Udon Lab

- 43 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001

In the bustling, culinary-rich landscape of New York City, Udon Lab stands out as a destination for those seeking a unique and comforting Japanese dining experience. This restaurant is a specialist in udon, a thick and chewy wheat noodle that forms the heart of its menu. However, Udon Lab is not just a simple noodle shop; it also operates as an izakaya, a casual Japanese pub that serves a variety of small plates to be shared alongside drinks. This combination creates a dynamic and versatile dining environment, perfect for a wide range of occasions, from a quick solo lunch to a lively group dinner. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, providing a welcoming and comfortable setting that feels both authentic and modern. The restaurant's commitment to creating a great vibe is evident in its attentive service and beautiful interior. It’s a place where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious, high-quality meal that feels both traditional and innovative. Whether you're a long-time fan of Japanese cuisine or just starting to explore it, Udon Lab offers a fantastic entry point with its extensive menu and welcoming ambiance. Its location in the vibrant K-Town area further adds to its appeal, making it a great stop during a day or night of exploring.

The culinary philosophy at Udon Lab is centered on the art of udon-making, but it extends far beyond that to embrace the full izakaya experience. The menu is a testament to this, offering a wide variety of hot and cold udon dishes, such as the popular Kimchi Bacon Cream Udon and the classic Niku Udon. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Beyond the noodles, the small plates, or "izakaya" dishes, are designed for sharing and exploration. Items like the Kurobuta Sausage and Fried Takoyaki are perfect for starting your meal, while the various tempura and sushi options provide additional variety. This diverse menu ensures that there's always something new to try, encouraging repeat visits and a sense of culinary adventure. While one customer review mentioned some dishes like the katsu and wasabi octopus were not up to par, this is often the case with a large menu, and it's worth noting that the same review praised the kimchi creamy bacon udon and the generous portions. This highlights the restaurant's core strength: its exceptional udon dishes, which are what many customers come back for. The restaurant’s ability to cater to a diverse crowd, including college students, families, and tourists, further speaks to its broad appeal and welcoming nature. It’s a place that’s truly good for kids, with amenities like high chairs, and it's a designated safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, reinforcing its inclusive atmosphere.

Udon Lab is situated at 43 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001, in the heart of the city's vibrant Koreatown. This prime location makes it an incredibly convenient and accessible spot for a wide range of customers. It’s just a short walk from major transportation hubs like Penn Station, making it an ideal destination for a quick meal before catching a train or an easy meeting spot for friends. The neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse dining options, and Udon Lab fits right in as a fantastic addition. The restaurant is also designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms. This thoughtful approach ensures that all patrons can enjoy their dining experience comfortably. While parking in this busy area can be challenging, the excellent access to public transportation and the high-density of foot traffic make it a great spot for those exploring the city on foot. The location also makes it an excellent choice for a late-night meal, as it's nestled among other late-night dining and entertainment venues. The combination of a central, bustling location and a welcoming, accessible interior makes Udon Lab a true gem in the heart of Manhattan.

Udon Lab offers a variety of services to accommodate the diverse needs of its New York City clientele. The service options are designed for flexibility and convenience, ensuring that every visit is a smooth and enjoyable one. Here are some of the key services provided:

• Takeout & Dine-in: Customers have the choice to enjoy their meal at the cozy restaurant or to grab it to go for a quick bite on the run.
• Delivery & No-contact delivery: For those who prefer to dine at home, Udon Lab provides both standard and no-contact delivery options, making their delicious food accessible with just a few clicks.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is a great feature for groups or for those who want to ensure a table during busy lunch and dinner hours.
• Bar Onsite: With a fully stocked bar, Udon Lab offers a selection of beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor, complementing the izakaya experience perfectly.
• Table Service: The restaurant provides full table service, with an attentive staff dedicated to making your dining experience pleasant.

In addition to these services, the restaurant also offers Wi-Fi, making it a great spot for those looking to catch up on work or simply browse the internet. They accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and effortless. This range of services highlights Udon Lab's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience, catering to both the quick-paced urbanite and the leisurely diner.

Udon Lab is set apart by several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for Japanese cuisine in New York. One of the most important highlights is the quality of its udon. As one customer review pointed out, the "kimchi creamy bacon udon" was "very good, tasty and creamy," and another mentioned the "Niku was good and flavorful." The generous portion sizes were also praised, with one reviewer noting that the dishes were "huge." This emphasis on both quality and quantity makes for a satisfying and worthwhile meal. The restaurant is also known for its "fast service," which is a huge plus in a city where time is often a luxury. The interior is described as having a "beautiful vibey interior" and being "cozy" and "trendy," creating a great atmosphere for dining. The customer service is also highlighted as being "great and pretty attentive." The menu is extensive and offers a variety of healthy and vegetarian options, as well as organic dishes, catering to a wide range of dietary needs. The presence of a bar on-site, with a selection of alcohol, beer, and cocktails, further elevates the dining experience, especially for an izakaya-style establishment. The restaurant's popularity for "late-night food" and "solo dining" makes it a versatile spot that can be enjoyed at different times and in different ways. The restaurant's inclusivity, being "LGBTQ+ friendly" and a "transgender safespace," is a significant and commendable highlight that ensures a welcoming environment for all. The combination of high-quality food, fast service, a great atmosphere, and a broad, inclusive appeal makes Udon Lab a top choice in the city.

For more information, to make a reservation, or to place an order, you can easily contact Udon Lab. The address is 43 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001. The phone number is (646) 838-5338. This contact information is readily available for customers who want to call ahead, ask about the menu, or inquire about reservations, which are recommended during busy times. The restaurant's clear and accessible contact details are a key part of their customer-friendly approach. Being located in a major hub like K-Town means they are easily searchable and can be found on various food delivery apps. This convenience is a crucial aspect of their service and makes it simple for both new and returning customers to engage with the restaurant. The clear communication channels ensure that whether you're planning a special dinner or just a quick takeout order, the process is always smooth and efficient. Knowing the phone number and address is a simple but important part of the customer journey, and Udon Lab makes this information prominent and easy to find.

When it comes to deciding where to eat in New York City, Udon Lab is a worthwhile choice for several compelling reasons. While one customer review mentioned issues with the freshness of the octopus and the quality of the katsu, this seems to be a specific experience that highlights the importance of sticking to the restaurant's specialty. The vast majority of feedback, including that same review, praises the udon itself, which is the heart and soul of Udon Lab. The kimchi bacon udon and the Niku udon are consistently recommended as delicious, flavorful, and generously portioned. The "beautiful vibey interior" and attentive customer service create a pleasant dining atmosphere, and the "fast service" is a major bonus for busy New Yorkers. The fact that the restaurant offers a comprehensive menu with options for various diets (vegetarian, organic) and dining experiences (late-night, solo, group) makes it incredibly versatile. Its identity as an izakaya also means you can enjoy a variety of small, delicious plates with your drinks. Ultimately, Udon Lab is worth choosing for its authentic and high-quality udon dishes, its cozy and trendy atmosphere, and its inclusive and welcoming environment. It’s the perfect place to warm up with a bowl of comforting noodles, explore new flavors, and enjoy a genuine taste of Japanese cuisine in the heart of New York City.

Udon Lab

43 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001, USA