Ramen and Soul Food for One After Work in Manhattan

4.7 (2,359)

Mon – Thu, 12:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 22:00; Fri, 12:00 – 15:00, 17:00 – 22:30; Sat, 12:00 – 22:30; Sun, 12:00 – 22:00

1574 2nd Ave

Ramen Meijin serves Miso Beef ramen beneath paper cranes on the Upper East Side at 1574 2nd Ave. For a solo after-work bowl, weekday dinner starts at 5:00 PM. The restaurant closes at 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday. It holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 2,359 reviews.

4.8 (171)

Mon – Fri, 11:00 – 22:00; Sat – Sun, 12:00 – 22:00

1588 York Ave

At Akura Ramen & Sushi, tonkotsu ramen shares the menu with classic rolls and poke bowls. The Upper East Side Japanese restaurant sits at 1588 York Ave. Weekday hours run continuously from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it an option for dinner alone after work. It holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating from 171 reviews.

4.3 (9,045)

Mon – Tue, Sun, 11:00 – 20:00; Wed – Sat, 11:00 – 22:00

328 Malcolm X Blvd

Sylvia's Restaurant serves Harlem soul food at 328 Malcolm X Blvd. Dark-meat fried chicken has a seasoned, crispy crust. Entrees come with two sides, such as mac and cheese. It opens daily at 11:00 AM. For dinner alone after work, closing is 8:00 PM Monday, Tuesday and Sunday, or 10:00 PM Wednesday through Saturday. Its rating is 4.3 out of 5.

4.3 (2,502)

Mon – Thu, 11:00 – 00:00 (+1); Fri – Sat, 11:00 – 02:00 (+1); Sun, 11:00 – 22:00

2449 Frederick Douglass Boulevard

Lighthouse Fish Market serves fried catfish and seafood platters at 2449 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem. The counter is cash-only and takeout-only. Platters can take 30 minutes. It opens daily at 11:00 AM, closing at midnight Monday through Thursday, 2:00 AM Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 PM Sunday. Its rating is 4.3 out of 5.