What's next for the Minca space on 5th Street?

With reporting by Stacie Joy

Minca closed out a 21-year run in the East Village on July 14. 

Shigeto Kamada, owner of the Tokyo-style ramen parlor at 536 E. Fifth St., is set for retirement. 

However, the small space between Avenue A and Avenue B won't be empty for too long. According to Minca staff, Hiroki Odo, the chef at odo, the acclaimed Japanese restaurant on West 20th Street, is taking over for Minca with plans for a yakitori concept. 

We're told that renovations will take place over the next few months. 

From ramen to yakitori, the torch is already being passed.  

Updated: Odo is on the August CB3 SLA committee docket for a new liquor license. There's a sample menu for what will be odo East Village here.

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• After 20-plus years, Minca on 5th Street will close its doors for good after service tonight 

• At the last night of Minca

At the last night of Minca

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Minca closed for good on Monday night after 21 years in service at 536 E. Fifth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B. 

As we reported, owner Shigeto Kamada, who's in his 70s, plans to retire. 

News of the Tokyo-style ramen parlor shutting down rallied its regulars. There was a line that started at 3 p.m., and the place sold out by 8 p.m.

Locals packed into the tiny ramen shop for one last bowl. Diners even braved the rain, with one couple opting to sit outside under an umbrella since all the seats inside were taken.

The neighborhood came together in small, memorable ways. 

One resident, who lives on Avenue A, brought her son for dinner but saw how overwhelmed the staff were. So she grabbed an apron and pitched in.

Kyoko (below left) — a server who has been at Minca for more than 15 years — was in tears and spent much of the evening receiving hugs.

There were countless "cheers to the kitchen" and heartfelt toasts.

One longtime customer shared, "Their broth is the best! Always nourishing, and tasted like it was made with love. In the wintertime, it was a staple. The ramen is nourishing and restorative." 

Despite the sadness of the moment, the atmosphere brimmed with gratitude.

After 20-plus years, Minca on 5th Street will close its doors for good after service tonight

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.

Minca Ramen Factory is back open on 5th Street

And a reopening from this past week to note: Minca Ramen Factory returned to service at 536 E. Fifth St. between Avenue A and Avenue B... they're offering takeout and delivery ... as well as curbside dining.

Minca, which has been here since 2004, was open briefly for takeout and delivery in the spring, then closed up again until Thursday. You may want to call ahead — (212) 505-8001 — for hours.

Minca Ramen back in action

The popular ramen shop on East Fifth Street just west of Avenue B had been closed for more than two months due to some unspecified gas-related issue.

But they were back open earlier today. The sign that arrived on the door last week noted they'd return Wednesday, Feb. 25, which caused a little confusion. Wednesday the 24th or Thursday the 25th? Turned out to be the 25th.

Per an EVG reader via email: "What could be better on a cold, blustery day than spicy basic ramen. A perfect day for Minca to come back to life. Was like a reunion with folks coming by for a bowl and good cheer."

Minca Ramen Factory is back open next Thursday

Good news if you're a fan of Minca. The popular ramen shop on East Fifth Street just west of Avenue B had been closed since mid-December for some unspecified gas-related issue.

However, as you can see in this photo via EVG reader Alexis, Minca returns this coming Wednesday, Feb. 25, here at 536 E. Fifth St.

Updated:

Despite what the sign says, Minca will reopen on THURSDAY, Feb. 25...

Minca Ramen Factory remains closed on East 5th Street

Last Thursday, an EVG reader noted that the popular Minca Ramen Factory on East Fifth Street just west of Avenue B had been closed for days.

And last night, Minca remained dark... there is a note up now, pointing to some plumbing work...



There's no word on how long Minca might need to stay closed. Plumbing-related issues around the neighborhood haven't been on any kind of fast-track these days.

Mina's sister restaurant, Kambi Ramen House, is open at 351 E. 14th St.