Izakaya Juraku — Restaurant in New York

We love going to Izakaya, and we found this spot with a really good happy hour menu. Since it was still early evening on Friday, it was still rather empty. I liked the cozy and homey atmosphere.

We started off with some Yuzu Sake from Jokigen. Our server poured the sake into the glass, and continued to pour until it started to over flow into a wooden masu square. Sake was fruity, just the way I like it!

My hubby was interested in their craft beer. Even more so after the general manager, Kiyo, walked over and started to have interesting conversation with us. He told us that they have the largest Japanese Craft Beer offering in NYC, and continue to add more.

I ordered Hokkaido Melon Ale, with a really great cantaloupe flavor, love it! My hubby went with something that was really unique, Kyoto Beer Matcha IPA. It had deep, dark matcha green color, with an interesting flavor. Hint of matcha aroma, with that distinct bitter flavor of matcha. We got to try a few more beers, and they were really good!

For food, we tried Smoking Anbai Miso Bacon, that gets torched right in front of you. So meaty and packed with amazing flavor! Totally loved it! Truffle Lotus Root Chips had a great truffle flavor with each bite. Crisp chips, lightly fried, a perfect accompaniment to any drinks!

Tebasaki, Nagoya style Japanese chicken wings, came with a really nice portion. When I took my first bite, I must say I had no words…it was soooo delicious, totally out of control! My hubby said I had the “eyes of pleasure” like nothing he has ever seen. LOL.

We had such fun time here, and it was really great talking with the general manager Kiyo. He was super friendly, and super knowledgeable when it came to food and drinks. What an amazing spot! We would definitely go back for more amazing...

Specialty Beers and Skewers, is the quickest way to my heart! (Fyi: it's a well kept secret that Michelin star chefs work on the menu here😏 but you didn't hear it from me😏)

This izakaya offers so many independent brews, THEIR OWN BREWED and Collab Beers! And imported rare Beers you almost can't get anywhere else!🤯

I've never seen the Lucky beer series. The YUZU lucky cat is my go to light refreshing beer here! Their "get f@cked" YUZU cocktails are bangers! Top choice. Get it.

Alrighty the food:

Just wow. It's challenging to make Lotus root CHIPS. BUT they got that TRUFFLE LOTUS ROOT CHIPS!

ONLY place I know with Garlic infused edamame! The kakuni loaded fries! Fries crispy af( that's a good thing 👍👌) so it pairs well with the juicy af Kakuni braised pork belly and cheese. I dunno what else they put in it but it's flavorful and tastes better than say fries with pork belly and cheese. Which alone is already delicious enough.

Basically... u want a Umami flavor bomb? Get the kakuni loaded fries.🤤🤤🤤

Vegan/ vegetarian options? They got you covered with creamy veggie ramens and dishes like shishito peppers and of course the Garlic Edamame which you must try!

They got burgers too!

Oh ya wanted katsu curry, yea they got that too. Craving for Japanese style Croquettes? Yup. German beers, omg yes. Large sake selection! Gyudon, they got it! Only few spots serve gyudon after Yoshinoya got taken over by Five guys ¯(ツ)/¯

And izakaya juraku puts a POACHED EGG in their Gyudon!

Definitely coming back with friends to try the rest of their menu!

Also the chefs are always adding new dishes stay tuned for their next drop:

Secret ingredient is "special...

Located in the lower east side, @izakayajuraku serves VERY delicious japanese food and drinks. Not only that, but the vibes in this restaurant are amazing. The owner/manager, Kiyo, was so friendly and we just had a great experience. You have to visit and experience one of the best japanese izakaya culture in nyc!

ft: -matcharita: holy crap. the combination was insane. i didn't know what to expect, but the blend of flavors work super well with each other. there is tequila, yuzu slushie, matcha syrup and wasabi salt on the rim. YOU HAVE TO TRY IT. it's a fan favorite!!! -mega yuzu chuhai: made with premium shochu and a variety of vibrant mixers -wasabi shake shake fries: these fries were not only SUPER delicious, but super fun! it comes with a bag that has a cute cartoon on it. you mix the wasabi salt seasoning with the fried in the bag and shake! -chicken karaage: a classic and one of my favorite dishes!! super crispy and tender. -skewers - tomato, pork belly, chicken, beef, tofu, zucchini, shrimp: THE SAUCE WAS AMAZING. This might be my favorite skewers of all time. I really really enjoyed this dish. -NEW 5 hand rolls - spicy tuna, salmon avocado, yellowtail scallion, unagi, california bear: I loveeeee handrolls!!! Very excited that was on the menu :) pork katsu curry: another classic, and it was awesome!!! -brown butter miso ramen: best seller! i really liked the brown butter flavor. never had it but was amazing. another classic japanese dish -mentaiko mazzemen: Pasta-style ramen dish with spiced pollock roe, fresh shiso, and...