Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Minca, which has been serving Tokyo-style ramen since 2004 at 536 E. Fifth St., between Avenue A and Avenue B, is closing after tonight's service.
I stopped by the small ramen parlor last night, and the staff confirmed the pending closure. (H/T Max for letting us know!)
According to one staff member, Minca's owner is in his 70s and wants to retire. There's speculation that someone will open a Minca-style space in Long Island City, although no further details are available at this time.
We were told the workers here have secured new jobs elsewhere.
Through the years, diners have appreciated Minca for its authenticity. It has also appeared on multiple top ramen lists in NYC, including those by Eater.
Minca, to me, was the place I craved whenever I had a sore throat or was recovering from some bronchial misery. It's where I'd quickly slurp down an endless bowl of healing sesame-and-mushroom broth tofu ramen on freezing NYC days. I'd perch in one of the snug window seats, hunch over my bowl, carefully stirring in tiny bits of extra spicy red paste ordered "on the side," and watch condensation drip down the glass, turning the world soft and foggy.
It's where I hoped no one noticed my awkward attempts to juggle a spoon and chopsticks. It's also where I brought friends visiting from out of town — a dependable, affordable, no-frills meal that was always excellent.
My favorite Ramen place! So good. We will miss you
ReplyDeleteDamn... just damn...
ReplyDeleteHands down my favorite ramen place. This is an utter disaster. Thanks to Minca and their awesome staff for years of wonderful meals and memories.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my spots for real - for my whole family! Gonna really miss this place. We love Mincaπ
ReplyDeleteAch. This is SUCH BAD NEWS. I love Minca and the lovely staff. It's been a big and charming chunk of the neighborhood for 20 years. Happy retirement, BUT WHAT ABOUT MEEEEEE?
ReplyDeleteThis is such a gutpunch...devastating. We love Minca so so much. Always fantastic, and the best ramen around for vegetarians. Thank you so much for everything, Minca!!!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that :( Admittedly, it wasn't the same after the pandemic as they didn't return to the same close-in Tokyo style bar seating.
ReplyDeletethis feels worse than a breakup, honestly. devastating.
ReplyDeleteUgh. I had my first bowl of proper ramen (not instant) here. It will be missed, this was my go to Ramen Spot.
ReplyDeletebummer! May who i met in Feb 2009 at Leonard Cohen’s first NY show in 17 years took me to Minca for the first time as she lived in the neighborhood. takeout from them was a pandemic mainstay for me… θ‘γ£γ¦γγ£γγγ (Itte rasshai)… {go and come back safely}
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ReplyDeletea gutpunch. a happy retirement, but jesus, what a loss to the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteOh, man. This is heartbreaking. This has been such a regular spot for us since it opened. I pretty much always got the same thing, and they knew it as my "regular order". Over the years we've become friends with some of the staff. A real neighborhood gem. I'm sorry that we're out of town and can't stop by for one last time. We'll miss them!
ReplyDeleteI believe there was a sushi place in that same spot before Minca, it was really good. Anyone remember what it was called?
ReplyDeleteNoooo! That's the best spot. Shit. That's so disappointing
ReplyDeleteHorrible news, I will miss Minca so much next winter, wish them all the best!
ReplyDeleteGeez man This is not great news!
ReplyDeleteAren't they also related to Andante in Brooklyn? Is that still open then?
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