KENKA

Welcome to KENKA: A hidden gem located in the vibrant East Village of New York City, KENKA offers an authentic Japanese dining experience blended with a lively atmosphere. Nestled at 25 St Marks Pl, this unique spot captures the essence of Japan’s pop-culture dining scene, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike.

What stands out at KENKA is its extensive menu, boasting mouthwatering dishes at remarkably affordable prices. From savory ramen and udon to grilled specialties and delectable rice balls, KENKA makes it easy to indulge without breaking the bank. For instance, the Konbu Onigiri (rice balls with konbu seaweed) is only $3.50, while the exquisite Toro Toro Yaki (grilled fatty tuna) is a steal at $6.50.

  • Rice Balls: Try the Mentai Onigiri, featuring spiced cod fish roe, for just $4.00.
  • Noodles: The Taiwan Ramen with spicy minced pork is a crowd favorite at $6.00.
  • Grilled Delights: The Hokke No Shioyaki (grilled atka mackerel) is a must-try for seafood lovers, priced at an unbeatable $7.00.

Customer reviews echo a consistent adoration for KENKA's charm. Hannah Ismail describes her experience as "heavenly," particularly enjoying the agedashi tofu, while Lili “Busy Honeybee” loves the affordable craft beer priced at a mere $1.50.

KENKA isn’t just about the food - it’s about the experience. The restaurant buzzes with energy, often leading to a lively atmosphere, perfect for sharing with friends. Customers have noted that the colorful decor and unique ambiance transport you to a bustling Japanese eatery; a sentiment expressed by Malina Karpinska, who found the experience reminiscent of an underground restaurant in Tokyo.

The appeal of KENKA lies in its ability to bring people together over good food and fun. As described by Duy Bandeston, patrons can expect a lively dining experience, complete with a cotton candy machine that adds a whimsical touch to the end of your meal. In a city known for its culinary offerings, KENKA stands out not just for its food, but for creating memorable moments.

In conclusion, if you're searching for authentic, affordable Japanese cuisine in New York City, KENKA is the place to be. With its delightful offerings and vibrant atmosphere, it's no wonder this spot has captured the hearts of many. Prepare for a dining adventure that tantalizes both the palate and the spirit!

Menu

Show Full Menu

Location

Address: 25 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, United States
Phone: +1 212-254-6363

🕓 Work Hours
MON 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
TUE 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
WED 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
THU 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
FRI 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
SAT 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
SUN 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Business info

  • Wheelchair-accessible Car Park
    No
  • Wheelchair-accessible Entrance
    No
  • Wheelchair-accessible Seating
    No
  • Offers Takeaway
    Yes
  • Serves Dine-in
    Yes
  • Fast Service
    Yes
  • Great Beer Selection
    Yes
  • Popular For Lunch
    Yes
  • Popular For Dinner
    Yes
  • Good For Solo Dining
    Yes
  • Serves Alcohol
    Yes
  • Serves Beer
    Yes
  • Serves Cocktails
    Yes
  • Serves Comfort Food
    Yes
  • Serves Late-night Food
    Yes
  • Quick Bite
    Yes
  • Serves Small Plates
    Yes
  • Serves Spirits
    Yes
  • Serves Wine
    Yes
  • Serves Dinner
    Yes
  • Serves Dessert
    Yes
  • Bar On Site
    Yes
  • Toilet
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Cosy
    Yes
  • Trendy
    Yes
  • Good For Groups
    Yes
  • Popular With Tourists
    Yes
  • Popular With University Students
    Yes
  • Usually Has A Wait
    Yes
  • Doesn't Accept Reservations
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Debit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts NFC Mobile Payments
    Yes
  • Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Free Of Charge Street Parking
    Yes
  • Difficult To Find A Space
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Hana Ismail

    25 May 2025

    Absolutely loved it. Went thursday night and there was a huge line out the door. They take your name and the number of people in your party and the line moved rather quickly and we got inside. I got the agedashi tofu and it was heavenly. The tofu's seared on the outside but it was also cooked all the way through and was very soft and hot on the inside. I also ate the edamame which i liked very much and my friend got the udon noodles with chicken and said they were great as well. Staff was very nice and food arrived quickly. I wouldn't go on a thursday night again though because it was packed and really loud but that's not the establishment's fault.

  • Author: Lili “Busy Honeybee”

    23 May 2025

    This is a cool and fun place to have drinks with friends who like drinking, but little inappropriate for little kids. The price is very affordable - where else can we find a place that sells craft beer for only 1.50. Can’t wait to try their Nabi and Tuna Bone next time.

  • Author: Thuy Vy Tran

    04 May 2025

    we went at like 6:20 and waited about ten minutes to get seated, but people could’ve been waiting an hour. i like how cheap everything is so you can get many items. the vibe is very different. i’m not sure how to compare it to japan cause i’ve never been but i felt very loud short meal type vibe. the chairs were short and a little uncomfortable but i think that’s part of the vibe. the food was okay nothing to scream out about. the omurice was way too wet and saucy. the udon was really good. the pork katsu was not dry so that was good. the fried squid is a little chewy but also good. the tuna salad was good. the taoyaki balls were good too. generally good food. also it’s really dark so we had to take pictures of the menu to remember and see. anyway vibes are not bad. we got cotton candy in the end but that machine was suspicious.

  • Author: Malina Karpinska

    01 April 2025

    We stumbled upon this place whilst trying to find somewhere to eat in St. Marks, the outdoor decor really in enticed us and the indoor decor was even cooler. This is definitely not a family-friendly place, however, the vibe is extremely cool and it really encapsulates Japan's unique nature and pop-culture; it really feels like you're in some underground restaurant in the heart of Tokyo. The menu here is massive so it can suit anyones taste, it is also relatively authentic to what you'd see in Japan. The prices here is what really made the experience worth it, everything was extremely cheap yet the food exceeded the price- the draft beer being 1 is a crazy price anywhere in the world, especially in such an expensive place like New York. The service was also really good, everything arrived at a good speed and the servers made sure everything was okay with your meal. Being able to make your own cotton candy for free after was a really nice touch and it made it a very memorable meal. I 100% recommend this place if you want some authentic and cheap Japanese food in New York as well as a fun experience!!

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