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IZAKAYA JURAKU

Last Updated: 11 days ago

Phone: (646) 915-2289

Address: 121 LUDLOW STREET 10002

TLDR

Coolest Japanese izakaya w/ a free photo booth & anime projections. Great owner recs, must-try scallop skewers & brown butter ramen. Unique drinks!

Sentiment Overview(Based on 35 Reddit comments)

74% Positive23% 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

Discover a unique Japanese izakaya experience, complete with a free homemade photo booth and anime projections. The owner, Kiyo, is known for being incredibly kind and offering great recommendations. Dive into dishes like scallop skewers and brown butter ramen, or try their super yummy 'matcha bombs' and 'matcharita' for a truly memorable meal.

Food Overview

This Japanese izakaya is celebrated for its diverse menu, with standout dishes including delicious scallop skewers, brown butter ramen, and loaded fries. The beef bowl and karaage also receive positive mentions. However, some diners found the curry to be mediocre. The beverage selection is also a highlight, with unique options like 'matcha bombs' and Japanese craft beer being well-received.

Highlights / Recommended

"Highly recommended dishes include the scallop skewers, brown butter ramen, and loaded fries like the Okonomiyaki Fries and those with karaage. The beef bowl and karaage are also noted as good options."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • scallop skewers(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its unique atmosphere, highlighting the friendly owner and fun photo booth. While many dishes are loved, some feedback suggests certain items like curry might not hit the mark for everyone.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This user had a very positive experience, highlighting the lively atmosphere, extensive menu, and delicious skewers (shrimp, scallops, beef) and fries. They also noted the impressive sake bomb presentation.
This izakaya is recommended for those who are missing Japan, suggesting it captures an authentic feel. The owner also interacts in the comments.
This restaurant is mentioned as a place in the East Village where a good dinner can be had for $35, indicating good value.
The Okonomiyaki Fries and loaded fries with karaage are specifically called out as amazing, highlighting unique and well-executed fry dishes.
A commenter with significant experience enjoyed the pork kakuni, gyudon, and karaage, but found the curry to be their least favorite dish.
This izakaya is recommended for its beef bowl, with a user stating it's done really well.
One user appreciated the owner and the Japanese craft beer selection but did not find the food to be very good.
This commenter found the katsu curry to be mediocre and might return for skewers and beer.

Recent Mentions

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 →

From post: Izakaya Juraku On The Lower Westside

"The commenter enjoyed late-night skewers and sake bombs at this establishment."

Positive
Aug 30, 2025View Comment →