NYC｜KEI 🍶 A West Village Izakaya That Missed the Mark

Rating: 5/10 — and 3 of those points are for the drinks. From wobbly tables to a server who seemed half-asleep, this popular West Village spot left us deeply disappointed. The space is cramped, the wait was long, and the energy just felt… off. 🍸 On the Drinks The martini was smooth, and the miso-infused cocktail was intriguing. Drink-wise, they held their own. 🍢 On the Food We ordered the entire yakitori selection, hearing the chef was highly regarded. What arrived was lukewarm, dry, and lacking any juiciness or depth. The offal skewers had lost their aroma and carried a faint unpleasantness. Truly some of the most disappointing yakitori we’ve had in a long time. 🍜 Mains Were Just Okay We also tried the Wagyu Ramen and Unagi Don. The flavors were forgettable, and the $49 slice of Wagyu beef felt more like a punchline than a premium experience. At roughly $100 per person (before a modest tip), this meal was nowhere near worth it. Sadly, we can’t recommend KEI — sometimes the hype is just that. 💸 #NYCIzakaya #KEINYC #OverhypedNYC #NYCEats #FoodLetdown