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Brooklyn Ramen at Katagiri 59th Street
Master Critic Review
Brooklyn Ramen at Katagiri 59th Street
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A compact ramen counter tucked inside historic Japanese grocer Katagiri, turning out focused bowls at everyday prices. The setup is simple, but broths and noodles lean more craft-minded than you’d expect from a grocery-adjacent stall.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Veggie Miso Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Serious ramen served from a counter inside one of the city’s most storied Japanese markets.
Who should go: Ramen fans who appreciate grocery runs and low-key counter dining.
When to visit: Midday on weekdays for easier seating and fresher prepared items.
What to order: Shoyu Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen, a side onigiri or snack from Katagiri.
Insider tip: Grab your bowl, then shop the grocery aisles for Japanese pantry staples afterward.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Sutton Place, especially evenings; use nearby garages on 1st or 2nd Ave if driving.
Dress code: Completely casual — grocery-run attire is perfectly normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — it’s a compact counter inside a market, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on grocery traffic; turnover is quick.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — occasional vegetarian ramen or sides; availability varies.
Vegan options: Very limited — most broths are animal-based.
Gluten-free options: Minimal — wheat-based noodles and soy-seasoned broths dominate; not ideal for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something extremely casual and low-pressure. It’s more of a quick, functional stop than an ambiance-driven date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. Seating is counter-style and first-come, first-served, with fast turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who enjoy ramen and can sit at a counter. Not ideal for strollers or toddlers due to tight space.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable bowls with above-expectation quality given the grocery setting — ideal for solo meals and neighborhood regulars.
Skip if: You want elaborate ramen, spacious seating, or vegan/gluten-free-friendly menus; choose a full-service ramen shop instead.