Photos by Steven
After some 24 years in service, Rai Rai Ken has closed on 10th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
Sunday was the last day in service for the Tokyo-style ramen shop.
The shop, part of Bon Yagi's T.I.C. Restaurant Group, first opened in 2000, relocating a few storefronts away in 2012.
Here's part of the signage for patrons on the door...
We were incredibly lucky to have served you for over 2.5 decades. Back in 2000, before ramen was a household word, we opened a hole-in-the-wall counter shop reminiscent of downtown, old-school Tokyo. 20 years later, during the pandemic, we linked up with takoyaki pioneer Otafuku and with soul-food powerhouse Curry-ya in our current home in order to survive.Our staff over the years has pivoted a lot. However, due to an unfortunate series of events, we have decided to close. We appreciate all the support and wonderful memories over the 24 beautiful years.
This also likely means the end of Curry-Ya, which shared the address. Ban Rai sake bar is listed as temporarily closed.
14 comments:
Nooooo!!
Ramen is on the way out. What’s the new fad?
Oh that's a shame, I really love the old school late night ramen bar with the Japanese newspaper wall paper. Eventually I was priced out of eating there, but this is sad.
Sad. They were the BEST ramen around pre-pandemic but once the menu changed it was a wrap.
I'm amazed at cho-ko on 1st after the construction made it impossible to see it for 2+ years. good option
The first neighborhood Ramen, right across from my first neighborhood apartment. Definitely Ramen pioneers.
Nah, plenty of newcomers will replace it. And Minca is still here.
Is the uws branch still related to this one?
💔💔💔💔💔
Been a fan of Mincas for a long time, but unfortunately their quality isnt what it used to be.
What a loss! Cannot name a place with better food and a steamier atmosphere. It was always a pleasure to squeeze in amongst the beautiful people, who would be enjoying authentic, restorative food and sipping sake or beer with their heads bent together deep in conversation.
A hole is in my heart.
Best ramen in the 'hood. Minca is tasty but a bit too jazzed up, Rai Rai Ken was more authentic-straightforward but with quality.
I am so sad to see this place go. It was my favorite ramen spot in the neighborhood. Great food, decor and service.
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