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KENKA

Updated

Phone: (212) 254-6363

Address: 25 ST MARKS PLACE 10003

TLDR

Affordable Japanese izakaya w/ cheap beers & massive menu; fun, rowdy vibe, but future uncertain.

Reddit Sentiment for KENKA(based on 30 Reddit opinions)

73% Positive20% Neutral7% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

Achievement logo

Tags

japanese 22izakaya 11japanese 3japanese food 2View All

Neighborhoods

East Village

Details

This Japanese izakaya is known for its lively and rowdy atmosphere, offering a fun night out with a massive menu and affordable food and drinks. While some patrons appreciate the unique offerings and value, others have noted a decline in food quality over time. The restaurant's future is uncertain following the passing of its owner.

Food Overview

Kenka is an izakaya with a massive menu featuring Japanese food, including nabe and okonomiyaki. While some find the food amazing and cheap, especially with the drinks, others describe it as okay or having declined in quality. Unique offerings like bull penis and turkey testicles have been noted.

Highlights / Recommended

"Dishes like nabe and okonomiyaki have been specifically recommended, with the latter being a past positive recollection."

Customer Sentiment

Overall customer sentiment leans positive, with many praising the fun, rowdy atmosphere and extremely affordable drinks. However, there are recurring concerns about the food quality, with some noting it has declined or is mediocre.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About KENKA

This post highlights Kenka for its very cheap beers, with $1.50 pints and $8 pitchers, also mentioning the food as cheap and amazing, especially after drinks.
Users recommend Kenka for a cheap izakaya vibe and a fun, rowdy night with affordable food. Going near opening on a weekday is suggested to avoid waits.
This thread discusses the temporary closure of Kenka following the passing of its owner, with some users hoping for its reopening and expressing love for the place.
Kenka is recommended for nabe, offering a sensory experience with cheap drinks and unique items. It formerly served chanko nabe.
This discussion features mixed opinions on Kenka: some praise its cheap drinks and vibe over other NYC izakayas, while others warn the food tastes bad or has declined in quality.
Kenka is recommended for highballs, with one user noting they are about $7 for a mug-sized drink, and another confirming it's the best spot for a cheap one.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Japanese Style Bars With Cheap Drinks In The City

"Kenka is mentioned as a recommendation."

Positive
Jun 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Find Cheap Highball Sodas Like In Japan

"This commenter seconded the recommendation for Kenka, stating it's the best spot for a cheap highball."

Positive
May 31, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Find Cheap Highball Sodas Like In Japan

"This commenter noted that Kenka's highballs are about $7 for a mug-sized drink."

Positive
May 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Find Cheap Highball Sodas Like In Japan

"This commenter suggested Kenka as a potential place for highballs."

Positive
May 29, 2026View Comment →

From post: Visiting From Seattle With A Group Critique My

"The user is planning a trip to NYC and included Kenka on their list of potential restaurants to visit."

Neutral
May 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Go With Parents That Isnt Fussy Hyped

"This user enthusiastically agreed with Kenka being a good choice for parents."

Positive
Apr 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where To Go With Parents That Isnt Fussy Hyped

"Kenka was listed as a restaurant suggestion for parents."

Positive
Apr 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo

"Kenka is mentioned as being lovely and affordable."

Positive
Mar 30, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iso The Cheapest Pint And Glass Of Wine In The

"Kenka is briefly mentioned as a place with good prices."

Positive
Mar 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Update Needed Best Okonomikaki In The City

"This commenter recalled liking the okonomiyaki at Kenka from a visit several years ago."

Positive
Feb 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: A Laidback Brooklyn Steakhouse And More Nyc

"The commenter expressed concern about Kenka potentially closing, as they learned its owners also owned Beron, another establishment mentioned as closing."

Negative
Jan 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Where Should I Take My Uncle Offbrand Anthony

"Kenka is described as 'lit', implying it's a lively and enjoyable place."

Positive
Jan 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot

"Responding to a warning about Kenka's food, this user stated that cheap beer and mid-quality food is more appealing than other NYC izakayas that overcharge for skewers and have a date-night atmosphere."

Positive
Dec 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot

"This user mentioned Kenka is cooky but cool in its own way, while also recommending Oh Taisho."

Positive
Dec 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot

"This user recalled Kenka's vibes being good during their high school years, but noted the food quality has declined."

Neutral
Dec 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot

"This user warned that while Kenka has cheap drinks and good vibes, the food itself tastes bad."

Negative
Dec 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot

"This user listed Kenka as a recommended izakaya spot."

Positive
Dec 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: Izakaya Kenka Scan Id

"The food at Izakaya Kenka is considered okay, but the overall vibe and affordable drinks compensate for it."

Positive
Nov 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Izakaya Kenka Scan Id

"Inquired about the food at Izakaya Kenka, noting that the atmosphere appeared to be retro."

Neutral
Nov 16, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Places For Oden Sukiyaki And Nabe

"Kenka is recommended for nabe, with the comment noting an overwhelming sensory experience, cheap drinks, and unique offerings like bull penis and turkey testicles. They used to serve chanko nabe."

Positive
Nov 6, 2025View Comment →