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IZAKAYA JURAKU

Last Updated: 22 days ago

Phone: (646) 915-2289

Address: 121 LUDLOW STREET 10002

TLDR

Coolest Japanese izakaya w/ anime, a free photo booth & killer skewers & ramen. Plus, unique drinks!

Sentiment Overview(Based on 36 Reddit comments)

72% Positive25% Neutral3% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

japanese 28izakaya 2izakaya 15skewers 5ramen 4View All

Neighborhoods

Lower East Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

This Japanese izakaya offers a lively atmosphere with anime projected on the walls and a unique, homemade photo booth. Known for its friendly owner, Kiyo, who provides excellent recommendations, the restaurant boasts standout dishes like scallop skewers and brown butter ramen. Don't miss their creative cocktails, such as 'matcha bombs' and 'matcharita', for a truly memorable dining experience.

Food Overview

The Japanese izakaya cuisine here is highly regarded, with standout dishes including scallop skewers, beef skewers, and a notable brown butter ramen. While most food items receive positive feedback, the curry has been mentioned as a less impressive option by some. The restaurant also offers unique loaded fries, such as Okonomiyaki Fries and those with karaage, which are described as amazing.

Highlights / Recommended

"Standout dishes include scallop skewers, beef skewers, and the brown butter ramen. The Okonomiyaki Fries and loaded fries with karaage are also highly recommended."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • scallop skewers(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers overwhelmingly praise this Japanese izakaya for its vibrant atmosphere, friendly owner, and delicious food, particularly highlighting skewers and ramen.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This post details a positive dining experience with a lively atmosphere, extensive menu, and delicious skewers (shrimp, scallops, beef) and fries. The original poster also highlighted the impressive sake bomb presentation and planned to return for ramen.
This user recommends Izakaya Juraku for those who miss Japan, calling it a recommended izakaya. Another commenter also confirmed that the restaurant is fantastic.
This comment highlights Izakaya Juraku for its amazing Okonomiyaki Fries and loaded fries with karaage, suggesting these unique fry dishes are a must-try.
A commenter shared their liking for the restaurant, specifically mentioning pork kakuni, gyudon, and karaage as delicious, while finding the curry to be their least favorite dish.
This post directly addresses a user's search for a beef bowl, with one comment specifically recommending Izakaya Juraku for doing a really good beef bowl.
Izakaya Juraku is mentioned as a great option for a $35 dinner in the East Village, indicating good value and a positive overall dining experience.
A commenter recommended Juraku as an izakaya and also noted their excellent Japanese craft beer selection.
This user listed Izakaya Juraku as a recommended izakaya in Manhattan, with multiple commenters confirming its positive reputation.

Recent Mentions

From post: Sunday Night Les

"This user listed Izakaya Juraku as a restaurant recommendation for an early dinner on the Lower East Side."

Neutral
Nov 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Nycs Best Loaded Fries

"Izakaya Juraku offers Okonomiyaki Fries and loaded fries with karage, both of which are described as amazing."

Positive
Nov 6, 2025View Comment →

From 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."

Positive
Nov 5, 2025View Comment →

From 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."

Positive
Oct 31, 2025View Comment →

From 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."

Neutral
Oct 27, 2025View Comment →

From 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."

Neutral
Oct 27, 2025View Comment →

From 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."

Positive
Oct 27, 2025View Comment →

From 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
Oct 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Any Place That Sells Ramen Broth Only

"The commenter, who owns a ramen shop, explained that making broth is labor-intensive and supply might be limited, but they could potentially provide a good amount if enough notice is given. They also noted that they make enough broth to sell, though it's not a normal offering."

Neutral
Oct 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Hole In The Wall Empty Ramen Spot

"Izakaya Juraku in the LES is mentioned as an example of an izakaya that generally offers solid ramen, and is often accessible without a wait."

Positive
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Izakaya Recos In Manhattan

"This is a reply from the restaurant's official account, acknowledging a recommendation and expressing thanks."

Positive
Oct 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: Izakaya Recos In Manhattan

"The commenter has visited Izakaya Juraku multiple times and highly recommends it."

Positive
Oct 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Izakaya Recos In Manhattan

"Izakaya Juraku was listed as a recommended izakaya in Manhattan."

Neutral
Oct 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Missing Japan

"The author has previously posted about Izakaya Juraku on this subreddit."

Positive
Sep 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: Missing Japan

"This izakaya is recommended for those missing Japan."

Positive
Sep 8, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where Can I Find Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale In

"This commenter confidently states that Izakaya Juraku on the Lower East Side carries Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale."

Positive
Sep 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Izakaya Juraku On The Lower Westside

"This commenter visited based on a review and was happy with the beer selection, but found the katsu curry to be mediocre. They might return for skewers and beer."

Neutral
Aug 31, 2025View Comment →

From post: Izakaya Juraku On The Lower Westside

"The commenter appreciated the owner and the Japanese craft beer selection but did not find the food to be very good."

Negative
Aug 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Izakaya Juraku On The Lower Westside

"The commenter confirmed the restaurant is on the lower east side and expressed that they are fantastic."

Positive
Aug 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: Izakaya Juraku On The Lower Westside

"This commenter expressed their enjoyment of the restaurant, noting the presence of great people there."

Positive
Aug 30, 2025View Comment →