ROKC may be gone, but its spirit lives on at NR– a Japanese cocktail and ramen bar blending inventive drinks, comforting bowls, and an effortlessly cool vibe.
Wedged between a parking lot and an unassuming apartment complex on East 75th Street, a tiny black sign labeled “NR” is the only hint of the chic Japanese cocktail bar’s existence. Inside, NR maintains that “if you know, you know” energy. The cocktails, dishes, service, ambiance, and energy make it the best date night spot in New York City. Inspired by Japan’s Meiji era, NR is a blend of past and present, East and West. Shigefumi Kabashima, owner and bar director, creates innovative cocktails while Chef Takashi Igarashi leads the kitchen, offering delicious bowls and Izakaya bites. While the food and cocktails are sublime, the attention to detail and hospitality truly make this place stand out.
The playlist swings from house beats to Frank Sinatra, perfectly capturing NR’s Meiji theme. Every detail, down to the ceramic ramen bowls, feels thoughtfully chosen. The interior gives “speakeasy chic,” with rustic wallpaper, wood paneling, and antique decor. The service is impeccable. Our server was kind, gave great menu explanations, and course recommendations.
NR is the next evolution of ROKC- Kabashima’s popular Harlem spot that recently closed after 10 years. Luckily, many of the best dishes live on at NR.
MENU HIGHLIGHTS:
DRINKS:
ISLAY + MAITAI + CO2
The most unique cocktail you’ll probably ever taste. The clarification process makes this drink unreasonably smooth, while the CO2 gives it a boost of fizz. The tartness of the yoghurt (yes, yoghurt) balances out the sweetness of the passion fruit, banana, and guava.
CARDAMON + GOLDEN KIWI + “LASSI?”
A perfectly balanced tequila-based drink. Cardamom and saffron spice up the mango and kiwi. I love that the clarification process often seems to tone down some of the harshness of boozier drinks.
HAKKAISAN (TOKUBETSU JUNMAI) SAKI
Super sweet and refreshing!
TOKYO BRAMBLE (ICE)
Who needs dessert when you’ve got a Tokyo Bramble for a proper second and final drink of the evening? Super sweet, super yummy.
APPS:
DEVILED EGG + EGG + EGG
AKA- what all my friends who loved ROKC drool over. I get it now. The brininess of the caviar and sea urchin pairs perfectly with the punch of wasabi.
SPICY TUNA
This is my favorite. A perfect combination of flavors. Notes of every ingredient- especially the mushroom and shallots. The clean taste of the lime zest ties it all together.
PORK BUN
So tender and fresh!
MAINS:
CHICKEN SOUP CURRY:
NR is the only restaurant in NYC serving authentic Hokkaido-style soup curry. And that’s probably good because I don’t want to try this perfect dish anywhere else. It cured me of all illness and cleared my skin. The tomato base is superb, the turmeric is cleansing but not overpowering, the chicken is soft, and the veggies are perfectly seasoned. We got medium spice. A little bit of a kick, but my spice-averse boyfriend loved it.
WAGYU + BONE MARROW RAMEN
Fantastic. The Bone marrow is richer than the regulars sitting at the bar. No notes.
SEA URCHIN + SALMON CAVIAR RAMEN (with gluten-free noodles)
So. good. Mix it all together and you’ve got the perfect fishy, salty, gooey, rich ramen. And to my fellow gluten-intolerant besties- RUN HERE! The gluten-free noodles at NR are PERFECT!
Seriously, just make a reservation.
