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Otafuku
Category: Restaurants Japanese Japanese [Edit]
236 E 9th St(between 2nd Ave & Stuyvesant St)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhood: East Village
(212) 353-8503
- Nearest Transit:
-
Astor Pl (4, 6, 6X)
8 St - Nyu (N, R)
3 Av (L)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 1 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
563 reviews for Otafuku
Review Highlights
"The Takoyaki was moist, yet crisp and very creamy."
(in 407 reviews)
"The octopus balls are soft and very moist."
(in 98 reviews)
"just amazing okonomiyaki if I haven't said it already."
(in 261 reviews)
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563 reviews in English
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Review from Brittany H.
New York, NY
2/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here
WAIT FOR IT....
the best takoyaki in the neighborhood..and when i mean best... make sure you're getting a freshly made to order, with all the fixin's.
otherwise... if it's not made to order... i'm knocking down 2 or 3 stars... -
Review from Ray Y.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Otafuku is the reason why I'm going to be broke and fat. This adorable hole-in-the-wall has amazing Japanese food, especially the octopus balls! I thought I would have to go back to Japan for these.
Here's some fun facts about takoyaki (octopus balls)
- cooked in a special takoyaki pan
- popular in Japan, sold as street food
- served with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito (tuna) flakes
I ordered Combo C: takoyaki and yakisoba $9. First of all, I would like to commend them for excellent service. I asked if I can have freshly made takoyaki, and the girl fried a new batch for me. It made such a big difference. The takoyaki was warm and crispy on the outside. When you bite into it, the batter was warm and soft, and you get tiny chunks of real octopus. And the sauce and flakes, omg the sauce. It just combined all the flavors together. Seriously you get the best of each flavor with takoyaki: seafood crunch mixed with sweetness... heaven in my mouth!
Yes, I will definitely go back again! I'm craving it already... -
Review from Huong L.
Astoria, NY
2/4/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Food: 5 stars No Doubt
Service: 0.5 star... No Doubt
Hot, crispy, yummy, cheap Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and yakisoba. They make it way better than all the Japanese places in east village. I've always come here to eat and I absolutely love the food here.
However, the service is a whole other story..........
We came in, ordered and the cashier was like "it's $5" then she pointed at the tip box and said: "TIP"
I was waiting for a "PLEASE" but there was no "PLEASE", all she said was "TIP" (Who does that?) So hostile. I didn't know good, cheap street food sometimes = hostile services
I was so shocked (may be more like... scared that she was gonna do something to our food, now that's i think about it :)) that I actually put $1 in the tip box.
I'm so BITTER now.
So I guess all I'm saying is come here to eat good and cheap food but don't be scared like me, don't tip. -
Review from Elizabeth C.
Brooklyn, NY
1/18/2012
I have never fantasized about a restaurant more in my life than Otafuku. After trying their takoyaki for the first time several months ago, I have literally been haunted. I went back 3 times that first week, and for $5 an order, I really couldn't complain about my new addiction. Months later, I still stop in whenever I'm in the area.
My only wish is that they stayed open later; I don't think there's anything better after a night of drinking than an order or two of their perfect takoyaki...mmmmm.
I generally stick to the takoyaki when I go since I find adding additional items to be too filling. However, I will say that I have tried the full menu and everything tastes great. The only thing I wasn't so crazy about was the taiyaki--being a little fish, it wins on adorable points, but it tasted a bit dry--and the yakisoba is nothing special. But no one goes to Otafuku for their noodles or dessert. Otafuku could literally serve garbage for all I care as long as they keep making that amazing takoyaki. -
Review from Mai L.
1/16/2012
Food here is not the healthiest but it is one of the yummiest. This is the place to go for fried octopus balls. It may sound appalling but try it before you judge. However, if you prefer to stay away from the octopus balls they do offer yaki soba (fried soba) and okonomiyaki (japanese style fried omelet).
There is basically not seating, but there is a small bench in front, so if it's available be sure to grab it before you lose it.Listed in: Little Places
-
Review from Jimmy C.
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Seaweed and a smile! That's what you will be looking like after this blissful treat!
FOOD:
Authentic Street Food Takoyaki/Okonomiyaki! Fried squid balls or seafood pancakes all day! They have variations of meat you can have with the pancakes and there is nothing wrong with any variation. The only thing I would recommend is to tell them to half or even just go one third on the sauce. Honestly for me, I think drowning it in sauce is just a cheap cop out and they are doing it more to appease all the obese Tourists out there. The owner even said himself, he prefers little sauce. Let the natural flavors and taste of the food shine through. Watch out for the seaweed and seasonings, they are tasty, but on a windy day can fly all over the place and get stuck in your teeth as well. Use a toothpick or rinse afterwards lol!!!
ATMOSPHERE:
Small, order from the street style shop. Only enough room to come in, order, take a quick look, pay and go back outside! Has the vibe of a small authentic hole in the wall store though. Love the wood decor.
SERVICE:
Hands on and decently fast. The only thing is that they don't really have a PA system, so they are shouting from the inside with your number. So when things get loud, I can see a mis-communication happening. Also, since the order space is so small and a small staff..I can see how they can mix up numbers or orders easily. Best to go when not super busy (on weekends or busy meal times)
SUMMARY:
If you want some great Japanese style Fried Squid Balls or pancakes, This is the place to go! You will not be disappointed.Listed in: Hippity Hop!
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Review from Gregory K.
Northridge, CA
1/22/2012
JAPANESE STREET FOOD THAT YOU ONLY THOUGHT YOU COULD GET IN JAPAN...YOU CAN GET LOCALLY @ OTAFUKU!!
I don't know how the owner and chef do it, but this was the most cramped and claustrophobic place I have ever ordered food...but i guess it's part of the Japanese experience (reminds me of how they hire people to squeeze commuters into the subway in Tokyo).
I had been meaning to try Street Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki for quite a while after hearing about it. The chef tells you to wait 10 minutes while he prepares both the okonomiyaki and the takoyaki. Once the order is ready, you're asked if you want everything on it (takoyaki sauce, mayo, greens, and bonito flakes).
After the first bite: "HALLELUJAH"
-the feeling was similar to getting that Birthday Present you've always wanted as a kid.
Takoyaki was MOIST on the inside, CRISPY on the outside, the Octopus being not overdone but enough to be chewy.
(I was done with three in approx 1.5 minutes. that's how damn good it was)
Okonomiyaki was great too. CRISPY=BETTER. FLUFFY as well on the inside.
ALL TOO GOOD!
GOOD THING THEY OPEN UNTIL LATE GOOD SPOT TO BRING FRIENDS as well if they wanna try some genuine Japanese ST FOOD! -
Review from William W.
Brooklyn, NY
2/2/2012
Damn, Otafuku, I knew that face looked familiar (it's on the sauce bottles that they sell for Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki, etc...). Went here with my sig. other for a quick snack, ended up getting the Combo B, which was an order of Takoyaki (6 balls) and a small pancake of Okonomiyaki. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much... the place is a small little hole in the wall where you can't even stand inside to eat, it's pretty much enough space to operate behind their counter, and for people to come in, order, and leave to eat outside on the bench in front of the store. Nevertheless, the wait was damn long for our order, and we were pretty much in the freezing cold waiting for our food. One of the cooks, possibly a ABJ, was texting on his smart phone every 5 minutes while cooking our food. If he was that free, he could have spent more time cooking more people's food so that the wait wouldn't be so long, but I digress. Anyway, when we got the food - it was SO DAMN GOOD! Haha. Seriously, when I bit into the Takoyaki, though it was a bit burnt, the taste was so comforting, and even my girlfriend thought it was splendid. Just the right amount of sauce, with the right amount of toppings on both. The Okonomiyaki was also really tasty, and definitely worth the money.
If you're in the neighborhood and just want a quick snack, this is the place to go! Just wish they had a place inside to eat... -
Review from Maryanne B.
Clifton, NJ
1/18/2012 2 photos
Cash only.
Only three people inside at a time.
Order, save your ticket, wait outside until they call your number. ENJOY!
Been here about three times and loved it every single time. My favorite is the takoyaki. An employee said that the takoyaki is best on slow days like rainy weekdays because they make it crispier instead of soft and doughy. However, I like it both ways. Okonomiyaki is also the thing to order when you're here. -
Review from Thao N.
1/2/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This is the place to go for authentic takoyaki with the right texture and flavor! I personally enjoy the flakes of squid that's used as a garnish... nyum nyum...
This place doesn't have indoor seating, but it's ok! Because the takoyaki comes out pipping hot (be careful), I'm alright with eating it outside... especially in colder weather. -
Review from Anna L.
Manhattan, NY
12/28/2011
YUMMM. This is one small eating establishment. Believe me, you will walk right by this place and not even realize it. Well.. maybe I am overgeneralizing, because I walked past Otafuku many times and never realized it was there. I have heard one or two friends talking about octopus balls and how amazing they are at this place in St.Marks. And I finally took the initiative to seek it out and try it.
Result: Yummy stuff in my tummy! I was so glad I actually came to try their Takoyaki. It was definitely worth an outing to St.Mark's Place. It was pretty amazing. It didn't hurt that I didn't have to wait because there weren't any lines there when I went. Plus I loved the bonito flakes mixed with the takoyaki sauce on top of the octopus balls. So if you are near by, stop by for a delicious treat. If you aren't, well too you should go there! -
Review from Casey C.
12/6/2011
I love takoyaki.
I loved their takoyaki.
Hot fresh creamy. But they held their shape with a nice cooked exterior and didn't turn to mush as i tried to pick it up.
Notes on ordering... when other have left the tiny ordering area, then go in and place your order. Once you've ordered he will give you a number. When your order is done he will call out your number. Then go back in to get it with your number and ticket. There may be a line and a bit of confusion about getting into the area to order, b/c it's so small... but be patient.
Ordering and waiting is a bit annoying b/c you can see them cooking through the window and you're just droooooling for them... but when you finally get it, it's delicious. Waiting is expect b/c they are limited by grill size, number of customers, and really you HAVE to cook/eat takoyaki fresh. None of that, precook and then serve. No Way! We waited 30mins and we got there around 5:30.
Plenty of bonito shavings. I pref a tad bit more takoyaki sauce but that's ok. Great flavors, great preparation.
I also enjoyed their okonomiyaki. Plenty of toppings. Hot and fresh. Crisp grill.
Happy camper.
Reminder... come early and/or expect to wait for an order. So don't come uber-hungry and expecting immediate gratification. -
Review from Eri S.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
if you're getting takoyaki or okonomiyaki (which is what you better be getting), CARRY A MIRROR WITH YOU or you'll have seaweed bits all over your teeth -_-
that aside, one bite and i felt like i was back in japan! yums :] we got the okonomiyaki (w/ corn) + takoyaki to share and we devoured that ish in seconds, despite it being piping hot. so delicious that it made eating it on their wooden bench at 30 degree weather definitely worth it.
i'm already drooling thinking about it... -
Review from Mr. Met s.
Stony Brook, NY
11/11/2011
Don't come here if only men are making the okonomiyaki!!!!!!!!!!
It was undercooked, and it was like eating flour. But the 10x other times i ate here when women made it - it was BEAUTIFUL.
Otherwise, the octopus balls came out ok, but it's really when the ladies make it - it is perfect. -
Review from Janine D.
Brooklyn, NY
12/2/2011
I shed a private tear of happiness when I dine here with my boyfriend. Everything here is on point, and I try to come here as often as possible.
Some may think that having only one wooden bench for an establishment that pumps out so many orbs of goodness is a burden but I think of it as a romance factor.
I respect the decisions they make, like I do New Zealand wines bottled in the early 2000s (screw cap vs. the cork) , they can choice to modernize their street food by placing multiple patio tables on the street side or they can hold on to the fact that they want to continue on serving their food like they do when takoyaki was first introduce in Japan by Tomekichi in 1935.
Besides, sitting on that wooden bench with that red banner swaying back and forth, taunting the little gnats, further accentuates your date's good looks. -
Review from Michael P.
Fresh Meadows, NY
1/24/2012
This place just isn't the same anymore. Back before the fire, when the staff were mostly Japanese this place was a well-oiled machine, everything came to you hot and perfectly cooked, and there were no surprises. Today I got a combo A pork, didn't get my change, didn't get a ticket, waited 20 minutes for cold yakisoba and burnt okonomiyaki, and the other person waiting at the counter got the extra bonito I asked for. To make things worse, the okonomiyaki mixture (at least today) was super scallion heavy, and they appear to have eliminated the other takoyaki choices including my favorite - cheese.
I'll probably give it a couple more chances for loyalty's sake, but if you're a newcomer, I'd skip the disappointment. Although, you can probably tell whether you're going to get a good meal or not by whether you get greeted with a hearty 'Irasshai' or 'Yo.' -
Review from queenie n.
Oakland Gardens, NY
1/19/2012
TAKOYAKI, say no more!
I love this little spot at the east village. I'm always wanting more and more. Six little hot carb-filling balls with a piece of octopus topped with enormous amount of sauce, bonito flakes and seaweed! I love how the bonito flakes and seaweed works with these little guys. Stuff a ball into your mouth and it just melts.. Not too fond of the mayonnaise so I ask for just a little bit which I think it taste just as good. They have other selections like okonomiyaki and yaki-soba. As much as I like the okonomiyaki, it's a little too much carbs for me and I think the little takoyaki guys wins the title.
NOM NOM NOM. (Planning on my next visit) -
Review from Ron C.
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
BALLS BALLS BALLS !!!!
In need a quick snack on the go? This is the place to get them. You can come here and pick up a couple of good snacks, but the main thing that get;s you are the Takoyaki. Which translates to Octopus Balls.
These are served quick and easy in less than a minute. Your in and out with BALLS in your mouth. Now who doesn't like that? -
Review from Serena T.
11/17/2011 6 photos
I believe Otafuku might be one of the few places in NYC that's smaller than my kitchen - an impressive feat. However, the crowd waiting for their takoyaki doesn't seem to mind the cramped cooking quarters!
I love that the takoyaki is prepared right in front of you - using spherical molds, the cook fills each with a mix of octopus, tempura, pickled ginger, and scallions...before filling the rest of the mold with batter. Mmmm, batter....
The finished product is topped with takoyaki sauce, mayo, seaweed, and katsuobushi (dried bonito), which waves invitingly while daintily perched on the steaming takoyaki.
The inside is a flavorful, ooey-gooey, meaty bite of scrumptiousness. Just be careful not to burn your mouth in excitement!
An order of 6 takoyaki will set you back a whopping $5, and you can choose from several fillings (though octopus is the clear fave). Additionally, Otafuku serves edamame, okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese pancake, somewhat similar to Korean pajun) and a few other goodies on its limited menu. But if you happen to be in the East Village area, definitely stop by Otafuku!
Cheap and good. -
Review from Suanne L.
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Takoyaki should be some kind of euphemism. Those delicious soft, salty orbs of hot goodness, smeared with creamy Kewpie and shaved tuna? The delicate chew, the umami galore? Oh yes honey, you know you want some too!
In all seriousness, Otafuku is great street food at any time of day. This is where I had my first taste of okonomiyaki, that pancake of cabbagey yumminess. Edamame. Combo's. Cheap prices. Authentic hole-in-the-wall status? Just don't expect to sit down here. -
Review from Brooke W.
Seeing as where this is the only place I can get REAL okonomiyaki on the east coast I am in love!
I'm from Florida and I've only seen okonomiyaki on a menu once here... it was not what it claimed to be. It was more like a giant onion and cabbage pancake that was deep fried? It talked like an onion ring which was good but it's NOT OKONOMIYAKI!
So when I found out about Otafuku I flipped out because it's named after the company that makes the best sauces for their main dishes: okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and yakisoba. So you know it's going to taste like the real thing from Japan because they're using the same sauce. And half the flavor is in the sauce soo yeah, it's important.
Here's a tip in case you don't know... because I didn't. It's CASH ONLY! Don't make the same mistake I did, getting all excited, ordering my meal to only be turned down when you present your card. Epic dining fail. Thank goodness there was a Bank of America around the corner because I was starving!
Wait a minute... I've done way to much ranting and not speaking of the amazingness that is Otafuku. So you go inside to the first window and order your food. I ordered the okonomiyaki and yakisoba combo. Which was an insanely good deal, all the options were. Then you pay with your CASH and they give you a ticket and you wait outside. The windows are all clear so for the most part you can watch your food be made to order. Nothing better than that. They call your number and you are presented with your authentic Japanese street food. And I must say, it's spot on! My first bite into my okonomiyaki I was instantly transported back to Japan. Some people say they hear bells, I heard a gong.
The flavor was perfect, the consistency was perfect, the smell, setting, price, look, everything was perfect. If there was a sixth star up there I would have clicked it! BONZAI OTAFUKU! -
Review from N L.
Bergen County, NJ
10/24/2011
BEST OKONOMIYAKI/TAKOYAKI EVER!
1) Make your way into the tiny hole in the wall.
2) Wait for them to notice you.
3) Give them your order.
4) Receive a receipt with a number on it. Don't lose the receipt!!
5) Wait outside until your number is called. If the bench outside is empty, SCOREEE
6) "NUMBAHH 4!! NUMBAHHHH 4!" Quickly go inside and hand them your receipt.
7) Enjoy your hot okonomiyaki/takoyaki.
Seriously amazing. You can get takoyaki with octopus, cheese, or plain. My favorite okonomiyaki is pork, but they have others toppings like corn, beef, shrimp, or squid. There's also yakisoba and edamame on the menu.
You can also get combos!! Y-U-M
Sometimes when I go really late on a busy night, they're sold out of okonomiyaki :( It's really sad. I can understand when they're sold out of toppings like beef or pork (which has happened before) but I get really sad when the okonomiyaki itself is gone. It's really a heartbreaking moment on a night you have Japanese pancake cravings. -
Review from Jackie S.
10/29/2011
I was so upset with my food from Crif Dogs, and I had to eat something else to cheer me up. Luckily Otafuku was not far from Crif Dogs, and delicious Asian food was what I needed! Had the Combo B with takoyaki and okonomiyaki with squid. Nom nom nom. Plus, the bonito flakes and the sauces made everything taste so good. We waited for 10 minutes for our food, so this was the perfect amount of time before my brain registered that I was full from the hot dogs.
Can't wait to eat here again. Cash only. -
Review from Hung N.
12/31/2011
Divey, small, no seating, service not that good...but this street food is a win. Fun to share and it tastes pretty good. Trying for the first time I was surprised of the texture inside. I was expecting felafel or maybe corn dog like. It was doughier than expected (like a pancake), but the flavors of octupus, the katsuobushi (shavings of dried fish), mayo or whatever sauces they put on top was really good. I enjoyed...don't crave, but enjoyed.
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Review from William W.
Astoria, NY
1/9/2012
I got combo B, which was Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. I got the latter with shrimp, it was very good and I will definitely be back.
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Review from Jack S.
Astoria, NY
1/27/2012
I've been going to these guys for years, but there's been a change in staff and attitude. They used to be veggie friendly, but sort of veggie hostile now. And their Combo A of yaki soba and okonimiyaki pancakes has been inconsistent in taste. I'm downgrading the ratings in the hopes that they will try to match the quality and attitude before they had their makeover.
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Review from Shannon Z.
Brooklyn, NY
12/27/2011
Takoyaki is actually decently good and well priced here. 6 takoyakis for $5 and change I believe. It's a cute place to come if you want a quick snack. It's a hole in the wall and there's no place to sit so just grab and eat outside.
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Review from Jennifer O.
Manhattan, NY
1/29/2012
I've been there a few times, and each time was a very different experience. The first time I went was maybe 2years ago. The food was good , but the guys were kind of rude. I felt so uncomfortable I didn't go back for another year. I ended having to go back because it simply makes the best takoyaki. The 2nd time I went there everyone was friendly and the service was quick. There is no place to sit inside of the cramped area, but they do have a bench outside for the customers. The takoyaki is mosit and delicious. It is best when you get all the toppings on it. You may have fish breath for a few minutes but it will be worth it.
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Review from James Y.
Silver Spring, MD
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Otafuku's Takoyacki is a great appetizer while waiting to get into Velselka (Ukrainian diner next block over)
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Review from Chieu L.
Atlanta, GA
2/2/2012
oh goodness...oh how i miss thee!!! .... i need some in dc...i might just die... *drool*
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Review from Suzie Y.
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
10/4/2011
I used to love Okinomiyakis when I was living in San Francisco. But since I've moved to the East Coast, haven't been able to find a good Japanese restaurant that makes Okinomiyakis. I was only able to get sushi/hibachi in the area, so I was so thankful when I stumbled upon this place a few years back.
When you're looking for this place, it's very easy to miss. It's not a sit down restaurant, but a very small take out only place. There's only enough room for the few employees to fit inside. You have to place the order and then come out, so that the next person can go inside to place their order.
The staff there are always very friendly.
There's one bench you can share with up to two other people right outside.
I always get the Takoyaki/Okinomiyaki combo, it's a great deal. They always taste great and it's made fresh when you place your order, so it's always steaming hot (be careful!).
I think this is better than the Okinomiyaki I had in S.F. that's been lingering around in my memory.
I went there with a group of people last time and everyone who's had Okinomiyakis before and people new to it, loved it!
The only downside is that there is no place for you to sit, so if you come with a group, just take your food and go to the "park" nearby(1 block up), there are a few benches there.
You've got to try this place, this food really warms your soul! *^.^* -
Review from Kimberly K.
Manhattan, NY
Otafuku serves up some delicious Takoyaki (ball-shaped dumpling) and Okonomiyaki (savory pancake).
The shop is very small. Once you've placed your order, you are instructed to wait outside. The lovely ladies working here are super sweet and helpful.
The menu is quite simple. They offer Takoyaki (w/ Octopus, Cheese, or Plain), Edamame, Okonomiyaki (w/ Corn, Pork, Beef, Shrimp, or Squid), and Yakisoba (fried noodles). There are also 4 Combos available, in which you can try a bit of everything.
The Takoyaki batter was well prepared. Plenty of octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions were found throughout. The octopus was chewy and worked well with the smooth batter. The Takoyaki was slightly crispy on the outside but warm and gooey inside. It is topped off with generous amounts of takoyaki sauce, mayo, aonori, and dried bonito shavings.
What a treat! -
Review from alysa b.
New York, NY
1/1/2012
For a quick and filling bite, pick up some octopus balls from this place, but be ready to walk or stand outside and devour; there's no seating room at this whole in the wall.
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Review from Danny C.
Jersey City, NJ
9/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
I would say they are the best Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki in the city. The price is super friendly, and the food is amazing.
Something i noticed recently. They only get C for NYC Restaurant Inspection. It's the worst grade i ever saw. FYI -
Review from Tadashi O.
San Jose, CA
10/28/2011
GREAT places only make a few items - and they make them GOOOO~OOOD! This is one of those places.
It's seriously a hole-in-a-wall of a place. You can only have one, at most two customers in there at once. Once you place your order and pay, you'll get a receipt and you'll wait outside until they call your number. They also have a nice selection of Japanese drinks (like ramune in different flavors). Their menu is basically three things: takoyaki (literal translation to 'cooked/grilled octupus'), okonomiyaki (Japanese 'pancake' made with shredded cabbage, egg, flour, pickled ginger, and choice of protein), and yakisoba ('cooked/grilled noodles). You can get these as is, or can combine them.
I have family in Osaka and that's where "takoyaki" began - actually started by yakuzas trying to make more money. I've never been a fan of them because their just snacks - you can't get full off of them and they seem so expansive for a ball of 'pancake-like batter' with a piece of octopus inside. With that said, I still got 6pcs of the takoyaki here and I was extremely surprised with what I have been missing! Outside was nice and slightly crispy, but the inside is still moist, gooey, steamy and bursting with flavor.
The young man working the grill was really friendly and we chatted for a bit in Japanese. If you're in the area and craving something different, I suggest you come here! Delicious! -
Review from Jiao S.
10/5/2011 4 photos
This place has 500+reviews ~ so I don't need say much about it.
Basically what you ever asked for a Takoyaki, crispy outside, chewy octopus inside or the feeling of street food, and friendly owner. Otafuku has everything ~ -
Review from Steve M.
8/19/2011
This hole-in-the-wall Japanese street food joint is superb. They only do a few things here, but wow do they do them right! All they offer on their menu are takoyaki, okonomiyaki and yakisoba as others have noted. I've had them all. The octopus takoyaki are my absolute favorite.
I brought here a friend who travels to Japan often, and he said they were the best takoyaki he's had including the ones he's sampled in Japan. The takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayo and dried bonito flakes with which they dress these delicious batter balls are (just about literally) the proverbial icing on the cake. I always ask them to go heavy on the flakes and they are happy to oblige.
As others also have warned though, watch out! They are hot little suckers and it's quite easy to burn your mouth if you're not careful - even when not fresh off the grill -
Review from Virginia Y.
Baltimore, MD
Updated - 12/3/2011
So I went back for okonomiyaki. I would definitely say the takoyaki is what they're really known for but the okonomiyaki wasn't bad either. I got lunch box B which was $9 including 6 takoyaki balls. The order took a while since it was packed but it was well worth the wait. I love the sauce they drizzle on and the moving flakes. Definitely prefer the takoyaki over okonomiyaki.
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6/27/2011
HANDS down, the BEST takoyaki place ever. Usually there's a line for it but luckily I went during… Read more »
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Review from Tiffany C.
Gainesville, FL
8/16/2011
Came here at night to grab a snack. This is literally a hole in the wall where you go in, buy your food and wait outside until they call you. The night I went there was a long line, but it moves pretty fast. They don't have many options to choose from and I don't feel like they need more since everyone loves what they are serving.
I had the Takoyaki (octopus balls) at Yakitori couple of days ago and was dissapointed. My friend then recommended me to try it at Otafuku. Each order comes with 6 balls, they use a batter to make the outside which makes it soft and then a piece of octopus is inserted into the middle. Their prices are not bad at all the takoyaki was $5.
Other things you can get here is edamame, yakisoba $7, okonomiyaki $8 (japanese pancake made with cabbage). Come with friends so you can try everything.
I highly recommend this place if you want to get a snack while waiting for a table in a restaurant in St. Mark. Or if you just want to venture and try some legit Japanese street food -
Review from Josh K.
Updated - 9/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place has still got it - I noticed the takoyaki under the hot lamps and actually ended up with one this time. To be honest it wasn't bad at all, they weren't mushy or anything, still firm and a bit toothy.
If you want fresh, come right before they close. They tend to run out of the precooked ones at that time, and would have to make you a fresh one. (But if you do that, probably ought to leave a tip, cause you're being that guy, preventing them from closing.)Listed in: My trip to New York City
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10/19/2010
Great takoyaki and okonomiyaki. During my whole east coast trip I was desperately looking for… Read more »
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