Cho-Ko: A Cozy and Authentic Japanese Ramen Shop in NYC

Cho-Ko Introduce

In the heart of New York City's vibrant East Village, a neighborhood famous for its diverse culinary scene, lies a small but mighty Japanese restaurant that has quietly become a cherished local gem: Cho-Ko. This cozy establishment is a favorite among those who appreciate genuine, no-frills Japanese comfort food. Unlike many of the city's trendier spots, Cho-Ko exudes a charm that feels both authentic and welcoming, with a vibe that, as one customer noted, makes you feel like you've "went to a ramen shop in Japan." The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, the kind of place where you can feel at home, whether you're dining alone or grabbing a quick meal with friends. It’s a neighborhood staple that has stood the test of time, a testament to its consistent quality and friendly service.

The menu at Cho-Ko is a celebration of classic Japanese noodle and rice dishes, with a particular emphasis on ramen. The extensive selection of ramen soups is a major draw, offering a variety of flavors from the rich Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen to the spicy Tantanmen Soup and the comforting Miso Ramen Soup. The prices are incredibly reasonable, a fact highlighted by many a grateful New Yorker. Beyond the ramen, the menu features an array of other delicious options, including various rice bowls like Katsu Curry and Beef Curry, as well as sautéed noodles and small plates like Gyoza and Pork Buns. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert selection, which includes Green Tea Cheesecake and Mochi Ice Cream, provides a perfect end to the meal. The combination of high-quality food and accessible pricing makes Cho-Ko a go-to spot for a satisfying and affordable meal.

Cho-Ko’s appeal extends beyond its food to the overall experience. The service is often praised for its kindness, with one reviewer calling it the "nicest ramen restaurant I've been to in years." This friendly atmosphere, along with the casual, no-frills setting, creates a dining environment that feels wonderfully simple and sincere. The restaurant is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, and it is particularly well-suited for solo dining, offering a comfortable space for a quick, comforting meal. The menu also includes a variety of healthy options and a selection of small plates, perfect for a quick bite. For a taste of authentic, unpretentious Japanese cuisine in a place that feels like a warm and welcoming escape, Cho-Ko is a standout choice in the East Village.

Location and Accessibility

Cho-Ko is located at 59 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA. This address places it in the heart of the East Village, a bustling and vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and shops. The location on 1st Avenue is easily accessible and a central point for many of the area's residents and visitors.

While specific details on accessibility are not provided, the location on a main avenue suggests a generally accessible environment. The restaurant is easily reachable by public transportation, including several subway lines that serve the East Village. For those driving, paid street parking is an option, although it can be competitive in this popular neighborhood.

Services Offered

Cho-Ko provides a variety of convenient services to ensure a seamless dining experience for its customers.

Dine-in: Guests can enjoy a casual and cozy sit-down meal at the restaurant.
Delivery: The restaurant offers both standard delivery and no-contact delivery, making it easy to enjoy their food at home.
Takeout: Takeout service is available for those who prefer to pick up their order on the go.
Reservations: Cho-Ko accepts reservations, which can be a helpful feature for planning a visit during busy times.
Table Service: All dine-in meals are accompanied by attentive table service.

Features and Highlights

Cho-Ko is known for several key features that contribute to its unique appeal in the New York City dining scene.

Authentic Atmosphere: The restaurant has a genuine, local feel that one reviewer compared to a ramen shop in Japan. This authenticity is a major draw for many customers.
Incredible Food: The quality of the food is consistently praised by customers, with a menu that includes a wide variety of delicious ramen, rice bowls, and other Japanese comfort foods.
Fast Service: Cho-Ko is highlighted for its quick and efficient service, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite or lunch.
Reasonable Prices: The menu is notably affordable, offering excellent value for the quality and quantity of food served.
Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: The ambiance is relaxed and comfortable, making it a great place to unwind.
Popular for Solo Dining: The restaurant is a popular and comfortable spot for individuals to dine alone.
Diverse Menu: The menu includes a variety of healthy and small plate options, as well as a selection of beer and sake.

Contact Information

For inquiries or to place an order for pickup or delivery, you can contact Cho-Ko at the following:

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

Phone: (212) 388-0885

What is Worth Choosing

In a city with countless ramen shops and Japanese eateries, Cho-Ko is a destination truly worth choosing for its unique blend of quality, value, and genuine charm. The food, as one reviewer gushed, is "incredible." While some may have had an off experience, the consensus is that the ramen, with its wide variety of rich and flavorful broths, is a must-try. The generous portions and reasonable prices make it an exceptional value, especially for a meal in a city where dining out can be very expensive.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere and service are what truly set Cho-Ko apart. The restaurant has a "nice like KIND" vibe that makes customers feel wonderfully inside. The attention to small details, such as the classic rock music and a friendly, unpretentious attitude, creates a welcoming and memorable experience. It’s a place that feels like a true neighborhood staple—a reliable and comforting spot that locals have been frequenting for years. For anyone in the East Village or beyond who is looking for a delicious, authentic, and affordable Japanese meal served with a dose of genuine kindness, Cho-Ko is an unmissable choice. It’s the kind of place that not only satisfies your hunger but also brightens your day.

Cho-Ko Menu

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

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

Other Items
33. Gomoku Yakisoba $11.00
Fried noodle with pork, chicken, squid, vegetables, egg and shrimp. Served with soup.
32. Yakisoba $11.00
Fried noodle with vegetable and pork. Served with soup.
34. Seafood Yakisoba $11.00
Fried noodle with shrimp, squid, scallop, vegetable and boiled egg. 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.

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

Summer Items
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.
38. Zha Jiang Mian $11.00
Grilled noodle and sweet sauce with ground pork, ginger, garlic, mushroom, bamboo shoots, scallion and cucumber.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ★4.4 from 167 user reviews.

pricesbrothhomeporksakeramen shopfried ricebowlgyozabuns

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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
Best authentic Ramen spot in the city, worth paying any congestion toll to get here. Doesn’t get better than this, and you can’t beat the prices. Oishii
August 17 · Bartosz Zyskowski
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