Okiboru House of Udon

- 124 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

In a city with an endless array of Japanese restaurants, finding a spot that offers a truly unique culinary experience is a special discovery. Okiboru House of Udon, located in the vibrant East Village, is exactly that kind of place. It stands out by specializing in a specific type of noodle—the flat, wide udon known as himokawa—that is rarely found elsewhere in New York. This focus on a singular, expertly crafted dish gives Okiboru a distinctive identity and a loyal following. It’s a cozy, trendy, and casual spot that invites both curious foodies and seasoned noodle enthusiasts to enjoy a meal that is both comforting and exciting.

The concept of Okiboru is centered around "tsukemen," or dipping noodles, a style of Japanese cuisine where cold or warm noodles are served separately from a rich, flavorful broth for dipping. This dining method allows you to appreciate the texture and flavor of the noodles on their own before combining them with the intense taste of the soup. The signature himokawa udon noodles are praised by customers for their "great" and "chewy" texture, which is a key component of a good dipping noodle dish. This unique approach to udon is a refreshing change from a standard noodle soup and offers an interactive and fun dining experience.

Patrons rave about the unique features that make Okiboru so special. The house-made noodles are a highlight, praised for their quality and ability to cling perfectly to the dipping sauce. The tempura is another standout, with a particular mention of the bacon tempura, which one reviewer found "surprisingly good" and "so good" for its "super crunchy and really delicious" texture. The restaurant's use of a QR code ordering system is also a popular feature, noted for being "super seamless and quick," which is a perfect fit for a fast-paced city like New York. This blend of authentic, high-quality food with modern, efficient service is what makes Okiboru a beloved spot.

While some patrons have noted concerns about portion sizes or the saltiness of the hot soup version, the general consensus is that the unique and delicious flavor of the dipping udon and the quality of the tempura make the experience well worth it. Okiboru House of Udon is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination for a specific, expertly prepared dish that brings a piece of authentic Japanese noodle culture to the heart of NYC.

Okiboru House of Udon is located at 124 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA. This address places it in the heart of the East Village, a neighborhood celebrated for its energetic, youthful, and diverse food scene. Situated on Second Avenue, the restaurant is easily accessible and a perfect stop for those exploring the area's rich culture and vibrant nightlife.

The location is highly convenient for a wide range of people, from students at nearby New York University to tourists and locals. The restaurant is within walking distance of several major subway stations. The Astor Place station, serving the 6 train, is a short stroll away, as is the 2nd Avenue stop for the F train. The bustling Union Square station, with its extensive network of trains (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W), is also just a few blocks away, making Okiboru a very accessible destination from nearly anywhere in the city. For those who drive, the area offers both paid parking lots and paid street parking, though as with most of Manhattan, public transit is the recommended method.

The restaurant's atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a comfortable place to escape the city's commotion. It's a spot that feels both new and familiar, fitting perfectly into the East Village's unique vibe.

Okiboru House of Udon focuses on providing a direct and satisfying dining experience.

• Dine-in: The primary service option is dining in. The restaurant provides a cozy setting where you can sit down at a table and enjoy your meal. The ordering process is modern and efficient, with customers ordering via a QR code at their seat, which makes the service "super seamless and quick."

The streamlined approach is designed to get you your food in a timely manner, which is perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. The no-fuss service model, where you order and pay upfront, contributes to the overall efficiency and allows you to enjoy your meal without interruption.

Okiboru House of Udon is a standout destination thanks to several unique features.

• Unique Himokawa Udon: The star of the menu is the extra-wide, flat himokawa udon noodles. This unique style of noodle provides a distinctive, chewy texture that is highly praised by customers and sets the restaurant apart from other Japanese eateries.

• Tempura Selection: The tempura, particularly the bacon tempura, is a highlight. The a la carte options like tempura shrimp, sweet potato, and asparagus allow you to customize your meal and try different pairings with your udon.

• Comfort Food and Quick Bite: The menu offers classic comfort food dishes like the Tendon and Chasu Bowls, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. The efficient service also makes it an excellent choice for a quick bite when you're short on time.

• Digital Ordering: The QR code ordering system at each seat is a modern convenience that ensures a fast and seamless experience. It's a great feature for a casual restaurant in a bustling city.

• Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant’s small, intimate space and trendy decor create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for solo diners or a quiet meal with a friend, as it's a popular choice among college students and tourists alike.

For inquiries about Okiboru House of Udon, you can use the following address:

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

As phone numbers were not provided in the prompt, the best way to get in touch is by visiting the restaurant in person.

Okiboru House of Udon is a must-try for anyone in New York looking for a unique and memorable Japanese dining experience. What makes it truly worth choosing is its specialization in a specific type of udon that you won't easily find elsewhere. The himokawa udon, with its wide and flat shape, provides a distinct and satisfying chewy texture that is perfect for the dipping style of dining. This unique feature alone is a compelling reason to visit.

Beyond the noodles, the quality of the food is consistently praised. The dipping broths are described as "flavorful," and the tempura is a standout, particularly the inventive and delicious bacon tempura. This combination of a unique main dish with excellent side options makes for a well-rounded and exciting meal. The digital ordering system also enhances the experience, making it incredibly convenient and efficient.

While some reviews mentioned concerns about portion size or the saltiness of the hot soup, these are minor points in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive experience. The fact that the restaurant is popular for solo dining and a quick bite speaks to its accessibility and reliability. It’s a place where you can confidently walk in alone and leave feeling satisfied. For a cozy, trendy, and truly unique Japanese noodle experience, Okiboru House of Udon is a fantastic choice that offers a taste of something special in the heart of the East Village.

Okiboru House of Udon

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