Food: ☆☆ 1/2 

Service: ☆☆

Ambiance: ☆☆

Cost: $$

Must try: Miso Ramen

Looking to escape the long waits at the crazy popular, overcrowded noodles shops that dot the Lower East Side? Kuboya Ramen on East 5th St, is a good option for some solid, good Japanese food.

The space is cozy with cushioned window seats that fan out over two rooms. The menu offers a nice variety of dishes including Ramen. I think the Spicy Miso Ramen was the best of the offerings. Nothing I tasted blew me away but it was a good meal and a spot I would gladly be willing to eat at in lieu of an hours wait.

Yes….. you will look over longingly at Minca next door wishing “if only….” but your sated appetite will tell you otherwise.

Here is some of what we ate:

Taco-chan sausage

Char Siu Pork Buns

Fried Rock Shrimp

Katsu Pork Curry

Garlic Potatoes

Avocado & Shrimp

Spicy Miso Ramen

Kuboya Triple Blend Ramen

Shoyu Ramen