Temakase Hand Roll Bar - 2nd Ave

In the dynamic culinary landscape of New York City, where innovation meets tradition, Temakase Hand Roll Bar - 2nd Ave has carved out a special niche, offering a fresh and engaging way to enjoy sushi. This isn't your typical sit-down sushi restaurant; it’s a focused, minimalist, and highly satisfying experience centered around the art of the hand roll (temaki). For New Yorkers looking for something a bit different, a quick yet gourmet bite, or an intimate and focused sushi adventure, Temakase is quickly becoming a must-try.

Temakase excels by prioritizing freshness and the unique pleasure of eating hand rolls made moments before they reach your palate. As customers enthusiastically share, it's a "must-try and must-try-again place." The "minimalist and cozy place with a unique eating experience" sets the stage for deliciousness, while "attentive chefs" and "pleasant servers" like Michael ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Whether you opt for a curated "Hand Roll Set" or individual favorites, Temakase promises "scrumptious" food and a "great atmosphere," making it a beloved spot for both seasoned sushi connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

Temakase Hand Roll Bar is conveniently situated at 157 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA, right in the heart of the East Village. This vibrant and eclectic neighborhood is a perpetual hub of activity, offering a diverse array of dining options, boutiques, and a lively street scene. Its location on 2nd Avenue makes it a prominent and easily identifiable spot within this energetic community.

The East Village boasts excellent public transportation connectivity, ensuring that Temakase is highly accessible to New Yorkers from all corners of the city. Several subway lines are within comfortable walking distance, including the L train at 1st Avenue or 3rd Avenue, and the N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 trains at Union Square. This makes it a convenient destination whether you're coming from Midtown, Brooklyn, or other parts of Manhattan. While street parking can be a challenge in this dense urban area, numerous commercial parking garages are available in the surrounding blocks for those who choose to drive. The "great atmosphere" and accessible location make Temakase a prime spot for a unique and delicious sushi experience.

Temakase Hand Roll Bar - 2nd Ave specializes in offering a focused and authentic hand roll experience, complemented by excellent service and a cozy atmosphere.

• Dine-In Hand Roll Sets & À La Carte: The core of the experience is freshly prepared hand rolls, made right in front of you at the counter seating. Guests can choose from curated "Hand Roll Sets" (such as the "Hangry Hand Roll Set," often featuring 5-6 pieces) or select individual rolls à la carte. This ensures the nori (seaweed) remains crisp, as hand rolls are best enjoyed immediately.

• Small Plates & Appetizers: Beyond hand rolls, Temakase offers a selection of complementary small plates and appetizers designed to enhance the meal. These can include items like crispy rice (with spicy tuna or salmon), which provide a delightful textural contrast.

• Beverage Selection (including Sake): To complete the authentic experience, Temakase provides a thoughtful selection of beverages, including various sakes that "complement each dish without overpowering the gentle flavors." Customers particularly "Love the sake!"

• Takeout & Delivery: For those preferring to enjoy their hand rolls at home or on the go, Temakase offers convenient takeout and delivery services through major platforms like Grubhub and Uber Eats. They also offer "DIY Hand Roll Kits" for a fun and interactive meal at home.

• Reservations: While it is a casual dining spot, making a reservation, especially during peak hours, is advisable due to its popularity and relatively intimate seating arrangement. Reservations can be made via platforms like Resy.

• No-Tipping Policy: Temakase Hand Roll Bar is part of a growing trend in NYC that enforces a no-tipping policy, ensuring transparency in pricing and fair compensation for their staff.

Temakase Hand Roll Bar distinguishes itself in New York City's vibrant sushi scene with a blend of unique features and a strong commitment to quality.

• Specialization in Fresh Hand Rolls: The primary highlight is their dedication to hand rolls (temaki). Each hand roll is "meticulously made to order," ensuring the nori remains "crispy" – a hallmark of a truly authentic and delicious hand roll. This focus allows them to perfect this specific art form.

• High-Quality Ingredients: Customers consistently praise the freshness and flavor of the ingredients. Rolls like the "scallop hand roll" are noted as "scrumptious," and the use of "sushi-grade raw fish and quality ingredients" ensures that "each bite is bursting with flavor." Popular options include Blue Crab, Spicy Tuna Crunch, Toro Scallion, and Salmon.

• Unique and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant boasts a "minimalist and cozy place" with a "unique eating experience." The ambiance is designed to be inviting and intimate, allowing diners to focus on the craftsmanship of the hand rolls. It's often described as having a "great atmosphere."

• Attentive and Professional Service: Reviews frequently highlight the staff, noting that servers like Michael are "really pleasant," and the "chefs are very attentive." This ensures a smooth, enjoyable, and personalized dining experience.

• Curated Hand Roll Sets: For those who want a guided experience, Temakase offers various "Hand Roll Sets" (e.g., the "Hangry Hand Roll Set," "Classic Set," "Spicy Set") that provide a progression of flavors and textures, giving "more bang for your buck." These sets typically include 3 to 6 hand rolls, along with a crispy rice starter for some options.

• Sake Selection: The restaurant offers a thoughtfully curated selection of sake, which patrons love for its ability to perfectly complement the delicate flavors of the hand rolls, enhancing the overall Japanese dining experience.

• Affordable Price Point for Quality: While offering high-quality ingredients and a unique experience, Temakase is often considered "affordable" relative to other NYC sushi spots, with hand roll sets starting from around $19-$28, providing "exceptional value for sushi lovers." Individual hand rolls are typically priced between $7 and $11.

Temakase Hand Roll Bar - 2nd Ave maintains its appeal through consistently fresh ingredients, unique presentation, and reasonable pricing, rather than relying heavily on constantly changing promotions. However, there are some established offerings that serve as great value propositions for New Yorkers:

• Hand Roll Sets: The various "Hand Roll Sets" (like the "Hangry Hand Roll Set" or the "Classic Set") are designed to provide a comprehensive and satisfying meal at a set price, often offering better value than ordering individual rolls à la carte. For example, a 5-handroll set at $27 can be a significant saving compared to individual prices.

• Lunch Special: One notable offering mentioned by reviewers is a "lunch special before 4 pm where you could get 3 hand rolls and a crispy rice starter for $20!" This represents an excellent deal for a high-quality sushi lunch in Manhattan.

• DIY Hand Roll Kits: For those who want to bring the Temakase experience home, their "DIY Hand Roll Kits" offer a special way to enjoy their ingredients. These kits, available for delivery, provide everything needed to create delicious hand rolls, perfect for a fun and interactive meal for 2-3 people.

While traditional discounts may not be common, these structured offerings and the inherent value of their fresh, quality ingredients at a competitive price point are what attract and retain local customers. For the most current menu details, set prices, and any potential limited-time offers, it's always best to check their official website or inquire directly when visiting.

Ready to experience the fresh and unique hand roll delights at Temakase Hand Roll Bar - 2nd Ave? Here’s how you can get in touch or find them:

• Address: 157 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

• Phone: (212) 381-1456

• Website: (Look for "https://www.google.com/search?q=temakasenyc.com" or related booking platforms like Resy for reservations)

• Email for Catering: temakaseny@gmail.com (for catering inquiries)

• Operating Hours:

  • Monday - Thursday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday - Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

It is advisable to make a reservation, especially during peak dining hours, to ensure a smooth and timely experience at this popular spot.

For New Yorkers, Temakase Hand Roll Bar on 2nd Ave is an exceptionally suitable and appealing dining destination, perfectly blending quality, efficiency, and a unique experience that resonates with the city's dynamic lifestyle.

Firstly, its specialization in hand rolls offers a fresh take on sushi that’s both authentic and incredibly satisfying. The emphasis on preparing each hand roll "moments after it leaves their hands" ensures the nori remains "crispy," a critical detail for sushi aficionados. This focus on immediate consumption delivers the highest quality and freshest taste, a true luxury in the fast-paced city. The "scrumptious" food, with highlights like the scallop hand roll, consistently impresses.

Secondly, the "minimalist and cozy place" provides a welcoming and intimate atmosphere. In a city often characterized by bustling and sometimes overwhelming dining rooms, Temakase offers a calm and focused environment where diners can truly savor their meal and enjoy conversation. The "attentive" staff and pleasant service, as highlighted by customers, contribute significantly to this relaxing experience.

Lastly, its prime East Village location makes it highly accessible via public transportation, fitting seamlessly into a local's routine. Whether it's a quick and delicious lunch with their value-packed "lunch special" or a relaxed dinner, Temakase offers a high-quality sushi experience at a competitive price point for Manhattan. It’s a "unique experience" that locals will "definitely go back" to, solidifying its place as a cherished spot for a truly enjoyable and authentic hand roll fix in New York City.

Temakase Hand Roll Bar - 2nd Ave

157 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA