Raku Izakaya

For New Jersey residents seeking a lively yet intimate dining experience that perfectly blends authentic Japanese and Korean flavors, Raku Izakaya in Fort Lee is an absolute must-visit. This beloved spot isn't just a restaurant; it's an izakaya – a casual Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks. But at Raku, it’s much more than just snacks; it’s a diverse menu of delicious tapas, satisfying entrees, and an inviting atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. If you're looking for a place to unwind, share incredible food, and enjoy genuinely stellar service, Raku Izakaya should be at the top of your list.

Raku Izakaya has cultivated a reputation for its outstanding food and, perhaps even more so, its unbelievably kind and thoughtful staff. Customers consistently rave about the quality of the dishes, from the perfectly cooked Gyoza and Hamachi Kama to the flavorful Stone Pot Beef Fried Rice. What truly sets Raku apart, however, is the dedication of its team. Servers like DW are highlighted for being "literally so awesome, so clear and communicative, & on top of everything!!" Their passion for their job is palpable, creating an experience so positive that many would "come back just for his service alone."

Beyond the delightful culinary offerings and exceptional service, Raku Izakaya provides an ambiance that strikes the perfect balance. It’s described as a "quiet and cozy" place, ideal for having a "conversation and dinner with buddies," yet it also maintains a lively energy. They even go the extra mile to accommodate dietary needs, with staff making thoughtful recommendations and crafting special dishes, like a delicious vegan teriyaki with tofu for extra protein. This combination of delectable food, fantastic drinks (including sweet sparkling peach sake!), and genuinely caring service makes Raku Izakaya a true gem in the Fort Lee dining scene, a place where New Jersey locals can feel truly at home.

Raku Izakaya is conveniently situated at 209 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA. This prime location places it right in the heart of Fort Lee, a vibrant and easily accessible town in Bergen County. Fort Lee is well-known throughout New Jersey for its diverse culinary landscape and its strategic position, making it a popular dining hub for locals and those traveling from surrounding areas.

Main Street is a central and bustling thoroughfare in Fort Lee, ensuring that Raku Izakaya is straightforward to locate, whether you're navigating by car or utilizing public transportation. The area itself is dynamic, filled with various businesses, shops, and other eateries, contributing to a lively and inviting atmosphere. While street parking on Main Street can sometimes be limited, as is common in popular downtown areas, Fort Lee does offer several municipal parking lots nearby, such as the Main Street Municipal Lot (formerly Guntzer Lot at 231 Main Street), which provides ample public parking spaces. Its excellent connectivity to major highways like Route 4, I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike), and the George Washington Bridge means that Raku Izakaya is not only a local favorite but also an easily reachable destination for residents from various parts of New Jersey, or even a convenient trip from New York City. This accessibility adds significantly to its appeal as a go-to spot for authentic Japanese and Korean tapas.

Raku Izakaya offers a comprehensive menu designed for sharing and savoring, embodying the true spirit of an izakaya with both Japanese and Korean influences. Their services and culinary offerings are diverse and cater to various preferences:

• Extensive Tapas & Small Plates (Izakaya Style): Ideal for sharing and trying a variety of dishes. Popular options include:
  • Tako Yaki: Octopus balls.
  • Gyoza: Fried pork dumplings.
  • Hiyayakko: Cold tofu in ponzu.
  • Edamame: Steamed soybeans.
  • Agedashi Tofu: Deep-fried tofu in ponzu.
  • Tuna Tartare.
  • Homemade Crab Croquette: Highly praised by customers.
  • Miso Black Cod: Black cod marinated in sweet miso.
  • Karaage: Deep-fried pieces of chicken.
  • Hamachi Kama: Grilled yellowtail neck, a customer favorite.
  • Sautéed Beef w/ Peppers.
• Sushi and Rolls: A selection of fresh sushi and creative rolls:
  • Spider Futomaki: Deep-fried soft-shell crab, tobiko, avocado, lettuce, and kewpie, specifically mentioned by a happy customer.
  • California Maki, Spicy Tuna Maki, Philadelphia Maki, Dragon Maki.
  • Avocado Cucumber Hand Roll.
  • Raku Special Maki: Shrimp tempura roll with avocado and topped with spicy kani salad.
• Ramen & Noodles: Hearty noodle dishes for a satisfying meal:
  • Shoyu Ramen.
  • Miso Ramen.
  • Yaki Soba.
  • Tempura Udon.
• Korean Entrees & Fried Rice: Offering a taste of Korean cuisine, including:
  • Stone Pot Beef Fried Rice: A customer favorite.
  • Kimchi & Pork Fried Rice.
  • Bulgogi.
  • La Galbi.
  • Stir-Fried Pork Belly In Spicy Sauce.
  • Various Korean Soups: Such as Spicy Fish Roe Soup, Spicy Seafood Soup, and Odeng Soup.
• Yakitori (Grilled Skewers): A selection of grilled items:
  • Chicken Thigh, Chicken Breast, Chicken Wing.
  • Butabara Negi (Pork Belly w/ Scallion).
  • Aspara Bacon (Bacon Wrapped Asparagus).
  • Shiitake Mushroom.
• Full Bar & Sake Selection: Offering a variety of alcoholic beverages, including various sakes (like Dassai 45 & Okunomatsu Ginjo, highly recommended by a customer) and other alcoholic beverages, including sweet sparkling peach sake.
• Vegan & Vegetarian Options: The staff is highly accommodating and willing to create custom dishes, as evidenced by a "vegan teriyaki dish with tofu" made for a customer, indicating flexibility for dietary needs.
• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a cozy, quiet, and inviting ambiance perfect for conversation.
• Takeout & Delivery: For convenience, Raku Izakaya offers takeout and delivery services, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite dishes at home.

Raku Izakaya distinguishes itself in the Fort Lee dining scene through several outstanding features that consistently receive high praise from New Jersey locals:

• Unbelievably Kind and Thoughtful Staff: This is perhaps the most celebrated feature. Customers consistently rave about the exceptional service, highlighting servers like DW, whose "stellar performance" and genuine passion for his job make a lasting impression. The staff's attentiveness and helpfulness with recommendations are a significant draw.
• Authentic & Delicious Japanese and Korean Tapas: Raku Izakaya offers a wide variety of expertly prepared small plates and larger entrees from both Japanese and Korean cuisines. Dishes like Hamachi Kama, Gyoza, Stone Pot Beef Fried Rice, and a special vegan teriyaki are frequently praised for their rich flavors and perfect preparation.
• Accommodating Dietary Needs: The willingness of the staff to create custom dishes, such as a "vegan teriyaki dish with tare and tofu" for a customer, showcases their flexibility and commitment to ensuring all diners have a satisfying experience.
• Great Drink Recommendations & Sake Selection: Customers appreciate the staff's ability to offer excellent recommendations for beverages, including various sakes like Dassai 45 and Okunomatsu Ginjo, and fun options like sweet sparkling peach sake.
• Cozy and Conversational Ambiance: Despite being a bustling izakaya, the atmosphere is described as "quiet and cozy," making it a "decent place to have a conversation and dinner with buddies." It offers a relaxing vibe that enhances the dining experience.
• High Quality Food: Reviewers consistently rate the food highly (e.g., 4/5), noting that everything is "cooked perfectly" and flavors are "rich and concentrated."
• Spider Roll Excellence: The Spider Roll, specifically mentioned in a review, indicates a well-executed and popular sushi option that customers enjoy.
• Long Operating Hours: Being open until 2:00 AM (or even 3:00 AM according to some sources) every day makes it a fantastic late-night dining option for Fort Lee and surrounding areas.
• Valuable Late-Night Dining Option: For those looking for quality food and a good atmosphere after hours, Raku Izakaya provides an excellent choice for night owls in New Jersey.

Raku Izakaya is known for providing excellent value through its high-quality food, diverse menu, and inviting atmosphere. While specific, publicly advertised ongoing promotions may vary, local businesses often have internal specials or leverage third-party platform deals. Based on available information and common practices for izakaya-style restaurants, here are potential types of promotions or special offers you might find:

• Happy Hour Deals: One customer review explicitly mentions a "great happy hour deal from 5-8pm," which is a common offering at izakayas. This likely includes discounted drinks (sake, beer) and perhaps select tapas or small plates during those hours, making it an excellent option for early evening dining.
• Lunch Specials: While not explicitly detailed, many Japanese and Korean restaurants in the area offer specific lunch sets or specials that provide a good value for midday meals.
• Seasonal Menu Items: Izakayas often introduce seasonal dishes or limited-time offerings based on ingredient availability, providing new culinary experiences for regular patrons.
• Third-Party Delivery Platform Promotions: When ordering through services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Postmates, customers might occasionally find platform-specific discounts, free delivery offers, or bundle deals. These change frequently and are managed by the platforms.

For the most current and direct information on any ongoing promotions, happy hour specials, or unique offerings, it is always recommended for New Jersey diners to:

• Call Raku Izakaya directly to inquire about their current specials.
• Check their official website or social media channels for announcements (if available).
• Inquire with their attentive staff during your visit.

Regardless of specific deals, the combination of delicious food, generous portions for tapas, and exceptional service inherently makes Raku Izakaya a great value for those seeking an authentic Japanese and Korean dining experience.

To experience the vibrant flavors and welcoming atmosphere of Raku Izakaya in Fort Lee, here’s how you can get in touch:

• Address: 209 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA
• Phone: (201) 585-0707

Operating Hours:

• Monday: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)
• Tuesday: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)
• Wednesday: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)
• Thursday: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)
• Friday: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)
• Saturday: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)
• Sunday: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

These extensive hours make Raku Izakaya an excellent choice for late-night dining in Fort Lee. It's advisable to call ahead for reservations, especially for larger groups or during peak dining times, as they do accept reservations.

For New Jersey residents, particularly those in Fort Lee and surrounding areas, Raku Izakaya is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for an authentic and enjoyable Japanese and Korean dining experience. It offers a unique blend of high-quality food, a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere, and truly outstanding service that sets it apart in the local culinary scene.

The suitability for locals stems from its versatile offerings. Whether you're looking for a casual dinner with friends, a late-night bite, or a relaxed conversation over delicious food, Raku Izakaya fits the bill. The diverse menu of Japanese and Korean tapas allows for a fun, shared dining experience, where everyone can try a variety of expertly prepared dishes, from perfectly cooked Gyoza and Hamachi Kama to flavorful fried rice and unique ramen. Their willingness to accommodate dietary needs, as evidenced by custom vegan dishes, further enhances its appeal to a broader local audience.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to visit Raku Izakaya is its exceptional staff. The consistent praise for their kindness, attentiveness, and genuine enthusiasm, exemplified by waiters like DW, creates an incredibly welcoming and positive environment that makes diners feel truly valued. This human element, combined with a great selection of sake and other beverages, makes it a place where New Jersey locals can not only enjoy fantastic food but also feel genuinely cared for. Its convenient Main Street location and extensive operating hours make it an accessible and reliable spot for a memorable Japanese and Korean culinary adventure, solidifying its place as a true gem in Fort Lee's dining landscape.

Raku Izakaya

209 Main St, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, USA