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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeNew YorkNew York CountyNew YorkJapanese Restaurant in BroadwayROKC
ROKC ico

ROKC

3452 Broadway, New York, NY 10031, USA

4.0
Worth the trip and frankly the only cocktail bar of its caliber in the neighborhood. Offering a nice selection of creative Japanese influenced cocktails and traditional eats (pork buns, ramen, oysters and more). Exceptional service, fantastic craft cocktails and great food. Cocktails are made with care and attention to every detail (be prepared to appreciate the drink for its taste but also visual appeal). Drinks are $17 and up but you’ll get quality. Space is limited so expect a wait during dinner time. Otherwise, enjoy the bar (my preferred choice of seating) and watch the master bartenders do their thing with passion. Must visit. - Billy Rodriguez
ROKC Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

ROKC Introduce

Hey New Yorkers! Are you on the hunt for a dining and drinking spot that genuinely stands out from the crowd? A place where culinary artistry meets mixology innovation, all wrapped up in an inviting atmosphere? Look no further than ROKC – short for Ramen, Oysters, Kitchen, Cocktails – a true gem nestled in Manhattan's vibrant Hamilton Heights. ROKC isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience, a destination that's earning rave reviews for its unique blend of traditional Japanese comfort food and highly creative, visually stunning cocktails.

ROKC has quickly become a "must visit" for locals and visitors alike, celebrated as "the only cocktail bar of its caliber in the neighborhood." Patrons consistently praise the "exceptional service, fantastic craft cocktails and great food." What truly sets ROKC apart is its attention to detail. Cocktails are "made with care and attention to every detail," offering not just incredible taste but also "visual appeal." One enthusiastic reviewer, declaring themselves a "new regular," highlighted their "Smokey Pina Colada" as a "perfect combination of smooth, smokey, and sweet," calling it "a mezcal cocktail made to perfection!"

Beyond the drinks, the food menu receives equally high marks. The ramen, particularly the "Kyoto" variation, is hailed as "the best ramen I have had ever!" with a "heavenly broth" and perfectly "Al dente" noodles that "tasted like they were house made." Even self-proclaimed non-oyster lovers are converted, describing them as "Divine!" and "ocean to table goodness." Appetizers like the "Deviled egg + egg + egg" (featuring sea urchin and salmon caviar) and "Scallop ceviche" are also lauded for their deliciousness and presentation. The ambiance, described as "cozy, warmly lit, good vibes, great subtle low music in the background," completes the picture of an "unexpected amazing experience" that makes "my whole month."

Location and Accessibility

ROKC is perfectly situated at 3452 Broadway, New York, NY 10031, USA. This address places it in the lively and increasingly popular Hamilton Heights area of Upper Manhattan. Broadway is a major and easily navigable thoroughfare, making ROKC a prominent and convenient spot for those in the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, ROKC's location offers excellent accessibility. It's just a short walk from several subway stations that serve major lines, including the 1 train at 145th Street, and the A, B, C, and D express and local trains, also at 145th Street. This robust subway access makes it incredibly easy for diners and cocktail enthusiasts from all over Manhattan and other boroughs to reach this unique establishment. While street parking can sometimes be challenging in New York City, the convenient subway options ensure a stress-free journey to enjoy ROKC's offerings.

Services Offered

ROKC provides a thoughtfully curated experience centered around its signature offerings:

  • Dine-In Experience: Enjoy the "cozy, warmly lit" and intimate atmosphere for a full dining and drinking experience. Seating includes tables and a highly recommended bar/counter, where you can "watch the master bartenders do their thing with passion."

  • Creative Japanese-Influenced Cocktails: ROKC specializes in unique and visually appealing craft cocktails, often served in "wacky vessels" like lightbulbs, creating a memorable drinking experience. Their expansive menu features clarified drinks, mezcal creations, and twists on classics.

  • Authentic and Inventive Ramen: The menu features several varieties of ramen, including classic options like Kyoto (soy sauce-based chicken broth with pork belly) and Sapporo (chicken-based miso broth with chicken char siu), as well as unique soupless options like Yokosuka Curry (coconut milk, shrimp paste, green curry) and Bone Marrow + Wagyu ramen. Gluten-free noodles are also available.

  • Fresh Oysters and Raw Bar: ROKC boasts a selection of "Divine!" oysters, often from the East Coast, served with house cocktail sauce and vinaigrette. They also offer other raw bar items like Bay Scallop Cru.

  • Japanese-Inspired Small Plates/Appetizers: Complementing the ramen and cocktails is a selection of delicious appetizers. Highlights include "amazing dumplings," Pork Buns, "crispy spicy salmon rice," Karaage Fried Chicken, and unique items like the "Deviled egg + egg + egg" with sea urchin and salmon caviar, and Scallop Ceviche. These are designed to pair perfectly with their drinks.

  • Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy ROKC's flavors at home, takeout and delivery services are available through platforms like Seamless and Grubhub, offering convenience to locals.

Features / Highlights

ROKC stands out from the competition with several key features that contribute to its exceptional reputation:

  • Revolutionary Cocktail Program: Described as "the only cocktail bar of its caliber in the neighborhood," ROKC offers an impressive and "expansive and exciting" cocktail menu. Drinks are "made with care and attention to every detail," often presented in unique vessels, making them a feast for both the palate and the eyes. The "Smokey Pina Colada" is a standout favorite.

  • Award-Winning Ramen: Patrons rave about the ramen, with one reviewer calling it "the best ramen I have had ever!" The broth is consistently praised as "heavenly," and the noodles are noted for their perfect consistency, tasting "house made." Varieties like Kyoto, Sapporo, and unique soupless options with Wagyu or sea urchin cater to diverse tastes.

  • Divine Oyster Selection: Even those who "claim to not like oysters" are converted by ROKC's "ocean to table goodness." Their daily oyster happy hour further enhances this popular offering.

  • Innovative Appetizers: The kitchen offers more than just standard bar bites. Dishes like the "Deviled egg + egg + egg" with sea urchin and salmon caviar, and the "Scallop ceviche," are praised for their creativity, presentation, and deliciousness, adding a gourmet touch to the experience.

  • Cozy and Energetic Ambiance: The atmosphere is consistently described as "cozy, warmly lit, good vibes, great subtle low music in the background." This intimate setting, combined with "old school tunes" like roots reggae, creates a perfect backdrop for a relaxed yet lively evening.

  • Exceptional Service: Customers repeatedly highlight the "Exceptional service" and praise the "master bartenders" who work with "passion," ensuring a welcoming and attentive experience despite potentially busy periods.

Promotions or Special Offers

ROKC offers compelling promotions that make it an even more attractive destination for New Yorkers seeking quality and value:

  • Daily Oyster Happy Hour: This is a significant draw. ROKC offers $1.50 select oysters (minimum order of six) daily until 7:00 PM. This is a fantastic deal for fresh, high-quality oysters in NYC and pairs perfectly with their cocktails.

  • Lunch Service: While famous for its evening vibe, ROKC also offers lunch on weekends (Saturday and Sunday, opening at 12 PM), providing an opportunity to enjoy their ramen and other dishes in a potentially less crowded setting.

  • Seasonal Menu Additions: ROKC regularly introduces "seasonal ramen that celebrates the changing of the weather" and potentially other limited-time food and cocktail creations, keeping the menu fresh and exciting for regulars.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on happy hour times, current seasonal offerings, or any other promotions, New Yorkers should visit ROKC's official website or check their social media channels.

Contact Information

Ready to immerse yourself in the unique experience at ROKC? Here’s how to connect with them:

Address: 3452 Broadway, New York, NY 10031, USA

Phone: (332) 217-8755

Given its popularity and limited space, especially during dinner hours, calling ahead or checking for reservation options is highly recommended to minimize wait times.

Conclusion: Why ROKC is Suitable for Locals

For New Yorkers seeking a dining experience that genuinely stands out, ROKC in Hamilton Heights is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. It perfectly encapsulates the desires of the discerning urban diner: high-quality, inventive food and drinks, a memorable atmosphere, and exceptional service. The fact that it's praised as "the only cocktail bar of its caliber in the neighborhood" speaks volumes about its unique position.

Locals will appreciate the balance ROKC strikes: it offers gourmet-level craft cocktails and ramen described as "the best... ever," without the pretentiousness often found in similar establishments. The "cozy, warmly lit, good vibes" ambiance creates a welcoming space that's perfect for a date night, a relaxed catch-up with friends, or even a solo treat at the bar. The generous portions and the "amazing" daily oyster happy hour further enhance its value, ensuring a satisfying experience that feels like a treat without completely breaking the bank.

ROKC is more than just a place to eat; it's a place to experience. From the visual appeal of their cocktails to the comforting depth of their ramen broth and the unexpected delight of their appetizers, every detail is crafted with passion. It's the kind of neighborhood spot that earns loyalty and becomes a cherished regular haunt. For any New Yorker looking to elevate their evening with exceptional Japanese-inspired fare and creative libations, ROKC is an absolute must-visit that promises to make your "whole month."

ROKC Photos

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ROKC Location

ROKC

3452 Broadway, New York, NY 10031, USA

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