Lucky Cat — Restaurant in New York

Happened to be in the area tonight at around 8p (friday) and was craving ramen because we're basically getting unpredictable weather swinging up to the 60s and down to the mid 20s within a week. Was about to get my usual at Totto but decided it really is time to explore and try other places. Google maps said Lucky Cat is "less busy than usual" and Covid isn't exactly nonexistent to the point that I was going to try to get food in a packed restaurant, so I figured it was worth a shot to go. Especially as a lone diner on a Friday night, it can get hard to find a seat in restaurants. Luckily, google maps was accurate and it was only at half capacity. The wait staff asked if I preferred to sit at one of the many available tables or to sit at the bar, and I said whatever is most convenient for them, since the night was young and people might show up soon. They seated me at the bar, which I was fine with, especially when I realized I was sitting directly in front of the TV where they just so happened to be showing Naruto Shippuden Blood Prison. Naruto fans will understand: there's nothing quite like slurping down a bowl of ramen while watching Naruto. Saw that as a ramen and izakaya joint they have an extensive menu of ramen, rice bowls and snacks. Alas, while I wanted to try everything, I was by myself. Ordered a Sapporo ($6 draft!) to sip while I flipped through the menu, and settled on the Lucky Cat ramen ($16) and age takoyaki ($7). Ramen came out pretty quickly - was sad I didn't have the piece of seaweed w the cat drawing like I saw in some pictures, but it didn't ruin my night- and wasn't a downer compared to the war on Ukraine that Putin just started yesterday. Broth was delicious and warmed my body and soul. Cha siu pork was moist and tender. Egg could probably been slightly softer but it was still good. A solid bowl that I would definitely come back for. The age takoyaki was delicious and paired well w the ice cold Sapporo that I gulped down between bites. Service was we great. Atmosphere was lovely and provided me with a much needed escape for the moment. It was nice to just watch Naruto, slurp ramen, and drink beer for half an hour. Will be...

When a new ramen joint opens up in the city, I get a little giddy inside. On another cold, wintery day, I thought, what better way to warm up than to grab a bowl of noodles at a new spot? Lucky Cat Ramen is located on 53rd between 2nd and 3rd Ave, right next to the E and 6 trains. Lucky Cat Ramen is the second restaurant from the owners of HinoMaru's. This newly opened spot isn't incredibly huge, but both times in which I went, there was probably 1-2 other parties dining here. Not too sure if that means I eat lunch during awkward times, or that business hasn't picked up yet. Nonetheless, that's not to say that their noodles aren't pretty decent.

When you're walking here, you can't possibly miss the huge lucky cat near the door. Make your way inside, and you'll either be seated at the bar or at one of their many tables. In regards to the menu, they do have the ramen shop standards. For myself, I ordered the Lucky Cat Ramen ($14) and Chicken Karaage ($7). The karaage itself is decent. The plate comes with roughly 8 bite sized pieces of chicken. Instead of Kewpie mayonnaise, Lucky Cat gives you a pepper/salt seasoning to dash your chicken with. I felt that the chicken was juicy inside, but I do wish that the pieces were a tad bit larger.

Lucky Cat's Lucky Cat Ramen ($14), is actually pretty good. When ordering your ramen, you can opt for either the thick or thin noodles. By far, the thick noodles win in my book. When you get your noodles, you'll see that it's going to be a heavy meal. With your noodles you get: 1/2 soft boiled egg, two slices of chashu, menma, and other ramen fixings. The broth itself is on the thicker side, and when combined with your thick noodles, you're gearing up for an incredibly hearty meal. What was also welcoming was the fact that the soup was not overly salty.

It's hard for me to make it out that far east, especially around the Midtown area. Crossing town is a pain and there are just so many other ramen spots on the west side. However, when I do make it crosstown, Lucky Cat Ramen is near the top of my list for great ramen in...

I first visited Lucky Cat during COVID and found it delicious. I have been coming back once every quarter since then.

The servers are consistently excellent and have never left a bad impression with me. They have always greeted me well, and their energy is great. It is a no nonsense service, direct yet friendly and human. I think the servers from then are still working there, which is impressive after five plus years. That to me sounds like it is a healthy business I would like to continuously support.

The overall vibe is cool. It is low key, although the amount of Google reviews tells you otherwise. It has that izakaya vibe that is no frills and down to earth. Since my first visit, there has been an interior and menu design update, and it has become cleaner looking overall.

Though I have had several plates of food from here, I must say their Chitori Nabe is hands down my favorite thing to order. I think I have tried every version except Shironeko Original, since it does not have motsu (intestines), and that is what I look forward to the most. I highly recommend this as it is the biggest reason why I consistently come back.

They have happy hour every day from 3 to 6 PM, with great prices on alcohol. I will not say no to a five dollar beer. I love that they open until 2 AM, and it is a great place to go on a Friday or Saturday night after going out as a way to sober up.

If you do not drink, the cost per person typically comes out to $30-50 dollars, but if you do drink, it will rack up.

The men’s bathroom is very tight, though it was clean. I went to the women’s bathroom to quickly wash my hands because someone was using the men’s, and it seemed to be bigger and just as clean.

I wish I would have taken more photos and videos, but once again, their Chiritori Nabe is what matters the most, and I will definitely come back next quarter...