KENKA

25 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, United States
+1 212-254-6363
$$$ Japanese restaurant
(1835 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

If you're on the hunt for an authentic and vibrantly alive Japanese dining experience in New York City, look no further than KENKA. Nestled at 25 St Marks Place, this izakaya-style restaurant immerses you in an eclectic atmosphere reminiscent of Tokyo's bustling alleyways, where the sights and sounds promise a fun escape from the ordinary.

KENKA specializes in a range of traditional Japanese dishes that delight the senses. Whether you opt for the comforting Ochazuke — a simple yet hearty bowl of rice swimming in flavorful fish broth — or dive into the tantalizing array of noodles like the Ramen or Yaki Udon, you can expect a burst of authentic flavors with every bite. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared and served at an impressively affordable price, with most items clocking in at around $5.00, making it accessible for both casual diners and those looking to indulge in a feast.

The stir-fried options are equally enticing; try the Buta Kimchee, featuring perfectly panfried pork with spicy kimchi, or the Yakiniku, a delicious melange of BBQ beef and vegetables that will have your taste buds dancing. And don't forget the unique sides — Katie Nemergut raves about the seaweed salad and pork dumplings, noting how refreshing the cold udon noodles are on warm days, while Emmy Siripa V. celebrates the surprising joy of cotton candy at the end of your meal, adding an element of nostalgic fun to your dining experience.

The atmosphere at KENKA is an attraction in itself; it’s alive with energy, laughter, and a hint of playful chaos. The walls are adorned with quirky decor, creating an intriguing backdrop for your culinary adventure. Many patrons, like Nitiphum S., have expressed their love for this place, stating that it’s perfect for lively gatherings with friends and family. Just be prepared to write your name down, as the restaurant fills up quickly, echoing its popularity among locals and visitors alike.

In terms of beverages, KENKA offers a delightful variety ranging from refreshing grapefruit and peach beers to fun, tiki-inspired cocktails, perfectly suited for soaking in the relaxed vibe of the place. Chotiros Setsirichot suggests trying the intriguing tako wasabi as a snacking option while hanging out with friends, showcasing just how effortlessly KENKA combines good food with great company.

For those craving a unique and memorable dining experience, KENKA is an essential stop. Step into this charming establishment and let your senses be swept away by the rich flavors and vibrant atmosphere that this beloved Japanese eatery has to offer!

Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

5:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

5:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

5:00 AM - 11:00 PM

1835 Reviews
Katie Nemergut

08 Sep 2025

Unique dining experience with great Japanese bites. We shared the seaweed salad, edamame, and pork dumplings which were all delicious. I got the cold udon noodles which were super refreshing on a hot day. After paying you receive the sugar for the cotton candy machine outside, which makes the eclectic experience.

Chotiros Setsirichot

31 Aug 2025

If you're looking for a restaurant to chill at and chat with friends after work, this place is perfect. I ordered grapefruit and peach beers to enjoy with my friends. As for the snacks, I ordered a lot, but my favorite was the tako wasabi — great for snacking on while sipping beer and chatting. To finish off, the restaurant has a fun gimmick: a cotton candy machine you can play with and make your own dessert. The atmosphere is really nice too. I’ll definitely come back when I get the chance.

Anthony Apichart Meredith

30 Aug 2025

Fun spot with great vibes! The food was solid—especially the karaage and yakisoba. Service was quick and friendly, and the prices are really affordable for the area. Loved the playful atmosphere and the cotton candy machine at the end. Great place to go with friends!

Emmy Siripa V.

18 Aug 2025

Kenka is one of my absolute favorite spots in NYC. It feels like stepping into a cool, chaotic Tokyo alley. The food is always delicious, flavorful, and affordable. One of the best parts? You get cotton candy at the end of your meal – such a fun little touch that makes the experience even more memorable! If you’re looking for great Japanese food with a cool vibe and a full-on experience, Kenka is a must-visit. I’d give it more than 10/10 if I could!

Nitiphum S.

28 Jul 2025

Kenka – A must-visit Japanese Izakaya on St. Mark’s! I love this place and always bring my friends and family here — everyone I’ve taken has loved it, and it’s never once disappointed. The food, flavors, prices, and overall vibe are spot-on. The restaurant opens at 5 PM, and it gets very busy fast, so make sure to come early and write your name down. It’s a first-come, first-served system. The interior has a gritty, authentic Japanese street-style izakaya vibe — not in a basement, but it feels like a tucked-away Tokyo spot. The menu is mostly photos and can be a bit tricky to understand, especially for first-timers, so take your time when ordering. We started with two pitchers of beer — grapefruit and peach flavors — at only $13 per pitcher, which is such a great deal. We ordered a bunch of dishes: • Tako Wasabi • Japanese Sausages • Japanese Pancake • Takoyaki • Fried Squid • Raw Salmon Sashimi • Grilled Salmon • Mentaiko Onigiri Everything was super tasty, and most dishes range from just $3 to $8 — great portions, great prices. This is a place that’s best enjoyed with a group — it’s fun, flavorful, and full of energy. The staff and kitchen crew are all Japanese, which adds to the authentic feel. One tip: order everything at once, because the second round of orders can take a while to come out. The only downside is the restroom — it’s not super convenient, but it’s usable. Overall, Kenka is an awesome izakaya experience in NYC. Highly recommend — don’t miss it!

Hana Ismail

07 Jul 2025

Absolutely loved it. Went thursday night and there was a huge line out the door. They take your name and the number of people in your party and the line moved rather quickly and we got inside. I got the agedashi tofu and it was heavenly. The tofu's seared on the outside but it was also cooked all the way through and was very soft and hot on the inside. I also ate the edamame which i liked very much and my friend got the udon noodles with chicken and said they were great as well. Staff was very nice and food arrived quickly. I wouldn't go on a thursday night again though because it was packed and really loud but that's not the establishment's fault.

Hank Chang

06 Jul 2025

Cool Japan-centric theme with a weird dominatrix doll in a display area, and walls with weird decor, and crazy Asian historic music and more at this izakaya spot, lots of small dishes to share and try! Liked the ramen but it was salty - the pan-fried pork with kimchi was just right, not spicy, out of the whole squid; squid legs were a bit tasteless and rubbery, tako wasabi was excellent, should've tried the gyoza, and it took forever and a day to get the agedashi tofu (came after our bill, actually). Cheap beer ($1.50!) and the sashimi Moriawase Deluxe was a nice sashimi and salad plate. Little cup of sugar for you to go out to the front and make a small cotton candy for yourself, too. Service - like I said, delayed dishes, hard to find someone to order from and the guy was better than the girl who was just not happy at being there, I think... but food was a fun mix of Japanese small bites. Will have to try the fried chicken and gyoza here next time.

Lianne B.

04 Jul 2025

I love this place! They have many appetizers you can share with a group of friends. The vibe is very cool and they also have a massive drink menu.

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