Rai Rai Ken: Japanese Ramen Restaurant

Many places in the village can serve cheap food fast, but not many can do it as well as Rai Rai Ken. Sit down at the wooden ramen bar, where you sit on low red diner stools facing the kitchen/bar. It’s very low-key (and clean), making it a place you can go by yourself and not be embarrased. People don’t tend to linger, so getting in and out for a quick bite is simple (unless many others share your sentiment). On weekdays and Saturdays, they’re open until 2:30am, making it a good place satisfy your late night hunger.

The selection may be modest, but for about $7, you can get a bowl of hearty ramen noodles. They also have other types of noodles, and a small assortment of appetizers (like gyoza). Everything is MSG free.

Rai Rai Ken
214 E.10st St. (b/t 1st & 2nd Ave.)
(212) 477-7030
Hours: noon-2:30am, Sundays noon-11:30pm
CASH ONLY