With its minimal, breezy, light wood interior you'd expect Momofuku Noodle Bar, a Japanese eatery with a neighborhoody, East Village vibe, to solely serve delicate, veggie-infused fare — not steaming bowls of barbecue pork ramen. But it does serve barbecue pork ramen, as well as daring dishes like oxtail soup and fried chicken dumplings that make you swear you'd been to Japan via the good ole' South. If that all sounds too heavy, opt for the lighter side of the menu where you'll find appetizer gems like steamed shiitake buns, warming kimchi soup, and vegetables that were selected fresh from the local greenmarket. Wash it all down with some sake or beer for an evening of hip fun on the cheap.
Momofuku Noodle Bar
163 First Ave., New York | 212-475-7899