RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN Introduce
For a true taste of Japan in the heart of New York City, look no further than RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN. This ramen restaurant is a local gem that brings the authentic flavors of Tokyo-style ramen to Upper Manhattan. Inspired by the traditional, everyday ramen shops of old school Tokyo, RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN offers a menu that is both classic and comforting, designed for a flavorful experience that you can enjoy on any day of the week.
The restaurant's focus is on what they call "shitamachi ramen," which means "downtown" or "working-class" ramen. This style is known for a light, clean broth and simple, high-quality ingredients. RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN prides itself on making its broth and noodles from scratch, ensuring a pure and delicious bowl every time. Beyond the ramen, the restaurant also serves a variety of Japanese comfort foods, including their popular fried chicken, making it a versatile and satisfying dining destination.
RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN is situated at 1467 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA. Located in the Morningside Heights and Hamilton Heights area, it's a convenient spot for a diverse crowd, including college students from nearby Columbia University and City College of New York, as well as local residents. Its location on Amsterdam Avenue provides easy access from various parts of the neighborhood.
The restaurant has made efforts to ensure it is accessible to all patrons, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance. The interior is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, creating an intimate and comfortable setting. For those who enjoy dining al fresco, there is also outdoor seating available. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for solo dining or for groups to gather for a meal.
RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN provides a comprehensive range of services to cater to the modern New Yorker's lifestyle.
Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery: The restaurant offers flexible service options, including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. This allows customers to enjoy their meal on-site in the cozy atmosphere, grab it to go, or have it conveniently delivered to their home.
Extensive Menu: The menu goes beyond traditional ramen, featuring a variety of dishes. Alongside the popular Shoyu Ramen and Miso Ramen, you can find other offerings like Karaage Chicken Curry Rice, Bento boxes, and various Onigiri Rice Balls.
Beverage Selection: For those who want more than just ramen, RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN offers a selection of beverages including beer, wine, and other options like Yuzu Maple Lemonade and Iced Matcha Latte. It also has a full bar onsite and offers happy hour drinks, making it a great place to unwind.
Special Features: The restaurant is known for its fast service and even offers live music, which can transform a regular meal into a lively and memorable experience. They also accept reservations, which is a great option for planning ahead.
Dietary Options: The menu includes a variety of choices, with healthy options and specific vegetarian options like the Vegan Miso Ramen, ensuring there is something for everyone.
RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN has several key highlights that make it a standout destination in the New York ramen scene.
Authentic Tokyo-Style Ramen: The restaurant's commitment to "shitamachi ramen" is a major selling point. They focus on light, clean, and MSG-free broths, which is a rarity and a sign of their dedication to authenticity. The Shoyu Ramen and Shio Ramen are particularly highlighted as being perfected for their pure flavors.
Variety and Quality: While ramen is the main draw, the menu’s variety is a significant feature. Customers can enjoy other items like Chicken Wing, Pork Gyoza, and Takoyaki. The quality of these side dishes often receives praise, rounding out the dining experience.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant successfully creates a vibe that is both casual and trendy, making it a comfortable place to hang out. The presence of live music adds an extra layer of appeal, setting it apart from other ramen spots.
Customer Service: Reviews often mention the friendly staff and great service. This personal touch enhances the overall experience and makes patrons feel welcome, which is a significant factor in a neighborhood restaurant.
For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN at the following:
Address: 1467 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA
Phone: (917) 639-3342
When deciding where to go for ramen in New York, RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN offers several compelling reasons to make it your choice.
Authenticity and Quality: For those who appreciate authentic Japanese flavors, RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN delivers. The focus on traditional, homemade ingredients and lighter broths provides a taste that can be hard to find in a city with many "Americanized" options. As one reviewer noted, this is a place for "real Asian style" food.
The Experience: It's not just about the food. The combination of the cozy atmosphere, fast service, and the potential for live music creates a complete dining experience. Whether you’re a solo diner looking for a quick, delicious meal or a group seeking a trendy and fun spot, RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN fits the bill. The presence of a bar also means you can enjoy a drink with your meal, something not all ramen spots offer.
Variety and Inclusivity: With a menu that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary needs, including vegan and vegetarian options, RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN ensures that no one is left out. The diverse menu of appetizers, ramen bowls, and rice dishes makes it easy to find something you’ll love. The fact that it is family-friendly and a popular spot for college students also speaks to its broad appeal.
In conclusion, RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN is a true destination for New Yorkers seeking a high-quality, authentic ramen experience. Its commitment to tradition, coupled with its modern amenities and vibrant atmosphere, makes it a must-try for anyone in the city craving a satisfying and soulful bowl of ramen.
RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN Vibe
Drinks and Desserts
- Seltzer Water $2.50
- Taiyaki $7.95
Japanese fish-shaped cake filling red bean
- Mango Cheese Cake $7.00
- Diet Coke $2.50
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
- Oolong Tea $3.50
- Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte $8.95
- Sweet Potato Cheese Cake $7.95
- Iced Mango Matha Latte $8.95
- Sprite $2.50
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
- Calpico Soda $3.50
- Yuzu Maple Lemonade $7.95
- Bottle Water $2.50
- Matcha Mont Blanc Cake $8.95
- Matcha Mont Blanc $8.00
- Iced Matcha Latte $8.95
- Green Tea $3.50
- Matcha Cheese Cake $7.00
Ramen and Rice Dishes
- Teriyaki Bento $20.00
Chicken thigh or salmon, teriyaki sauce, white rice, broccoli, salad and dressing
- Shoyu Ramen $19.95
Soy sauce flavored chicken broth, roasted pork, egg, bamboo shoots, spinach, fish cake, scallions, and seaweed.
- Vegan Miso Ramen $19.95
Soy bean paste veg broth, assorted vegetables, corn, fried tofu, crispy garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Shio Ramen $19.95
Sea salt flavored chicken broth, roasted pork, egg, bamboo shoots, spinach, fish cake, scallions, and seaweed.
- Mabo Don $19.95
Stir fried ground pork and tofu in a spicy sauce over rice.
- Tantamen $20.95
Sesame based creamy chicken broth topped with chili bean sauce, ground chicken, spinach , egg, and scallions.
- KARAAGE CHICKEN CURRY RICE $22.00
Three pieces home butchered karaage chicken and curry rice served with salad and daily side
- Cha Han (Fried Rice) $20.00
Fried rice served with salad and daily side
- Miso Ramen $19.95
Soy bean paste chicken broth, roasted chicken, cabbage, crispy garlic, scallions, corn, egg, and red pepper flakes.
- TONKATSU CURRY RICE $22.00
Pork Cutlet and curry rice served with salad and daily side
- Wing Bento $22.00
4pcs Chicken wing with rice, salad, and daily side
- Mabo Ramen $19.95
Ramen in a spicy soup with tofu and ground pork stir fry.
Onigiri Rice Ball
- Onigiri Goma Kombu $6.45
- Onigiri Takana Veg $6.45
- Onigiri Grilled Eel $7.45
- Onigiri Pickled Plum $6.45
- Onigiri Chashu + Egg $7.45
- Onigiri Spicy Cod Roe $6.45
- Onigiri Shrimp Tempura $7.45
- Onigiri Salmon $6.45
- Onigiri Fried Chicken $7.45
- Onigiri Tuna Mayo $6.45
Appetizers & Sides
- Steamed Bao $7.50
Steamed Bao with coked pork filling or vegan meat
- Shumai $10.95
Five pieces. Shrimp dumplings.
- Chicken Wing $14.00
- Vegetable Gyoza $11.00
Six pieces. Pan-fried vegetable dumplings.
- Kimchi $8.95
Spicy. Spicy pickled Korean cabbage.
- French Fries $7.50
- Spicy Cucumber Bamboo Shoot Salad $9.95
Marinated bamboo shoots and cucumber in spicy sauce mixed with cilantro and red chilies
- Pork Gyoza $11.00
Pan-fried pork dumplings.
- Edamame $7.95
Boiled soy beans.
- Pork Katsu Burger $14.00
Japanese karaage fried chicken with lettuce and pickles in a bun.
- Small Soup $6.95
Shoyu, shiso, or miso.
- Takoyaki $11.95
Six pieces. Grilled octopus balls that are crispy on the outside, soft and doughy on the inside. Slathered with takoyaki sauce, sprinkled with green laver (aonori), and garnished with dried bonito flakes.
- White Rice $5.95
- Chicen Katsu Burger $14.00
Japanese karaage fried chicken with lettuce and pickles in a bun.
- Kara-Age (Fried Chicken Boneless Thigh) $13.00
Boneless fried chicken thigh
RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Live music
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN Photos










RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN Location
RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN
1467 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA
RAIRAIKEN UPTOWN Reviews
pork bunsspicybowlappetizersdumplingskara-ageatmospheredeliverymoneycurry
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Had the chicken sandwich. It was not $20 good, but good enough. Wish their fried rice has been sprouts. Might try their ramen next time
February 18 · Alex DoeEverything was fine and the food for me tasted fine but the only difference that bothers me. The food isn't as appealing as they advertise and I feel like if it was the food could be better for the price so it feels a bit overcharged. Although if you're looking for real Asian style restaurants this is the one.
July 30 · Angel LeeSuch a hidden gem! I went Friday evening and was able to get a seat with my girlfriend. She's not a ramen person, but enjoyed the meal regardless! It was very flavorful. Food arrived very quickly and the prices are really good too.
April 19 · Pablo ChavezI’ve been eating here for years and I’m so glad they’re open again post-Covid. Great noodle dishes, well priced, and delicious gyozas, in an intimate casual setting. The staff is friendly and unobtrusive. A perfect thrifty Sunday night comfort meal. Have the miso bowl, it’s basic, and delicious.
May 28 · patrick lehmanReally good .Excellent foodDelicious ramen - takoyaki - steam bao
February 12 · Guille Sallato
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