Lucky Cat

New York City is a melting pot of global cuisines, and when it comes to a comforting, flavorful bowl of ramen, New Yorkers have discerning tastes. Lucky Cat, nestled in the bustling Midtown East neighborhood, has quickly become a standout for those seeking not just incredible Japanese comfort food, but also a uniquely charming and fun dining atmosphere. This isn't your average ramen joint; it's a vibrant space that combines delicious dishes with an engaging, anime-themed ambiance, making every visit a memorable one.

Lucky Cat prides itself on offering generous portions of consistently amazing food, from rich ramen broths to crispy katsu and delightful appetizers. Beyond the culinary delights, the restaurant creates a cozy and welcoming environment, filled with captivating art and the subtle hum of anime playing on screens. Whether you're looking for a late-night bite after a Broadway show, a fun date night spot, or just a fantastic meal with friends, Lucky Cat delivers a delightful experience that feels both authentic and distinctly New York.

Lucky Cat is conveniently situated at

232 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

The restaurant boasts excellent accessibility via New York City's comprehensive public transportation network. It's "right around the corner" from subway stations, ensuring a quick and easy commute. Major subway lines, including the 6 train at 51st Street and the E/M trains at Lexington Avenue/53rd Street, are just a short walk away. This means whether you're coming from a Broadway show, a day of shopping, or a busy workday, reaching Lucky Cat is a breeze. The surrounding area is well-served by numerous bus routes as well, providing even more options for getting to this popular spot.

Lucky Cat provides a diverse range of services designed to offer a complete and enjoyable Japanese dining experience, catering to various preferences from casual meals to late-night cravings.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy the full ambiance of the restaurant with its anime theme and comfortable, cozy seating. The restaurant has two seating areas and a bar, helping it feel spacious despite tables being close.

• Extensive Ramen Menu: A wide variety of ramen bowls are available, including signature options like the "Lucky Cat Ramen" (spicy pork broth with chashu pork), Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen, Chicken Ramen, Nagoya Ramen (spicy chicken broth), Yuzu Shio Ramen, Yasai Ramen (vegetarian), Spicy Miso Ramen, Negasaki Champon Ramen, and even unique offerings like Truffle Ramen and Uni Ramen.

• Japanese Fusion Dishes: Beyond ramen, the menu features a broad selection of Japanese fusion appetizers, Donburi (rice bowls like Pork Katsu Curry, Chicken Katsu Curry, Chashu Don), Wok Noodles (Yakisoba, Mentaiko Pasta), and Robata grilled items.

• Sushi Rolls & Sashimi: For those craving raw fish, Lucky Cat also offers a selection of sushi rolls and sashimi, providing a well-rounded Japanese culinary offering.

• Full Bar Service & Unique Cocktails: A highlight for many, the restaurant offers a full bar with a selection of beer, wine, sake, and creatively named "anime themed alcohol" cocktails like the "Death Note" and "One Piece," praised for their delicious and slightly sweet flavors.

• Late-Night Dining: Lucky Cat is open until 2 AM (last order 1:30 AM), making it an excellent choice for late-night meals or post-event dining, a feature highly appreciated by customers.

• Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, Lucky Cat offers takeout and delivery services through popular platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, allowing you to enjoy their food from the comfort of your home.

• Catering for Special Occasions: The restaurant can accommodate special group bookings, birthday parties, and other events, offering a unique venue and menu for gatherings.

Lucky Cat stands out in the bustling New York dining scene due to several unique features and consistent highlights:

• Vibrant Anime Theme & Ambiance: The restaurant is celebrated for its unique anime decorations, including a large Lucky Cat statue, and anime playing on the TV. This creates a fun, quirky, and "really fun" atmosphere that sets it apart from typical ramen spots.

• Consistently Amazing Food: Patrons frequently praise the food as "absolutely amazing" and "consistently excellent," with generous portions for the price. Popular dishes include Katsu Curry Chicken, Age Takoyaki (octopus balls), Gyoza, and various ramen bowls.

• Delicious & Creative Cocktails: The "anime themed alcohol" drinks like the Sakitini, Watermelon Mojito, Death Note, and One Piece are a significant draw, noted for being delicious and adding to the fun experience.

• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Reviewers consistently highlight the polite, friendly, and quick service. Staff members, like "Tony" mentioned in a review, are praised for making guests feel welcome and ensuring they have water and are checked on regularly.

• Late-Night Operating Hours: Being open until 2 AM makes Lucky Cat a perfect choice for after-show dinners or late-night cravings, filling a crucial niche in the city's dining scene.

• Cozy & Spacious Layout: Despite being described as cozy with tables together, the restaurant's two seating areas and a bar ensure it "rarely feels overcrowded," contributing to a comfortable dining experience.

• Thoughtful Details: Small touches like the designated area for hanging coats add to the overall positive experience and convenience for diners.

• Accommodating for Walk-ins: Even without reservations, the staff is noted for being kind enough to accommodate spontaneous visits, offering flexibility for New Yorkers.

• Varied Music at Low Volume: The music is kept at a low enough volume to allow for conversation, striking a good balance between ambiance and comfort.

While specific daily rotating specials beyond the core menu items are not prominently detailed, Lucky Cat is known for offering value and unique features:

• Happy Hour: While specific Happy Hour details (hours/prices for drinks and food) were not immediately available in the provided text, the mention of "Great Happy Hour spot" suggests they likely have competitive deals on cocktails, beer, and perhaps select appetizers. It is highly recommended to check their official website or call directly for current Happy Hour offerings.

• Lunch Specials: Many ramen and Japanese fusion restaurants in NYC offer lunch specials, often including ramen or donburi combos at a reduced price. It's advisable to inquire if Lucky Cat has a dedicated lunch menu with special pricing.

• Delivery Promotions: Platforms like Seamless and DoorDash often feature promotions for Lucky Cat, such as discounts on qualifying orders (e.g., "$6 off on orders of $20+", "$10 off on orders of $50+", "Spend $39, Get One Tori Kara Age Free," "Spend $80, get $8"). These are excellent ways to enjoy their food at a reduced cost when ordering for delivery or pickup.

• Seasonal & Chef Specials: Like many Japanese restaurants, Lucky Cat may introduce seasonal ramen options or chef's specials featuring unique ingredients or limited-time offerings. These are best discovered by visiting the restaurant or checking their updated online menus.

For the most current information on any promotions or special deals, it is always best for New Yorkers to visit the official Lucky Cat website or contact the restaurant directly.

To experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings of Lucky Cat, or for any inquiries, here are the contact details:

• Address: 232 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

• Phone: (212) 838-5333

While reservations are not always necessary (as they often accommodate walk-ins), for larger groups or during peak dining times, calling ahead might be advisable. For the most up-to-date hours of operation and menu details, checking their website or calling directly is recommended.

For New Yorkers constantly on the lookout for a spot that offers both fantastic food and a unique experience, Lucky Cat in Midtown East is an absolute must-try. It perfectly blends the comforting appeal of Japanese ramen and fusion dishes with an inviting, anime-themed ambiance that feels genuinely fun and distinctive. Locals will particularly appreciate the generous portion sizes, the consistently excellent quality of the food, and the creativity evident in their menu, from the diverse ramen options to the delightful anime-themed cocktails.

Beyond the food and drinks, the truly standout feature for locals is the overall welcoming atmosphere. The polite, friendly, and efficient staff, along with the restaurant's accommodating nature for spontaneous visits and its convenient late-night hours, make it incredibly adaptable to the New York lifestyle. Whether you're seeking a chill date night spot after a show, a reliable place for a quick but satisfying meal, or simply a fun and unique dining experience that stands out from the crowd, Lucky Cat delivers on all fronts. It's a place that invites you to become a regular, promising good food, great service, and a consistently enjoyable time.

Lucky Cat

232 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA