Okiboru House of Udon

- 124 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

In a city teeming with incredible ramen shops, Okiboru House of Udon carves out a special niche for itself by focusing on a different kind of Japanese noodle: udon. Located in the heart of the East Village, this restaurant is a haven for those who appreciate the rich tradition and craftsmanship behind a truly great bowl of udon. Okiboru offers a unique experience, serving up a style of udon that is distinct from what you might find elsewhere in New York. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an ideal spot for a quick and satisfying meal, whether you're dining alone or with friends. With its simple menu and high-quality offerings, Okiboru demonstrates that sometimes, focusing on one thing and doing it exceptionally well is the key to creating a truly memorable dining experience.

Okiboru is particularly renowned for its handmade udon noodles. The texture of the noodles is often praised by customers for being "nice and chewy but not overly so," a testament to their freshness. The restaurant also specializes in tempura, with a variety of perfectly fried items that add a delightful crunch to your meal. This blend of simple, comforting flavors and meticulous preparation is what draws a consistent crowd. Whether you're a long-time udon enthusiast or new to this type of Japanese cuisine, Okiboru provides a welcoming and delicious entry point, offering a quick bite of authentic comfort food that is perfectly suited to the fast-paced energy of New York City.

Okiboru House of Udon is conveniently located at 124 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA, in the bustling East Village. This vibrant neighborhood is a popular destination for food lovers, college students, and tourists. The restaurant is situated in a highly accessible area, with several subway and bus lines nearby. The 2nd Avenue stop on the L train is within walking distance, as are the 6 and N/R/W trains, making it easy to get to from almost anywhere in Manhattan.

For those with cars, the neighborhood offers both paid street parking and paid parking lots, though finding a spot can be challenging, especially during peak hours. The restaurant itself has a small, intimate layout, which contributes to its cozy atmosphere. While there is no official information on the restaurant's accessibility features, the location on a major avenue with a sidewalk entrance should provide easy access for most guests. However, it's important to note that, as a reviewer mentioned, there is no public restroom available at this location, which is a key consideration for patrons planning their visit.

Okiboru House of Udon has streamlined its service model to provide a seamless and quick dining experience, perfect for the on-the-go nature of its East Village clientele.

• Dine-in: The primary service offered is dine-in. Customers are seated at the counter or small tables in the cozy space. Orders are taken efficiently via QR code, which allows for a quick and no-fuss process from ordering to payment. This system makes the experience incredibly fast, with minimal interaction required with staff.
• Quick Bite: The entire concept is built around providing a quick and satisfying meal. The menu is simple and focused, and the fast service ensures that you can enjoy a high-quality bowl of udon without a long wait, making it a perfect spot for a quick lunch break or a pre-event dinner.
• Table Service: Once you've placed your order via QR code, the staff provides friendly and efficient table service, bringing your food and any requested extras directly to your seat. The fast service is a highlight for many customers.
• Payment Options: For added convenience, Okiboru accepts a variety of payment methods, including major credit cards and debit cards.

Okiboru House of Udon has a few key highlights that have earned it a reputation as a must-visit spot in the city for noodle lovers.

• Distinctive Udon Noodles: The star of the show is the udon. Unlike typical thin udon, Okiboru's noodles are extra wide and flat, with a uniquely chewy texture. This unique feature is a huge part of the experience and is praised by many who appreciate the fresh, house-made quality.
• Flavorful Dipping Broths: While the noodles are the main event, the dipping broths are what make the meal complete. The broth is described as being flavorful and rich, with the perfect consistency to cling to the wide udon noodles. This dipping style, known as Himokawa udon, is a special experience in itself.
• Exceptional Tempura: The restaurant also stands out for its delicious tempura. The menu features a variety of options, from classic tempura wild-caught shrimp and sweet potato to the more unique and surprisingly good tempura bacon. These crispy sides are a perfect complement to the udon bowls.
• Seamless and Quick Ordering: The QR code ordering system is a major highlight for its efficiency and ease of use. It allows for a streamlined experience, from placing your order to paying and even tipping, all from your seat. This is perfect for those who are in a hurry but don't want to sacrifice quality.

For more information or inquiries about Okiboru House of Udon, you can find them at the following address.

Address: 124 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 982-9589

For New Yorkers seeking a unique and authentic Japanese dining experience, Okiboru House of Udon is a compelling choice. What makes this restaurant truly worth a visit is its specialized focus and commitment to quality. Instead of offering a sprawling menu of many different Japanese dishes, Okiboru has perfected the art of udon, particularly its distinctive, wide-noodle style. This singular focus ensures that every dish is crafted with expertise and care. The fresh, handmade texture of the udon noodles is something you won't easily find elsewhere in the city and is the cornerstone of the restaurant's appeal.

The dining experience is also worth noting. The casual and cozy atmosphere, combined with the incredibly fast and modern QR code ordering system, makes it a perfect spot for a quick, high-quality meal. It’s ideal for a solo lunch when you want to get in and out quickly, or for a relaxed dinner with a small group of friends. The fact that they offer exceptional tempura, from classic shrimp to inventive bacon, adds another layer of deliciousness to the meal.

While some have noted that the portion sizes can be small for the price, the overall quality and unique taste of the food make it a worthwhile experience. It's a place to visit for the novelty and high quality of the food rather than just a large volume of it. The combination of its authentic, specialized menu and its efficient, modern service makes Okiboru House of Udon a trendy and desirable destination for anyone who loves Japanese comfort food and is looking for something truly different in the East Village.

Okiboru House of Udon

124 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA