Makana

For New Yorkers residing in East Harlem and beyond, **Makana** presents itself as a Japanese restaurant that ventures into the delightful world of Hawaiian BBQ. Located in a vibrant part of the city, Makana aims to bring a taste of the islands combined with classic Japanese fare to the bustling streets of Manhattan. It's a spot designed to offer a unique blend of flavors, from traditional sushi rolls to hearty plate lunches, creating a diverse menu for those seeking something different in their culinary journey across New York City.

Makana's concept is built around merging the familiar comforts of Japanese cuisine with the distinctive, savory elements of Hawaiian BBQ. This fusion offers a broader palette of flavors than a traditional Japanese restaurant might, featuring items that evoke the spirit of island dining. While every dining experience can vary, Makana strives to provide a selection that caters to diverse tastes, inviting locals to explore a menu that includes both raw fish delicacies and richly cooked meats. The ambition is to provide a go-to spot for a fulfilling meal in East Harlem, whether you're craving a fresh poke bowl or a robust chicken katsu.

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Makana is situated at **2245 1st Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA**. This address places it in East Harlem, a dynamic and accessible neighborhood in Manhattan. Its location on 1st Avenue ensures visibility and ease of access for local residents and those commuting from other parts of New York City. East Harlem is known for its vibrant community and a mix of established and emerging culinary spots.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, Makana's location offers reasonable accessibility. It is generally within walking distance or a short bus ride from various subway lines, including the 6 train at 116th Street, which connects to much of Manhattan. Bus routes along 1st Avenue also provide direct access. While street parking in New York City, particularly in Manhattan, can often be a challenge, public transportation remains a highly convenient option for reaching the restaurant. This accessibility makes Makana a viable choice for a meal whether you're coming from work, home, or exploring the East Harlem area.

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Makana offers a diverse menu that blends traditional Japanese dishes with popular Hawaiian BBQ elements. Here’s an overview of the services and types of dishes you can typically expect to find:

• Hawaiian BBQ Plates: The menu often features classic Hawaiian plate lunches, which commonly include options like Teriyaki Chicken, Kalua Pig, Chicken Katsu, Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, and BBQ Short Ribs, often served with rice and macaroni salad.
• Sushi and Rolls: A variety of sushi rolls are available, including classic options as well as unique creations. Examples from various menus include California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and specialty rolls like the Makana Roll or Mango Tango Roll.
• Poke Bowls: Customers can find poke bowls, allowing for customizable options with fresh fish and various toppings.
• Appetizers and Sides: The menu typically includes popular Japanese and Hawaiian appetizers such as Miso Soup, Fried Dumplings (Gyoza/Shumai), Spam Musubi, and Aloha Wings.
• Bento Boxes: For a complete and convenient meal, Makana offers Bento Boxes that combine a main protein with sides like sushi rolls, shumai, kale salad, and miso soup.
• Beverages: A selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including various teas and soft drinks, is usually available. Some locations may also offer bubble tea.
• Takeout and Delivery: Makana provides options for convenient takeout and delivery, allowing customers to enjoy their meals in the comfort of their homes or offices, a common and valued service in New York City.
• Catering: While direct details for this specific location's catering service are not fully available, the restaurant handles large orders, indicating a capacity for catering.

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Makana aims to provide a unique culinary experience by combining Japanese and Hawaiian influences. Here are some of the intended features and general highlights based on its concept:

• Unique Japanese-Hawaiian Fusion: Makana distinguishes itself by offering a blend of familiar Japanese sushi and teriyaki alongside distinct Hawaiian BBQ dishes, providing a broader culinary range than many traditional Japanese restaurants.
• Variety of Menu Items: From sushi rolls and poke bowls to various BBQ boxes and plate lunches, the menu offers a wide selection, catering to different preferences and hunger levels.
• Inclusion of Hawaiian Staples: Dishes like Kalua Pig, Spam Musubi, and Mac Salad bring a genuine taste of Hawaiian comfort food to New York, appealing to those familiar with or curious about island cuisine.
• Convenient Location: Situated in East Harlem, Makana is accessible for locals, particularly for quick meals or takeout options in the neighborhood.
• Appealing for Large Orders: The restaurant can handle substantial orders, indicating its capacity for serving groups or catering needs.
• Some Dishes Are Praised: While experiences vary, certain items like "Aloha wings" and some sushi rolls have received positive comments for flavor and being "delicious" or "well seasoned."

However, it is important for prospective New York customers to be aware of certain experiences reported by other patrons:

• Inconsistent Food Quality: Reviews mention issues such as "paper thin" chicken katsu, "salty" poke, "stale" sushi, and food tasting "old warm" or "artificial" at times.
• Service Concerns: There have been reports of very long wait times for orders (up to 2 hours) and unsatisfactory customer service, including an instance where a customer picking up a large catering order was denied restroom access unless a fee was paid, despite spending a significant amount.
• Order Accuracy: Some reviews indicate issues with incorrect orders or missing items like sauces.

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The provided information does not explicitly detail ongoing promotions or specific special offers for Makana. However, looking at online menus, Makana offers various "Combo Boxes" and "Bento Boxes" which often provide a selection of items together, potentially at a more favorable price than ordering each component separately. For example, their "Any 3 Classic Roll" special or various "Lunch Specials" are common value propositions found on their online ordering platforms.

For New York locals interested in any current deals, seasonal specials, or loyalty programs, it is always recommended to check directly with Makana. You can call them at (212) 996-3534, visit their official website (if available), or check popular food delivery platforms like Postmates or Seamless, which often display current promotions offered by restaurants. Given the dynamic nature of restaurant offerings in NYC, direct inquiry is the best way to stay informed about any new opportunities to enjoy Makana's menu at a special value.

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To inquire about Makana's menu, place an order, or for any other questions, you can reach them through the following contact details:

• Address: 2245 1st Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA
• Phone: (212) 996-3534

It is advisable to call ahead for large orders or during peak hours, especially given reported wait times, to confirm availability and ensure a smoother experience.

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Makana, located in East Harlem, presents itself as a Japanese restaurant with a distinct Hawaiian BBQ twist, offering New York locals a fusion of flavors that aims to stand out from more traditional Japanese establishments. For those in the neighborhood seeking a convenient option for both sushi and cooked Japanese-Hawaiian dishes, Makana offers a diverse menu that could cater to varied palates within a single group, from various sushi rolls to hearty chicken katsu and Hawaiian plate lunches. The inclusion of unique items like Spam Musubi and Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp provides a taste of the islands not commonly found everywhere in NYC, which could appeal to adventurous eaters or those with a connection to Hawaiian cuisine.

The restaurant's accessibility in East Harlem and its availability for both takeout and delivery are key conveniences for busy New Yorkers looking for a quick and easy meal solution. For locals exploring different cultural flavors without traveling far, Makana offers the potential for an interesting culinary journey. Some customers have found specific items, such as the Aloha wings or certain sushi rolls, to be delicious and satisfying, indicating that positive experiences are possible depending on order choices.

However, it is crucial for New York locals to be aware of the varied customer feedback. While the concept of Makana is appealing, experiences regarding food quality (e.g., thin portions, inconsistent freshness, saltiness) and customer service (e.g., long waits, issues with restroom access for paying customers, order accuracy) have been noted as areas of concern by several patrons. Therefore, while Makana offers a unique blend of Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine and convenience for the East Harlem community, prospective diners may wish to approach with measured expectations and possibly inquire about wait times for large orders, considering the feedback from other New Yorkers.

Makana

2245 1st Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA