KOKU RAMEN — Restaurant in New York

Koku Ramen in Korean Town, New York, has become my go-to restaurant whenever I crave a delicious bowl of ramen. With each visit, they never fail to impress me with their delectable dishes and attentive service. The ramen at Koku Ramen is an absolute delight for the taste buds. Every spoonful is bursting with rich and savory flavors that leave a lasting impression. As a fan of spicy food, I couldn't resist ordering the spicy miso ramen with an extra kick. While it was slightly disappointing to learn that the extra spiciness came with an additional charge, the staff kindly informed me of this before I placed my order. I appreciated their transparency, although I couldn't help but find it slightly peculiar. Despite its small size, the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant adds to its charm. The intimate setting creates a warm and inviting ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a comforting meal. The service at Koku Ramen is commendable, as the staff is quick and attentive. I never had to wait long for my food, which is always a plus. Consistency is key, and Koku Ramen delivers on that front. Every time I dine here, the food is consistently delicious, and the quality remains top-notch. The attention to detail in the presentation of each dish is evident, and it only adds to the overall dining experience. If you're a ramen enthusiast or simply looking to satisfy your cravings, I highly recommend Koku Ramen. They excel in creating flavorful and satisfying bowls of ramen that will leave you craving for more. Despite the extra charge for extra spiciness, the taste and quality of the food make it worth every penny. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in Korean Town - it's a culinary experience you won't...

Went here on a Thursday night and it was one of the only stores open until later into the night which was nice! First, we got the mentaiko ramen - a tad of spice and was creamy with mushrooms and mentaiko. It was pretty delicious and not fully sure how to describe it but a mentaiko taste (pescatarian friendly)! We also ordered the shrimp tempura which we initially thought was a little expensive (around $14) but it was actually super worth it and delicious. The shrimp tempura were quite large pieces of shrimp battered and fried and then had covered in some mayo sauce and topped over purple cabbage slaw. A pretty refreshing and nice combination! Also ordered the vegetable tempura buns - the buns were the ones where you could stuff something in the middle (same as the roasted duck bao buns) and the it came with some vegetable tempura as well as some sliced cucumber, cabbage slaw, and what I believe to be spicy mayo. It was good but even better when you replaced the vegetable tempura with shrimp tempura - which we just tried to do on our own! Overall, everything was delicious, looked appetizing, came pretty quickly, and mostly it was nice that there was a good spot open despite that it was 11PM at night. Had a fulfilling dinner and very pleased with what we got here, would definitely come back to try other menu items! They have lots of options - labeled very clearly if vegetarian friendly or pescatarian and such! Ambience and environment was also super chill - a relatively small, cozy, and intimate spot to get Korean + Japanese fusion ramen and...

I have been going to this place at least since 2016, about 6 visits a year minimum. I was introduced to the spot by a couple of folks I attended high school with, and we have revisited it throughout college. I have taken a number of workmates there in 2022/23 — a couple of them are now regulars.

I enjoy the place, though it has changed a lot.

I have been wronged by them twice, and today, 12/30, is one of those occasions.

A couple of years ago, I took my girlfriend at the time there, and we were told it was cash only. I had been there so many times before that I was confused and walked away. Eventually, I went back to sit at the bar to have a Koku ramen bowl—spicy, with extra meat. I even met a stranger who ordered pretty much the same thing, and we had a conversation.

Today, I waited about 20 minutes right outside of the door. There were 5 people ahead, so I waited until they were seated. Once there was enough space, I went in and waited. I asked the staff walking past me if I could sit, and he said the bar was closed. (Also, it was 8:16, and they were closing at 9 pm.) I asked if I could still order, and he said the same thing. So I asked, “Am I able to eat tonight?” for clarity, and he said, “No.” I walked out, wondering if the couple behind me was going to have better luck.

I’m writing, hoping this type of experience doesn’t happen often.

P.S. If you read this and know a decent ramen place,...