Katsu

For New Yorkers in search of truly delicious and incredibly affordable Japanese comfort food, Katsu in Brooklyn stands out as a genuine hidden gem. Tucked away on Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, this establishment has quickly become a beloved local favorite, known for delivering high-quality, flavorful dishes that often surpass those found at more expensive, full-service Japanese restaurants. Katsu embodies the spirit of a no-frills, home-style eatery, where the focus is squarely on the food and the satisfaction of every customer.

What sets Katsu apart is its commitment to both taste and value. Patrons consistently rave about the generous portion sizes and the exceptional pricing, making it a go-to spot for a hearty and satisfying meal that won't break the bank. Beyond the delicious food, the warmth and kindness of the staff, possibly the owners themselves, create a welcoming atmosphere that transforms a simple meal into a delightful experience. For anyone in New York craving authentic Japanese flavors, particularly their signature katsu and donburi bowls, Katsu promises a culinary experience that’s both incredibly rewarding and remarkably wallet-friendly.

Katsu is conveniently located at 197 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA. This address places it firmly within the vibrant and highly accessible Park Slope neighborhood, a bustling area in Brooklyn known for its diverse culinary scene, charming brownstones, and lively community atmosphere. Fifth Avenue itself is a popular stretch, making the restaurant easily noticeable and simple to find for both local residents and those visiting the area.

Getting to Katsu is particularly easy for New Yorkers utilizing public transportation. The restaurant is situated near several key subway lines, offering convenient access from various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The R train at Union Street and the B, D, N, Q, W, 2, 3, 4, 5 trains at Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center are all within a comfortable walking distance, providing multiple options for reaching the location. Additionally, numerous bus routes serve the Fifth Avenue corridor. While street parking in a popular Brooklyn neighborhood like Park Slope can sometimes require a bit of searching, the extensive and reliable public transit links make Katsu a highly accessible choice for a delicious Japanese meal, whether you're dining in or picking up an order. Its central spot also makes it a great stop for a casual meal before or after enjoying other activities in the neighborhood.

Katsu offers a range of services designed to provide maximum convenience and a satisfying dining experience for its New York customers.

• Dine-in: While often described as a casual spot where you order at the counter, Katsu provides a welcoming space for patrons to enjoy their meals right there. The friendly staff even goes the extra mile, sometimes bringing food to tables and clearing dishes.
• Takeout: For those on the go or preferring to enjoy their meal at home, takeout is a very popular and efficient option. You can place your order directly or through online platforms for pick-up.
• Delivery: Katsu partners with major third-party delivery services like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Seamless, allowing you to enjoy their delicious Japanese comfort food from the convenience of your home or office. They also offer contact-free delivery for added safety.
• Online Ordering: Customers can easily browse the menu and place orders through various online platforms associated with the restaurant or directly via their website, streamlining the ordering process.
• Affordable Meals: Katsu is highly praised for offering incredible value, with generous portions at very reasonable prices, making it an excellent choice for a budget-friendly, high-quality meal in NYC.
• Diverse Menu: While specializing in katsu and donburi, their menu extends to include various Japanese fried specialties, ramen, udon, and a la carte sushi and sashimi, providing a wide array of options.
• Lunch and Dinner Options: Katsu serves both lunch and dinner, making it suitable for a midday meal or an evening feast.

Katsu has rapidly gained a reputation among New Yorkers for several compelling reasons, making it a standout Japanese eatery in Brooklyn.

• Exceptional Value: A consistent highlight for customers is the incredible affordability of Katsu's dishes relative to their quality and portion size. Reviewers frequently note that the food is "amazing value" and that the "bill certainly won’t break the bank."
• Delicious Chicken Karaage Don: The "chicken karaage don" is a crowd favorite, described as "really flavorful and tender" and even "better (and better priced) than some full-service Japanese restaurants." This dish is a must-try.
• Generous Katsu Curry Meals: The "chicken katsu curry" meal, for example, is lauded for being "amazing value" at around $15, often including chicken, rice, gyoza, miso soup, curry, tomatoes, and cabbage in a substantial portion that leaves diners "stuffed." Pork Katsu Curry is also a popular choice.
• Tender and Flavorful Meats: Whether it's chicken katsu, pork katsu, or karaage, the meats are consistently described as tender, well-seasoned, and delicious, showcasing the restaurant's mastery of its namesake dish.
• Friendly and Attentive Service: Despite being a counter-service style restaurant, customers consistently praise the staff (possibly the owners) for being "so kind," "very nice," and even going above and beyond by bringing food to tables and clearing garbage. This personal touch enhances the dining experience significantly.
• High Quality for the Price: Patrons are often surprised by the high quality of the ingredients and preparation, especially given the affordable prices, making it a true hidden gem for value-conscious foodies.
• Extensive Menu: Beyond their popular katsu and donburi, Katsu offers a wide selection including other fried specials (like fried oyster and shrimp), various ramen and udon noodle soups, and even a la carte sushi and sashimi, ensuring there's something for every Japanese cuisine craving.
• Perfect for Regular Dining: Its combination of affordability, quality, and generous portions makes it "a place you can eat often," as noted by satisfied regulars.

Katsu is celebrated by New Yorkers primarily for its everyday incredible value, meaning that many of its regular menu items are already priced very competitively. The generous portions and included sides in their meals, particularly the katsu and karaage "don" and "meal" options, often feel like built-in promotions compared to other Japanese restaurants in the city.

Specifically, customers highlight:

• Lunch Bento/Meal Specials: Katsu offers various "Lunch Bento Special" and "Entrée Set Meal" options which are designed to provide excellent value. For example, a Chicken Katsu Meal or Chicken Karaage Meal can include the main item with rice, miso soup, salad, and gyoza for a highly affordable price (e.g., ~$13-14). Their curry lunch specials are also noted for their great value.

While the provided reviews don't specify rotating seasonal discounts, the core offering at Katsu is its commitment to providing high-quality, filling Japanese meals at prices that are accessible for everyday dining in New York City. For the most current information on any specials or bundled deals, it is always recommended to:

• Check their online menu: Websites like Grubhub and DoorDash for Katsu will display the most up-to-date pricing and any featured specials.
• Call the restaurant directly: A quick call to (347) 335-0197 can confirm any current promotions.

For inquiries, orders, or to learn more about Katsu, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• Address: 197 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
• Phone: (347) 335-0197

Katsu generally operates seven days a week, with hours typically from 11:00 AM to 10:15 PM Monday through Thursday, extending to 10:45 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12:00 PM to 10:15 PM on Sundays. However, it's always advisable to confirm their current operating hours, especially for dine-in availability or on public holidays, by calling ahead or checking their most recent information online.

For New Yorkers seeking a consistently delicious, incredibly affordable, and genuinely satisfying Japanese meal, Katsu in Brooklyn is an absolute must-try. Its unwavering commitment to providing generous portions of flavorful, home-style Japanese comfort food at prices that genuinely offer "amazing value" makes it perfectly suited for the city's diverse and often budget-conscious population. This isn't a place for a lavish, white-tablecloth experience, but rather a reliable and beloved spot for a hearty and authentic meal.

The highly praised chicken karaage don and the comprehensive katsu curry meals are testaments to their culinary prowess, offering flavors that rival more expensive establishments. Coupled with the genuinely kind and attentive service from the staff, Katsu provides a welcoming and fuss-free dining environment. Its prime location in Park Slope, with easy access via public transportation, further solidifies its position as an ideal go-to spot for busy New Yorkers. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or ordering delivery for a cozy night in, Katsu delivers consistent quality and warmth, making it a true local treasure that you'll undoubtedly want to frequent often.

Katsu

197 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA