TLDR
Hidden speakeasy gem with creative Japanese cocktails & elevated comfort food. Perfect for intimate dates.
Instagram Posts References
NR is a Japanese cocktail bar located on the Upper East Side, conceptualized by Owner and Bar Director Shigefumi Kabashima, formerly of notable establishments like Angel’s Share and ROKC. It continues the popular ROKC menu, focusing on creative cocktails and elevated Japanese comfort food. Chef Takashi Igarashi, with experience from Kyoya, Kajitsu, and ODO, applies his refined culinary skills to the ramen, izakaya-style bites, and small plates. The establishment's ambiance is inspired by Meiji-era Japanese port towns, creating an intimate and nostalgic speakeasy feel with jazz music and vintage glassware.
Details
NR, a Japanese cocktail bar on the Upper East Side, offers an intimate speakeasy experience with jazz music and vintage ambiance. Conceptualized by a former Angel's Share director, it features creative cocktails and elevated Japanese comfort food, including refined ramen dishes and izakaya-style small plates from Chef Takashi Igarashi [1]. The establishment draws inspiration from Meiji-era Japanese port towns, creating a nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere perfect for dates [1].
Food Overview
NR offers a refined take on Japanese cuisine, specializing in creative cocktails and elevated comfort food. Highlights include various ramen dishes, with some soupless options featuring premium ingredients like wagyu, bone marrow, uni, and salmon caviar [1]. Appetizers such as truffle egg salad sandwiches, wagyu tartare, and tender pork buns are also praised [1]. The chicken karaage with matcha salt is noted as a standout [4], and their deviled eggs with uni and caviar are a unique must-try [5]. Some feedback suggests that while ramen can be pricey, other items like appetizers are within a reasonable budget [1].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended dishes include the dry ramen, praised as a must-try, and the unique 'Egg + Egg + Egg' appetizer featuring uni and caviar. Their chicken karaage with matcha salt is also a standout, alongside a variety of creative cocktails and elevated ramen options [1], [2]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •wagyu tartare(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally have a positive view of NR, highlighting its great cocktails, unique appetizers like deviled eggs, and a pleasant atmosphere for dates [1]. Some discussions on Reddit indicate positive recommendations, with mentions of it being a repeat spot and not overly busy [2], [3].
Caveats
One Reddit user expressed a dissenting opinion on NR Ramen's quality, calling a previous recommendation a 'bad take' [1]. While some ramen dishes can exceed $30, other items like appetizers are generally within budget, and the establishment is described as upscale casual [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About NR
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Whats The Best Gingerforward Food Or Drink Youve
"Also recommends NR on the UES for their ginger cocktails."
PositiveFrom post: Whats The Best Gingerforward Food Or Drink Youve
"Recommends the Osaka Spritz cocktail at NR, describing it as tasting like pickled ginger in a glass, but in a good way."
PositiveFrom post: Childfree Quietish Restaurants For Ordinary Date
"This user recommended NR, noting it's located on the Upper East Side."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"NR is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues
"This user agreed with the recommendation for NR."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues
"This user listed NR among their recommendations."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Top 3 Restaurants In The Ues
"This user recommended NR."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Japanese Or Italian Birthday
"NR Ramen is presented as an upscale ramen place that fits the criteria for celebratory occasions and has a strong cocktail program. While some ramen dishes exceed $30, appetizers and other items are within budget."
PositiveFrom post: Can Anyone Recommend Ramen Spot
"Defending NR Ramen, this user states it's a Japanese-run establishment with a kitchen staff that does creative and elevated styles of ramen, emphasizing the craft is taken seriously."
PositiveFrom post: Can Anyone Recommend Ramen Spot
"This user believes NR Ramen's ramen is not very good, calling a previous recommendation a 'bad take'."
NegativeFrom post: Can Anyone Recommend Ramen Spot
"NR Ramen is suggested for those willing to travel to the upper East side."
PositiveFrom post: Best Chicken Karaage In The Ues
"Mentions NR ramen as a place with good chicken karaage, also noting Tabata as another good option where they keep the skin on."
PositiveFrom post: Best Chicken Karaage In The Ues
"Recommends NR ramen for its chicken karaage, noting it's a serious Japanese ramen establishment with good cocktails and appetizers, and that the kitchen staff is Japanese. It's also often listed as a romantic restaurant, suitable for dates."
PositiveFrom post: Best Chicken Karaage In The Ues
"Commenter mentions NR ramen as a good option for chicken karaage and suggests the question could be easily found with a Google search."
NeutralFrom post: Near The Met
"This user recommended NR Japanese bistro, noting it has amazing cocktails and that the dry ramen is a must-try. They also mentioned that reservations can be made."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Recommendations
"This user suggested NR Japanese Bistro, highlighting their dry ramen and cocktails as particularly good."
PositiveFrom post: Hidden Restaurants
"The commenter clarifies that NR has a discreet or speakeasy feel to its location."
PositiveFrom post: Hidden Restaurants
"The commenter questions if NR is truly 'hidden', as it doesn't appear to be."
NeutralFrom post: Hidden Restaurants
"NR on the Upper East Side is recommended as a great restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Ramen Place In The Upper East Side
"In a reply about NR, this user praised the restaurant's great cocktails and their deviled eggs appetizer."
Positive