Takumen

For New Yorkers seeking a culinary adventure that tantalizes the taste buds and soothes the soul, Takumen in Long Island City offers a truly unique Japanese dining experience. More than just a ramen restaurant, Takumen positions itself as a "New American Izakaya," blending traditional Japanese flavors with a modern, vibrant twist. It's a place where the ramen is comforting and inventive, the drinks are as exciting as the food, and the atmosphere is consistently described as having "such a vibe."

Located conveniently near Gantry Plaza State Park, Takumen has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Diners rave about the delicious ramen, the inventive drink menu (including unique offerings like matcha beer), and the overall "cute colors" and "nice atmosphere," especially in the evening. Beyond the savory bowls, Takumen also delights with offerings like soft-serve ice cream and specialty teas from revered purveyors like Matcha Days and Kettl. Whether you're craving a hearty bowl of noodles, a flavorful rice bowl, or just a relaxing spot to unwind with a unique beverage, Takumen promises a "great experience" that makes you want to "come back and try their other menu" items.

Takumen is conveniently nestled at 5-50 50th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of Long Island City (LIC), a bustling and rapidly developing neighborhood in Queens. LIC is celebrated for its dynamic arts scene, stunning waterfront parks, and an ever-growing array of culinary destinations.

The restaurant's proximity to Gantry Plaza State Park makes it an ideal stop for those enjoying the waterfront views or simply strolling through the neighborhood. Access to Takumen is remarkably easy for New Yorkers, thanks to Long Island City's robust public transportation network. Several subway lines (including the 7, G, E, and M trains) and bus routes are within comfortable walking distance, ensuring that patrons from across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other parts of Queens can reach the restaurant with minimal effort. While parking can be a challenge in any urban setting, the excellent public transit options make Takumen a highly accessible and convenient choice for an enjoyable Japanese meal.

Takumen offers a comprehensive menu and dining services that cater to a wide range of preferences, making it a versatile spot for various occasions.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy the vibrant and cozy atmosphere directly at the restaurant. Takumen provides a welcoming space for both individuals and groups, though it can get "a little packed on a Tuesday evening," suggesting reservations might be beneficial.
• Ramen Selection: A core offering, featuring various ramen types with different broths and toppings. Popular choices include:
  • Ban Ban Chicken Ramen (slow-cooked chicken breast, chili oil, fried garlic, Takumen broth)
  • Spicy Goma Miso Ramen (roasted black sesame, spicy miso, ground pork, chashu-pork)
  • Super Cilantro "Shio Ramen" (mucho cilantro, slow-cooked chicken, lime)
  • Tan-Men Veggie Lovers Ramen (with choice of Takumen or vegetable broth, diverse vegetables, Gluten-Free noodles available)
  • Kid's Ramen (half portion for younger diners)
• Rice Bowls (Donburi): A diverse selection of flavorful rice bowls with various toppings:
  • Namban Chicken Rice Bowl (sweet chicken karaage)
  • Hawaiian Tuna Poke Rice Bowl
  • Takumen Chicken Rice Bowl (fried karaage chicken)
  • Beef Dry Curry Rice Bowl
  • Unagi Rice Bowl (grilled unagi eel)
  • Kinoko Bowl (sautéed Japanese mushrooms, vegetarian/vegan option)
• Appetizers & Sides: A wide array of Japanese izakaya-style appetizers including:
  • Karaage Chicken Appetizer (fried chicken)
  • Soy Garlic Wings, Original Miso Wings, Thai Green Curry Wings
  • Tsukune (grilled chicken meatballs)
  • Obanzai Assorted Plates (small portions of various daily-changing sides)
  • Edamame (Dashi or Shiso-tossed)
  • Nori shio potato (crispy fried potatoes)
  • Tuna Poke Appetizer
• Unique Drink Menu: Beyond standard beverages, Takumen offers a distinctive selection including:
  • Matcha Latte (with free oat, macadamia, or almond milk options)
  • Hojicha Latte
  • Matcha Beer
  • Bubble Teas (Matcha, Hojicha, Caffe Latte, Chocolate)
  • Specialty Teas from Kettl and Matcha Days
• Desserts: Featuring soft-serve ice cream, providing a sweet end to the meal.
• Takeout & Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Takumen offers direct online ordering for pickup and partners with major delivery platforms like Seamless, Grubhub, and DoorDash, ensuring you can enjoy their food at home.
• Reservations: While not strictly required, given its popularity, particularly on evenings, making a reservation (via Resy or phone) is recommended to secure a table.

Takumen has cultivated a strong reputation in Long Island City due to its distinctive features and highlights that create a memorable dining experience.

• Vibrant and Inviting Atmosphere: Customers consistently praise the "nice atmosphere" and note that it has "such a vibe." The interior features "cute colors" and a unique playlist, creating a lively and enjoyable setting for a meal, especially in the evening.
• Diverse and Delicious Menu: Beyond just ramen, Takumen offers a wide range of well-executed dishes including various ramen types, hearty rice bowls, and a selection of Japanese izakaya-style appetizers. The food is generally described as "delicious" and "fantastic."
• Unique Beverage Program: A stand-out feature is their inventive drink menu. Diners can enjoy specialty matcha and hojicha lattes (with complimentary dairy alternatives), and intriguing options like "matcha beer," which guests find "so cool!" They also feature high-quality teas from reputable purveyors like Kettl and Matcha Days.
• Attentive and Helpful Staff: The service consistently receives positive feedback, with staff being described as "helpful" and contributing to a "great experience." Their attentiveness enhances the overall dining comfort.
• Soft-Serve Desserts: A delightful addition to their offerings, Takumen also sells soft-serve ice cream, providing a sweet and refreshing finish to any meal.
• Convenient Location near Gantry Park: Situated close to Gantry Plaza State Park, it’s an ideal spot for locals and visitors to grab a bite after enjoying the park's scenic views and recreational activities.
• Good Value: While specific prices weren't provided in the reviews, the overall sentiment points to the quality and experience being "worth the price and of high quality," suggesting a good value proposition for a Japanese izakaya in NYC.
• Flexible Dietary Options: Takumen offers ramen with gluten-free noodles for some varieties and a vegetarian/vegan-friendly Kinoko Bowl, catering to different dietary needs. They also offer various milk alternatives for their lattes free of charge.

While specific, regularly advertised discount promotions might not be prominently highlighted, Takumen offers inherent value through its diverse menu and thoughtful inclusions.

• Value for Quality: The consistent feedback of "worth the price and of high quality" indicates that Takumen inherently offers strong value for its offerings within the competitive New York City dining scene. Their prices are generally considered reasonable for the quality and experience of a Japanese Izakaya. For example, many ramen bowls are around $20-$22, and rice bowls range from $21-$30.
• Complimentary Dairy Alternatives: A thoughtful touch, Takumen offers oat, macadamia, and almond milk alternatives for their lattes free of charge. This is a subtle but valuable perk for those with dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Online Ordering Deals: Platforms like Seamless and Grubhub often feature deals for new customers or specific order thresholds. For instance, Seamless mentions "Use between 2pm–6:30pm" for a "$5 off" on qualifying orders of $30 or more for Takumen, and DoorDash indicates "US$0 delivery fee on first order" and "20.0 % off (up to US$10) on your first order of US$30 or more." These platform-specific deals provide excellent opportunities for savings on takeout or delivery.

It's always recommended for New Yorkers to check Takumen's official website or their listings on popular delivery apps for any current or seasonal promotions, as these can be updated regularly.

To experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious Japanese cuisine at Takumen, or for any inquiries, here is their contact information:

• Address: 5-50 50th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA
• Phone: (718) 361-7973
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-361-7973

For reservations, it's advisable to use platforms like Resy or call directly, especially during peak evening hours, as the restaurant can get "a little packed." You can also find their menu and order online for pickup or delivery through their website or various food delivery apps.

Takumen is a compelling choice for New York locals, especially those in Long Island City, offering a dynamic and satisfying Japanese dining experience that perfectly fits the urban lifestyle. Its prime location near Gantry Plaza State Park makes it a convenient and desirable destination for a pre-park meal or a relaxing dinner after a day out.

What truly makes Takumen suitable for locals is its unique blend of delicious, hearty ramen and creative izakaya offerings, all served within a vibrant and inviting "vibe." The extensive menu means there's something for everyone, whether you're craving a classic ramen bowl, a savory rice dish, or intriguing appetizers like their lauded wings. The inclusion of unique drinks like matcha beer and high-quality specialty teas elevates the experience beyond a typical ramen shop. Furthermore, the accommodating staff and their willingness to offer complimentary milk alternatives for lattes demonstrate a thoughtful approach to customer service. Despite being popular and sometimes packed, the overall quality, atmosphere, and diverse menu make it "worth the price." For New Yorkers seeking a consistently good meal, a cool ambiance, and a convenient spot to satisfy their Japanese food cravings, Takumen stands out as a reliable and much-loved local gem in Long Island City.

Takumen

5-50 50th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA