speakeasy

Stepping into Shaku Ramen, located in the heart of Flushing’s Koreatown, one is immediately met with the inviting scent of standard Japanese fare—the location boasts an impressive menu bolstered with sizzling skewers, tantalizing donburi, and enough ramen options to fill a book. To further separate itself from the neighborhood’s saturated ramen scene, however, Shaku has implemented an exclusive new speakeasy—directly beneath the original restaurant. I took a look with my visit.

A variety of delightful food options available

To commemorate the opening on November 17th, 2022, Shaku staff presented an assortment of finger food and small plates as a tour de force of their culinary prowess. Amongst the pickings were pork bao buns, mexican-style pork belly tacos, and a delectable kimchi. The delicate intention the chefs had taken to represent traditional Japanese fare with new, more diverse fusions was obvious, and as for inclusivity, the chefs specially prepared tacos without meat for my vegetarian self.

The restaurant’s staff pours homemade Soju

To complement the food was a varied selection of drinks, centered around traditional Saké or Soju. A staff member courteously offered three varieties of house-made Soju: a strawberry, a lemon-lime, and a yogurt, all served from charming golden kettles. The tables were lain with brand Saké, including sparkling Banzai Bunny and Yuki Tora, among others. For me, the round, creamy flavor of Shaku’s yogurt Soju was simply too much to pass up, and I helped myself to a second glass.

After the initial ceremony, the guests were invited to enter the speakeasy, accessible through both the kitchen for the staff and through a clandestine unmarked door outside of the restaurant for future guests. We were assured that there would be a camera system atop the door from which the team could surveil the exterior and let in invitees. A short downward flight of stairs later, and I stood in the speakeasy—a chic, dimly-lit space with a full bar and a live DJ, and several booths in which to lounge. Staff were lightheartedly making drinks and conversing with the attendees. The overall atmosphere was relaxed but intimate, akin to peering into an experience not many will get, and simultaneously surrounded by family.

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Shaku Ramen’s new speakeasy definitely holds promise, and I cannot wait to make a return visit.

Experience it for yourself at 156-30 Northern Blvd Queens, New York.