Ashbox

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Ashbox is a unique Japanese-inspired eatery that has garnered a loyal following among New Yorkers seeking comforting, healthy, and flavorful food. Far from a conventional Japanese restaurant, Ashbox operates as a quaint café, offering a carefully curated menu that emphasizes simple, clean ingredients and delicious, homemade quality. It's a place where you can find everything from traditional Japanese onigiri to inventive sandwiches and refreshing specialty drinks.

Customers consistently praise Ashbox for its ability to deliver a "comforting and tasty lunch" that feels both wholesome and satisfying. The owner, Yoko Kubo, is the sole proprietor, chef, and server, ensuring a personal touch in every aspect of the dining experience. Reviewers highlight the "clean and delicious food" and the "great prices," making it a beloved spot for a quick, high-quality bite. While the portions are noted as "a bit small," the exceptional "flavor makes up for it," promising a delightful culinary experience that leaves you feeling good.

Ashbox is conveniently located at 1154 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA. This address places it on a quiet street in the heart of Greenpoint, a vibrant and increasingly popular neighborhood in Brooklyn. Greenpoint is known for its blend of historic charm, thriving local businesses, and easy access to Manhattan.

The location on Manhattan Avenue ensures that Ashbox is readily accessible to both Greenpoint residents and those coming from other parts of Brooklyn or Manhattan. Public transportation is a convenient option, with the G train at Greenpoint Avenue station being a significant hub within walking distance. Several bus routes also serve the area, making it easy to reach. While street parking can be typical for Brooklyn, the strong public transit options make Ashbox a hassle-free destination for a wholesome meal. Its unassuming exterior adds to its "hidden gem" appeal, inviting locals to discover its culinary delights.

Ashbox offers a focused yet diverse menu of Japanese-inspired and healthy comfort food, primarily catering to breakfast and lunch, with an emphasis on fresh, prepared-to-order items.

• Made-to-Order Food: Each item is prepared individually upon order, ensuring freshness. As one reviewer noted, "You wait in line and she will make the food by each order."
• Breakfast Options: A range of breakfast items to start your day, including:
  • Ashbox Breakfast (scrambled eggs with scallions and turkey, served with brown rice and salad)
  • Egg Dish (scrambled eggs with scallions and turkey served with buttered toast)
  • Organic Granola and Fruit (with milk or yogurt)
  • Bagels or Toast
  • Vegan Muffins (baked fresh daily)
• Japanese Onigiri: A signature item, offering traditional Japanese rice balls. Choices include Umeboshi Plum, Grilled Salmon, and Salted Kelp (vegan option) using sprouted brown rice, wrapped with nori seaweed and served with Japanese pickles. Priced affordably at around $2.50.
• Sandwiches: A selection of freshly made sandwiches on ciabatta, kaiser poppy roll, whole wheat, or unbleached white bread:
  • Free Range Egg Salad, Potato Salad
  • Smoked Turkey with Wasabi Mayonnaise
  • Smoked Salmon (with onion, cream cheese, tomato, spring mix greens)
  • Sundried Tomato and Brie
  • Notably, the Salmon Sandwich and Egg Sandwich have received positive reviews.
• Daily Lunch Special: Ashbox offers a changing daily lunch special, which customers are advised to "Check the blog for daily specials." These are available starting at noon until sold out.
• Soups: House-Made Soup, with daily offerings available on their blog.
• Salads: Various "Ashbox Salad" options, including Healthy Tofu Salad, Healthy Avocado and Mushroom Salad, and mixed greens with various toppings like egg salad or smoked salmon salad.
• Side Orders: Including Black Edamame (noted for its smoky flavor and sweetness) and House Made Tofu (incredibly delicate, served with grated ginger, scallion, and soy sauce).
• Desserts: Sweet treats such as Housemade Mochi Ice Cream (red bean and green tea flavors) and Fresh Baked Cookies (rotating, sometimes vegan).
• Tea Selection: An impressive array of Japanese teas, including premium green teas like Megami Sencha, and Genmaimatcha (Matcha mixed with green tea and roasted rice).
• Beverages: Beyond tea, they offer refreshing drinks like Yuzu vinegar drink and Iced Lemonade Green Tea.
• Takeout Focused: While they "will no longer be doing dine-in," there are "a couple benches and chairs outside that you can sit on if the weather is forgiving," making it primarily a takeout establishment.

Ashbox in Greenpoint stands out for several key features that contribute to its "hidden gem" status and make it a local favorite.

• Simple, Clean, and Flavorful Food: This is a consistent highlight. Customers describe the food as "simple, clean, and flavorful," emphasizing the natural taste and wholesome preparation. It's praised for being "clean and delicious food!"
• Comforting and Tasty Lunch: Many reviewers note that Ashbox provides a deeply "comforting and tasty lunch," making it a go-to spot for a satisfying midday meal that feels homemade.
• Fresh, Made-to-Order Quality: Each dish is prepared "by each order," ensuring maximum freshness. This dedication to quality is evident in items like their tuna poke and soupy rice with salmon.
• Great Prices for Quality: Despite the high quality and fresh ingredients, customers find the "prices are great," offering excellent value, especially for healthy eating in New York City.
• Authentic Japanese Onigiri: Their Japanese Onigiri, with traditional fillings like umeboshi plum, grilled salmon, and salted kelp (vegan option), made with sprouted brown rice and served with Japanese pickles, are a notable authentic offering.
• Unique and Refreshing Drinks: The beverage selection includes distinctive options like the "Yuzu vinegar drink" and "iced lemonade green tea," providing refreshing accompaniments to the meal.
• Focus on Wholesome Ingredients: The owner, Yoko Kubo, emphasizes "cooking without additives like chemicals and preservatives," ensuring that the food is "very simple and safe to eat."
• Efficient and Quick Service: Despite being made to order, the "food comes out fairly quickly," and the overall service is efficient, making it suitable for a quick stop.
• Small but Mighty Portions: While portions are described as "a bit small," the intense "flavor makes up for it," indicating a focus on quality over sheer quantity.
• Owner-Operated Personal Touch: Yoko Kubo is the sole proprietor, chef, and server, providing a highly personalized and dedicated experience. This hands-on approach contributes to the unique charm and consistency of Ashbox.

Ashbox inherently offers value through its consistently "great prices" for healthy and flavorful Japanese-inspired food, which acts as a standing special offer in the New York City market.

• Affordable Daily Lunch Special: A significant draw is their "Daily Lunch Special," which starts at a very reasonable price, often around $6.50. This provides a budget-friendly option for a fulfilling and wholesome meal.
• Competitively Priced Onigiri: At around $2.50 per piece, their traditional Japanese onigiri are an extremely affordable and satisfying snack or light meal option.
• Value for Quality: While not a discount, the emphasis on "simple, clean, and flavorful" food made without additives, combined with reasonable pricing, makes Ashbox a strong value proposition for locals seeking healthy and delicious options.
• "Sold Out" Notice: The sign indicating they "will close early if they’ve sold out" implies that high demand often means their specials and popular items are keenly priced and quick to go, acting as an informal testament to their value.

Given its small, owner-operated nature, Ashbox may not run frequent, large-scale promotions. However, their consistent commitment to quality and affordability on their regular menu, particularly the lunch specials, serves as a continuous draw for New Yorkers. Locals are encouraged to check their blog (as suggested on their menu) or social media for daily specials and updates.

To enjoy the comforting and flavorful Japanese-inspired fare at Ashbox, or for any inquiries, here is their contact information:

• Address: 1154 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA
• Phone: (718) 389-3222
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-389-3222

Operating Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed All Day

It's worth noting the sign about potentially closing early if they sell out, especially closer to closing time. Ashbox primarily focuses on takeout, though outdoor benches may be available depending on the weather.

Ashbox is perfectly suited for New York locals, particularly those in Greenpoint and surrounding Brooklyn neighborhoods, who value healthy, delicious, and convenient Japanese-inspired cuisine. Its location on Manhattan Avenue offers easy access, making it a practical choice for a weekday lunch or a weekend bite.

What makes Ashbox a true "hidden gem" for locals is its unique approach to simple, clean, and flavorful food. In a city brimming with dining options, Ashbox stands out by delivering genuinely comforting and tasty meals, with a focus on fresh ingredients and preparation "by each order." The affordability of its offerings, especially the "great prices" on its daily lunch specials and authentic onigiri, makes it a valuable go-to for budget-conscious New Yorkers seeking wholesome options. The personalized service from owner-chef Yoko Kubo adds a charming touch, creating a welcoming atmosphere even for a quick takeout. For locals who prioritize flavor, health, and value in their daily meals, Ashbox offers a delightful and reliable culinary experience that feels like a true neighborhood treasure, encouraging repeated visits for that comforting and satisfying bite.

Ashbox

1154 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA