TLDR
Cool anime-themed izakaya with a free photo booth, standout skewers, and inventive Japanese craft beer.
Instagram Posts References
Izakaya Juraku is praised as one of New York City's coolest Japanese izakayas, offering a unique experience with a free homemade photo booth. The post highlights the owner, Kiyo, who is noted for being super kind and providing excellent recommendations. The restaurant serves a variety of Japanese dishes and drinks, including standout items like scallop skewers and brown butter ramen, which the reviewer loved. They also offer unique beverages such as 'matcha bombs' and 'matcharita' that are described as super yummy. The ambiance is enhanced by anime projected on the walls, contributing to a vibrant and enjoyable dining experience.
Details
An authentic Lower East Side neighborhood izakaya known for its lively, anime-themed atmosphere and unique amenities like a free homemade photo booth [1]. The menu features a wide array of Japanese small plates, including standout skewers and inventive fusion dishes that have made it a local favorite [1], [2]. The establishment is frequently praised for its impressive selection of Japanese craft beer and creative cocktails, such as matcha bombs [1].
Food Overview
The restaurant specializes in Japanese izakaya fare, with high praise for various meat and vegetable skewers, brown butter ramen, and unique fries like the Okonomiyaki variety [1], [2]. While most dishes are well-regarded, experiences with curry can be mixed, though the mentaiko pasta is frequently cited as a city-wide favorite [2], [3].
Caveats
While generally well-loved, some diners have found certain items like the curry to be mediocre or not to their personal taste [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About IZAKAYA JURAKU
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Are Your Favorite Holes In The Wall
"The user loves this place for its great vibe and good food."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Style Bars With Cheap Drinks In The City
"Izakaya Juraku is listed as a recommendation for a Japanese style bar."
PositiveFrom post: Is There Anything That Compares To The Creamy
"This user strongly recommends the mentaiko pasta at Izakaya Juraku, calling it one of their favorite dishes in the city and the restaurant their favorite Izakaya."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Go In The Les If It Was Your
"Izakaya Juraku is listed as a great dining option in the LES."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations
"This user suggested Izakaya Juraku as an example of an Izakaya (Japanese tapas bar) in NYC, noting that they offer a variety of shareable small plates and are suitable for families with teenagers."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Your Favorite Midrange Price Japanese
"The original poster mentioned Izakaya Juraku, stating their husband loved it and they found it pretty good."
PositiveFrom post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot
"This user loves Izakaya Juraku and finds it feels like a neighborhood spot."
PositiveFrom post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot
"This user commented that Izakaya Juraku is good for a casual setting."
PositiveFrom post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot
"This user recommended Izakaya Juraku."
PositiveFrom post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot
"This user seconded Izakaya Juraku, noting it feels like a neighborhood spot."
PositiveFrom post: Simple And Casual Izakaya Yakitori Spot
"This user listed Izakaya Juraku as a recommended izakaya spot."
PositiveFrom post: Need A Rec For Saturday Dinner Les Looking For
"User recommended Izakaya Juraku."
NeutralFrom post: Sunday Night Les
"This user listed Izakaya Juraku as a restaurant recommendation for an early dinner on the Lower East Side."
NeutralFrom post: Nycs Best Loaded Fries
"Izakaya Juraku offers Okonomiyaki Fries and loaded fries with karage, both of which are described as amazing."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Some Good Meat Skewer Places Yakitori
"Izakaya Juraku is recommended as a place to get meat skewers. It is mentioned alongside Toriya in response to a request for skewer recommendations."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Good Vegetable Ramen In Manhattan
"Izakaya Juraku was listed among several recommended ramen places, with the user noting they appreciate complex profiles and often dislike Shoyu ramen."
PositiveFrom post: Any Place That Sells Ramen Broth Only
"Regarding selling ramen broth, the commenter confirmed it's doable and mentioned that during COVID, they sold make-at-home ramen kits. They believe ramen broth could be priced similarly to pho broth at $6-7 per portion."
NeutralFrom post: Any Place That Sells Ramen Broth Only
"Following up on the offer from Izakaya Juraku, this commenter inquired about pricing for ramen broth, comparing it to pho broth prices and noting their enjoyment in assembling pho at home."
NeutralFrom post: Any Place That Sells Ramen Broth Only
"In response to feedback, the owner of Izakaya Juraku expressed gratitude and mentioned that they aim to create a space they would enjoy visiting while balancing business challenges. They are open to feedback and are usually present daily."
PositiveFrom post: Any Place That Sells Ramen Broth Only
"This commenter mentioned trying Izakaya Juraku after seeing a previous discussion about izakaya economics in NYC. They had a great overall experience with the food, despite some minor critiques."
Positive