Pic courtesy of newyork.metromix.com
Kuma Inn somehow avoids the rampant douchebaggery (sorry, overused word but most appropriate here) of the surrounding restaurants and bars on Ludlow, Orchard, Stanton, and Rivington. Must have something to do with its almost-invisible perch one level up from the street. Walk up a narrow stairway to the second floor and you’ll find a buzzing room—and, alas, a wait on weekends. Filipino-American chef and owner King Phojanakong’s menu has an appealing mix of spicy-meaty Asian-inspired dishes (like sauteed Chinese sausage with Thai chili-lime sauce, or pan-fried pork tonkatsu with watercress salad) and lighter seafood or veg options (drunken spicy shrimp, seaweed salad). And everything’s on the cheaper side. Not massive portions, but enough—and perfect for sharing. Keep in mind that Kuma is BYO; corkage fees range from $1 for beer to $5 for wine, on up to $10 for a liter-and-a-half bottle of sake.
Kuma Inn. 113 Ludlow St. between Delancey and Rivington Sts.; (212) 353-8866.
Prices/Features: CHP, VGT (See Welcome to Salmaland for key to letter abbreviations.)