in Tokyo
Name: Y*** W****
Date: 2023-06-01 14:50:32
Rating: 4
Comment: This place is so unique, feels like we were transferred back to the olden days. Very cool concept.We were seated right under the bullhorn/ megaphone/speaker, kinda loud. Some food came in paper plates.The highlight were the light seared tuna, just melt in your mouth. The pork fried rice, taste very wok hey, I could eat 3 portions size.Grilled mackarel has bones, grilled salmon is great according to my kid.Seats were uncomfortable, more like kids size, you need to seat on a sideway because theres no room under the table.If you bring kids, some decor is not really suitable.The chefs has unique swags.All I said is part of the restaurant experience.I would def comeback. The menu on Google is not as wide as their menu. It needs to be updated.Kids love the cotton candy machine.
Name: M** C*******
Date: 2023-05-14 11:43:46
Rating: 4
Comment: Went to this the other day in Brooklyn & it was delish. We had to wait a reallly long time but it was worth it for the price of everything. Hostess was sassy but if you’re in to that, this is the place for you
Name: T****** S*
Date: 2023-05-05 00:38:10
Rating: 4
Comment: Too loud! Music is literally bashing your head! Portions are good but I wouldnt say that all food is delicious. Soba is NOT recommended.But okonomiyaki is awesome!!!❤️Cotton candy making is fun, amusing, and such a wonderful experience
Name: E** O****
Date: 2023-04-29 00:58:47
Rating: 4
Comment: Love this place! Theres almost always a queue outside but still... They have good affordable and mochi icecream 👌 At the end of your meal theyll give you sugar stuff to make your own cotton candy 🍬😁
Name: S*** F***
Date: 2023-04-27 04:37:34
Rating: 4
Comment: Good prices and a solid, fun meal with friends! I really liked the grilled small fishes. Food came out fast and was tasty. Main complaint is that the seats are uncomfy and service is meh.
Name: Y* & Y* c***
Date: 2023-04-21 21:29:03
Rating: 5
Comment: Fresh good foods and cheap beersBest unbeatable draft beer prices
Name: E*****
Date: 2023-04-05 12:34:21
Rating: 4
Comment: Variety of choices, appetizers, entrees, desserts. Self served cotton candy at the end of the meal !
Name: S**** O********
Date: 2023-03-07 12:23:10
Rating: 5
Comment: This restaurant’s concept is executed so well that you’ll feel as if you’re in japan for your meal. the staff was quick & efficient with getting our orders in and out. the atmosphere was buzzing and lively. the food was delicious and the price was great. will be back in the future for more tasty treats.just as a heads up though - make sure to set aside time for waiting as you put your name on a list and wait to be called. we waited around 25-30mins.
Name: J*** N*****
Date: 2023-02-01 12:14:00
Rating: 5
Comment: This is my favorite izakaya in the city! The decor isnt exactly children friendly but the vibes and atmosphere is so much fun. There are tons of cheap bites and cheap pitchers of beers. You get a huge menu where there are pictures for everything.They do limit how long you can stay (90 minutes) because there can be a long wait at times. I usually go around when they open and there are always plenty of seats.There are way better quality Japanese food elsewhere in the city but no place beats Kenka for the vibes or price.
Name: M*** L****
Date: 2023-01-24 14:23:07
Rating: 4
Comment: Crazy ambiance, food isn’t spectacular
Name: I*** �**
Date: 2023-01-15 04:15:05
Rating: 5
Comment: A super popular restaurant where there is always a queue outside waiting for a free table. Traditional Japanese food and drink. Crowded, noisy, tasty and inexpensive. Low tables and stools, baskets on the floor for outerwear, Japanese music from ancient times and naked pictures on the walls. Together with the check, they bring you a special powder in small thimbles, from which at the exit you can make your own cotton candy in a special machine.
Name: V******* G**
Date: 2023-01-07 19:24:34
Rating: 5
Comment: Food 10/10For the price, this gem in St. Marks Place completely blew my mind away. We ordered a whole table of different dishes, from ramen noodles to udon, fish cakes, edamame, pig feet, and warm yuzu sake. Everything was less than $10, and that ramen may be the best I’ve had in NYC. The broth was super flavorful and umami. Everything was super unique and makes me want to go to Japan again even more. Actually such good food at an amazing price point, I would come back if I get the chance!Atmosphere 8/10Very quirky interior design, it definitely is an experience you have to check out yourself. The seats are a little low and small though, so it wasn’t the most comfortable, but I think the concept is super cool and vibey.Service 8/10Solid service, nothing to complain about. We were very lucky to have come super early, around 5pm, so there was no wait and we were seated immediately.
Name: J****** T**
Date: 2023-01-06 05:24:40
Rating: 5
Comment: Amazing prices for great food and interesting drinks! Some portions are slightly small, but definitely worth the lower price!
Name: I***** C*****
Date: 2022-12-12 03:00:52
Rating: 4
Comment: Make sure you write your parties name on the book they have in the front if you get there early! I really enjoyed everything I ate but fair warning, the menu is intense!! So many different options and since it was our first time there, we weren’t really sure what we were getting. Nevertheless, we were NOT disappointed! Most of the food came out in paper plates so if you’re looking for a fine dining experience well then this isn’t it. This is more of an opportunity to try a little bit of everything at a cheap price. The $1 beer, mochi ice cream, sashimi and noodle soup were the highlights. Just everything was super yummy!!
Name: C******* S******
Date: 2022-11-26 19:50:07
Rating: 4
Comment: Come here for cheap Japanese fare and the indoor Japanese market atmosphere. The best food that me and my boyfriend got was their omurice. It was a healthy serving of yummy rice topped with a perfectly done omelette with kewpie mayo and ketchup. The okonomiyaki was tasty but maybe a tad thicker than how we would like it. Their izakaya options were pretty good, particularly the katsu and grilled fish (I forget which one specifically, but it wasn’t an eel haha). Their fried squid could be crispier. We didn’t have any drinks this time.Try to come around 6pm for dinner to avoid long wait times.
Name: N**** L****
Date: 2022-11-23 14:32:38
Rating: 5
Comment: You’re not going there for the food, it’s for the entire experience. I recommend going w people and when they get their turn at making the cotton candy watch them all fail so you can learn from their mistakes.
Name: D***** V*
Date: 2022-10-11 15:37:21
Rating: 5
Comment: The food was delicious and affordable! The Summer Time and Kenka Navel drinks tasted super good. They have a free, make-your-own cotton candy machine outside which is pretty cool too. They dont take reservation so I recommend going on a weekday as the wait can be long and you have to stay there while waiting because they wont call or text you when its your turn. The only problem is they close so early, before Covid-19 they used to open until 4-5a.
Name: J***** Y**
Date: 2022-10-01 12:10:14
Rating: 5
Comment: 4 stars for the food and 5 stars for the price
Name: s*** y*
Date: 2022-09-18 03:36:33
Rating: 5
Comment: This was my first time having Japanese small dishes. Lots of options to choose from and all reasonably priced. I really loved the cream croquette, fried squid legs and takoyaki. All were savory. Great decor as well and I like how the old classical music played over the megaphones. Wait can get long quickly and service can be a little slow but the food is worth it! Lastly, the Kenka special drinks were really good. Can’t go wrong with any of them
Name: A**** S*****
Date: 2022-09-06 03:12:44
Rating: 4
Comment: Cheap, yet good authentic foods in small plates. When you arrive, sign the list to secure a table. The menu has an incredible amount of options.At the end of your meal, you will receive a mix for the cotton candy machine.
Name: Y******
Date: 2022-08-28 04:31:01
Rating: 5
Comment: The food was was pretty good. It’s pretty loud inside and the atmosphere is definitely very… unique. We tried a few different things but the pork belly was the star of the show, in my opinion. The prices are also cheaper than you’d expect in Manhattan.
Name: I**** M****
Date: 2022-08-15 03:11:07
Rating: 4
Comment: The food at this place is amazing, however the service could improve a bit more. Make sure to avoid crowded hours to have the best experience.
Name: C**** R******
Date: 2022-07-23 17:21:37
Rating: 5
Comment: Have you ever seen an Anthony Bordain type show and you always think “how do they even find these restaurants?” Here it is. Here is one of the most amazing restaurants I’ve ever been too. First of all it’s cheap, it’s really really cheap. Second of all it’s absolutely absurdly amazing. The food is so good bro. It’s genuinely astounding how they can even make food this good. Third of all it is the coolest restaurant in the world. I refuse to believe that there could be a cooler restaurant in the world. Kenka is a MUST stop if you live in NYC or are just visiting. The pictures don’t do it justice at all. It was beautifully decorated with some crazy posters and windows into other rooms where crazy stuff was happening. Like a middvil crazy villain lair.
Name: A***** L**
Date: 2022-07-23 03:19:08
Rating: 5
Comment: Food is good and inexpensive. However our grilled kabob is kind of cold today. Wait time for table do expect 30 to 45 mins.
Name: a*****
Date: 2022-06-02 12:49:40
Rating: 5
Comment: Very delicious and high quality food! very reasonable price for what we got.
Name: R**** T******
Date: 2022-05-22 15:38:01
Rating: 5
Comment: Tried a bunch of different foods here. Their menu is massive and has a ton of different things to try. Prices are very good and cheap enough to make you just want to try even more.
Name: N***
Date: 2022-05-17 23:32:28
Rating: 5
Comment: One of the most unique Japanese restaurants in NY. Great atmosphere. Delicious food. Worth the wait.
Name: K**** �************ S******
Date: 2022-03-29 05:57:06
Rating: 5
Comment: Truly a gem in NYC Ukrainian Village. Authentic Japanese cuisine with a lot of options. Ramen, fried dishes, rice dishes, takoyaki, and tons more. Get there early because this place fills up fast! They have a two hour limit but we ate about $100 of food and still had plenty of times.Ask for the Octopus Roulette option for the Takoyaki dish! I wont ruin the surprise!
Name: M******* Y
Date: 2022-01-28 01:58:55
Rating: 4
Comment: Went here with a group of nine friends at the time they just opened and we got seated right away! I recommend coming early if you have a big group as seatings are on a first come, first serve basis.The food is tasty and resonably priced and they also have a wide selection of Japanese beer and sake. I ordered their omu rice and it was really delicious. The interior gives a real vibe of the izakayas in Japan!This is one of the best izakaya in the St. Marks area.
Name: J*** P***
Date: 2022-01-25 21:08:27
Rating: 4
Comment: I recently went here with my family. I used to go here often since early 2000 when it first opened. It is still there and food is still bad but the price is unbeatable. Beer is $1.50 there is no food that is over $10. It is good for college kids to get drunk. I love the atmosphere and their decoration.
Name: T* M***
Date: 2021-12-01 04:13:12
Rating: 5
Comment: This place is so good. Foods are delicious and prices are affordable. One of the best prices value Japanese restaurants in NYC.
Name: R***** R********
Date: 2021-11-25 15:55:34
Rating: 5
Comment: Very fun atmosphere, this place is a vibe. I only drank, but my friends said their food was good. Cheap prices too
Name: J**** H***
Date: 2021-11-22 04:41:00
Rating: 4
Comment: I personally love this place a lot!! It really brought my back to the time in Japan when I was hanging out with my friends there. The food was not perfect but the price was good and you get what you pay for. It’s a good place for vibes and time with a lot of friends that u just want to relax with.🥘🍲🍜🥟🍢
Name: L*** G****
Date: 2021-11-18 03:29:24
Rating: 4
Comment: This place was quite a treat and I would recommend it. The menu is a lot to take in and some of the more interesting items (on my option) were sold out sadly.But I was able to do get a great meal. Most items are very affordable, making this place accessible. Only pricey if you eat a lot, like me.Had one of the cocktail which was dark beer and ice cream. Better than I expected actually.Some stake cooked rare was not really rare, unfortunately... But I want going to send it back. It was probably medium.. and still good.Grilled octopus skewers often something I enjoy and this time was not different.Omurice tasted good. But the egg wasnt fluffy and runny enough to part away like you see on TV. Sad.Fatty tuna was a delight. Great flavor and so soft.
Name: J**
Date: 2021-09-12 02:15:35
Rating: 4
Comment: This place is good but their wait times can be ridiculously insane. They have the best prices in the area and their food is good to boot. They have so many things in their menu and the interiors inside are quirky and unlike any other.
Name: C****** S*******
Date: 2021-08-20 14:49:44
Rating: 5
Comment: This place is the best value when it comes to Japanese food in NYC. Things are priced efficiently and taste amazing. I was just blown away by the flavors from such simple ingredients. Definitely go here just be ready for tiny chairs.
Name: C****
Date: 2021-08-15 00:17:16
Rating: 5
Comment: Always a good time! Food is good, service is efficient, drinks are affordable. The Uzi float is absolutely delicious
Name: g**************
Date: 2021-07-18 04:27:21
Rating: 5
Comment: Totally forgot to take pictures of the food, but anything on the menu is generally good, not amazingly good yet fine. I really like the small portion so that you can try a lot. The most special thing about this restaurant is actually the vibe. Can’t describe too much here, but I would suggest double check if you will be comfortable with it before going. Personally I’m very impressed and would like to go back again and try more dishes.
Name: M***** I
Date: 2021-07-12 12:35:59
Rating: 5
Comment: Absolutely amazing time. Vibe is awesome, I loved the decor, and prices are insanely good. The some of the gyoza wrappers were a little too crispy for me but the flavor was great. The okonomiyaki and takoyaki were delicious, super crispy fried tofu, and the cotton candy for dessert was fun. I will always stop here on my trips to the city from now on.
Name: J*** L**
Date: 2021-06-09 11:09:20
Rating: 5
Comment: One of my favorite places to go for a rambunctious dinner, it gets packed fast so make sure you get there early to secure a spot and put your name on the waiting list. It’s always noisy inside with the music and other customers, it’s a great time. If you want to try something a bit unusual, try the fried frog. Tastes like chicken actually!
Name: m******* m***
Date: 2021-05-22 03:58:40
Rating: 5
Comment: Hung out with some friends here tonight, my favorite and most authentic izakaya spot Ive been too! Had okonomiyaki for the first time ever and a nice sweet potato shochu as a pairing. the artistic decor also made me feel like i was in Japan. Affordable and they have a huge menu selection between alcoholic beverages and food options.
Name: A***** P***
Date: 2021-05-21 06:32:51
Rating: 5
Comment: Randomly decided to come on a Wednesday night and the wait was about 20 min. This place is AMAZING! Ive never been to a place in nyc where the alch drinks are so cheap. We also got a lotta food and theyre all really cheap but portions werent big. Overall good service, great drinks/food, cool decors. 10/10 would recommend!
Name: C******** Y***
Date: 2021-05-15 02:39:15
Rating: 5
Comment: Wow did this place exceed my expectations! first of all, this place is a great value spot. all menu items were ~$10 or less. drinks were also super cheap. there is definitely usually a wait, but we got there around 6pm on a friday and we didnt have to wait. the vibes i will admit are a little weird in terms of the music and decor (weird mannequins in the outdoor area), but it really reminds me of a type of place you would go to in japan. all the food we ordered was really good- we loved the karaage, croquette, and the agedashi tofu. the omurice was also super tasty! the final touch is they give you some sugar to make cotton candy when you exit- super fun spot end-to-end!
Name: G*******
Date: 2020-10-26 21:57:49
Rating: 5
Comment: Visited 10/2020. They reopened a few weeks ago. Following COVID safety measures. Temperature check. A couple a tables outside and tables inside are spaced apart. Went on a Saturday around 530pm. Got there early so we beat the crowd. Love all the decor on the wall and the solid wood tables and chairs. Good food and good drinks at cheap prices.
Name: M****** C******
Date: 2020-10-08 15:51:29
Rating: 5
Comment: So glad to see this place open for dining again. Kenka has limited indoor seating but is now open!As usual, this place has a ton of atmosphere with tasty food that will transport you to the izakaya’s that you can find in the narrow alleyways in Tokyo.The food is always tasty and authentic. From their gyoza, yakiniku, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, onigiri, karage, yakitori, katsu, ebi, it’s all been fantastic.They also have a fantastic drink selection with many beers, two pages of sake ranging from dry to super sweet. They also have some alcoholic “soda” which can be pretty tasty.
Name: R*** G******
Date: 2020-03-04 14:58:42
Rating: 5
Comment: Absolutely loved the place! A bit of wait but nothing overwhelming (~20-30min). The inside is definitely something else in terms of decoration and vibe. The dishes I had were very good even if I did not try half as many things as I wanted to.Good point: it’s insanely cheap for NY (~$5-10 per dish and ~$3 the glass of beer)Will definitely be back for some casual weeknight dinners.
Name: J****
Date: 2020-03-02 05:13:36
Rating: 5
Comment: Always a Great Time and lots of inexpensive dishes and $1.50 Kirin and Sapporo Draft Beers!! Spot on, but can get crowded, so get there early as possible! Lots of diverse Asian customers, as the food is authentic and reasonably priced! :-)
Name: M**** L*******
Date: 2020-02-20 14:45:58
Rating: 5
Comment: I LOVE this place. Amazing food, fast service, and great prices. Decor is edgy, BDSM inspired, and menus are covered in old school artwork. Chopsticks are supplied at the end of every meal with sugar to put in the cotton candy machine outside so you can make your own dessert :)Place is always packed, so arrive a bit before they open or be prepared to wait.
Name: P**** A**
Date: 2020-02-19 03:26:48
Rating: 5
Comment: One of my fav restaurants in East Village! Traditional Japanese food at great prices in an intriguing environment. No question why the is always a waiting line ...
Name: S*** A*********
Date: 2019-11-07 03:22:07
Rating: 4
Comment: The dishes are quite good if a little bit salty, but that probably is good for the clientele. I recommend the karaage and the omurice.
Name: P**** C*****
Date: 2019-11-05 17:26:35
Rating: 5
Comment: The food was really good and very well priced. The Japanese beer was also super cheap. Just be sure to get there early or be ready to wait a while. It will be worth it though!
Name: A*** M******
Date: 2019-11-03 02:57:35
Rating: 5
Comment: Amazing food at great prices, best izakaya prices in the whole city no doubt! Worth the long waits.
Name: G****** H*****
Date: 2019-11-01 22:53:39
Rating: 5
Comment: Love this restaurant! Its filled with sexy Japanese fantasies and this gives it such a cool and different vibe! The lighting is dim, the tables and chairs are low and the atmosphere is very comfy and nice. It is loud and crowded and there seems to always be a wait but its worth it!The food is yummy and we had an excellent waiter who was able to help me get plenty of delicious food without any gluten or soy! This is tricky with all the soy on the menu but he went above and beyond to help me out.The food is cheap and tastes yummy.I think the sake is a little pricey compared to sake i have had in other places and i didnt think it was extra special in any way.I definitely recommend this restaurant!I was too hungry and forgot to take pictures of the food 🤦🏻♀️ .
Name: D* L
Date: 2019-09-01 01:47:53
Rating: 5
Comment: Kenka has been one of my favorite restaurants in NYC since I was little. The atmosphere is fun, the food is delicious, the check is always cheaper than I can ever comprehend, and you make your own cotton candy in the end. Write you name down on the waiting list. Its totally worth it. ❤
Name: M**** L*****
Date: 2019-08-16 03:51:24
Rating: 4
Comment: I came here with my friend and the aesthetic is great! Really takes me back when I visited Japan!! Brought so many memories!! Its so great! Only downfall which is understandable is the food takes a while depending what you order. It does get really busy so just expect waiting for your food. But overall its really great! I also dont understand the long lines or wait when they have sooo many tables in the back that are empty 😂 and the food is pretty average as well.P.S. they play really loud music which can be a little overwhelming.
Name: M*** K***
Date: 2019-07-14 20:30:17
Rating: 5
Comment: Good food and drinks at reasonable prices. There is always a line here so be sure to come early to put your name down. A large variety of Japanese dishes. This place is generally awesome!
Name: S**** W***
Date: 2019-05-09 15:24:33
Rating: 4
Comment: Decent food, funny decor. You get to make cotton candy outside after the meal.
Name: E**** F***
Date: 2019-03-16 21:10:09
Rating: 5
Comment: Felt like being back in an izakaya in a Japanese alley, minus the amazing prices. This skewer combo platter was $20, but it was cooked well. Beer was $8 a pitcher, which I thoroughly appreciated. We waited an hour to get in for a party of 3, so Im not sure if the skewers were great only cuz I was hungry...
Name: H***** P***
Date: 2019-03-12 14:16:20
Rating: 4
Comment: Super duper ! :) kinda weird interior but the food is amazing -
Name: K** M
Date: 2019-02-19 19:34:22
Rating: 5
Comment: One of the best and most affordable Izakayas in NYC. The interior is full of BDSM themed decor and actually feels very much like a legit Izakaya you might find in the red light district of Tokyo. A great place to go with a group. The menu is enormous and has a really good selection of sake as well as all your classic Japanese bar food dishes (including some very weird ones). The best reason to go in my opinion though, is for the $1.50 draft Sapporo and Kirin beer which is one of the best deals in the city. Arrive early because it gets crowded fast and don’t forget to make your free cotton candy before you leave!
Name: A******
Date: 2019-01-11 23:39:38
Rating: 5
Comment: Best Izakaya in New York City! The food quality is consistently good and their prices are cheap. It has a bizarre BDSM and vintage Japanese theme that must be experienced to be understood. Be prepared for a long wait outside as there is ALWAYS a queue to get inside.
Name: D**** K******* L**
Date: 2018-12-25 00:00:21
Rating: 5
Comment: I like kenka more so than the other izakaya (Donburya) that we tried a few nights earlier. Better grilled food and a very old Japan vibe sort of like in the EDO period a couple of hundred years ago. Cool old pachinko machines next to the toilets. Pretty Good service too. Overall we really like the East Village area of NYC.
Name: J***** C******
Date: 2018-11-16 16:32:51
Rating: 5
Comment: If youre in New York and love Japanese food this place is an absolute must. Not only has a lot of detail gone into the venue but the prices are outrageously cheap and the staff are incredible. The portions and massive and the quality is insane. Bring a friend along and enjoy a $8 pitcher or two! Again a must do if youre in the area!
Name: P* X****
Date: 2018-10-30 08:09:47
Rating: 4
Comment: Loved all the food there. Awkward atmosphere though. At the end you get to make your own cotton candy!
Name: L***** R*****
Date: 2018-10-02 01:02:04
Rating: 4
Comment: Worth the experience ! affordable prices, noodle soup was not that great unfortunately. But definately recommend the place for meeting up friends and for the experience of making cotton candy for free after ping your bill.
Name: J**** L
Date: 2018-07-26 18:27:37
Rating: 5
Comment: I was having a great time with my friend.It’s really cozy place and we can try all of sake! Also there are awesome plate with japanese sake!!!! love it
Name: S**** K**
Date: 2018-07-21 02:14:53
Rating: 5
Comment: Authentic and uniquely Japanese bar interior, good and inexpensive street food menus, and drinks, though there is wait depending on time, we got our table quick, and our server was great
Name: V****** L*
Date: 2018-07-01 00:16:21
Rating: 5
Comment: Great food and nice price. One of the best Japanese restaurants in East Village.
Name: s***** S***** P***
Date: 2018-06-25 03:34:40
Rating: 5
Comment: Good price. Good atmosphere. Exotic experience in NYC. The most famous japanese style bar in NYC. Representitive place of eastside(japan society). I recommend resonable draft beer and some sakes. You can taste variety of sakes cos they offer you by a glass. Of course you can enjoy sake as a whole bottle. And its upstair has myterious shop. It can also be an adventure for you:3
Name: B***** L***
Date: 2018-06-09 13:39:41
Rating: 5
Comment: A definite stop in for several reasons if youre around the area at least around 5:30 (the wait gets incredibly long after that). There is a great variety in the selection of food - from the weird and exotic, to their more rural offerings. The high point of all this is being able to enjoy Japanese cuisine at very, very affordable pricing. Is the quality the best? No, but it is the best you will get at that price point.
Name: R
Date: 2018-06-04 00:30:55
Rating: 5
Comment: Really good food, probably the best restaurant we have been to during our NYC visit! The food was flavoursome, and service was good. Between the two of us we had a udon dish with meat and squid, also some skewers, onigiri with miso, and mochi ice cream! There was so much food we wanted to try but we were so stuffed we couldnt eat any more. We tried to come here the night before but the wait was an hour long, so we tried again on a Sunday night which was a bit quieter. It was worth coming back! Prices were reasonable too. Great atmosphere and very quirky! Its a shame it doesnt open at lunch time! At the end of the evening when you pay your bill they gave us a pot of pink powder that you can make cotton candy with. Such a great idea!
Name: V**** N**** L******
Date: 2018-05-14 05:44:17
Rating: 5
Comment: Its always packed and the food is pretty okay. I just really love the beer tower!!! Also theres a bunch of pornagraphic photos all around the restaurant. Which is a funny and they always ID people before coming in. Perfect for tourists when theyre around Saint Marks.
Name: A***** R*** P**** (****** R****
Date: 2018-04-07 21:42:37
Rating: 5
Comment: Lovely food, exotic decor and a funky menu. All for a low price but expect a 45 min to an hour wait. Worth it if you have the time and want to wander around St. Marks for a bit. Cocktails seemed good too.
Name: J***** L****
Date: 2018-03-11 04:50:59
Rating: 4
Comment: Food is pretty good, and the price is reasonably cheap base on Manhattan standard.Table and chair are small so get prepared to squeeze while dining there.
Name: M****
Date: 2018-03-02 19:31:47
Rating: 5
Comment: The wait is long, but its a good place to go with friends. Food is deciently priced for NYC and you can get a mug of Sapporo beer for $1.50. I loved their omurice as well as their curry. Tbh I find their curry better than curry-ya, but that good be the alcohol talking. Best thing to do is order a beer tower. Im pretty sure its filled with Asahi beer and if split 4 ways each person can get about 2-3 mugs of beer.
Name: Y**** J**
Date: 2017-12-18 01:48:57
Rating: 5
Comment: Food is very cheap, try to arrive before opening time, so you can be seated in the first round, otherwise the waiting is nightmare. their japenese pancake was so good, and the cocktail very tasty, strong but you cant taste alcohol. there is cotton candy machine at the door,you can make cotton candy after your dinner. so much fun!
Name: S****** L**
Date: 2017-12-03 17:32:12
Rating: 5
Comment: Really yummy place but get ready to wait an hour to be seated. My party of 3 waited about two hours before we were able to get our table and be seated.Pretty good bar restaurant that offers a large selection of Japanese food and drinks. We ordered karaage, calamari, tofu, beef bowls, and noodles. A great assortment of food for us to choose from at a moderately cheap price. Our bill between 3 people was about $57!The finishing touches that earned Kenka my 5 star rating was the cotton candy machine they had on the outside. This was a really nice addition since we could make our own cotton candy from pink sugar. They gave this at the end of our meal.
Name: H***** G***
Date: 2017-12-02 19:05:48
Rating: 5
Comment: I can say this is my favorite izakaya in New York! The food is delicious with an acceptable price. BTW I love the cocktails！
Name: T**** C***
Date: 2017-11-21 02:54:03
Rating: 5
Comment: I love coming here. Great food, great price. I would recommend getting here before they open to put your name on the list. It is worth the wait. I love that you get to make your own cotton candy!
Name: L**** L** (*********
Date: 2017-10-04 20:06:32
Rating: 5
Comment: This is a good place only if you drink alcohol. If you just want to eat some food, this is not a good place to do that.
Name: J*** R******** J*
Date: 2017-10-02 23:40:38
Rating: 4
Comment: Manguro sashimi; toro toro; and fried frog are a must in this place. Could be estrange the waiting list but the pace deserve.
Name: M***** L********
Date: 2017-09-11 06:14:03
Rating: 5
Comment: Delicious food for fair prices! Fun atmosphere reminiscent of a little hole in the wall gangster spot. Tons of different authentic options (including some interesting and intentionally outrageous ones) are offered on a visually overwhelming menu. At the end you get sugar for the cotton candy machine too :) and theres a great $5 big beer stein deal!
Name: R***** Y**
Date: 2017-01-09 11:49:29
Rating: 5
Comment: I love this place but pretty long wait. The food is great here. Staffs are nice and friendly. Atmosphere feel cozy but hectic. Overall great place but long wait to get a table and did I say 1 dollars beers.
Name: m****** c****
Date: 2016-08-20 01:13:34
Rating: 5
Comment: Simply put, its the a place that will haunt you. The food is so good, you wont be able to stop thinking of it. The curry katsu keeps on calling me.From the interesting environment, to the extremely good food to the cheap price, you cant go wrong coming here.
Name: N***** G*****
Date: 2024-02-04 23:29:40
Rating: 4
Comment: The complimentary make your own cotton candy really did it for me - excellent addition. The beer tower was nice, not as much beer as expected (6 people, each got about half a pint). Menu was wide and had photos. There was an art piece in the back with a mannequin tied up so don’t bring your kids back there…but it added to the vibe