Udon St Marks

- 11 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003

In the bustling landscape of New York City’s East Village, where every block offers a new culinary adventure, Udon St Marks stands out as a beloved destination for authentic, comforting Japanese cuisine. This isn't a flashy, high-end sushi spot; it's a cozy, no-frills restaurant dedicated to the art of udon. The establishment specializes in thick, chewy udon noodles served in a variety of delicious, savory broths, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying and warming meal, especially on a chilly New York day. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, attracting a diverse crowd of college students, tourists, and longtime locals who appreciate its straightforward approach and high-quality food. It's a place that feels like a hidden gem, where the focus is squarely on the food itself and the simple, rustic charm of the dining experience. The visible preparation of the food right in front of you adds a layer of rustic authenticity that is both fascinating and reassuring. This commitment to transparency and a well-executed, focused menu is what makes Udon St Marks a cherished staple in a neighborhood known for its eclectic and ever-changing food scene.

Udon St Marks has cultivated a reputation as a place that offers both quality and value. Its menu provides a refreshing alternative to the many ramen shops and sushi bars in the city, specializing in a noodle that has a unique texture and flavor. The popularity of the restaurant, as evidenced by the "usually a wait" note, speaks to its success in providing a memorable and satisfying meal. Despite its small size, the efficient layout and bar seating create an intimate experience where you can watch the chefs at work, which is a unique and engaging feature. This dedication to craft and a strong sense of place make it more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination for a specific kind of craving. Whether you're a long-time udon enthusiast or new to the dish, Udon St Marks offers a friendly and welcoming environment to explore its delicious offerings. The combination of a focused menu, an engaging atmosphere, and a reputation for fast service makes it a compelling choice for a quick lunch or a late-night meal in the city that never sleeps.

Udon St Marks is ideally located at 11 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA. This address places it in the very heart of the East Village, a neighborhood famous for its vibrant street life, independent shops, and diverse food culture. Its location on St Marks Place, a well-known pedestrian-friendly street, makes it a popular destination for those exploring the area. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, with several major subway stations just a short walk away. The Astor Place station (6 train) and the 8th Street-New York University station (N, Q, R, W trains) are both conveniently close, ensuring that visitors from various parts of the city can get to the restaurant with ease. Its proximity to New York University also makes it a favorite among college students. The lively atmosphere of the street, with its mix of cafes, bars, and unique storefronts, adds to the overall experience of visiting Udon St Marks. While parking in this area can be difficult, the excellent subway access makes it a perfect stop for anyone relying on public transit. The central location is a major plus, making it a natural choice for a meal during a day or night out in the neighborhood.

Udon St Marks is a specialized restaurant with a focused menu that highlights its main offering. While the selection is concise, it provides enough variety to satisfy different palates and dietary preferences.

Services Offered:

• Hot Udon Noodle Soups: The primary service is their wide selection of hot udon noodle soups. Options range from classic favorites like Nabeyaki Udon Noodle Soup and Niku Udon Noodle Soup to more unique and flavorful choices such as Curry Udon Noodle Soup and Kimchee Udon. They also offer vegetarian options like Veggie-Ten Udon Noodle Soup.
• Quick Bites: The menu is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, making it an ideal choice for lunch, a pre-show dinner, or a quick bite after a long day. The fast service is a notable highlight.
• Takeout and Delivery: For customers who prefer to eat at home, Udon St Marks offers both takeout and delivery services, ensuring that you can enjoy their delicious udon from anywhere in the city.
• Onsite Dining: The restaurant provides a cozy dining experience with both table service and bar seating. The bar provides a front-row view of the chefs in action, which is a unique and engaging feature for solo diners and small groups.
• Late-Night Food: As an East Village gem, Udon St Marks is a great spot for late-night cravings, offering a comforting and warm meal when many other places might be closed.

Udon St Marks has several key features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Japanese cuisine in the East Village. These qualities contribute to its reputation and make it a unique place to visit.

Features and Highlights:

• Specialization in Udon: Unlike many Japanese restaurants that offer a sprawling menu, Udon St Marks has a clear and focused specialty. This dedication to udon ensures that every bowl is prepared with expertise and care. Their focus on this specific type of noodle sets them apart and is a major highlight for fans of the dish.
• Authentic and Fresh Food: According to a customer review, the food is made fresh and everything "tastes amazing." Dishes like the Tempura Combo are praised for being "perfectly crisp" and "instagram worthy," highlighting the quality and presentation of the food.
• Cozy and Engaging Atmosphere: The interior, though small, is described as "clean and tidy" with a rustic charm. A standout feature is the bar seating that overlooks the kitchen, allowing customers to watch their meals being prepared, which adds a unique and personal touch to the dining experience. Thoughtful amenities like a coatrack and bag hooks are also noted as a plus.
• Cash-Only Policy: While this might be a surprise to some, the "CASH ONLY!" policy is a distinctive feature. It adds to the old-school, no-frills charm of the place and is something that visitors should be aware of when planning their visit.
• Affordable and Generous Portions: Customers describe the prices as "relatively cheap" and the portions as "perfect." This combination of affordability and quality makes it a popular choice for students and budget-conscious diners who don’t want to compromise on a great meal.

Contact Information:

Address: 11 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (646) 386-7057
Mobile Phone: +1 646-386-7057

When considering where to eat in the East Village, Udon St Marks is a compelling choice for its unique and authentic offerings. The main reason to visit is the high quality of their udon, which is a rare find in a city where ramen often dominates the Japanese food scene. A customer review perfectly captures the restaurant's appeal, calling it a "gem in New York not many are willing to search for, but once you've gotten it, it is always a place worth coming back to." This sentiment speaks to the loyalty the restaurant inspires and the value it provides.

While one review mentioned a less-than-perfect experience, the overall consensus from patrons highlights the consistently fresh and well-prepared food, from the flavorful broths to the perfectly golden tempura. The "rustic charm" and the unique ability to watch your meal being made add to the overall experience, making it more than just a meal—it’s a memory. For those looking to step off the beaten path and try something truly delicious and authentic without breaking the bank, Udon St Marks is a must-visit. The combination of a focused, expertly crafted menu, an engaging atmosphere, and a loyal following makes it a reliable and delightful choice for anyone in the New York area.

Udon St Marks

11 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA