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.
