TLDR
Authentic Sapporo-style ramen with a cult-favorite Hokkaido influence. Known for its soul-healing broths and laid-back, unpretentious vibe.
Details
Renowned for its authentic Sapporo-style ramen, this Hokkaido-focused spot has garnered a dedicated following for its comforting, soul-healing noodle dishes [10], [11]. The restaurant is celebrated for its laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere that stands in welcome contrast to more formal Japanese dining establishments [27], [28]. While its original location sadly closed due to rising commercial rents, the shop has maintained its reputation for excellence under new ownership, continuing to serve standout dishes like their spicy vegetarian miso ramen [34], [46], [48].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on authentic Sapporo-style ramen, with the spicy miso ramen frequently cited as a go-to comfort meal [10], [11], [48]. Customers also highly recommend the karaage (Hokkaido-style fried chicken) as some of the best in the city [27], [46], [51]. While the vegetarian miso ramen is a recurring favorite for many [34], [48], some diners have occasionally reported inconsistent experiences with specific pork-based dishes in the past [40], [41].
Highlights / Recommended
"The spicy miso ramen is widely considered a staple [10], [48], while the karaage is frequently praised as an essential, high-quality side dish [27], [51]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •cold ramen(3)
- •karaage(3)
- •ramen(3)
- •curry ramen(3)
- •tan tan men(2)
- •fried chicken(2)
- •tantanmen(2)
Customer Sentiment
Patrons consistently laud the restaurant for its high-quality comfort food and genuine, relaxed dining environment [27], [28]. Despite a brief period of closure that sparked community concern, the establishment remains a top-tier recommendation for solo diners and ramen enthusiasts alike [36], [50], [55].
Caveats
The restaurant underwent a temporary closure and ownership change, though it has since returned to service [34], [47], [48]. Some past visitors have raised concerns regarding historical health ratings and potential food quality issues with specific dishes [40], [41].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MENKOI SAO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: West Village Takeout For Someone Who Usually Just
"Mentions them as a potential option for ramen."
NeutralFrom post: Best Foodrestaurants With No Gluten Free Options
"Mentioned as a spot for ramen."
NeutralFrom post: Jambonbeurre With An Everythingbaguette From
"Mentioned as a recommendation from a friend."
NeutralFrom post: Where Would You Recommend Grabbing Dinner Solo
"This user agreed that Menkoi Sao is a good recommendation, noting that a single person can easily get a spot at the bar to avoid the line."
PositiveFrom post: Where Would You Recommend Grabbing Dinner Solo
"Menkoi Sao (previously Menkoi Sato) was highly recommended for its ramen, described as the best in Manhattan."
PositiveFrom post: Bringing My Dad To Get Stoned At Mercer Labs And
"Menkoi Sao is mentioned for its summer menu with cold ramen options and for having excellent fried chicken."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know Where You Can Find A Dan Dan Noodle
"Menkoi Sao was added as a potential place to find a soupy version of Dan Dan noodles."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Find 冷やし中華Hiyashi Chuka This Summer
"Menkoi Sao was listed as a potential place to find Hiyashi Chuka."
NeutralFrom post: Toddler And Baby Friendly Ramen Restaurant In
"Menkoi Sao is suggested as a ramen restaurant option."
NeutralFrom post: For Those That Have Had Either Of These Places Or
"This user mentioned that the tantanmen and curry ramen at Menkoi Sao are appealing to them, and they are hoping that one of the two restaurants can satisfy their ramen itch."
PositiveFrom post: For Those That Have Had Either Of These Places Or
"This user described Menkoi Sao as being known for their Sapporo style tori paitan ramen."
NeutralFrom post: Italian Restaurants For Celebration Open Late And
"Menkoi Sao is recommended as a great ramen option in Manhattan."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurant Ideas For A Long Weekend Trip Next Week
"Menkoi Sao is listed as a place one might consider for a 'seat of your pants' dining experience, located just west of the main Greenwich Village area."
PositiveFrom post: Recent Eats Menkoi Sao Super Taste Best Sicily
"In response to a query about ownership, this comment clarified that Menkoi Sao is the same shop but has different owners."
NeutralFrom post: Recent Eats Menkoi Sao Super Taste Best Sicily
"A user inquired if Menkoi Sao has the same owners as Menkoi Sato, which they had heard closed."
NeutralFrom post: Recent Eats Menkoi Sao Super Taste Best Sicily
"The original poster inquired about recommendations for other cold ramen options, having enjoyed the cold spicy miso from Menkoi Sao."
PositiveFrom post: Best Midpriced Vegfriendly Cuisinefocused
"Menkoi Sao was included in a list of recommended restaurants."
PositiveFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"Menkoi Sao is listed by the commenter."
NeutralFrom post: Which Places Have Become Part Of Your Regular
"The commenter frequently visited Menkoi Sao for its vegetarian miso ramen after it reopened during the colder season."
PositiveFrom post: Spiciest Vegetarian Dishes In Nyc
"The spicy vegetarian miso ramen at Menkoi Sao is recommended."
Positive