Chinatown Roast and Izakaya Nights Worth Planning
For anyone deciding where to eat in Chinatown, a roast counter starts a week of contrasting plates, sushi counters and after-dark rooms across Manhattan. Choose the shot, the first bite and the company without repeating the same night twice.
🍖 Monday Roast Counter
At lunchtime, start the week at New Kim Tuong, a Chinatown counter for Cantonese roast meats rather than Korean tabletop grilling. For the line-conscious eater, roast duck is the first call. Bring cash and consider takeaway if the dine-in fee changes the calculation; the counter scene makes a strong camera-roll opener.
🍢 Tuesday Skewer Session
At dinner, shift from Chinatown roast to Izakaya NoMad’s Japanese gastropub menu on West 26th Street. This is the night for friends who want skewers and drinks without repeating Monday’s counter format. Start with yakitori and choose sake or a cocktail; the change of neighborhood is intentional.
🍤 Wednesday Screens and Jazz
At dinner, Kikoo Sushi offers all-you-can-eat sushi and hot dishes ordered by iPad. Begin with tempura, then check the screen for premium items carrying an extra fee. Afterwards, walk to Room 207 for a jazz-and-cocktail contrast; its limited bar food makes dinner first the smarter order.
🍣 Thursday Counter Study
At evening seating, Omakase By Tento suits the hunter who wants a paced nigiri sequence instead of another free-form order. Its intimate counter moves from classic fish to additions such as uni and Wagyu. Ask the chef about dietary substitutions; the course-by-course presentation is the shot to make room for.
🥂 Friday Friends and Music
At night, bring the group to Waiting on a Friend, where three rooms and weekend DJ sets give the week a louder turn. Start with a cocktail and choose the room that matches the group’s energy. The room-switching option makes this a better social finale than another quiet counter.
🎷 Saturday Counter Questions
At dinner, settle at Shin Takumi Omakase for a chef-guided sequence that shifts the week back to focused conversation. Ask about an ingredient before considering specialty add-ons. The bright counter setting suits a smaller group that wants to watch the pieces arrive rather than repeat Friday’s louder room.
🍶 Sunday Behind Curtains
After dinner, end the rotation at The Raines Law Room, a Chelsea parlor for a cocktail and a quieter conversation. Ring the doorbell and decide between the back bar and a curtained booth. The velvet seating and privacy curtains offer a different frame from the week’s sushi counters.
