THE PLACE: Way off-the-beaten path in one of the lesser walked streets in the Financial District, Susukino Ramen is hidden in plain sight. It sits right next to the famous bar The Dead Rabbit, but does not seem to be the same type of destination spot. Suskino is pretty much a local haunt for business people in the know or those who randomly wander by. Lots of flags and murals with Japanese connections makes this bright spot feel like a sports bar in Tokyo – not that I’ve ever been, but what I imagine it would be like.
THE MENU: Although ramen and sake are in the name, the menu feels like a smaller version of an izakaya. Alongside the noodle soups, you can find sushi, gyoza, rice bowls and lots of fried appetizers. Bento boxes are tempting for the lunch crowd and there is also, as expected, a variety of sake and Japanese beer.
THE DISH: Of the ramen choices, the namesake Susukino Ramen was the most appealing to me – even though their Tonkotsu is the most popular (according to their own menu). I was very pleased with the loaded bowl that featured chicken and pork, in addition to mushrooms, fish cake, and a jammy marinated egg. The noodles were perfectly springy and the chicken-seafood broth was rich and flavorful – spiked with an herbal hit of shiso and a drizzle of truffle oil. It was a straight-forward bowl of ramen that had some interesting little twists that worked better than I would have expected. Get it on one of these last rainy days of spring. Price: $19
| SUSUKINO RAMEN & SAKE |
| 34 Water Street (between Broad Street and Coenties Slip), Financial District (212) 884-6191 |
| linhospitality.com/susukinoramen |
