Koko Ramen

For New Yorkers in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, finding a local spot that offers a warm ambiance alongside a comforting meal is always a welcome discovery. Koko Ramen on Marlborough Road aims to be just such a place, providing a Japanese dining experience that emphasizes a relaxed, almost rustic setting. While ramen is a cornerstone of its menu, Koko Ramen also offers a selection of other Japanese comfort foods, inviting locals to unwind and enjoy a meal in a cozy environment.

Koko Ramen has cultivated a reputation for its intimate decor and friendly atmosphere, making it a potential option for a date night or a quiet solo meal. However, experiences with the food, particularly the ramen, appear to be mixed among patrons. Some commend the overall quality and taste, while others have expressed reservations about the broth and portion sizes. This article aims to provide a balanced view, highlighting the aspects that draw customers to Koko Ramen while also acknowledging areas where experiences may vary, helping New Yorkers make an informed choice for their next Japanese craving.

Koko Ramen is situated at 375 Marlborough Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA. This address places it in the residential and charming Ditmas Park/Flatbush area of Brooklyn. Marlborough Road itself is known for its picturesque, tree-lined streets and historic homes, contributing to a pleasant walk to the restaurant.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the restaurant is conveniently located within a few blocks of the B and Q subway lines, making it quite accessible from various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Several bus routes also service the surrounding area. While street parking might be available, as with many Brooklyn neighborhoods, it can sometimes be a challenge, so public transit remains a practical option for locals. The setting offers a nice escape from the busier commercial strips, providing a more serene dining experience.

Koko Ramen provides several services to accommodate its local clientele, focusing primarily on dine-in and takeout options for their Japanese fare.

• Dine-In Service: Koko Ramen offers a cozy and intimate setting for diners. The interior features "lanterns dipping down at odd intervals and multi-colored ramen bowls and chopsticks stuck to the wooden panel walls," creating a unique and authentic atmosphere. It's often described as a "cute place for a date" or suitable for solo dining due to its small size.

• Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, Koko Ramen offers takeout. While some reviews note potential issues with cold food or spills for delivery, others indicate that takeout and delivery can be "delicious and satisfying" and "arrive hot," especially if managing expectations for temperature compared to dining in.

• Delivery: Koko Ramen is available through popular third-party delivery platforms like Seamless and Grubhub. Customers can place orders for their ramen and other dishes to be delivered directly to their doorstep.

• Cash-Only Policy: It's important for potential diners to note that Koko Ramen has been reported to be a cash-only establishment. This is a crucial piece of information for New Yorkers planning their visit.

• No Reservations (Limited Walk-in Space): Some information suggests limited walk-in space, implying that it's advisable to visit during off-peak hours or be prepared for a wait, especially given its small size, though direct reservations are not widely mentioned.

• Beverage Options: Koko Ramen offers a variety of drinks, including Japanese soda, hot sake, and various teas, as well as classic soft drinks. They also feature Japanese beer options.

Koko Ramen possesses several features that have shaped its reputation among New Yorkers, though opinions on some aspects, particularly the ramen itself, vary.

• Cozy and Authentic Ambiance: A consistent highlight is the restaurant's atmosphere. Described as "relaxed, nearly rustic setting" and having an "intimate and authentic" decor with unique Japanese-inspired elements, it’s often praised as a "cute place for a date" or a comfortable spot for a solo meal.

• Friendly Staff: Numerous reviews commend the "friendly staff" and "friendly servers," noting that they "always bring your food out with a smile," contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

• Variety of Ramen Options: The menu features several ramen choices, including Koko Tonkotsu Ramen (creamy pork bone broth), Shoyu Kakuni Ramen (classic soy sauce broth), Sapporo Spicy Miso Ramen, Tori Shio Ramen (chicken broth), Yasai Ramen (vegetarian broth), Salmon Miso Ramen, Beef Sirloin Ramen, and Roast Duck Ramen. The Roast Duck Ramen, in particular, has been singled out for its crispy duck even in broth.

• Japanese Appetizers and Sides: Beyond ramen, Koko Ramen offers popular Japanese appetizers such as Edamame, Gyoza (pork and vegetable), Tako Yaki Balls, Nagoya Chicken Wings (crispy and seasoned with hatcho miso glaze), Hirata Buns, and Okonomiyaki (Japanese cabbage pancakes).

• Rice Dishes: The menu also includes satisfying rice dishes like Tonkatsu Don (pork cutlet), Pork Katsu Curry, Chicken Katsu Curry, and Gyudon Beef Bowl.

• Mixed Reviews on Ramen Broth and Portions: While some customers describe the ramen as "delicious" and praise the "creamy broth that's not too salty with thick noodles," others have expressed disappointment, stating the "ramen was not good," "broth didn't taste good," or that portions, particularly of meat like pork belly, were "very little" and "too small for the price." The inclusion of spinach in ramen has also been noted as "weird" by some.

• Dessert Options: A "Lava Cake" has been mentioned as a popular dessert, providing a sweet end to the meal.

While specific, regularly advertised promotions for Koko Ramen are not widely detailed in public data, typical for smaller, neighborhood establishments, New Yorkers might find offers through common channels.

• Happy Hour: Historically, Koko Ramen has offered Happy Hour specials, such as a free side dish (Edamame, chicken wings, or gyoza) with a ramen dish, or discounted Japanese beer or hot sake. It's advisable to inquire about current Happy Hour timings and offers.

• Delivery Platform Deals: Check Seamless, Grubhub, or Uber Eats for any current platform-specific discounts or promotions that Koko Ramen may be participating in (e.g., percentage off for first-time orders, free delivery for minimum spend).

• Lunch Specials: While not explicitly detailed as a distinct "special" in recent reviews, their menu offers various ramen and rice bowl options at a price point that makes them suitable for a lunch meal.

Given their cash-only policy, direct inquiries via phone might be the most reliable way to confirm any current in-house specials before visiting.

To contact Koko Ramen for inquiries, takeout orders, or to learn more, you can use the following details:

• Address: 375 Marlborough Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA

• Phone: (347) 425-8511

For New Yorkers, especially those in the Ditmas Park/Flatbush area, Koko Ramen offers a unique and convenient option for Japanese comfort food. Its prime location on a picturesque Marlborough Road, coupled with good accessibility via subway, makes it a welcoming neighborhood spot. The restaurant's charming, intimate ambiance is a significant draw, making it a suitable destination for a cozy date or a relaxing solo meal where you can unwind. The friendly and attentive staff further enhances the dining experience, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.

While opinions on the ramen's broth and portion sizes are somewhat divided, the extensive menu of ramen varieties, Japanese appetizers, and rice dishes ensures there are plenty of options to explore. Highlights such as their specific ramen flavors (e.g., Roast Duck Ramen) and delicious appetizers like Nagoya Chicken Wings have garnered positive feedback. However, potential diners should be prepared for its cash-only policy and consider that while the atmosphere is highly praised, the core ramen experience might vary depending on individual taste. Ultimately, for a charming local Japanese eatery with a warm vibe, Koko Ramen remains a fixture in the Brooklyn dining scene, offering a comfortable place to satisfy a Japanese food craving.

Koko Ramen

375 Marlborough Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA