Cho-Ko NYC - Authentic & Affordable Japanese Comfort Food

Cho-Ko Introduce

In the fast-paced and often overwhelming world of New York City dining, there are places that stand out not for their flashy decor or celebrity chefs, but for their genuine warmth, simple charm, and commitment to serving delicious, honest food. Cho-Ko, a beloved Japanese restaurant in the East Village, is one such place. It’s a true local's spot, a hidden gem that feels less like a commercial establishment and more like a cherished home kitchen. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, a welcome contrast to the city's more trendy and sometimes impersonal eateries. The focus at Cho-Ko is squarely on the food—uncomplicated, authentic, and incredibly satisfying. The menu is a tribute to classic Japanese comfort food, with a special emphasis on hearty noodle soups and flavorful rice dishes. It’s the kind of place that reminds you that great food doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag or a lot of fanfare. Here, you can find a quiet moment to yourself or enjoy a quick, delicious meal with friends. The kind and attentive service, often provided by the owner himself, creates a truly personal and welcoming experience that feels increasingly rare in the city. For anyone in New York looking for a taste of authentic Japanese home cooking without the pretense, Cho-Ko is a must-visit destination that promises a wonderful meal and a warm feeling of being well taken care of.

For New Yorkers and visitors navigating the city's streets, finding a convenient and welcoming spot is key. Cho-Ko is located in the lively East Village at 59 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA. This area is a bustling hub of activity, with easy access to various parts of Manhattan through public transportation. While parking in the East Village can be a challenge, there is paid street parking available nearby for those who choose to drive. The restaurant's prime location on 1st Avenue makes it a simple walk from many local apartments and attractions, perfect for both a planned lunch or dinner, or a spontaneous quick bite. The cozy interior and casual ambiance are designed for comfort, making it an excellent spot for solo diners, groups, and even families. Its welcoming and unpretentious vibe ensures that anyone can feel at home here. The restaurant is particularly popular for both lunch and dinner, offering a comforting and satisfying meal at any time of day. The accessibility and friendly environment make Cho-Ko a genuine neighborhood favorite, a place that New Yorkers can rely on for a great meal and a pleasant experience.

Cho-Ko offers a straightforward and focused list of services that cater to the needs of a busy urban clientele while maintaining a personal touch. The dining options are simple, yet comprehensive, ensuring that patrons can enjoy their food in the way that best suits them. The services provided include:

Dine-in: Experience the cozy and inviting atmosphere by enjoying your meal at the restaurant. The table service is friendly and efficient.
Takeout: For those on the go, Cho-Ko makes it easy to grab your order and enjoy it elsewhere.
Delivery: The restaurant offers both standard and no-contact delivery options, allowing you to enjoy their delicious comfort food from the comfort of your own home or office.
Reservations: Cho-Ko accepts reservations, which is a convenient feature for those who want to plan ahead and secure a spot in this intimate setting, especially during peak hours.

The charm of Cho-Ko lies in its commitment to simplicity and quality. It’s a place that doesn't rely on flashy gimmicks but instead highlights the core elements of a great dining experience: good food and a warm atmosphere. The features and highlights of this restaurant are a testament to that philosophy. Some of the standout elements include:

Delicious and Affordable Food: The menu is filled with classic Japanese comfort dishes like various ramen soups, sautéed noodles, and rice bowls, all offered at very reasonable prices. Reviewers consistently praise the food as being both incredible and affordable.
Authentic and Simple Flavors: The food is compared to the kind of authentic dishes you would find at a seasonal festival in Japan, simple and not "trying to be anything else." This is a huge draw for those who appreciate genuine, unpretentious cooking.
Personalized Service: The restaurant is often run by a single person who handles everything from greeting guests to cooking and serving. This creates a deeply personal and kind experience that makes you feel truly welcome.
A Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: The restaurant feels like a "home," with a relaxed vibe that encourages a peaceful meal. The classic rock music and a few unique touches add to its distinct personality.
Good for Kids: The family-friendly environment makes it a great spot to bring children for a comforting and quick meal.
Quick Bites and Small Plates: The menu offers a variety of appetizers and small plates like Gyoza, Pork Buns, and Edamame, perfect for a quick snack or for sharing.

To plan your visit to Cho-Ko or to order from their delicious menu, here is the essential contact information. The restaurant is located at 59 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA. You can reach them by phone at (212) 388-0885 for takeout orders or to inquire about reservations. The best way to experience the full charm of the place is to dine in, but the convenience of delivery and takeout options means you can enjoy their food anywhere. The restaurant accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions effortless. The hours of operation are generally late, which is a great bonus for those looking for a delicious and affordable meal late at night.

What is truly worth choosing at Cho-Ko is not just the food, but the entire experience. In a city where everything is often about presentation and high prices, Cho-Ko is a breath of fresh air. It offers "some of the best Ramen for the cheapest price" in the neighborhood, as one reviewer noted. The food is consistently described as "incredible" and "delicious," with a focus on simple, good ingredients and a lack of pretense. The Wontons and Yakisoba are highlighted as classics that are done right, tasting just as they should. Beyond the food, the kindness and personal touch of the staff make a significant impact, creating a feeling of being truly cared for. It's a place where you can find delicious and affordable comfort food in a cozy, genuine setting. For New Yorkers tired of over-the-top, expensive dining and craving a place that just "simply serves you food" with heart, Cho-Ko is the perfect choice. It's an authentic and wonderful find that proves you don't need to sacrifice quality or kindness for a reasonable price, and for that, it is truly special.

Cho-Ko Menu

Noodle Soup
29. Shio Ramen $10.00
Seafood-based noodle soup with bamboo shoots, boiled egg, roast pork and spinach.
30. Beef Ramen $10.50
25. Curry Ramen Soup $10.50
Spicy. Curry noodle soup topped with roast pork, bamboo shoots, spinach, boiled egg and scallion.
28. Mabo Tofu Ramen Soup $10.50
Spicy. Soy sauce-based noodle soup topped with ground pork, tofu, ginger, chili, garlic and scallion.
23. Seafood Ramen Soup $10.50
House special seafood noddle soup topped with shrimp, squid, scallops, vegetable and boiled egg.
24. Tantanmen Soup $10.50
Spicy. Soy sauce sesame-based soup with bamboo shoots, ground pork, spinach, boiled egg and scallion.
Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen $11.50
Roast pork, menma, spinach, scallions with egg.
26. Shoyu Ramen Soup $10.00
Soy sauce-based noodle soup with bamboo shoots, boiled egg, roast pork and spinach.
22. Gomoku Ramen Soup $10.00
Soy sauce-based soup topped with vegetable, bamboo shoots, pork, chicken, squid, shrimp and boiled egg.
27. Miso Ramen Soup $10.50
Soy bean-based noodle soup topped with bean sprout, cabbage, onion, crispy garlic, roast chicken and scallion.

Sautéed Noodle
31. Seafood Cata Yakisoba $11.00
Sautéed noodle with vegetable, shrimp, squid scallops and boiled egg. Served with soup.
30. Gomoku Cata Yakisoba $11.00
Sautéed noodle with pork, chicken, squid, vegetable, egg and shrimp. Served with soup.

Drink
Sapporo Beer(12floz) $5.00
Ozeki Sake(180 Ml) $7.00
Oolong Tea $2.00
Nigori Saki(375 Ml) $12.00
Bottled Water $2.00
Kirin Beer(12floz) $5.00
Green Tea $2.00
Kinsen Plum Wine(750 Ml) $20.00
Soda $2.00

Summer Items
38. Zha Jiang Mian $11.00
Grilled noodle and sweet sauce with ground pork, ginger, garlic, mushroom, bamboo shoots, scallion and cucumber.
37. Hiyashi Chu-Ka $12.00
Chilled noodle and vinegar flavor soy sauce broth topped with roast chicken and pork, cucumber, egg, seaweed, red ginger, lettuce, tomato, sesame seeds, shrimp and mustard.
39. Tsukemen $11.00
Thick, chewy cold noodle with sesame based sauce with pork, spinach, egg, seaweed and scallion.

Drink
Green Tea $2.00
Soda $2.00
Bottled Water $2.00
Oolong Tea $2.00

Dessert
Cheesecake $6.00
Two pieces.
Green Tea Cheesecake $6.00
Two pieces.
Mochi Ice Cream $4.50
Two pieces.
Annin Tofu $3.75

Appetizer
4. Chashu $5.50
Sliced roast pork topped with marinated scallion.
Seafood Teriyaki $15.00
Shrimp, salmon, scallops, squid, veggies with teriyaki sauce.
15. Chicken Teriyaki $5.50
Japanese style with sweet sauce and cucumber chicken.
24. Salmon Teriyaki $8.50
Grilled salmon, lettuce, sesame with teriyaki sauce.
5. Ban Ban Ji $5.50
Spicy. Huge special chicken in marinated scallion and cucumber.
7. Pork Buns $5.50
Two pieces. Sliced roasted pork belly and vegetable.
12. 1/2 Portion Fried Rice $5.50
Seafood, pork or vegetable, fried rice with scallion and egg.
2. Menma $4.00
Marinated bamboo shoots, sautéed scallions, red pepper with dry sauce.
3. Edamame $4.00
Boiled soy beans.
13. Ebi Shumai $6.50
Five pieces. Steamed shrimp, vegetable and mushroom dumplings.
17. Small Soup $1.50
Soy sauce with seafood base.
10. Cho-Ko Salad $4.00
Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrot and cabbage.
8. Duck Buns $7.00
Ten pieces. Sliced Peking duck and vegetable with steamed cake.
20. Steamed Buns $6.50
Five pieces. Small steamed bun stuffed with juicy pork.
1. Gyoza $5.50
Six pieces. Fried dumplings with vegetables and pork.
11. Seaweed Salad $4.00
22. Fried Chicken Nuggets $5.50
23. Edamame & Cheese Rolls $5.50
Edamame & cheese wrapped in crispy spring roll wrapper.
9. Wantan $5.50
10 pieces. Ground pork, scallion, egg and spinach.
14. Pork Shumai $5.50
Five pieces. Steamed pork, vegetable and mushroom dumplings.
19. Duck Wraps $6.50
Two pieces. Cucumber, lettuce and Peking duck.
6. Kim-Chee $4.00
Chinese cabbage with scallion, red pepper dumpling sauce.
18. Small Miso Soup $2.00
Miso made of soy beans.
16. Steamed Rice $2.50
21. Oyster $6.50
Five pieces. Cold steamed oyster with sauce.

Noodle Soup
27. Miso Ramen Soup $11.00
Soybean-based noodle soup topped with bean sprout, cabbage, onion, crispy garlic, roast chicken and scallion.
28. Mabo Tofu Ramen Soup $11.00
Spicy. Soy sauce-based noodle soup topped with ground pork, tofu, ginger, chili, garlic and scallion.
24. Tantanmen Soup $11.00
Spicy. Soy sauce sesame-based soup with bamboo shoots, ground pork, spinach, boiled egg and scallion.
30. Beef Ramen $12.00
Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen $12.00
Roast pork, menma, spinach, scallions with egg.
Spicy Chicken Ramen $12.00
22. Gomoku Ramen Soup $11.00
Soy sauce-based soup topped with vegetable, bamboo shoots, pork, chicken, squid, shrimp and boiled egg.
25. Curry Ramen Soup $11.00
Spicy. Curry noodle soup topped with roast pork, bamboo shoots, spinach, boiled egg and scallion.
29. Shio Ramen $11.00
Seafood-based noodle soup with bamboo shoots, boiled egg, roast pork and spinach.
23. Seafood Ramen Soup $11.00
House special seafood noodle soup topped with shrimp, squid, scallops, vegetable and boiled egg.
26. Shoyu Ramen Soup $11.00
Soy sauce-based noodle soup with bamboo shoots, boiled egg, roast pork and spinach.
Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen $15.50
Katsu Curry Ramen $14.50
Chicken or pork

Appetizer
7. Pork Buns $6.00
Two pieces. Sliced roasted pork belly and vegetable.
13. Ebi Shumai $6.50
Five pieces. Steamed shrimp, vegetable and mushroom dumplings.
9. Wantan $6.00
10 pieces. Ground pork, scallion, egg and spinach.
1. Gyoza $6.00
Six pieces. Fried dumplings with vegetables and pork.
19. Duck Wraps $6.50
Two pieces. Cucumber, lettuce and Peking duck.
Seafood Teriyaki $15.50
Shrimp, salmon, scallops, squid, veggies with teriyaki sauce.
14. Pork Shumai $6.00
Five pieces. Steamed pork, vegetable and mushroom dumplings.
21. Oyster $6.50
Five pieces. Cold steamed oyster with sauce.
23. Edamame & Cheese Rolls $6.00
Edamame & cheese wrapped in crispy spring roll wrapper.
10. Cho-Ko Salad $4.50
Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrot and cabbage.
8. Duck Buns $7.00
Ten pieces. Sliced Peking duck and vegetable with steamed cake.
6. Kim-Chee $4.50
Chinese cabbage with scallion, red pepper dumpling sauce.
16. Steamed Rice $2.50
11. Seaweed Salad $4.50
24. Salmon Teriyaki $9.50
Grilled salmon, lettuce, sesame with teriyaki sauce.
5. Ban Ban Ji $6.00
Spicy. Huge special chicken in marinated scallion and cucumber.
17. Small Soup $1.50
Soy sauce with seafood base.
15. Chicken Teriyaki $6.00
Japanese style with sweet sauce and cucumber chicken.
4. Chashu $6.00
Sliced roast pork topped with marinated scallion.
2. Menma $4.50
Marinated bamboo shoots, sautéed scallions, red pepper with dry sauce.
3. Edamame $4.50
Boiled soybeans.
12. 1/2 Portion Fried Rice $6.00
Seafood, pork or vegetable, fried rice with scallion and egg.
18. Small Miso Soup $2.50
Miso made of soybeans.
22. Fried Chicken Nuggets $6.00
20. Steamed Buns $7.00
Five pieces. Small steamed bun stuffed with juicy pork.

Sautéed Noodle
30. Gomoku Cata Yakisoba $10.00
Sautéed noodle with pork, chicken, squid, vegetable, egg and shrimp. Served with soup.
Beef Ramen $10.50
31. Seafood Cata Yakisoba $10.00
Sautéed noodle with vegetable, shrimp, squid scallops and boiled egg. Served with soup.

Over Rice Dishes
41. Seafood Bowl $10.00
Seafood, vegetable, shrimp, squid, scallops and boiled egg over rice. Served with soup.
42. Beef Curry $10.00
Spicy. Curry-based topped with beef, potatoes and carrots over rice. Served with soup.
43. Mabo Bowl $9.50
Spicy. Special cooked ground pork, tofu and scallion over rice. Served with soup.
40. Gomoku Bowl $9.50
Vegetable, pork, squid, chicken, egg and shrimp over steamed rice. Served with soup.
45. Chicken Curry $9.00
Curry-based topped with chicken, potatoes and carrots over rice.
44. Chicken With Green Peppers $9.00
Served over rice.

Other Items
35. Fried Rice $9.00
Seafood or pork or vegetable, fried rice with scallion and egg. Served with soup.
36. Niku Yasai Itame $8.50
Fried sauce-based pork and vegetable. Served with soup.
34. Seafood Yakisoba $10.50
Fried noodle with shrimp, squid, scallop, vegetable and boiled egg. Served with soup.
32. Yakisoba $9.00
Fried noodle with vegetable and pork. Served with soup.
33. Gomoku Yakisoba $10.00
Fried noodle with pork, chicken, squid, vegetables, egg and shrimp. Served with soup.

Other Items
33. Gomoku Yakisoba $11.00
Fried noodle with pork, chicken, squid, vegetables, egg and shrimp. Served with soup.
35. Fried Rice $11.00
Seafood or pork or vegetable, fried rice with scallion and egg. Served with soup.
36. Niku Yasai Itame $10.00
Fried sauce-based pork and vegetable. Served with soup.
34. Seafood Yakisoba $11.00
Fried noodle with shrimp, squid, scallop, vegetable and boiled egg. Served with soup.
32. Yakisoba $11.00
Fried noodle with vegetable and pork. Served with soup.

Lunch Special
C. Ramen & Pork Buns Lunch Special $15.00
A. Ramen & Half Fried Rice Lunch Special $14.00
E. Ramen & Mini Beef Curry Lunch Special $15.00
D. Ramen & 5 Piece Pork Shumai Lunch Special $14.00
B. Ramen & 6 Piece Gyoza Lunch Special $14.00

Summer Items
38. Zha Jiang Mian $10.00
Grilled noodle and sweet sauce with ground pork, ginger, garlic, mushroom, bamboo shoots, scallion and cucumber.
39. Tsukemen $10.50
Thick, chewy cold noodle with sesame based sauce with pork, spinach, egg, seaweed and scallion.
37. Hiyashi Chu-Ka $10.50
Chilled noodle and vinegar flavor soy sauce broth topped with roast chicken and pork, cucumber, egg, seaweed, red ginger, lettuce, tomato, sesame seeds, shrimp and mustard.

Over Rice Dishes
40. Gomoku Bowl $11.00
Vegetable, pork, squid, chicken, egg and shrimp over steamed rice. Served with soup.
Tuna Bowl $12.00
43. Mabo Bowl $11.00
Spicy. Special cooked ground pork, tofu and scallion over rice. Served with soup.
Katsu Curry $13.00
Chicken or pork
44. Chicken With Green Peppers $11.00
Served over rice.
42. Beef Curry $11.00
Spicy. Curry-based topped with beef, potatoes and carrots over rice. Served with soup.
45. Chicken Curry $11.00
Curry-based topped with chicken, potatoes and carrots over rice.
41. Seafood Bowl $11.00
Seafood, vegetable, shrimp, squid, scallops and boiled egg over rice. Served with soup.

Cho-Ko Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Paid street parking

Cho-Ko Photos

Cho-Ko Location

Cho-Ko

New York New York County New York 1st Avenue

59 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Cho-Ko Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 173 user reviews.

pricesbrothhomebowlporksakewontonsramen shopfried ricebuns

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Walking into Cho-Ko feels more like stepping into someone's home than a restaurant. Ran by a single man, he will greet you, take your order, cook your food, and serve you your food.In a sea of restaurants trying to impress you with their decorum, their service, and their ingenuity, and their fancy plating. We forget that there are places that exists just to simply serve you food.I ordered the Wontons as my starter and a good old fashioned plate of Yakisoba. Ten wontons were served inside a small bowl, swimming in a salted broth. The Yakisoba was not trying to be anything else. It is comparable to the ones that you would get at a cart during a seasonal festival in Japan. Simple.I dont think anything here was impressive. Its just good affordable food.
September 15 · Nicholas Cheng
This was the nicest ramen restaurant I've been to in years, and I mean nice like KIND. The food was incredible, don't get me wrong, but there were so many little things that made it feel wonderful inside. The bathroom is through the kitchen, but they still let you go inside, and there are toys on the sill. The music is classic rock hits from your childhood. The prices are so so reasonable! Did I mention the food is incredible?
July 13 · June Bendich
A small dingy local shop run by one man, be patient for your food. I rated 3 stars solely on food quality- I ordered the summer soba and was pretty disappointed. What my friend ordered was pretty good, so I probably just ordered wrong. Upon entering the shop it feels like you went to a ramen shop in Japan. This neighborhood staple has been around ages.
August 12 · Sapphira Bella
Went here with my bro, dad, and kid. The older guy serving us took our order and made our food. He was the only person there. The ramen was reasonably priced, do wish the portions were a bit bigger. Intimate space, might be authentic to Japanese culture, only wish it smelled as if food was cooking all day. 8/10 will go back !
December 22 · Emanuel Evans
Amazing small mom and pop shop serving Kate night Japanese price at REASONABLE prices (sake for less than 10 bucks, ramen for less than 15 dollars! Blasting 60s to 70s rock and open late. Please please support this gem.
May 13 · Alexander Gedo