No Work Allowed

215

308

890

6 months ago

Aesthetic: Hip, Thai Jazz club What to try: Cucumber Breeze cocktail Service: Excellent Parking: None Rating: 5/5, this was a wonderful place to watch local jazz in the city. We didn't eat, but the drinks were incredible! The cucumber breeze soju was one of the most delicious fresh green juice drinks I've ever tried, I would come back just for this! read more

No Work Allowed - Thai lager - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Cucumber breeze - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Hillary P.

646

99

193

8 months ago

So happy I stumbled into No Work Allowed while initially looking for another establishment! It is an ABSOLUTE GEM of a space and menu! Very cozy atmosphere and very good bites read more

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No Work Allowed - coffee sochu - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Mary L.

0

5

2

2 months ago

Great spot for a cocktail and live music. The group we saw were freaking amazing! Get there early it gets packed! read more

No Work Allowed - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Jennie C.

102

347

458

9 months ago

Good tomi jazz alternative. Music very loud but good Drinks r good But they don't have typical alc like vodka tequila so just sake based cocktails and wine Food is good shrimp pad Thai and ceviche was fave Cheeky bathroom decor Host was so nice and seated us right away even admits the rain I also didn't really like the performers asking for tips though coming around the restaurant read more

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Erick S.

2

24

287

10 months ago

Recommend: Thai Teani (martini), Ume Yuzu (plum wine) The experience here does not compare to Tomi Jazz, but if you don't want to wait in a long line, or simply want to experience another of Midtown's Japanese-inspired jazz bars, then give this place a try. I went on a Friday night, live jazz starts around 7:30p. I ordered a few drinks, including the ones I recommended above. Food is okay, but pricey for the portion size. When the place gets packed, it gets very loud and service is noticeably slower for everyone. The jazz band was good, but when they took a break they went up to every table to ask for tips/donations. I usually tip on my own accord, but would have appreciated not having my meal/conversations interrupted. Overall not the worst experience, but not a first choice considering the other jazz bars in the area. read more

No Work Allowed - Outside - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Ume Yuzu - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Thai Teani - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Joyce Y.

17

74

100

6 months ago

The ambience is great, the jazz is great, the lychee beer and tako wasabi is great...but the crying tiger steak is terrible. I ordered a medium rare and received a rare steak, the nam jim jeaw was straight-up just too sweet, the steak was filled with so many inedible fatty parts, and the kicker is that the website lists it as $32 but the QR code menu lists it as $45. I assumed the QR code would just lead to the website so I ended up thinking it was $13 less than it actually was and overpaid for a very disappointing meal. No Work Allowed needs to fix this admin issue to refrain from misleading customers. read more

No Work Allowed - Crying tiger - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Rina D.

187

638

3014

1 year ago

Food is just ok but the vibes are definitely here! Given that the space is pretty tight/small, make sure to go early so you can decide how close to the performers you want to be. Service is definitely slow as they cater to many tables and get really busy. Took multiple asks to just get some napkins. It does get pretty loud so it will be hard to talk here. Just come here to enjoy the vibes! read more

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George C.

20

171

465

1 year ago

Right on East 53rd St, this place is a great addition to "restaurant row" here. It's a Thai-Japanese fusion Izakaya and the food is solid. How it works - we came on a Friday and it seemed like people ate in waves. That's because they have live jazz (there was a saxophonist, bassist and pianist when we went), and they play in 45-60 minute sets. There's a minimum spend of $15 per person for each set. But that includes food or drinks. So you can spend the whole night here if you want by getting one drink per set. Not bad at all. Food is solid as well. We really enjoyed the flavors of everything, especially the scallops and the noodles. Some dishes have a nice southeast Asian flare to them, like the noodles which were slightly spicy. The only thing that was a little too salty was the grilled mackerel (or whatever fish it was). We left after 1 set but will come back again read more

No Work Allowed - Scallops - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - A Thai noodle - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Mackerel - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Emily H.

108

85

435

2 years ago

New basement jazz bar in Midtown East. Very cute and cozy vibes inside. Perfect for our girls night. Loved the music too. There was basically no line when we went at 7:30pm on a Friday night (unlike its neighbor Tomi Jazz). We were let in to the bar immediately and then got seated shortly after, within 15-20 minutes I'd say. Honestly felt like I got the Tomi Jazz experience from here lol. Their drinks were sooo good. We got the Ume Yuzu and Thai Teani, and both drinks were delicious. We also got the bone-in Karage, truffle fries, crying tiger, and mentaiko pasta. Food was good, a little pricey and small portions. I liked the crying tiger the most. Definitely better for their drinks. However, their service is horribly slow. We asked 3 times for ketchup and they still didn't give it to us, until I had to very aggressively requested the waitress to get us ketchup the last 4th time. They also took forever to give us our check, we had to ask for the check 3 times too. The inside is small and cute, but it's freezing. They definitely need more heaters. Overall, food & drinks & vibes & music were great! We all had a great time. But service definitely needs improvement. read more

No Work Allowed - Mentaiko pasta - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Ume Yuzu, Thai Teani - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Bone in Karage, Truffle fries - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Crying Tiger, Truffle Fries, Bone-in Karage - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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K L.

0

2

4

28 days ago

went solo traveling to nyc and stumbled across this little gem. love the vibes here and the food is amazing. staff was super welcoming and of course i had to make friends with everyone highly recommend the crying tiger steak!! would love to come back here when i get the chance :) best night in nyc for sure! read more

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Kelsey A.

20

797

681

1 year ago

What an adorable, charming, intimate jazz bar. There are a few tables and bar seats, then the band. It's dimly lit and perfect for a date night or a fun girls night. The band was wonderful, and the Japanese menu was a charming contrast. read more

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Sophie C.

10

185

364

1 year ago

Got lost and stumbled across here-- very glad we found it! You have to walk down a flight of stairs, so it can be easy to miss from the street. We did not have a reservation, but we came early on a Monday night. They have an interesting menu and I definitely would like to come back to try more. They have a $15/person minimum and a ~75 min maximum on Fridays and Saturdays. Their fried squid with salted egg dip was absolutely delicious. Their salmon curry pasta was also scrumptious, and a little spicy. They are very attentive with their service, but respectful to not interrupt the jazz trio. Super cool spot and go to the restroom for a surprise... read more

No Work Allowed - Cool interior ambiance - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Jazz trio - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Salted egg and fried squid - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Salmon curry pasta - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Ellie Z.

Elite 25

14

170

527

1 year ago

No Work Allowed is a "Japanese izakaya with a Northeastern Thai twist" that offers dinner, live jazz music, small plates, cocktails, and a great time. Live jazz starts at 7pm (Tuesdays through Fridays) and 5:30pm on Saturdays. I highly recommend the Ume Yuzu (8.9/10): This is a shochu based cocktail (Japanese distilled spirit) with plum wine, yuzu liquor, yuzu puree, lime juice, and seltzer. I LOVED this drink. Honestly one of my favorite cocktails that I have had in NYC. If I had to describe this drink in one word, it would be "refreshing." The plum wine adds a nice sweetness to the bright tangy flavor of the lime juice and yuzu. It also is a great sweetness level (especially since I like my cocktails on the fruitier/sweeter side). Highly recommend!! This place is located right next to the very popular Tomi Jazz so if the line for Tomi is looking a little too long, I promise you won't regret popping into here! read more

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Valerie R.

4

20

117

1 year ago

This hidden gem was absolutely amazing! Everything was SO fresh and flavorful! Their menu is very unique- we went when they were also collaborating with Public Village. Highly recommend checking them out! They also have live jazz music Tues-Sat! Service was top tier! read more

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Stephanie D.

139

371

471

1 year ago

Came around 6:30 on a thursday and it was pretty empty but filled up later. The drinks were good but not great but the food was better. The scallop ceviche was very fresh and light. And the chili garlic pasta was the most flavorful. The crab fried rice and pad thai were good too. Service was a little on the slower side but ambiance and vibe were good with the jazz and decor read more

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Aleena A.

55

545

1077

9 months ago

Plenty of room for a below street level kind of bar! The staff was very accommodating for my large group of 15+ on a Saturday late afternoon. Fun bathrooms and people enjoyed having options for both Thai iced tea and alcoholic drinks. read more

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Vy T.

7

198

295

1 year ago

I came with a big group and we were able to reserve a few days in advance. I wouldn't recommend going as a big group or to go for a place to yap. We were quite loud because we had to be louder than the jazz to hear each other. I got the wasabi raw octopus and enjoyed it! I also got the mentaiko pasta, which was good. The portion is on the smaller side. read more

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Jennifer L.

0

10

3

4 months ago

Great casual place for live jazz. No cover charge and the ambiance is cozy. Service was also decent too, only thing is that the food was average but you mostly come here for the jazz anyways. read more

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Fiona O.

11

141

288

1 year ago

This place would be 4 stars, but the portion was very underwhelming. I got an entree with an app split amongst others, and I was still hungry after. I would say my dish was very good (slightly saltier than I would have liked, but it grew on me the more I ate). Service was good, and it was a cool place to be with jazz playing nearby. Don't come here if you want to talk very much! Come if you want to just enjoy some music! Order lots too. read more

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Carol C.

23

74

211

1 year ago

This place truly is a gem! We got seated and got a pear tonic and pineapple prik glua to start the night. I decided to try something new and got the raw octopus and it took me by surprise! If you're not into wasabi or ginger- it might not the dish for you, but if you are- this is definitely refreshing and delightful! I love a good truffle fry and if they sprinkled more truffle seasoning- it woulda been even better!!! The pasta was evenly coated in a thick sweet creamy curry sauce and the salmon piece was HUGE!! Definitely worth the price and to top the night off, there was live jazz music playing too!! The vibes were amazing and it definitely had me forgetting about the stress of work on a Tuesday night! read more

No Work Allowed - Spicy raw octopus - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Truffle fries - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Pear tonic - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Erin O.

52

295

555

1 year ago

This was such an incredible dining experience and I'm so glad we were able to check it out. My friends and I were originally planning to dine at Tomi Jazz, but after seeing the line to get in we decided to try No Work Allowed instead, and I'm so glad we did! The staff told us that it might be a ~45 minute wait for a table, but after only a few minutes, one magically opened up for us! The seating arrangement in this restaurant is a bit strange... there's essentially a long hallway where tables are placed at, and then a spot in the back that is a bit more private but doesn't have a view of the live music. We were seated just a couple tables away from the band, which we preferred. The live music was incredible and went on during our entire hour-long stay. There is a table minimum, so we ordered some drinks and food which was also amazing. Each thing we tried here - the sweet potato tempura, shrimp pad thai, and krapow moo kai dao - was delicious and jam packed with flavor, but the standout dish that I'd come back for again was the krapow moo kai dao. I'd highly recommend this place for both the food and the jazz! You really can't go wrong here. read more

No Work Allowed - Shrimp Pad Thai - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Krapow Moo Kai Dao - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Tempura Sweet Potato - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Ali I.

Elite 25

21

78

125

1 year ago

For your Jazz fix right next to Tomi Jazz, except without the crippling long line. This was a fun find, just make sure to be there early as it is a very small place and they don't have a lot of seating. If you're here to eat make sure you're ready to shout at your dining companion it IS LOUD But the food is good for a jazz place, they have Asian American fare and happens to be great, if only a bit overpriced. Worth it for the vibes imo This is definitely way more casual than Tomi next door but works the same, no reservations, only walk ins read more

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Jade L.

4

6

8

1 year ago

They just don't want you to be there. What kind of bar would kick people out within an hour when you ordered both drinks and main dishes. Literally after 45 mins, right after my last bite of food, they came took the food away and put down the bill without saying anything. Not even trying to ask if you need something else or "are you done with it". The thing is we were still drinking and the cup is still more than half full. And the staff kept staring at us and wanted us to pay and go. The line outside weren't even long when we left. Giving it 1 star just because the musicians are cool. read more

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Cathy K.

202

514

1034

2 years ago

Cute hole in the wall, very cozy. Easy to miss when you're walking by but a welcome spot when you get tired of waiting in line for a certain place next door lol. Friendly and welcoming. It seems the bartender was new and didnt seem familiar with our drink but it came out amazing. The Thaitini, which had Thai tea, and I think some type of rum, and a little citrus, was SO good. We didn't get food because we had made reservations elsewhere, but would definitely come back for food here. A very cute place for hanging with friends or date night. read more

No Work Allowed - Thaitini - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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David L.

68

13

5

1 year ago

The food was great, but it was thrown off by the servers and performers. We did not feel welcome at all. We won't be back. Similar to some other reviewers, our server just did not seem to want us there. There was a very obvious sarcasm to every thank you or you're welcome. He seemed impatient with other guests, would roll his eyes. You do not have to treat us like royalty, but don't have to be a jerk either. And all that just to be getting peoples orders wrong. But worse was the band. Not the music but the people. At one point the band that was playing got up to ask for tips. Fine I guess but going table to table interrupting our dinner felt pretty bold. Not that the band doesn't deserve to be paid fairly obviously but I'd hope that the restaurant handled that bit better. When a group of girls mentioned that they had just gotten there and weren't ready to tip he actually kept pestering them for one instead of just moving along. I guess they didn't get many tips because after going to every table the drummer sat down and audibly said "these people f'ing suck". The entertainment that's supposed to be one of the draws for this place ended up being one of the biggest drawbacks. The service we had I think could ultimately be excused as an off night but this assured we wouldn't come back. Given our experience was people-driven I do think it's possible to have a good time here. The kitchen and bar staff were great on timing our food and drinks coming out, which again were great. But your experience may vary depending on who's working that night. read more

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Ashley K.

0

1

6 months ago

Loved it here! Vibes and food was great and the music was perfect. TOBY WAS THE BEST!!!! read more

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Adriana C.

0

2

0

3 months ago

Very small and service was very slow. Food was ok, I had their Pad Thai. Bartender didn't seem the friendliest.

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Paul M.

47

39

2 years ago

What a good replacement of Tomi Jazz. Tomi Jazz is wayyyy overrated and the service isn't there. But this spot next to it is a breeze. Less line/ great Jazz Music. Amazing Service . Chill and polite. Iza effin Kaya???? Wayyyy better than Tomi / no bs but I'm a jazz enthusiast OCD. And I got to be in a place that's right! read more

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Rainey C.

63

533

1983

1 year ago

So so cute and a perfect spot for a date night or just an intimate hang out! It's pretty much a carbon copy of Tomi Jazz, just without the long wait (hopefully it stays that way :)). The place is below ground and requires you to go down some steps in order to get to it (the front door isn't super noticeable). We got the mackerel pasta for food and it was amazing, packed with both sour and spicy flavors. The drinks were super refreshing as well, don't remember the name exactly off the top of my head but the yuzu one was really good. The place encourages (not sure if it's enforced though tbh) a minimum spend on food/drink of $15 per person per jazz set. Each jazz set is about 1.5 hours long from start to finish I believe. You are not obligated to stay the entire time though, they seat you whenever there is an available table even if it's in the middle of a set and also allow you to get up and leave whenever. The jazz musicians have an appreciated tipping culture as well! read more

No Work Allowed - Mackerel Pasta - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

No Work Allowed - Inside ambiance - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Matthew F.

304

13

4

7 months ago

Waited 45 min for our meal even though they brought out my partners meal 30 min prior without any communication on why until I demanded some updates. Very strange staff, weird vibes. Absolutely hated it. Do not recommend read more

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suzannah

0

1

0

4 months ago

Such a nice jazz bar. Kind and attentive bartender and amazing vibes. Good music. 1 drink cover.

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Jonelle G.

0

4

10

1 year ago

Perry is sooooo amazing!!! We will absolutely be coming back. Came here on my birthday and I fell in love!!!! Come here if you want to have an amazing time with amazing people. read more

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Chan W.

60

34

1

1 year ago

Laid back alternative to the line at Tomi Jazz. Stroll in, hear some Jazz, have some grub. We always get the fried oysters and pear sake. read more

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Martin C.

0

2

0

10 months ago

Such GOOD vibes in there! We stumbled across this place while walking around and decided to check it out. The jazz band there was great and provided such a chill ambiance. The drinks were good and strong so you're definitely getting your monies worth. Very friendly service and just a great experience all around. would DEFINITELY recommend and will definitely be back again once I'm in the area! read more

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Adam W.

125

64

14

1 year ago

What an amazing surprise. This little neighborhood bar has great wines, great food and live jazz jamming right in the middle of the restaurant. So cool! read more

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Tracy F.

158

30

17

2 years ago

The jazz band was tight & the food was extraordinarily delicious & reasonable. I loved the crowd control... would definitely return & have already recommended this fine establishment read more

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A Z.

0

10

6

1 year ago

Really mid food and cocktails for the price... felt sad on the inside in a way... jazz was good

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More info about No Work Allowed

235 E 53rd St
New York, NY 10022
Midtown East
Directions
(212) 371-2947
Call Now
Visit Website
https://noworkallowednyc.godaddysites.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does No Work Allowed open?

No Work Allowed opens at 5:00 PM on Monday and Sunday.No Work Allowed opens at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does No Work Allowed close?

No Work Allowed closes at 11:00 PM on Monday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday.No Work Allowed closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Sun 5:00 PM - 11:00 PMTue-Wed 12:00 PM - 11:00 PMThu-Sat 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Food & Alcohol

Does No Work Allowed serve alcohol?

Yes, No Work Allowed serves alcohol.

Outdoor Amenities

Does No Work Allowed have parking?

Yes, No Work Allowed has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does No Work Allowed allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, No Work Allowed allows outdoor smoking.

Does No Work Allowed have free WiFi?

Yes, No Work Allowed has free WiFi.

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Kaoru

Came here at the recommendation of a friend for their bowls (also heard their uni is good). I came…read moreby on a Thursday evening before a holiday weekend and it was empty. I got the three amigos bowl small size and it was filling enough for me. Each piece of meat was delicious and I real loved the salmon, super rich. Also comes with miso soup. Would definitely come by again, fairly priced and friendly service!

I love this place for their chirashi bowls. I've dined in here once and regularly do takeout. It's…read moresolid, affordable, and generous with the fish. Quality tastes great and it's a local favorite. My favorite is their Three Amigos. It has everything I love. I usually opt for regular. There will be some leftover rice if I'm eating by myself but I usually save it for something else. I also enjoy the roll sets. It's a fun little lunch treat. Overall, you can't go wrong ordering any item with your favorite fish here.

Fish appetizer with pickled ginger

Old skool entryway

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Dashi maki

Dainobu

This is a nice small Japanese convenience store. They sell a selection of onigiri and sushi in…read moretheir fridge section right when you walk in. The only thing I would be careful for is the ingredients bc if you have any sensitivities or allergies, then we may want to skip the "fresh" section, bc they do put preservatives to expand the shelf life, which is also why after 6pm, they do not have to discount their items as other Japanese grocers and convenience shops do. They do have a unique selection of flours, packaged soups, and chips. The prices were a bit higher though. Would we go back if we were in the area? Maybe... Pros: Clean Cute and unique selection of Japanese items Organized well Nice packaged rice, packaged tea, and chip section Cons: Expensive Fish freshness - maybe not Onigiri and sushi - rice preservatives = no go

Very small, but great japanese grocery store in midtown! they have all the shelf staple…read morenecessities, select produce, beauty products, as well as a lot of affordable ready made food options. If you need a grab and go lunch option in the area would recommend!

Korean Oronomin-C (Dong-A and not Otsuka) 1.89 USD instead of 3.79.

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Tensai

(59 reviews)

0.1 mi

I had stopped by this little hole in the wall a handful of times before stopping in several months…read moreago during a cold winter day. The place was pretty quiet, and the staff was friendly. To drink, I had a Hot Organic Super Matcha Tea for 4.95. It was alright tea, and I wish teas were included in the price point, as otherwise, this place feels pretty traditional. In terms of food, I only ordered from the seasonal menu, so I'm not sure how the rest of the dishes are, but from what I had, I would go back for a light traditional meal. My appetizer was the Dashimaki Tamago/だし巻まき卵たま, or sweet savory omelet with daikon for $6.98. This came with three pieces along with a little dollop of grated radish. The pieces had a light sweetness to them along with a bit of savoriness. They were juicy and a bit bouncy while maintaining some softness. This was standard and good. My main dish was the $19.98 Beef Tan Tan Udon, or ground sirloin beef, spicy broth, baby bok choy, kikurage mushroom, scallions, and sesame seeds. While I have preferred udon from spots like Raku, the udon had a mild chew to it, and they were still good. The broth had a mix of sweetness and spiciness with a nice depth of flavor. The vegetables inside tasted fresh, and the meat added some richness. This was good as well. I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to go here, but the food was good. If you're in the area and looking for no frills Japanese dining in a more comfortable atmosphere at pretty decent Midtown East prices, I would recommend this place.

I recently tried Tensai for dinner during the weekday and enjoyed a nice authentic Japanese udon…read more The restaurant is nestled in Midtown East NY and has several two-seater tables, but only one or two larger tables that can seat a party of 4. Very cozy restaurant and the staff were attentive and friendly. Luckily their service is very fast so my family and I didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes for a table in the back. I really enjoyed their niku udon. The broth was flavorful but not too salty. The menu offered a variety of options, all reasonably priced between $10-20, ensuring great value for the quality provided. I would come back to Tensai for some comforting Japanese udon noodles!

Spicy Cucumber $8.98 (Persian cucumber with chili oil, garlic chips and chili thread)

Karaage

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Sakagura

Finding Sakagura is probably the hardest part of the experience. It's tucked away in the basement…read moreof an office building, so you'll need to walk past the reception desk and head downstairs. There's only a small sign to the right of the building entrance, and it's easy to mistake the Japanese restaurant next door for the correct location. Once inside, though, it feels like you've stepped into a completely different world. The dining room is warmly lit and richly decorated with traditional Japanese touches, creating a cozy, authentic atmosphere that's a pleasant surprise after the unassuming entrance. I stopped by for lunch and thought the daily lunch special was an excellent value. The menu changes regularly, which gives you a reason to come back. The restaurant wasn't overly crowded, making for a relaxed meal, and the service was professional, attentive, and genuinely friendly throughout. The food was well executed and felt a step above your typical neighborhood Japanese restaurant without trying too hard to be fancy. Everything was thoughtfully prepared and nicely presented. My only minor criticism is that a few dishes leaned a bit saltier than I would have preferred, but it wasn't enough to detract from the meal. Overall, Sakagura is a hidden gem (literally!). If you're willing to spend an extra minute finding the entrance, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful dining room, warm hospitality, and a high-quality lunch that's one of the better values in Midtown.

This is one of the best izakaya restaurants in Manhattan, and it keeps bringing me back time after…read moretime. The moment you walk in, you're instantly transported to Japan. The décor features light natural wood and bamboo, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere, with an impressive collection of sake lining the wall. The food is outstanding. We started with the seasonal soft-shell crab, which was incredibly fresh and fried to perfection. The daily sashimi special was exceptionally fresh, and the salad was light and refreshing. The must-order Wagyu beef, served on a hot stone, simply melted in our mouths and was unforgettable. Every dish was beautifully prepared, and I enjoyed every single bite. The impeccable service was the icing on the cake. The staff was attentive throughout our meal, making sure we had everything we needed without ever being intrusive. I absolutely loved the entire dining experience and can't wait to come back again!

Lunch Time. Happy Friday!

Hot "Inaniwa" Udon

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Agedashi Tofu

Izakaya Futago

(15 reviews)

0.5 mi

Food: Average Service: Hurried…read more Ambiance: too dim The price of green tea at $8 each! I don't think this restaurant deserves a standing at this location which offers many authentic Japanese restaurant choices.

Visited Izakaya Futago on a weekday evening with a friend after a nearby event. It's pretty far…read moreeast (between 2nd and 3rd off Lexington), so it is easy to miss if you are not specifically looking for it. We walked in around 7pm and there were plenty of tables available, but we decided to sit in the separate bar room near the entrance. That space was more intimate, with a couple of larger high-top tables, a small bar (about 4-5 seats), and additional seating along the wall, and there was also a TV. They have a good happy hour with both drink and food options. We both ordered margaritas, which needed a slight adjustment as they were made too sour, and I also tried some sake, which was a good selection. For food, I ordered the fried chicken, which was very good, crispy, flavorful, and a generous portion, served with tartar sauce ($20). We also shared edamame and a couple of yakitori skewers: the shiitake mushrooms ($6) and pork belly ($8). The mushrooms were quite bland and I did not finish them, but the pork belly looked great and my friend enjoyed it. Overall, this is a good Midtown East spot for happy hour or a casual lunch and I would return.

Age Dashi Tofu and marinated quail eggs

Interior

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Sushi Spoons

Katsu-Hama

My husband and I shared: - Berkshire Pork Loin Katsu Curry…read more- Surprise Katsu Donburi Both were delicious! If I had to pick between the two, I'd probably go with the curry. I love Japanese curry and this one is done very well. It's also a ton of food. Two people could probably share one dish. We came in on Friday a bit after 7 and only had to wait a few minutes for a table. The service was quick too.

Coming from southern California, I'm bummed that this didn't meet my expectations. Curry was good…read morebut everything else was mediocre or less than. Salad dressing has no flavor, kinda bland. Sashimi is low grade, don't order it. Karage is eh ok. I've had better, like furaibo. Shocking, there weren't any Japanese cooking... Like I normally see but that isn't always needed. Service was ok,

Oyster and katsu

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Agedashi Tofu

Sozai

(168 reviews)

0.7 mi

Sozai is one of our favorite Japanese restaurants in Manhattan. The food is always fresh,…read moreflavorful, and beautifully prepared, and the drinks are just as good. The service is fast and friendly, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner. It does get a bit loud during peak hours, but that's because it's such a popular place. If you're looking for delicious Japanese food in Manhattan, Sozai is definitely worth a visit!

Very clean space with comfortable seating…read more Fried Squid legs - fried well, would order this if I were in the mood for it. Ube Fried potatoes - fried well with a nice sauce. Nothing out of the ordinary. Pork Katsu - okay, pork was a little dry. Probably would not order this again. Ton Toro Yaki - grilled pork neck. This was very tender and unique. I would order this again. Mentaiko pasta - sphaghetti with spicy cod roe and bacon. This was rich but very tasty. I think this is more of a side, not a main meal. Cold soba green tea - I really liked this for a hot summer day. The noodles were firm and topped with salmon and roe. Again it is more of a side dish and not a main entree. Wafu mushroom - sauteed sphagetti. I didn't really like this one, the flavor was off for me. Sukiyaki beef udon - this has great flavor and had a lot of accoutrements. I would order this again. Great place for quality food. I would return.

Black sesame ice cream and red bean

Bar area

Sake Clam Miso

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Izakaya MEW

This place is so hip and busy!! I had to wait about 30 minutes to get a seat and yes, it was…read moreworth it. Very cozy atmosphere but lively at the same time. It does make you feel like you are in Japan. Service was great and quick with servers checking on you often. Love the tapas menu.

Made a reservation at 7pm on a Wednesday but didn't get seated until 7:15pm. It was pretty crowded…read morewith a decent amount of people waiting and I had to see them ask the previous table to leave lol. The ambiance was pretty lively with a lot of people talking and festive drinks. For the food, the kimchi cream udon was the best. Very creamy and a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Everything else was just alright. The tuna crispy rice had extremely crispy rice, the sushi wasn't amazing and tasted pretty average, and I wouldn't recommend the katsudon since it tasted pretty bland. The take me home drink was alright - I thought it would taste sweeter but I could still taste the alcohol pretty strongly.

Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll

Dining area

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Scallop Uni Butter Skewer

Yezo Thai Isankaya

4.8

(165 reviews)

0.2 mi

Never even knew this place existed. As soon as we walked in, to my surprise, we were greeted with…read morecute decor, cozy atmosphere, and even live jazz band. For appetizer, We went adventurous and got the monkfish liver salad - first thought the portion is very small. But to my shock, the sauce is so delicious-- strong, vinegar-y, and spicy - my favorite flavors. Monkfish liver is fishy but very good. I ended up drinking the sauce Entrees: Braised rib massaman, as everyone recommends - best massaman I've ever had so far. Roti is crispy, perfect to go with the curry. seasonal mango branzino - fillets come off of the spine. surprisingly delicious! A little but not too sweet and also savory; again, strong flavor but it works. Better than I expected. E-san hotpot - light in consistency but flavorful dashi. Soup is very nice. Pad thai with salmon - only OK. Service was helpful too: constantly filling our waters, timely clearing dishes, even cooking the hotpot for us. Excellent thai restaurant. Will be back for sure.

The food quality is OK, but the dining space is quite compact. As for service, it's seemingly…read moretypical of New York's local hospitality standard--yet I found the staff unwelcoming and off-putting. As a tourist traveling with my young child, my kid was severely jet-lagged and briefly closed his eyes to rest mid-meal. Unexpectedly, a server approached to tell us sleeping was not permitted inside the restaurant. I was confused by this remark, though I chose not to engage in any debate or explanation; as a Japanese visitor, I preferred to avoid confrontation. Another point of contention: the restaurant automatically adds a 20% service surcharge to every check, regardless of the quality of service received. This may simply be standard practice for dining establishments in New York, yet I personally cannot accept or agree with this policy.

Decorations

Pad mee yazo (Pat Thai)

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Pat Thai Yezo

Okatte Tanto NY

4.5

(63 reviews)

0.2 mi

Incredible comfort food, even better sake and the best staff. This place is just the vibe, hits all…read morethe notes and leaves you feeling good. Mainly the staff is just so cool and friendly

So delicious! Portions are a little small. We ordered 1-2 entrees per person and apps. The…read morerestaurant is mostly counter seating, but there are some small tables in the back. Good for walk in, but not for big groups.

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Monkey Bar

(502 reviews)

0.3 mi

Monkey Bar became one of my favorite Midtown restaurants because its modern history ran almost…read moreperfectly alongside my years in New York. I arrived in 2008 with very little, and when Graydon Carter revived the restaurant in 2009, I was beginning a rise of my own, first at a large global bank and then, to my astonishment, at one of the city's most powerful investment firms. The suits were daily, the walls were gold, and the pressure was so consuming that even success could feel like a form of attrition. After a few years, I moved to a smaller firm with Southern roots, where the culture was more humane, the work gave me greater autonomy, and I produced some of the strongest results of my career, even within an industry still governed by fear, greed, and status. Inside, the red booths, low lighting, generous spacing, and hand-painted monkey murals made lunch feel ceremonial without becoming stiff. The room was timeless and handsome, with polished service, quality food, and the subtle assurance of a place where you could be proud to bring someone important. I especially remember sitting in one of those booths with two mentors, each only a few years older than I was and therefore close enough in vintage to feel relatable, trustworthy, and genuinely within reach. One had entered my life after I left the larger firm and helped me understand an earlier chapter that had also ended abruptly and, at the time, felt deeply unfair; the other had guided me through the smaller firm where I finally found a more sustainable way to work. Over that long lunch, I introduced them, we discussed several promising ideas, and for a moment my career seemed to have reached the point where relationships, experience, and opportunity were finally converging. One of those ideas consumed an extraordinary amount of my time and energy, and I believed it might become the foundation of my next chapter. Instead, the arrangement eventually turned on me, the role I thought I had earned never materialized, and the business itself sputtered. My professional life, financial footing, and pride all collapsed just as COVID was beginning. Then Monkey Bar closed in 2020, which made the ending feel almost unnervingly complete: the restaurant, the city, and the version of myself built around New York finance all went dark at once. For years, I experienced that ending as devastating and unfair; now I can see it as wisdom delivered through an unnecessarily rough process. The restaurant's later revival by a Chicago hospitality group feels fitting because it still honors tradition and ceremony while allowing the old forms to evolve into something healthier, looser, and more current. I have not been back since that lunch, but a return now would feel like visiting the museum of my past, not reclaiming a life that asked too much, gave too little, and finally lost its hold on me. Even now, I remember Monkey Bar as a great Midtown lunch in a memorable room, surrounded by the residue of old ambitions and the gratitude of having survived them. The cocktails were sharp, the service was impeccable, and the dining room carried that glamorous old New York energy without feeling trapped by it. I remain deeply fond of the place, partly for what it was and partly for what it witnessed. Some restaurants become attached to a chapter of your life, and Monkey Bar holds mine with unusual grace.

The truffle monkey bread while a total carb and calorie bomb was delicious and left a lasting…read moreimpression. It featured a crispy, sugar-glazed exterior and a soft, chewy interior, topped with truffle cheese and served with a truffle butter dip; the pairing was superb, and it tasted great both on its own and with the dip. For the main course, I ordered the miso-glazed black cod. The flavor was flawless, and while the portion was small (which was acceptable), the pool of broth accompanying it was completely unnecessary; it was inedibly salty, so what was the point of serving it? After finishing the fish, I was left with a plate full of broth, rendering the plate unusable. Plus, it was overpriced; for this dish, you're better off going to Strip House Strip House remains the undisputed king of this dish in New York. A friend ordered the chicken parmesan. It was just average. Another friend ordered the short rib stroganoff. The flavor was decent, but it was far too rich and heavy. As someone whose palate is split 50/50 between Western and Chinese cuisine, I could manage only five bites at most. If you have a palate that prefers 100% Chinese food, proceed with caution on this dish. Friends ordered sides of mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. These are dishes originally meant for low-income Americans to fill up on cheaply; there's no limit to how good they can be, but also no floor to how bad they can get. Both were on par with the average quality found in upscale restaurants. Honestly, these are two dishes I would never order myself. To sum up: the atmosphere was great. It's also hard to get a reservation; the place was packed when we had lunch at 2 PM. Aside from that monkey bread, I didn't feel like anything else justified the price or offered something you couldn't find elsewhere. I don't quite get the hype. Perhaps I just didn't order the right dishes; maybe next time I'll try the burger and the steak.

Truffle Monkey Bread (~$35)

Spicy Shrimp scampi

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Truffle Monkey Bread

Fraunces Tavern

If you're looking for a place that combines great food, history, and an unforgettable atmosphere,…read moreFraunces Tavern is a must-visit in Manhattan. We stopped by for drinks and a few appetizers with my parents, my husband, and our daughter, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of their trip. My parents absolutely loved it! The food was delicious, the drinks were excellent, and the live music created such a warm, lively atmosphere that made us want to stay longer. It's one of those places where you can truly relax, enjoy great conversation, and soak in a bit of New York's history at the same time. Whether you're visiting NYC or you're a local looking for a unique spot, Fraunces Tavern is definitely worth adding to your list. My parents are already asking to come back--and honestly, so are we!

Came here for lunch when my friend was in NYC for the day during July 4th weekend. We sat at the…read moreback bar and he had the chicken pot pie which was huge and even some other people at the bar wanted ti take a picture of it because they could not believe how big it was. I ordered the pretzel which was good. We both also had some beers and cocktails. I had the bees knees which was ok and he had some whiskey I think and we both had a beer. He had the Fraunces tavern option on tap and I had a Narragansett summer one. The bartender seemed fine and nice. Ambiance here is as it is an old tavern it sure has that feeling to it. There are many rooms and dinning options within this tavern. I have only sat at the bar area the times that I have been here.

Here is where GW used to hang out with his pals...

Lobster & Shrimp Roll

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Washington's long room. A must see

Shuka

This place was absolutely incredible. Genuinely blown away!!…read more We stumbled upon Shuka after a morning of exploring downtown. Although we arrived at 2pm, we were told there was a 40 minute wait, which ended up being around 15-20. We started with the sweet pea hummus dip which was unreal, it was so good. I got the chicken sandwich and my friend got the green shakshuka, and both were so fresh and delicious. We both decided we need to come back next time I'm back in the city!

I ordered the lamb kebab. It only comes with half a pita! You pay $30 and don't get a whole piece…read moreof pita even though one pita would be the right amount of pita for a kebab. Just give me a pita! What is that about? But okay, I ordered an extra pita, I'm still hopeful. But out of the 5 pieces of lamb in my kebab, two were *grisly*! They don't give you a sharp knife, so you kind of have to bite off pieces; but when a piece is grisly you can't tear off a piece and end up with a full piece in your mouth, chewing for many minutes around the grisly center. Everyone knows what this is like and it's to be expected in life, but NOT at a high-end restaurant where you've paid a significant margin above the average meal, and don't even get a full pita. Guys, do some QC and soul-searching - and be generous with pita.

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Chi Restaurant & Bar

Chi Restaurant offers an extensive, authentic menu that's divided out by type of food - chicken,…read morebeef, pork, vegetable, etc. Everything is also labeled for dietary restrictions. Service is very fast and they kept the water flowing (spicy dishes really are spicy!), and the portions are huge. Though you have to pay extra for white rice ($3 a bowl), the overall value was reasonable for the main dishes. The restaurant is dark and elegant inside, with a large tv over the bar that was showing sports when we were there. It had a nice ambience.

Located on the Westside behind Port authority. This un suspecting authentic Chinese restaurant sits…read morein a busy block. They have a banner for great HH specials that can only be redeemed at the bar (until next time). The space is large and modern. Suitable for big groups, date night, pre show, post showing dining. The staff is extremely friendly and attentive. The food: Soup dumplings- had a nice glisten to the outer bun. The under carriage held firm and with a delicious soup bro inside. Fish filet with ginger and scallion- nice portion size and a flavorful and clean dish. Braised pork belly- jam packed in flavor and cooked so tender from the meat to the fat. The pan fried noodle- normally a favorite in Chinese restaurants. This didn't hit its marks. There wasn't much noodles. The outer brim wasn't crispy. And it was a lot of sauce. The protein was scarce. And they had more veggies than protein. We were a table of 5 including a 6 year old. And everybody left full. And satisfied.