Otafuku
New York, NY 10003-7503
Phone: (212) 353-8503
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue
- Directions:
- 6 at Astor Pl; N, R at 8th St
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 1pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Otafuku – by Kiri Tannenbaum
In Short
This shoebox-sized restaurant serves typical street food from western Japan. Asian students choose from the two main choices that dominate the abbreviated menu--yakisoba (doughy soba balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). The yakisoba are available stuffed with ginger, scallion, minced octopus, mozzarella or straight-up plain. The okonomiyaki get jacked-up with shredded cabbage and a choice of meat or seafood and topped with house mayo and bonito flakes. A lucky few snag a spot at the counter.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoOne small bench outside is clearly marked for customers only. If it's taken, seek out a bench around the corner on Second Avenue.
What to DrinkWash it all down with Mugi Cha, a cold tea brewed from barley which is typically drunk in summer for its low caffeine content.
User Reviews for Otafuku
02/02/2008 Posted by Coldsun3000
Ok.. good look in your closet, seriously go look. Ok your closet is bigger then this place... But i didn't mind that, i actually thought it was kinda cool. The guys working there were cool too. Now onto the food I got the Octopus filled Takoyaki... These things are served HOT.. like the cheese or whatever inside was burning my mouth. They were ok.. I remember wanting the fried ball to be fried longer and have more texture (it was so thin) and i wanted more octopus inside... Its not amazing but its a cool lil place to check out if your in the area....
Pros: No pretention, Cheap food
Cons: Food isn't amazing..
09/29/2006 Posted by sthomas31
I love this place, because it reminds me of home. The cooking of the takoyaki and okonomiyaki right in front of you is great. Its authentic with the japanese Ma-yo-nay-zu (mayonnaise) and nori (seaweed) toppings if you want them on there. And there's the authentic childhood drink of Ramune, which absolutely thrilled me when I saw it on the menu. Anyway, not much sitting space (i've even eaten my food in the nearby Starbucks) but its great, and its makes me forget that I'm in New York for a moment. The girls are nice, and will take your order... you just have to know what you want, and not need a lot of explaining (menus do that just fine). Try it, and if you like it, take your friends! I've introduced many friends to this little hut of a restaurant.
Pros: Authentic, Great food, taste
Cons: Not sitdown (minus one bench out front)
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