Ashbox — Restaurant in New York

Was there for the first time today and ordered a takeout as I wanted to share the lunch with my spouse who caught cold and stayed at home. I got us a salmon onigiri, a tuna mayo onigiri, a miso soup and a spicy mushroom soup. I loved the neighborly atmosphere. This place is all about comforting homemade food and feels like gentrification never happened here. The bathroom is not available, you’re not allowed to speak on the phone, and it is is open until the daily supply is sold out (which can be anytime). Not something you see very often, but totally understandable especially if Yoko (the owner) runs the place on her own. As for the food - it was simple, fresh and tasted very good. I was like: well, the chef knows everything about the balance of textures and tastes. Definitely coming back for daily specials and hoping to become a regular! BTW @ashboxcafe on Instagram has all...

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the food here. The best Japanese American healthy on the go quick stop I can think of. The ladies who run this place have no concept of customer service good business or courtesy however when it comes to nickle and diming you for every little think extra. Don't bother asking for a little of anything on the side even just spicy mayo or say like scallion (which would be and is free at every other Japanese restaurant I've ever been to) as they'll want 50¢. Horrible experience when it came to asking for a little extra kimchi (which I was willing to pay for of course) but They insisted they could only do another whole order. This is not McDonalds or Applebee's where everything is set by corporate from on high. They act like they have no control over pricing. So bad experience on that end is my...

This spot should have five stars. Amazingly fresh & delicious food every time. The owner is doing all the work herself throughout this covid era & is incredibly sweet every time I stop by for lunch. You can tell she puts her heart into her food.

If you follow Ash Box on Instagram you can see what special menu items she’s working on, & she finds a happy medium between comfort food & healthy options. It’s also sold at affordable prices for a good portion (e.g. $6.50 for a spicy tuna poke), & way more filling than expected for the 12 oz cup.

Of her regular menu options, I love her egg salad sandwich, the hibiscus tea + lemonade, & the spicy tuna poke bowl. The pictures I took are from a to go order, but don’t let it fool you. It’s so good!

(Spicy Tuna Poke, Shrimp Curry, Hibiscus Tea + Lemonade, & a...