ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Midtown East
Best Ramen in Midtown East
Best Sushi Rolls in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Lucky Cat
7.7
Lucky Cat is a sprawling izakaya-ramen hybrid that stays open deep into the night, mixing big bowls of noodle soup with skewers, karaage, and a full bar. It’s louder and looser than the nearby hot-pot and jazz spots, trading polish for volume, late hours, and a menu built for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lucky Cat Ramen, Yuzu Shio Ramen, Katsu Curry
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 6.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A rowdy, late-night izakaya with ramen, skewers, and plenty of drinks.
Who should go: Groups chasing casual food, loud energy, and long hours
When to visit: Late nights after 10pm when the bar is buzzing
What to order: Lucky Cat ramen, yuzu shio ramen, and katsu curry
Insider tip: Bar seats turn faster—good for walk-ins when the dining room is slammed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East, especially after 6pm; expect metered spots or nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests come in relaxed attire, but groups often lean dressy for nights out.
Noise level: Loud—conversation requires raised voices during peak hours, especially near the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins between 7–10pm; later nights often move faster.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early evenings on weekdays typically have short waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate—ramen with vegetable broth, veggie skewers, and small plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plates; most ramen broths and toppings include animal products.
Gluten-free options: Limited—broths may be GF but noodles and many fried items are not; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want high energy over intimacy. The loud, late-night vibe suits casual, playful dates but not quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Bar seats turn over fastest, and late nights after 10pm usually have open tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The space is loud, crowded, and geared toward adults; older teens may be fine, but young kids may find it overwhelming.
Best For
Better for: Late-night groups that want ramen, skewers, and drinks in one place; more energetic than most Midtown Japanese spots.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, premium sushi, or refined kaiseki-style Japanese—other Midtown East options fit those better.