TLDR
Authentic Sapporo-style ramen & craveable Hokkaido-style karaage. A laid-back gem w/ rich broths & unique cold ramen options.
Details
Menkoi Sato was a highly regarded Japanese restaurant in Manhattan's West Village, specializing in Sapporo-style ramen. Known for its authentic flavors and cozy, laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of ramen shops in Japan, it quickly became a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant was particularly praised for its rich broths, especially the spicy shoyu and tan tan men, and its unique offerings like Abura Soba and cold ramen during summer months. Beyond ramen, their Hokkaido-style fried chicken (karaage) and fried rice also received significant acclaim, often being cited as some of the best in the city.
Food Overview
Menkoi Sato was celebrated for its authentic Sapporo-style ramen, featuring rich broths such as spicy shoyu and tan tan men. It also offered less common dishes like Abura Soba and seasonal cold ramen. The Hokkaido-style fried chicken (karaage) and fried rice were frequently highlighted as exceptional additions to the menu.
Highlights / Recommended
"Customers highly recommended the spicy shoyu ramen, tan tan men, Abura Soba, and the seasonal cold ramen. The Hokkaido-style fried chicken (karaage) and fried rice were also frequently praised as must-try items."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •cold ramen(3)
- •karaage(3)
- •tan tan men(2)
- •fried chicken(2)
Caveats
The restaurant has closed.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MENKOI SATO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Recent Eats Tartine Court Street Grocers Menkoi
"This commenter recommended Menkoi Sato, indicating it's a place worth trying."
PositiveFrom post: Recent Eats Tartine Court Street Grocers Menkoi
"This commenter recommended trying Toribro on 52nd street if the user enjoys Menkoi Sato."
NeutralFrom post: Recent Eats Tartine Court Street Grocers Menkoi
"This commenter confirmed Menkoi Sato's plans to reopen in a few months and agreed that their karaage is incredible, recommending it as one of their top choices for ramen shops that also serve great karaage."
PositiveFrom post: Recent Eats Tartine Court Street Grocers Menkoi
"The author mentioned Menkoi Sato is temporarily closed but hopes to reopen soon. They previously enjoyed their ramen and fried rice, but were particularly impressed by the karaage (Hokkaido-style fried chicken), calling it possibly the best they've ever had."
PositiveFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user expressed heartbreak over Menkoi Sato's closure, recalling frequent visits before having their first baby."
NegativeFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user noted that the original post was updated to indicate the closure might be temporary."
NeutralFrom post: Spots Like Menkoi Sato With Imported Ingredients
"The user is looking for places similar to Menkoi Sato that import ingredients from Japan, as Menkoi Sato has recently closed."
NeutralFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user responded to the argument about costs by stating that rent was the reason Grays Papaya closed and provided a link to another closure attributed to rent."
NeutralFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user expressed extreme dismay and disbelief at the news of Menkoi Sato closing."
NegativeFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user estimated Menkoi Sato's rent in Greenwich Village to be between $11,000 and $35,000 per month based on market rates."
NeutralFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user estimated labor costs for a restaurant operating 12 hours daily with 8 employees to exceed $80k/month, suggesting it could be higher than rent."
NeutralFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user estimated that a ramen shop with 3-5 employees would likely have rent as the biggest cost, depending on the shop's size and rent price."
NeutralFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user questioned the cost of labor and food for Grays Papaya in response to the argument about rent."
NeutralFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user questioned the claim that rent is 'by far' the largest expense, emphasizing labor and food costs."
NeutralFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user expressed interest in attending similar promotional events and concern about the owner's departure due to rent, despite their passion for ramen."
NegativeFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user recommended Tamashii Blue as a cozy and dark spot for a solo ramen meal."
PositiveFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user provided a link to the Japan Society event and shared that the Vice Governor of Hokkaido was a humorous presenter."
PositiveFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user found the mention of the Vice Governor of Hokkaido attending a Japan Society event humorous and inquired about the owner's potential return to Japan."
NeutralFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user reported that during a recent visit, they were informed Menkoi Sato hopes to reopen within months, either at the current location or a new one."
PositiveFrom post: Menkoi Sato Closinggo While You Can
"This user spoke with a server at Menkoi Sato who indicated they are negotiating rent and exploring relocation, aiming for a comeback within months."
Positive