KENKA

Honestly so disappointed. This place has been on my list for a while and I was so excited to check it out. However, the whole experience wasn't pleasing. Food- okay good thing it's cheap. However i'd rather pay more and eat better quality food. The place is so crowded and loud despite the fact that it was a weekday dinner. I didn't even know who my server was. They didn't bring water, not to mention getting refilled. I am wondering how sanitary the place is. Although you can get diversity of food and the whole system is fast paced, wouldn't recommend. Lucky cat i believe the one in the upper east is way better. Overall so disappointed..

Good agedashi tofu. Yakiniku bowl was okay but should have more meat. Place is quite noisy, hot, and dark, making it hard to communicate. Pretty unsettling decor, too.

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.

I love this place. I came many time with family and friends. There is a wide variety of food on the menu and the taste of all the food I have had is good. And good price The only complain is the cleanliness. Every time I went there, the table is never wiped clean. I have to use the tissue paper they provide for meal to wipe. Sometimes I have to ask for more tissue paper and it takes a long time for them to get it. The bathroom is dirty. The food comes out slowly. The servers used to be very slow. Recently they come faster. There was sugar for making cotton candy given out before leaving, but the machine was also very dirty. I like making it, but I don't dare eat it.

You're not going to KENKAS specifically for the food, you're going for the prices, the people, and the atmosphere it creates. This is one of the most unique places to eat in the city, and definitely worth a visit. It is worth noting that some items on the menu are hits, such as the butter scallops, while others are just "okay."

Visited Kenka for the first time and was disappointed overall. The Okonomiyaki was good, but the yakitori, which should have been a highlight, was just so-so. The draft beer is cheap but tastes different from other places. The staff was not very helpful, and the restaurant's atmosphere, including its playlist, could use improvement. There are better options for a more authentic izakaya experience.

The food varies on tastefulness some dishes are great others aren’t ! Is definitely affordable specially compare to other restaurants near the area. The downside is I very packed , some of the tables and chairs are old and move constantly. Due to it being cramped it can hard to get the waiter attention since they have to attend to alot of people at a time.

Cheap Kirin drafts and food was pretty solid too. Unique atmosphere... little chairs and tables similar to some places in Japan.

Honestly so disappointed. This place has been on my list for a while and I was so excited to check it out. However, the whole experience wasn't pleasing. Food- okay good thing it's cheap. However i'd rather pay more and eat better quality food. The place is so crowded and loud despite the fact that it was a weekday dinner. I didn't even know who my server was. They didn't bring water, not to mention getting refilled. I am wondering how sanitary the place is. Although you can get diversity of food and the whole system is fast paced, wouldn't recommend. Lucky cat i believe the one in the upper east is way better. Overall so disappointed..

Good agedashi tofu. Yakiniku bowl was okay but should have more meat. Place is quite noisy, hot, and dark, making it hard to communicate. Pretty unsettling decor, too.

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.

I love this place. I came many time with family and friends. There is a wide variety of food on the menu and the taste of all the food I have had is good. And good price The only complain is the cleanliness. Every time I went there, the table is never wiped clean. I have to use the tissue paper they provide for meal to wipe. Sometimes I have to ask for more tissue paper and it takes a long time for them to get it. The bathroom is dirty. The food comes out slowly. The servers used to be very slow. Recently they come faster. There was sugar for making cotton candy given out before leaving, but the machine was also very dirty. I like making it, but I don't dare eat it.

You're not going to KENKAS specifically for the food, you're going for the prices, the people, and the atmosphere it creates. This is one of the most unique places to eat in the city, and definitely worth a visit. It is worth noting that some items on the menu are hits, such as the butter scallops, while others are just "okay."

Visited Kenka for the first time and was disappointed overall. The Okonomiyaki was good, but the yakitori, which should have been a highlight, was just so-so. The draft beer is cheap but tastes different from other places. The staff was not very helpful, and the restaurant's atmosphere, including its playlist, could use improvement. There are better options for a more authentic izakaya experience.

The food varies on tastefulness some dishes are great others aren’t ! Is definitely affordable specially compare to other restaurants near the area. The downside is I very packed , some of the tables and chairs are old and move constantly. Due to it being cramped it can hard to get the waiter attention since they have to attend to alot of people at a time.

Cheap Kirin drafts and food was pretty solid too. Unique atmosphere... little chairs and tables similar to some places in Japan.

This place is unlike any place I have been (in a positive way). It's kind of like a fun cheap Japanese pub? There is a bit of sensory overload from the menu being so large, to the music, to the loudness of the customers. That being said- I loved it. Couple friends and I stopped in here for a little early dinner/pregame on before heading to a Liberty game. We got 2 pitchers of beer, and like 8 dishes to share, and the total came out to only $80! The food was just OK but got the job done. I did notice there was a line out the door on weekends so maybe try a weekday. Must try once for the experience and value not necessarily the culinary experience.

It's so difficult to find Japanese food for a good price in Manhattan, so Kenka is very special for that. Their menu has so many options, and everything is quite cheap. I had a katsu curry, and it was a huge plate, with delicious crispy katsu and a heaping side of rice. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is pretty rowdy, and there is usually a line during busy hours. The staff are extremely friendly. After you eat, they give you some sugar so you can make cotton candy yourself at the machine right outside the restaurant. I definitely recommend!

Great place with the real izakaya spirit with several options for an affordable price. The portions are not huge which will allow you to taste several meals. We shared the kaarage, oyakodon, saba and croquettes. Everything was delicious We had a great time ! Ideal to go out with friends for drinks

The restaurant is pretty dark and a bit warm. The atmosphere is very interesting, a lot of sexual decor and even a brightly lit room showcasing a tied up mannequin. I would say they are not known for their services. We had to ask for water on multiple occasions before someone came to refill our cups. The food was pretty good. The portions are pretty large, and the price was very affordable. I ordered the karaage, Yakitori, and katsudon. 1. Karaage: crispy but lacked any flavor 2. Takitori: good chicken, not the most tender, there was a bite but still would get again. 3. Katsudon: it came with a lot of rice, but the dish was pretty authentic.

I came here with a friend on a Wednesday night for dinner. It was super busy, but there was no wait. We ordered quite a few things, including kimchi, a salad, fried chicken skewers, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and potato croquettes, which were all delicious and came out relatively fast. Definitely not the cleanest-- there are always flies buzzing around-- but it's worth it once in a while.

Memorable dinner. Such fun atmosphere and satisfying food! Very long wait to get in for a group of 6 but in all a Great deal. The drinks were perfect. Must be ok with loud noise and music to eat here, the noise doesn't stop. The music is fun and unique

You'll immediately notice this Japanese spot if you find yourself in St. Marks as long lines form to get in. For years, the hype existed and for good reason. Prices are dirt cheap and the ambiance is quite great. It's one of those packed, loud restaurants where your seat is most likely touching someone else's seat behind you and the bathrooms are filled with graffiti akin to a dive bar, yet it totally works. We came here at 10:40pm on a Friday night and were lucky to get seated after a 5 minute wait. Yes, even at almost 11pm people are lining up, trying to eat at this place. The kitchen closes at 11pm, so our server was quick to get our orders and serve our food. - Shio Shake: For $6.50 in 2024, this large cut of salmon is a total steal. Salmon was light on the salt, but the grated daikon and lemon elevated each bite and the skin tasted great. - Oyako Don: Another steal for $6.50. Chicken and egg over rice is your classic Japanese comfort meal with the rice perfectly sweet and the chicken cut in large chunks. Amazed by the quality considering the prices. - Takoyaki: Classic Japanese street snack with all the right ingredients. Generous serving of bonito flakes, Takoyaki sauce, and pickled red ginger. The diced octopus inside the batter is always a great treat. Goes well with your $8 pitcher of Sapporo and is perfect for sharing (6 balls). This spot is great for a night out with friends and the food is surprisingly high quality at insanely low prices. You get cotton candy powder with your bill, if you'd like to make cotton candy right outside, but as you may have guessed already, there's also a line for access to the free cotton candy machine.

This spot is perfect for a budget-friendly pregame. Most entrees and drinks are under $10, which is practically unheard of in NYC. Located in the heart of the East Village, it's super convenient for restaurant and bar hopping after grabbing a quick bite at Kenka. The interior really transports you to Japan, and the vibes are overall great. I've been here twice this month because I wanted to try more from the menu. The cocktails and highballs - a must. However, I wouldn't recommend the pork belly hotpot--it was lacking in flavor, and the broth was way too light for my taste. The tuna tartare was also a letdown. It didn't taste fresh and was pretty bland. All in all, this place is great for the vibes and as a cheap spot to grab drinks. The food is pretty much what you'd expect for the price. The curry is something I'll definitely be ordering again!

I had to come here because I saw the menu, and it was designed similar to the menu of an izakaya I went to in Japan. The vibes were similar too. Fried Rice: I'm not a big seafood person (outside of fish and shrimp), but this was really good. The flavor is unique and addictive. Karaage: Very solid and good karaage. Tonkatsu: The crisp is real! However, I likely wouldn't order this again, since the meat was too hard for my liking. Calpico Sour: I couldn't find this on the menu, but they were able to make this for me. This is shochu and the Calpico soft drink. It's my favorite cocktail, and I can't ever find it at bars in the US. The alcohol in this was a bit too strong for my taste, but it was really close to the way I like it. (The service is amazing -- the staff is attentive and helpful.) If I go back, I would consider ordering this again. Yakitori: I would personally skip. It wasn't marinated enough or didn't have enough flavor. Cotton Candy: You get the sugar to make your own cotton candy at the end of the meal, which is a cool experience! I wish I had room for more, but I guess I have to return to try everything else.

Haven't been here in a few years, but it hasn't changed a bit (except for the price ofc, #inflation). I think it's still very affordable compared to most places. And I think it's a great place to visit for a quick meal. I went at 5 pm Fri right when it opened because when I was here a few years ago, even for a single person, there was a long wait later in the evening. I was seated immediately, and I stayed for about an hour, and by the time I left, there were still plenty of seats. The vibe is great. It's like the ancient izakaya vibe, and they play old enka style music in the restaurant. I had the yakiniku don and the okonomoyaki. For the price, the portion is quite good. The yakiniku don is pretty bland, but there is good amount of meat. The okonomoyaki was soggy, but I didn't quite mind that. The taste of food is definitely not the best in the world, but I would still come here for the cheap food.

Came here with a group of 4. Walked in around 530pm on a weekday and didn't have to wait for a table. Chairs are kinda small and uncomfortable. Ambiance is somewhat dark. Menus smelled funny. Food was ok. We ordered a bunch of things to share. The only things that really stood out to me was the fried squid legs and buttered mushrooms. The takoyaki was decent as well. I didn't like the combination yakitori plate. The sticks were just average tasting and I didn't really like it. We ordered the seafood nabe. It was quite big and just right for 4 ppl but taste was kinda bland. Overall, it's good for cheap beer but food is just mid.

After my girlfriend and I came back from our trip to Japan we were finding ourselves in a predicament. We missed the Japanese izakaya so my gf being the detective she is she found Kenka and let me tell you. The ambiance and food to the service it resembles and brings back to that day I first went into a izakaya. Such a great find!! There are more than small eats I saw on the menu you can get a full meal too good ramen and donburis. Will be coming back

Japanese street food with a really cool vibe! It's really popular so the waiting time is appreciated 20-30 mins around a Friday night (7pm) The price of the food is really students friendly and the portion is on a smaller side. Would come back for sure!

Came on a thrusday night around 5pm. It wasn't busy at the time, but as we were there there were more people coming in. Eventually when we left, there was a short wait. Decorations are interesting. Definitely not your typical izakaya. The okonomiyaki was soggy. The flavors were there, but it didn't have the nice pan fried crust on the outside. Everything fell apart too. The meat could've been more distributed as well. However this was the better food option. Yakitori combination platter either lacked flavor or tasted strange. The meatballs threw me off. Not sure what they were seasoned with. The chicken skewers could've used more salt. Squid was super chewy. Katsu skewers also could've used more seasoning as well. Kenka is good if you want a cheap eat and low cost alcohol. A pint of Sapporo or Kirin was only $1.50 each, and they have a good variety of other low cost alcohol options. However, there's more to be desired in regards to food.

The bar is very lively at night! It is a great place to bring a group of people to drink and have cheap eats. The service is fast. The menu is extensive which is nice for people to get different items. My party got the skewers platter which was really good. I liked the chicken skewer the best but the meatball ones were also a hit. The fries were nothing special but are good to munch on. I would come back if I want a lively place to eat and drink!

Food was decent for the price. Service was abysmal, waited way too long, got skipped over, and then they served two of our dishes to the wrong table and tried to still charge us for it. Atmosphere was alright (Friday). Filled with way too many rude college kids though.

Ate here saturday night, so the place was extremely crowded. They have a clipboard where you can write down your name as a reservation, but honestly just stay near the front door and pay attention when an employee comes out to ask for anyone waiting for a table and you'll find that the projected wait time is a lot shorter (people leave/don't pay attention and wander off sometimes). If it's at a busier time, it'll be slow to get your food and/or check, but understandable given the very high customer density. The food itself was good and very filling. The omurice had very flavorful fried rice, although the amount of ketchup/mayonnaise on top was a bit too much. The size of the dish was a bit smaller than expected, but still sufficient for a medium-sized meal. The madon yaki (okonomiyaki with pan-fried noodles) was significantly larger than expected. I would recommend either sharing with some friends or being prepared to take out some leftovers. Skimpy on the meat a bit- perhaps the okonomiyaki has better mileage- but still had good chew to the pieces that were there. Cheap prices, especially for NYC. Do note that the decorations have sexual elements (for example, there's a naked female mannequin tied up with rope), so probably not a place you want to take children.

Kenka was a super fun place to eat but I strongly advise you to get there at least 20 minutes before opening and writing down your name to save your spot! It's a very popular spot on St. Mark's from what I learned and it gets busy even before it's opened. My friend and I had been walking around and I remembered that this place was popular so we went to check it out. We had no idea how lucky we were to get there early and write our name down because it got so crowded outside it was actually hard to walk. We got seated within minutes and I believe you get an hour or two time limit to eat and order. My main takeaways are that the menu is huge and can be a bit overwhelming in trying to decide what to eat. However, there were so many options that were cheaper than compared to other places and it got me excited to try multiple items. We ordered many dishes and I would definitely go back for more of their sashimi! It was one of my favorites. The grilled mackerel was cooked perfectly but make sure to eat slow and carefully as there are bones. The udon was surprisingly sweet and I loved it! I think this place was really fun to eat at and they have so much to try. There's a lot of Japanese classics and I think that you really can't go wrong with what you get.

I first heard about KENKA from a friend who couldn't stop raving about the $1.50 beers. Naturally, I had to check it out for myself. Arriving around 5pm when they open, it's quite easy to get seated, but be warned - as the evening progresses, the place fills up quickly and the wait can get quite long. I was immediately taken by the fun and quirky interior. The decorations are fascinating and eclectic, adding a unique charm to the dining experience. The menu is massive and just as visually stimulating, offering a visual feast before you even place your order. And yes, the beer is indeed as cheap as promised. At $1.50, it's a steal. The food is also cheap, good, and plentiful, making it easy to indulge in a variety of dishes without breaking the bank. Beware, though - you'll likely want to stay here for a long time, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the drinks. However, they do have a 90-minute seating limit, so plan your visit accordingly. And a heads-up about the bathrooms: they are quite "interesting," adding yet another quirky element to the KENKA experience. Unfortunately I don't have any photos to post in this review as I have such a good time inside I always forget to capture the moment!

My friends and I spent the day walking around and one of them asked me what the sign said... I can't read kanji. But with what was going on outside, I knew this place was strange, we needed to go in. We sat down and the menu was EXTENSIVE! Lots of items and drinks. We ordered a bottle of Onikoroshi (demon slayer) daiginjo sake. Well, I asked if they had it... they did. It came to us in an ice bucket, freezing cold, and what I was wanting. We ordered food. Well, I ordered the food. Me being the drunken smart aleck that I was, I ordered in Japanese. The waitress was shocked that I was ordering it in Japanese, even more shocking to me, I was saying it all correctly. Okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and karaage. They did not disappoint with waiting and it was all worth it. The food was DELICIOUS and my friends loved everything I had ordered. Here's the part that might make people not go. Tip: DO NOT bring your kids. This place's decorations are BIZARRE. Personally, I loved the theme and it was a lot of fun. Other reviews mention the room with a mannequin tied up (aka Shibari, rope bondage), a clown, and other random items. This place is in a famed area known for punk culture, CBGB, and is a place for those that like to live outside of the normal boundaries. If you want a normal, typical restaurant, go elsewhere. But if you want to experience wild, fun, and no boundaries, Kenka is DEFINITELY the place you MUST visit. I will absolutely go back again (except maybe not when I've been drinking a lot)

This highly popular place the St Marks hallmark seems to have taken a decline. Everyone comes for the cheap food and drinks because it's CHEAP! But you get what you pay for. We ordered sake and Ika Mura, Takoyaki, and age dashi. Ika was horrible, not even grilled, def frozen, defrosted and seared. Takoyaki was standard. Age dashi was also alright, food was not a winner here and I didn't see anything I liked. The decor of the place is great, all sorts of anime and weird sex stuff. My friend said it's a college bar and you expect to get what you paid for. I would not come again.

Mediocre food but so affordable vs other spots in NYC. I can see why this would be a happening spot for college students on a budget looking for a fun vibe. There's lots of interesting decor all throughout the restaurant that are more on the NSFW side, so this also might not be a spot you want to come to with younger kids! It's an izakaya, so food is small in portion-size and expected to be shared. We got a few diff dishes like karaage, omurice, yakitori, etc. and everything was decent but not great. We got around 2-3 dishes per person and we're pretty full by the end. Service was pretty fast and we never felt like we were just waiting around. I've seen lines extend so long for this restaurant before, but we came over the summer when presumably the college students were off so it was extremely empty.

You best believe I will not be stepping foot here again! I remember not liking it here as a college student, but my stance still stands, if not, vividly why now. We came here for the beer and vibes really. Beer we got, but vibes? Not our type of vibes. My friend wanted to check this place out after hearing about it, but immediately no when she sat down and was met with a disturbing female sex doll she was creeped out by the whole time we were there. Not to mention the music/mix of weird sounds they were playing throughout. We got the Flavored Beer ($14) and tried Yuzu and I don't even remember what other flavors. They all still tasted like beer in the end. After trying the beers, we were going to leave, and they even presented our bill and everything. But a worker then came over and said we had to spend a certain amount per person? I have never heard of such an absurd scam of a policy from a food place before. Water continuously spills and drips all over us from their slanted tables, but she still presented us with new menus to make us stay. So in the end, we were forced to order their trash food. The pictures speak for themselves when I said they gave us burnt fried chicken and the fishiest tasting squid. You could have your judgement for liking the ambiance, but the food? I am judging hard if you actually enjoy it!

- my fave place to get ramen in nyc!! i've been here like 10 times lol - staff is friendly and helpful - service can take a while, but this place is REALLY popular so it's understandble. if you go on a weekday there's usually no wait, but if you go on a weekend you'll have to wait for about 30 mins-1 hr, and then the food takes quite a while to come out. - love the vibes of this place, it's very interesting and a niche hole in the wall. - seating is a bit cramped and not that accessible if you have a wheelchair - cheap alcohol - a bit loud inside, also they have a random siren that goes off like every 20 minutes lmao - bdsm room in the corner - can get cold as hell in the winter lol, they sat us by the door one time when it was like 20° F out and there was no heater by us so we were extremely cold haha - green apple soda (an alcholic drink) is literally my go to and for those of you who don't like the taste of alcohol, like myself, this is perfect. i literally never taste the alcohol and it gets me a bit buzzed - free cotton candy you can make once you leave!

Amazing place, super weird, but in a fun way. The food was good, I went here twice in 2 days because it was so incredibly cheap for New York and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and experience. The decor is amazing and the mood of the place was very lively. The servers were incredibly nice. I definitely recommend this place to anyone in the area looking to have a good meal at a very memorable establishment. The omurice was very tasty.

Kenka changed my life. If it is a rainy day in East Village and you are in a mood. Go to Kenka. Get the omurice. Bask in the sound of sirens and Japanese propaganda. Order some ice cream mochi and share it with a friend. Give them the bigger piece.

This place is amazing. The service is whatever and it's cramped. You get what you pay for, it's st marks. Tourist trap for sure but for regulars it's been a staple for years. Wide selection al a carte, and it never misses on flavor town. I got two of these pork bowls and a pitcher of Sapporo and let left happy as a clam. My only complaint is the tiny bathroom but you can't beat city hall. Thanks for the grub guys!!!

Yes this place is loud with their decor and menu. But I love it. It's the best and most affordable izakaya I've been to. The items you see in the pictures only totaled to around $50. You don't have to worry about breaking the bank here. Plus, they give you the fun option of making your own cotton candy. I wasn't very successful but it's fun. Also if you're very disturbed by the decor, I think you can be asked to be seated elsewhere. It wasn't hard to get seating. The only thing I dislike is the bathrooms because they're binary. I did wish they had less graffiti or more interesting graffiti I don't commonly see. The service was pleasant and the food came out quickly with the exception to the buttered hotates. Those and the onigiri wasn't my favorites. But the rest are amazing. It's the first time I enjoyed the chazuke and for a while I was worried I started disliking chazuke before I came here. Also the staff is very personable and they offer excellent recommendations.

Kenka kenka kenka... where do I begin. Maybe the most unique dining experience I've had so far in New York. The food? Pretty good. Nothing to write home about. The fish was high quality and it came out pretty fast. But the drinks... $8 pitchers. I have never seen that price in New York so far. The waiters were incredibly nice, and even though it took a while to track them down, it was not their fault. Pretty obvious that it was just so many tables there on a Friday night. If I were to go back, I'd focus on the drinking more and just have a good time!

THE cheapest izakaya. If you want to DRINK + EAT, this is the place to go. All of the dishes are super good, there is no miss if you like izakaya food. They don't take reservations, and after 7pm there is a long waitlist + line. Make sure to have everyone from your party, or they usually don't let you in if it's busy. Some tables could be uncomfortable & the whole place is packed & hectic, but it's part of the package. Embrace & vibe out! Order the beer tower for a party of 3+!!

The place is probably more for the decoration and cheap eats. Good place to go with groups but place is very chaotic! Food was cheap so the give is definitely the quality! overall not amazing and food was not fresh. but probably not surprising as menu has so many items

I came here with friends to eat late night food. We shared the sashimi moriawase which was good but some of the sashimi felt cold (icy). The skewers were good, and the okonomiyaki was fine. The place feels like a Japanese izakaya vibe.

We can here late at night with a party of 6. Other restaurants were closed so this ended up being one of our few options. We waited about 20 mins. When we sat in, the waiter came another 10 mins later to take our order. The waiter didn't say anything but just took our order. Ambiance is cool with different art. Food itself was just okay. I ordered a ramen and it only had 1 slice of pork, the rest was all noodle. I also ordered steak cubes on the side but the portion just wasn't enough. I recommend coming here to try and experience the ambiance but I wouldn't keep coming back.

Food and service was highly disappointing. Service was rude and slow. We kept getting dismissed when we were ready to order our food. After we ordered, the food took 30 minutes to come out and everyone in our group of 8 was missing an order for another 45 minutes. They didn't even give us water either until we requested it. Not to mention, we ordered pork katsu and it came out RAW. They offered to take it back and cook it again and it came back STILL RAW. was still pink inside. So finally, they decided to make a new one all together. And guess what? RAW AGAIN! Sorry, once is understandable but 3 times? Oh and their miso ramen was like straight up beach water. It was the saltiest and most disgusting ramen ever. Yes, my stomach did start hurting as I was eating here.

Kenka has long been a fan fav of mine. I would absolutely give them 5 stars if I didn't have food allergies but unfortunately their menu isn't the easiest for vegetarians. So consider this review 4.75 stars! The staff is efficient, nimble, and personable. They move people in and our with ease. The prices are amazing considering the quantity, quality, variety of food AND crazy inflation. There is a quirky retro charm to this place that feels very gritty and sexy in a blast from the past dive bar sorta way. Every now and then Japanese military drills (or bomb practices or something???) play over the music. Eating here is like stepping into a different decade and country--it's a real gem of Astor Place and I hope they stick around forever! Give the door raccoon god a belly rub on your way out and mind your manners with their 90 minute seating rule! Be sure to come here with friends who love grilled meat/fish and alcohol! Not a good location for gluten sensitive friends!!! Not very accessible for those with mobility challenges on stairs or who require proper chairs.

Amazing Japanese food for great prices!! Be prepared to wait at least 10-20 minutes before getting seated as there tends to be a line & lots of people eager to try this spot. Nonetheless, I always think the wait is worth it! They have some wacky indoor decorations which give you something to look at/talk about as you eat (:

Food was good. I really enjoyed the squid and the noodles. First time in this place and felt it may need some improvement. 1. Menu is extremely crowded. I appreciate the language and trying to preserve the cultural experience, however, for the English language person it becomes a bit of a challenge to discern what they really have on it. I think the menu could be simplified a bit. 2. We understand the restaurant is popular, but the host saying to their guest/clients "you have 90 minutes to eat" is a little rude. We felt a little rushed. Also, a smile makes a huge difference. 3. Music was great with a bunch of Japanese tunes, however, extremely loud. Decibels here were around 70-80. The speaker was a Horn speaker which is better suited for outdoors as they produce a very loud sound with exacerbated high tones they could hurt your hearing. So if planning on eating here, sit closer to the entrance as the speaker is located in the back of the restaurant.

Food 10/10 For 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 8/10 Very 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 8/10 Solid 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.

We always have fun time at this kinky yet fun spot in East Village. I've been coming here since college and I really hope this restaurant will be in East Village forever . It's probably the only place you can still have $1.5 beer in Manhattan! Love it.

I celebrated there for my teenage daughter, which was her idea. I prefer not to visit this place due to past discrimination against my deafness by their hiring manager. Despite having been there many times before, it was disappointing to learn that they hired Japanese students visa, which is a violation of the immigration law. She wasn't happy with customer service the waiter does not know what a drink she ordered, he told her he can't serve in rude way, then we had to leave immediately.

The atmosphere is fun and on the louder end. There's a large variety of food and cocktails to choose from and the prices are fairly low, which is great! I ordered the konoha don which was decent. The service is okay but the servers are quite busy on busier days and the restaurant feels understaffed.

The few times I've gone to this spot the wait time is crazy to get seated. You might be waiting a few minutes before they take your order. Service is inconsistent. When it comes to the dishes my partner and I usually will get the following: - fried oysters: good - katsudon - fulfilling and pretty good -french fries - good -shumai (pork) - good -diced beef - not enough to fulfill you Most of the dishes are small except for the katsudon which is sure to fill you up. The drinks i've had here have been inconsistent. I ask for the same drink every time (mango soda) and i feel like I've had a different drink each time. Most of the time you will be flagging down your waitress to get served water or the bill.

It's usually difficult to get a table here, as the wait-list is usually pretty long. There are very few vegetarian options, and the ones I got weren't too great. The decoration definitely reminded me of restaurants I had been to in Japan, with lots of brash (in a good way) art everywhere. This is probably the only redeeming quality. I sort of got stuck sitting at the end of the bar, which was kind of unfortunate since I kept getting blasted with cold air every time the door opened. To use the cotton candy machine outside, you need to ask for paper cups from the staff, and the one I spoke to about it (not my server) seemed pretty annoyed to help me. I can't recommend this place.

small plates + cheap eats = good place for groups. be aware it's a popular spot for college students before a night out, so weekends will always be busy/have a wait. food itself is mediocre and they give you sugar to make cotton candy outside. the machine works ok, but don't expect a large cloud.

Got a whole variety of food for my table of 7. Included in the pics are the yakitori platter, okonomiyaki, tako wasabi, monkfish liver, croquettes, karage, and tuna bowl. Like the vibes, like a real Izakaya but "interesting" exhibit towards the back. Food comes out in very small portions but justified by the price. Favorites were tako wasabi, takoyaki, and the croquettes. All the food come out in paper plates which sucks. Overall the food was alright, they missed our orders a few times but they were super busy so understandable. Would recommend coming earlier before the restaurant opens to guarantee a spot, lots of people were waiting as well. Tip: the takoyaki comes with one filled with wasabi so it's like roulette- was a hit with my friends and we did it 3 times

The ambiance is amazing! I went right at opening and was promptly seated with no wait. But please note, if you came here because of the recommendation on Atlas Obscura, they no longer serve grilled bull penis or silk worms. I had the Miso ramen, which was so so. I would skip that for something else, TBH. But it was adequate, filling, & cheap. Service was prompt and I got the food FAST. But the chicken skin was really good and I loved the pink powder candy they served for desert.

The best tip is to get here early and write your name on the list, it gets busier as the time progresses. I feel like I am in a Grindhouse movie when I go. The atmosphere is highlighted by imperial Japan during the war. The walls and menus have erotic Japanese pictures which are not child friendly(though they have a kid menu). The old pachinko slot machines are on the wall as well. Baskets are on the floor for outerwear. When you head towards the back there is a windowed room showcasing doll in S+M. The food is good depending on what you pick. The menu is very expansive. For the adventurous, YOU can try bull penis, turkey testicles, and crispy frog. The main selling point is everything is super affordable. This time I had the spicy pork ramen and ordered chashu. The ramen was good I loved the flavor of the broth loved the pork flavor. The service can be hit or miss. The chashu I ordered never came. However, the waiters really try since there are only a few running around to different tables. The chashu was taken off the bill and we ordered mochi. We loved the mochi, especially the vanilla one. Another selling point is the cheap alcohol. It's 1.50$ for a beer and 8$ for a pitcher. There is a beer tower available. They have various types of sake and cocktails. I had the plum sake which was too sweet for my but my friend ordered the beer which was nice, cold and refreshing. The waiter brought our check with 2 pink sugar cups with no explanation. From coming here previously, you use the sugar in the cotton candy machine in the front. A couple of times, I've seen people eat the sugar not knowing what it was for. Go here for some place quirky and for cheap drinks.

Kenka used to be a fun and quirky Japanese restaurant in the East Village. I've been going here for years and was always my go-to spot to take people in NYC to show them what East Village had to offer. The menu consists of a variety of Japanese small dishes and beer at unheard of affordable prices. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, with lanterns, posters, and cotton candy machines decorating the place. The menu features items like okonomiyaki, ramen, takoyaki, yakitori, omurice, gyoza, and more. The food used to be delicious and tasty and was all around a great atmosphere. Something has changed in the past year though. I took a friend out here in February and the service was slow, rude, and food was flavourless. I thought it was just a bad day for them until I came back this month with a different friend. It was laughably worse off. We had to ask for water 6 times before we got it and 30% of our orders never made it to our table. We had to ask the staff to remove it from the tab completely. Something's changed here, and I don't think it's just the staff being overworked. I think management is running the place into the ground via reduced menu offerings, rising prices, and refusing to hire more staff (there's literally 1 server for the entire restaurant, no wonder they're slow, rude, and are visibly stressed). I want to support this business but unfortunately I can no longer stand by this once great hallmark of St Marks.

Pretty good food. The portions can be kinda small especially for the fried rice, but it tastes amazing enough I'm always craving more. The atmosphere's very chaotic and full of life, and service is pretty good for somewhere so busy. And it IS busy. Always. Wait time is usually around 30-40 minutes, but it's worth it for the atmosphere, food and novelty. Very fun place, great for friends (though with its explicit imagery and bondage mannequin display maybe not family).