Lucky Cat

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 coming back!

Visit Lucky cat on Friday night. The place was pretty busy. I like the izakaya vibe, Fun and Lively Japanese decoration. Food are very tasty and super enjoyable. Perfect place for hangout with friends and good foods. The price is reasonable, The service is good as it should. Love the checkbook like everyone else :) It’s pretty fun place with little gimmick and the food is great.

What a great accidental stop. The ramen was outstanding and this is clearly a favorite of a Japanese crowd. It is so Japanese that they didn't feel the need to play "Japanese" music and were instead jamming out to Shakira, Mana, Carlos Vives and Selena :) I am definitively coming back to New York just for this!

My boyfriend and I came here for dinner on a Saturday night. Staff was friendly and we were seated right away. We had ordered an order of takoyaki, okonomiyaki and combo of skewers (pork cheek, pork belly, scallion, skin, meatball, onion, corn, scallop, and asparagus) We also got a pitcher of Goose Island. Everything was delicious and came out very fast. Lucky Cat is a really cozy and cute place. Great for anime & Manga lovers. I deducted a star because it took awhile to get our check - I don't blame this on staff per se. It was later in the evening, there was a shift change and all staff was genuinely busy. I would return to Lucky Cat, they have a big menu I'd love to further explore and I'd definitely get dessert and sake next time.