CONOHEN Introduce
New Yorkers, if you appreciate discovering those charming "hole in the wall" spots that offer authentic flavors and a cozy atmosphere, then CONOHEN in Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy neighborhood is a Japanese cafe you'll want to get to know. This delightful eatery has quickly become a local favorite, offering a concise yet incredibly satisfying menu of Japanese comfort food, with a particular emphasis on expertly crafted onigiri.
CONOHEN provides a refreshing alternative to traditional sushi restaurants, focusing on everyday Japanese delights that are both fresh and reasonably priced. Despite its small size, it exudes a welcoming neighborhood joint vibe, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. While service might not always be "super fast" due to its intimate setting, the fresh ingredients, delicious flavors (like their highly praised sando and beef yakisoba), and friendly staff make the wait worthwhile. It’s a true gem that brings a taste of authentic Japanese street food culture to the heart of Brooklyn.
CONOHEN is nestled at 366 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, USA. This location places it perfectly within the vibrant and diverse Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) neighborhood. Tompkins Avenue is known for its community feel and a mix of local businesses, making CONOHEN a natural fit for the area's residents.
While Bed-Stuy itself is well-connected by public transportation, Tompkins Avenue has a good network of bus lines that provide direct access to the cafe. For subway riders, major lines like the A and C trains are within a reasonable walking distance, connecting CONOHEN to other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The presence of a bookstore next door, as mentioned by a reviewer, adds to the neighborhood charm and provides a pleasant diversion while waiting for your order. Its accessible yet slightly tucked-away nature enhances its "local secret" appeal, making it a delightful discovery for many New Yorkers.
- Onigiri: CONOHEN specializes in onigiri (Japanese rice balls) with a variety of fillings. Options include Spicy Salmon, Tuna, Grilled Salmon, Beef, Cod Roe, Chashu (aburi chashu, spicy mayo, sesame, radish sprout), Unagi (eel, pickled ginger, sansho pepper), Ebi (shrimp tempura, chive, tempura sauce), Ume (roasted sesame, pickled plum, salted kelp), Tsukune (ground chicken, ground pork, sesame oil, Japanese mustard sauce, teriyaki sauce), and Fried Fish (black cod, cilantro, chili sauce, tartare sauce).
- Japanese Sandos: They offer delicious Japanese-style sandwiches (sandos), which are often highlighted by customers for their freshness and flavor.
- Yakisoba: Comforting and flavorful beef yakisoba is a popular choice, praised for its taste and satisfying nature.
- Bites Sampler: A selection of smaller dishes perfect for sharing or trying a variety of flavors. These include Shishito peppers, Edamame (with basil, plum, red shiso), Cucumber (with onion, vinegar, micro shiso), Kimchi Mushrooms, Tonchin Salad (local seasonal vegetables), Potato & Crab salad, Tebasaki (chicken wings with teriyaki), Curry + Cheese chicken wings, and Gyoza (pork dumplings).
- Ramen Bowls: While known for onigiri, they also offer various ramen options such as Tonchin Classic Tokyo Tonkotsu (pork broth), Smoked Dashi (with clams and smoked fish oil), Spicy Tan Tan (with ground pork and chili), and Miso Ginger (vegan miso broth).
- Tsukemen: Chilled homemade whole wheat thick noodles served with a warm Tokyo tonkotsu dipping broth.
- Desserts: A tempting selection of Japanese-inspired desserts including Matcha Parfait, Espresso, Mango, Strawberry, and Tokyo Banana desserts, as well as Mochi Ice Cream, Taiyaki, Brulee Yuzu Cheesecake, and Caramel Purin.
- Beverages: Offers a selection of teas (e.g., Ceremonial Grade Matcha), coffee, and other refreshments.
- Dine-in (Small Setting): Provides a cozy, "hole in the wall" atmosphere for a casual dining experience.
- Takeout: Conveniently available for those looking to enjoy their food on the go.
- Specialty Onigiri: CONOHEN is particularly known for its diverse and delicious onigiri offerings, making it a go-to spot for this traditional Japanese rice ball snack. The Shrimp Tempura Onigiri Special is noted.
- Authentic "Hole in the Wall" Vibe: The restaurant has a charming, intimate atmosphere that many locals appreciate, providing a genuine neighborhood joint feel.
- Fresh Ingredients: Customers consistently note that "everything seemed fresh," indicating a commitment to quality in their preparations.
- Reasonable Prices: Despite the fresh ingredients and quality, CONOHEN is considered to have "reasonable prices," making it an accessible option for regular visits.
- Delicious Sandos and Yakisoba: Beyond onigiri, their sandos (Japanese sandwiches) and beef yakisoba are highlighted as flavorful and satisfying choices.
- Friendly Staff: Despite a reported lack of a phone number for immediate issues, customers found the staff to be "friendly," contributing positively to the overall experience.
- Daily Selections: The availability of "daily selections" suggests a dynamic menu that keeps offerings fresh and interesting for repeat customers.
- Late-Night Hours: The cafe is reportedly open until midnight on Sunday through Thursday, and until 2:00 AM on Friday and Saturday, making it a great option for late-night Japanese cravings.
While CONOHEN doesn't explicitly advertise complex promotional schemes, their core "special offer" to New Yorkers is their commitment to providing delicious, fresh Japanese food at "reasonable prices," coupled with a cozy neighborhood atmosphere. This inherent value proposition makes it an appealing choice for regular visits.
Given its nature as a charming local cafe, any promotions would likely be in the form of daily specials or seasonal additions to their menu, rather than traditional discounts. The "onigiri special" mentioned in a review hints at rotating or featured items that provide unique value. For the most current information on any specific specials or unique offerings, New Yorkers should visit CONOHEN directly, check their in-store menu boards, or look for updates on popular local food discovery platforms. Their focus remains on serving high-quality, comforting Japanese food that resonates with the community.
To experience the charming atmosphere and delicious Japanese fare at CONOHEN, here's how you can find them:
Address: 366 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, USA
Please note: According to customer reviews, a direct phone number for the establishment may not be readily available for quick communication regarding orders or issues. For inquiries, it is recommended to visit in person during their operating hours or check for updates on their social media or online ordering platforms if available.
Hours: Open until midnight on Sunday through Thursday, and until 2:00 AM on Friday and Saturday (as of June 2025).
For New Yorkers, especially those in and around Bed-Stuy, CONOHEN is a highly suitable and charming addition to the local dining scene. It caters perfectly to those seeking authentic, fresh, and reasonably priced Japanese comfort food in a relaxed, "hole in the wall" setting. The focus on expertly prepared onigiri, delightful sandos, and comforting yakisoba provides a refreshing alternative to standard sushi joints, offering everyday Japanese staples.
Its "cute neighborhood joint" vibe, combined with friendly staff and the inherent quality of fresh ingredients, makes it a welcoming spot for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal. While service might not always be lightning-fast due to its intimate size, the quality of the food and the pleasant atmosphere make it well worth the visit. Plus, its late-night hours are a significant bonus for those seeking quality Japanese food beyond typical dinner times. CONOHEN is truly a local gem that enriches the culinary landscape of Brooklyn, providing a taste of Japan that feels both authentic and intimately local.
CONOHEN Photos










CONOHEN Location
CONOHEN
366 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216, USA
CONOHEN Reviews
was so excited to find this little hole in the wall till i found a long strand of hair embedded in my shrimp tempura onigiri special. there’s no number offered to call and correct is why i have less than five stars on service as im sure if i could call, they would have been nice enough to send a new one. staff was friendly
May 22, 2025 · Alyssa Soto (Gypsy Tears)I wish I discovered this place sooner. Cute neighborhood joint with reasonable prices and daily selections. I liked my sando and beef yakisoba (gobbled it too fast to take pics lol) everything seemed fresh. It is a very small place so do not expect super fast service but I’m ok with it. Just browse the nice bookstore outside next door while they give you a timer to wait.
Apr 26, 2025 · Chelsea ZhouAmazing Japanese cafe! Strawberry/cream sandwich and salmon onigiri was great, and the hanbagu is incredible! Looking forward to checking out more of their menu! Iced mugicha is rare for NYC and super nice as well!!
Apr 07, 2025 · Timothy JohnsonI appreciate the traditional approach this place is trying to make. Onigiri has been a favorite of mine for more than 2 decades.However the service when coming here is always subpar.I’ve come months apart at time and new staff flow in and out. They always seem a bit overwhelmed. If you ask to customize something they typically aren’t flexible, but a lot of traditional places aren’t because there is just enough of everything ordered for what is on the menu.However my bandwidth today is just short and I have to say something. They had a specialty onigiri that was vegetarian. We also requested a list of only vegetarian onigiri’s prior to our selection as well to see if we were missing anything. At this point we ordered 1 Seaweed and the specialty vegetarian.(Because we are vegetarians)We were second in line and 2 more patrons came. Then as time passed and All orders were served and yet we were still waiting. The attendant came out and asked us what we ordered and we notified her. She said she couldn’t find it and that sometimes orders didn’t print when people paid cash (so I thought ok that’s fine, stuff happens).We reordered the same onigiri & what came out was one fish and one seaweedSo after walking home, looking forward to our snack, we opened our bag and then we were extremely disappointed.It’s just disrespectful at this point because they weren’t wrapped, so there obviously wasn’t a mistake in understanding that our order was in correct. Instead of saying we ran out of the specialty would you like another…. the same attendant handed us the order, said thank you and we went about our way.I hesitated to leave a poor rating, but there’s no phone number , email or social media to complain to get my money back or order rectified.So I have no choice, but to warn others. To save their money if they are wanting a quality Japanese snack.So disappointing that yet another local Brooklyn spot with traditional food has bad service and no follow through on ensuring a all around good customer experience.
Apr 14, 2025 · Psusennes BeyAfter travelling Japan last year, I've been craving a good thick onigiri, and this has been by FAR the best I've tried since then, if I lived in New York I this would be my favourite spot. I also HIGHLY recommend the Japanese fruit sandwich, nothing as refreshing and tasty on a summer day. It's simple yet high quality ingredient are what makes the menu so good.
Apr 17, 2025 · Kyle Bauld
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