Cospa Ramen in New York City: A Light and Satisfying Japanese Ramen Experience
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
If you are looking for an affordable ramen restaurant in New York City – $10.00! It’s finally here ! Cospa Ramen is worth checking out. I recently tried and enjoyed it.
What I particularly liked was that the ramen was flavorful without being too heavy. After eating ramen, I sometimes feel that the broth is simply too rich, but I didn’t have that feeling here. The ramen was satisfying while still feeling relatively light.
My Experience at Cospa Ramen
For me, one of the pleasures of eating Japanese food in New York City is finding restaurants that offer something that feels familiar while still fitting naturally into the city’s food scene.
Cospa Ramen was one of those places.
The ramen had a good balance of flavor, and I enjoyed the overall experience. The broth wasn’t overwhelmingly heavy, which made it easy to finish the bowl. Also you should try Karaage. It was large, delicious, and not too salty.
I Loved the Free Takana
One small thing that I especially appreciated was the free takana.
Takana is Japanese mustard greens that are often pickled and seasoned. They have a slightly salty, spicy flavor and are a great accompaniment to ramen. This gives enough salt to your ramen. That makes good balance.
I thought the takana was a nice addition because you could add it to the ramen according to your taste. It also gave the meal an extra Japanese touch.
For me, little details like this can make a restaurant experience more enjoyable.
Ramen That Isn’t Too Heavy
One of the biggest reasons I enjoyed Cospa Ramen was the balance of the ramen.
New York has many ramen restaurants, and some bowls can be extremely rich and filling. While rich ramen can certainly be delicious, sometimes I want something that I can enjoy without feeling weighed down afterward.
Cospa Ramen worked well for me in that respect. The ramen was good, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling excessively heavy.
Is Cospa Ramen Worth Trying?
If you enjoy Japanese ramen and are looking for something that doesn’t feel overly rich, I think Cospa Ramen is a restaurant worth considering.
I particularly liked:
Flavorful ramen without an overly heavy feeling
Free takana to add to your meal
A satisfying Japanese-style ramen experience
A casual option for enjoying ramen in New York City
Affordable! Finally less than $20.
For me, the free takana was a particularly nice touch. I always appreciate small extras that allow customers to customize their meal.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed my visit to Cospa Ramen. The ramen was flavorful, but it wasn’t too heavy, which was exactly what I wanted.
The free takana was another pleasant surprise and made the meal even more enjoyable.
New York City has countless places to eat ramen, so finding a bowl that fits your personal taste can take some exploring. If you prefer ramen that is satisfying without being overwhelmingly rich, Cospa Ramen may be a place to add to your NYC ramen list. Don’t forget that the basic ramen is only $10.00 + Tax ! You add if you want to more but I did not need them.
If you live in New York City but don’t own a car, Zipcar can be a convenient way to rent a car for a few hours or a day.
Unlike a traditional rental car, you don’t need to go to a rental counter. You can reserve a car through the Zipcar app, pick it up at a nearby location, and unlock it with your phone.
Open the app and search for a Zipcar near you. Choose the date and time you need it.
3. Reserve the car
Choose your car and reserve it by the hour or day. Check the total price before confirming.
4. Pick up the car
Go to the designated parking location at your reservation time. Use the app to unlock the car.
Before driving, take a quick look at the car and report any damage you notice.
5. Drive!
You can use the car for grocery shopping, errands, visiting friends, or getting out of the city.
Gas is generally included, although tolls and some other charges may apply.
6. Return the car
This is important: Zipcars usually need to be returned to their original parking location. Try to return the car on time. NYC traffic can be unpredictable, so give yourself some extra time. Otherwise, they will charge you extra fees.
Why I Like Using Zipcar
I like Zipcar because we don’t really need a car in New York City.
New York has an excellent public transportation system, so we can use the subway, buses, and trains for most of our everyday activities. There isn’t much reason to own a car just for daily life in the city.
But sometimes, it’s nice to have a car.
I usually book a Zipcar on weekdays, when I find it can be cheaper than weekends. You can do grocery shopping at places like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods without having to carry everything home on public transportation.
I also like using Zipcar to visit Japanese grocery stores in Westchester.
And one of my favorite things about having a car occasionally is being able to escape the city and enjoy nature in Upstate New York. – such as Apple picking !
For me, this is the best part of car sharing. I can enjoy a road trip or a day surrounded by nature without having to own a car all year.
Much Cheaper Than Owning a Car
Owning a car in the New York City area can be expensive.
You have to pay for:
Car payments
Insurance
Gas
Parking – this is the hardest part in NYC !
Maintenance
Registration and taxes
With Zipcar, I only pay when I actually need a car.
For someone who mainly uses public transportation, renting a car occasionally can make much more financial sense than owning one.
How Much Does Zipcar Cost?
The price depends on the car, location, time, membership plan, mileage, and other fees.
There is also currently a $25 non-refundable application fee for membership.
Because Zipcar prices and plans can change, check the current price in the app before making your reservation.
Is Zipcar Worth It in NYC?
If you live in New York City and mostly use public transportation, I think Zipcar can be a great option.
You can use public transportation for everyday life and rent a car when you want to explore somewhere that is difficult to reach by train or bus.
For example:
Grocery shopping
Visiting Japanese grocery stores outside NYC
Visiting the suburbs
Taking a day trip
Exploring Upstate New York
Spending time in nature
You don’t necessarily need to own a car to enjoy the freedom of having one occasionally.
My NYC Tip
If you are flexible with your schedule, try booking a Zipcar on a weekday. I often find weekdays more convenient and less expensive than weekends.
And don’t underestimate NYC traffic. Give yourself enough time to return the car.
For me, Zipcar offers the best of both worlds: public transportation for everyday life and a car when I want to escape the city.
Frontier Market in Hartsdale: Great Japanese Beef, Sushi & Sashimi at Affordable Prices
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
If you are looking for authentic Japanese beef, fresh sushi, sashimi, and Japanese groceries near New York City, there is a place worth discovering in Hartsdale, New York: Frontier Market.
For people living in Manhattan, Hartsdale may feel a little far compared with Japanese grocery stores in the city. However, if you have a car—or are willing to rent one—the trip can be worthwhile, especially if you are looking for high-quality Japanese beef at reasonable prices.
One of the things that makes Frontier Market interesting is its selection of Japanese meat and seafood, including fresh beef, sushi, and sashimi.
What Can You Find at Frontier Market?
Here are some of the highlights that make Frontier Market worth a visit:
Fresh Japanese beef
Japanese-style sushi
Fresh sashimi
Discounted sushi
Discounted fresh sashimi
Japanese groceries and food products
The prices can be surprisingly reasonable compared with what you might expect for Japanese food products in the New York City area.
Japanese Beef at a Great Price
If you enjoy Japanese beef, Frontier Market is especially interesting.
Japanese beef is famous around the world for its rich marbling and delicate texture. While Kobe beef is perhaps the best-known name internationally, there are many different varieties and grades of Japanese beef.
At Frontier Market, you may find Japanese beef at prices that seem considerably more affordable than those at specialty stores or restaurants in Manhattan.
For anyone who loves Japanese cooking, this can be a great place to stock up for a special dinner at home.
Don’t Miss the Sushi and Sashimi Discounts
Another reason I like checking Frontier Market is the discounted sushi and sashimi.
Fresh sashimi can be expensive in New York City, so finding discounted products can make Japanese food at home much more affordable.
Depending on the day and timing of your visit, you may find sushi or fresh sashimi marked down significantly.
If you are specifically looking for discounts, it is worth checking what is available when you visit rather than expecting the same selection every day.
Why Is Frontier Market So Affordable?
You may wonder how a store can offer Japanese beef and seafood at such reasonable prices.
One possible reason is the way the business operates.
Frontier Market is not simply a traditional Japanese supermarket carrying a large selection of imported products. Its business model includes a strong focus on meat and fresh food, which can help keep the supply chain more direct.
Japanese products can also be shipped directly from Japan, including by air freight for fresh products. A more direct relationship between the supplier and retailer can potentially reduce some of the costs and middlemen involved in distribution.
The store also appears to operate with a relatively simple setup and fewer employees than some larger supermarkets. Lower overhead costs can be another factor that allows a retailer to offer competitive prices.
Of course, prices and availability change, so I recommend checking the products and prices for yourself when you visit.
Is Frontier Market Worth the Trip from Manhattan?
If you live in Manhattan, this is probably not the place you would visit just to buy one or two groceries. Hartsdale is in Westchester County, north of New York City, and getting there is much easier if you have access to a car. However, if you are planning a larger Japanese grocery shopping trip, the visit can make more sense.
You can combine your shopping trip with buying:
Japanese beef
Sushi
Sashimi
Japanese groceries
Ingredients for Japanese cooking
For Japanese food lovers, the savings can make the trip worthwhile.
A Good Option for Japanese Food Lovers Near NYC
Living in New York City does not mean you have to limit yourself to Japanese grocery stores in Manhattan.
There are Japanese supermarkets and specialty stores throughout the New York metropolitan area, and sometimes traveling outside the city can give you access to different products and better prices.
Frontier Market in Hartsdale is one place I would recommend checking out if you are looking for Japanese beef, sushi, sashimi, and Japanese groceries at reasonable prices. If you have a car, it can be an especially convenient option for a larger shopping trip. And if you are a fan of Japanese beef, don’t forget to check the fresh meat section!
Final Thoughts
For me, one of the most interesting things about Frontier Market is the combination of quality and affordability. Japanese beef and fresh sashimi can be expensive in New York, but shopping directly from a specialty market can sometimes make these foods much more accessible.
So, if you are willing to drive outside Manhattan, Frontier Market in Hartsdale, New York, may be worth adding to your list of Japanese grocery stores to explore.
Prices, discounts, and product availability can change depending on the day. Please check the store directly for the latest information before making a special trip.
If you are looking for Japanese groceries in New York City, Katagiri Japanese Grocery is one of the first places I recommend.
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Katagiri is much more than a Japanese grocery store. Established in 1907, it is the oldest Japanese grocery store in the United States and has been part of New York City’s Japanese community for more than a century.
For Japanese people living in New York, Katagiri can feel like a little piece of Japan in Manhattan. For non-Japanese visitors, it is also a wonderful place to discover Japanese food, snacks, drinks, cooking ingredients, and prepared foods.
Where Is Katagiri Japanese Grocery?
Katagiri currently has two Manhattan locations.
59th Street Store
Katagiri Japanese Grocery 224 East 59th Street New York, NY 10022
The store is located between Second and Third Avenues in Midtown East. According to Katagiri’s official website, the 59th Street location is open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Grand Central Location
Katagiri Grand Central 370 Lexington Avenue, Suite 107 New York, NY 10017
This location is particularly convenient if you work in Midtown or are traveling through Grand Central.
The official hours are 8:00 AM–9:00 PM Monday through Friday and 10:00 AM–8:00 PM on weekends and holidays.
For the most current information, it is always a good idea to check Katagiri’s official website before visiting.
What Can You Buy at Katagiri?
One of the things I enjoy about Japanese grocery stores in New York is that you can find both everyday Japanese staples and products that are difficult to find at regular American supermarkets.
Katagiri carries a wide range of Japanese food products, including:
Japanese rice
Miso
Soy sauce
Japanese noodles
Curry products
Japanese seasonings
Tofu
Seaweed and nori
Japanese snacks and candy
Green tea and other Japanese drinks
Frozen foods
Refrigerated foods
Seafood
Japanese sweets
Prepared foods
The online store also lists a very large selection of Japanese grocery products, including soy sauce, takuan, azuki beans, tofu, green tea, and many other Japanese staples.
Japanese Snacks and Drinks
If you are nostalgic for Japan, the snack section alone can be fun to explore.
You may find familiar Japanese candies, crackers, chips, cookies, drinks, and seasonal products. For Japanese people living in New York, these small things can be surprisingly comforting.
Sometimes you don’t realize how much you miss a particular Japanese snack until you see it sitting on a shelf in Manhattan!
Katagiri is also a good place to look for Japanese tea and bottled drinks.
Prepared Japanese Food for a Quick Lunch
Another reason Katagiri is popular is its selection of prepared foods.
Depending on the location and availability, shoppers can find items such as sushi, sashimi, rice bowls, ramen, bento-style meals, and onigiri. Recent customer reviews also frequently mention prepared lunch options and fresh seafood.
This makes Katagiri especially convenient for people who work in Midtown and want a quick Japanese lunch without going to a sit-down restaurant.
At the Grand Central location, prepared foods and onigiri are particularly popular with commuters and office workers. Katagiri Japanese Grocery
A Convenient Japanese Grocery Store in Manhattan
For me, one of the biggest advantages of Katagiri is simply its location.
New York City is incredibly convenient in many ways, but finding specific Japanese ingredients can sometimes require some planning.
Having a historic Japanese grocery store in Midtown means you can stop by while running errands, going to work, sightseeing, or traveling through Grand Central.
The Grand Central location is particularly convenient for commuters.
The 59th Street location is a good choice if you are in the Upper Midtown or Midtown East area.
Final Thoughts: Why Katagiri Is Worth Visiting
For anyone searching for a Japanese grocery store in NYC, Katagiri is worth knowing. It offers something that goes beyond groceries. It is a small but important part of Japanese history in New York City.
Whether you are Japanese and looking for a taste of home, an American interested in Japanese cooking, a tourist curious about Japanese food, or simply someone looking for a quick and convenient lunch in Midtown, Katagiri is a great place to explore. And perhaps the most interesting thing about the store is its history.
How to Find an Affordable Housing NYC Tips and Resources
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
New York City has long been a magnet for artists, musicians, performers, writers, and creative professionals. The city’s vibrant arts scene offers countless opportunities for collaboration and growth, but finding affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges for artists living and working in NYC.
Whether you’re a visual artist, musician, actor, dancer, or freelancer, understanding your housing options can make a significant difference in your ability to continue creating while managing living expenses.
In this guide, we’ll explore affordable housing opportunities for artists, useful resources and tools, practical tips for navigating the New York City housing market, and inspiring success stories from artists who have found creative solutions.
Artist-Specific Housing Programs
Several housing developments and organizations offer spaces specifically designed for artists. These communities often provide affordable rents, live-work spaces, and opportunities to connect with fellow creatives.
Many artists qualify because freelance income often falls within the required income ranges. While competition can be intense, applying consistently can significantly increase your chances.
Shared Housing and Co-Living
Many artists reduce costs through:
Roommate arrangements
Shared apartments
Artist collectives
Co-living communities
Sharing housing can provide both financial relief and valuable networking opportunities within the creative community.
Resources and Tools for Finding Affordable Housing
Searching for affordable housing can feel overwhelming, but several resources can simplify the process.
NYC Housing Connect
NYC Housing Connect is the primary platform for affordable housing lotteries in New York City. Applicants can create profiles, upload documents, and apply for available units online.
Benefits include:
Free applications
City-sponsored affordable housing listings
Income eligibility information
Application status tracking
Nonprofit Housing Organizations
Many nonprofit organizations assist artists and low-income residents with housing searches, legal support, and financial counseling.
These organizations may offer:
Housing workshops
Rental assistance programs
Tenant advocacy
Affordable housing referrals
Networking Within the Arts Community
Sometimes the best opportunities come through personal connections.
Consider:
Joining artist groups
Attending local arts events
Participating in residency programs
Connecting through social media communities
Artists frequently share apartment openings, studio opportunities, and housing leads within their networks.
When using online platforms, always verify listings carefully and avoid scams by never sending money before viewing a property.
Navigating the NYC Housing Market
The New York City housing market can be competitive and fast-moving, especially for affordable units.
Prepare Your Documents Early
Having paperwork ready can give you an advantage.
Common documents include:
Tax returns
Bank statements
Identification
Employment verification
Freelance income records
Keep good Credit scores !
Artists with irregular income may need additional documentation to demonstrate financial stability.
Understand Income Requirements
Many landlords use income multipliers requiring tenants to earn a certain amount relative to rent.
For freelancers and artists, helpful alternatives may include:
Guarantors
Savings documentation
Multiple income sources
Tax return history
Understanding these requirements before applying can save time and frustration.
Be Flexible About Location
A row of old red brick homes with plants and trees along the sidewalk in Astoria Queens New York
While neighborhoods like Manhattan and Williamsburg are highly desirable, expanding your search area may reveal more affordable options.
Emerging neighborhoods often offer:
Lower rents
Growing arts communities
Larger living spaces
Easier application processes
Transportation access should also be considered when evaluating potential neighborhoods.
Stay Organized
Housing searches can take months.
Create a spreadsheet to track:
Applications submitted
Lottery deadlines
Viewing appointments
Required documents
Follow-up dates
Organization can prevent missed opportunities and reduce stress.
Personal Experiences and Success Stories
Persistence Pays Off
Many artists who initially struggled with housing eventually found stable and affordable solutions.
One musician applied to affordable housing lotteries for several years before finally receiving an offer for a below-market-rate apartment. The reduced rent allowed them to spend more time performing and less time working multiple jobs.
Building Community Through Shared Housing
A visual artist found success by joining a shared artist residence. Not only did this reduce living costs, but it also created valuable professional relationships that led to exhibitions and collaborative projects.
Flexibility Creates Opportunities
Another artist expanded their housing search beyond their preferred neighborhood and discovered a thriving arts community in a less expensive area. The move provided a larger studio space and significantly lower monthly expenses.
The Importance of Networking
Several artists report that housing opportunities often come through word-of-mouth referrals. Maintaining strong connections within the arts community can sometimes open doors that never appear on public listings.
To improve your chances of finding affordable housing in NYC:
Apply to housing lotteries consistently.
Keep financial documents updated.
Network with other artists.
Consider shared housing arrangements.
Expand your neighborhood search.
Stay organized and persistent.
Research artist-specific housing opportunities.
Finding affordable housing in New York City can be challenging, but many artists successfully navigate the process every year.
Conclusion
New York City remains one of the world’s most inspiring places for artists, but housing costs can create significant obstacles. By understanding affordable housing options, utilizing available resources, staying organized, and learning from the experiences of other creatives, artists can improve their chances of finding a stable and affordable home.
The search may take time, but persistence, flexibility, and community connections often lead to success. With the right approach, affordable housing in NYC is possible, allowing artists to focus on what matters most: creating, performing, and contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Now, I know you probably want to know how much the rent is and how she got it. I’ve actually started looking into it myself and thinking about applying too. But there are a few things you might want to know before you do it.
What Is Affordable Housing in NYC?
In simple terms, affordable housing is a program by New York City that offers reduced-rent apartments for people who have low to moderate incomes. Instead of paying wild market prices, tenants pay rent based on their income level — not the luxury real estate market around them.
It’s all managed through a city system called NYC Housing Connect, where anyone can apply online for these housing lotteries. Developers who build these apartments receive city incentives, while residents get a fair chance to live in neighborhoods that might otherwise be out of reach — even in Manhattan.
Here’s the part you’re probably most curious about:
She’ll be paying $1,900 a month — not exactly cheap, but for Manhattan, that’s actually a pretty good deal. Considering how expensive NYC is, $1,900 is quite reasonable.
How My Friend Got Her Manhattan Apartment
My friend, who works full-time in Queens, had been struggling to find an apartment in the city for years. She was still sharing a tiny room in the Bronx. The rent there wasn’t bad, but it was time for her to move out for personal reasons.
One night, she found a listing on NYC Housing Connect for a brand-new building in Lower Manhattan — complete with a gym, a rooftop terrace, and even a small garden.
She applied, thinking her chances were slim. A year later, she received an email:
“Congratulations! You’ve been selected for an interview.”
After income verification and some paperwork, she got the apartment. The rent will be higher than what she’s currently paying, but she’s excited because she can finally live in Manhattan — just like I do.
What Life Is Like in Affordable Housing
I haven’t visited her apartment yet, but I definitely will post about what it’s like. I’m very curious about the walls and acoustics since I’m a musician. I’m also curious about the size of the rooms, the design, and other details.
How You Can Apply
If you’re inspired by her story, here’s how you can apply too:
Create an account and fill in your household income information.
Search for listings that match your income range.
Apply online for as many as you qualify for — it’s free!
Wait for the lottery results and stay patient.
Many people apply multiple times before getting selected, so persistence really matters – my friend tried three times.
A Chance to Dream in Manhattan
For many New Yorkers, affordable housing isn’t just about cheaper rent — it’s about having a chance to belong in this incredible city. It allows artists, teachers, nurses, and everyday dreamers to live near their work, friends, and communities.
My friend’s story reminded me that sometimes, hope in New York City comes in the form of a simple email — one that says, ‘You’ve https://housingconnect.nyc.gov/been chosen.’ It’s a true New York story.”
“If you’ve ever dreamed of living in Manhattan, even knowing it can be expensive, NYC Housing Connect might give you a chance to make that dream real. You never know — the next ‘Congratulations’ email could be yours.”
Hello, this is Maegami from the blog “Goddess’ Bangs”. How have you been since the start of the New Year?
It feels like the U.S. is on the brink of something major, and this year, or rather the next four years, may have a significant impact on the world. I imagine many of you are feeling uncertain about what’s ahead.
For the first post of 2025, I’d like to focus on a café in New York. In times like these, when the world seems uneasy, we all long for an escape. So, I’d like to write something that will spark a little excitement.
Today, I’m introducing Café Sabarsky, a café located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, just east of Central Park.
Café Sabarsky is a hidden gem that offers an elegant, Viennese atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find works by Gustav Klimt and antique furniture, creating a charming ambiance. You can also enjoy traditional treats like Sachertorte and an Einspänner coffee. If you’re looking to escape reality, simply step inside and let the café take you on a little trip.
Recommended Menu at the Café
Here’s what I ordered, and what I would recommend when visiting:
Einspänner: A classic Viennese coffee topped with fluffy whipped cream. It’s a comforting drink, and the cream is not sweet at all.
Sachertorte: A rich chocolate cake with a perfect balance of tangy apricot jam. Unlike American sweets, it’s not overly sweet. The chocolate is bitter and delicious.
Museum Information
Café Sabarsky is located inside the Neue Galerie, a museum dedicated to modern Austrian and German art. You can enjoy masterpieces by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele here. You can directly access the gallery from the café entrance, though the gallery has an admission fee.
Founders of the Café and Gallery
The famous philanthropist and art collector Ronald S. Lauder is the founder of the Neue Galerie. He was deeply passionate about modern Austrian and German art and founded the gallery in 2001. To bring the traditional Viennese café culture to the U.S., he also opened Café Sabarsky within the gallery.
The café’s name honors Otto Sabarsky, an Austrian architect who, along with Josef Hoffmann, co-founded the Wiener Werkstätte (Vienna Workshop).
Highlights
Klimt’s “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I”
The original painting is displayed at the gallery. Just viewing Klimt’s art can uplift many people, including myself. His use of color is truly magnificent.
This time, I introduced Café Sabarsky. When you visit New York, be sure to check out Café Sabarsky, where you can enjoy both art and a delightful café experience. It’s also conveniently close to the Guggenheim Museum and the Cooper Hewitt Museum, so it might be a great addition to your itinerary.
For those living in New York, it would be a fun outing with friends or a partner. The Austrian and German dinner menu is also something that caught my attention.
Hello! I’m Maegami, the author of the “Goddess’s Bangs” blog, based in New York. For those living in the U.S. or New York, which bank do you use? There are various banks depending on the state. I personally use Bank of America and Capital One Bank.
What I Love About Capital One Bank
What I think is the best feature of Capital One Bank is that transferring money from another bank is free. For example, if I transfer $500 from Bank of America to this bank, there’s no fee. The same applies if it’s the other way around. There are many other great points, so today, I’d like to share them with you.
Why Capital One is Popular
Simple and Easy-to-Understand Banking Services
For me, the most appealing aspect of Capital One is its simplicity. As I mentioned earlier, their “simplicity” is key. Their 360 Performance Savings and 360 Checking accounts are great for first-time account holders because they come with no minimum balance requirement, making it easy to start. I personally only have a savings account, but I’m also interested in the checking one.
Excellent Online Banking
In New York, where every day is busy, Capital One’s app makes checking your balance and transferring money incredibly easy and free. There’s no need to visit the branch. The online banking at Bank of America is a bit complicated, which can be a hurdle for those who aren’t proficient in English. But Capital One is user-friendly even for those who don’t speak much English.
Popular Credit Cards
When you think of Capital One, you think of credit cards. The Capital One Venture Rewards card is especially popular because it allows you to earn points quickly when traveling and also provides lounge access benefits. However, this card might be better for those traveling frequently within the U.S. rather than internationally.
Capital One Café: A Relaxing Space
What I’m particularly recommending today is the “Capital One Café,” where you can enjoy coffee while at the bank. It’s amazing that you can now drink real coffee at a bank! Previously, cafés would offer instant coffee, but I never tried it since I knew it wouldn’t taste good. Most banks have a stiff atmosphere, but Capital One Café is more of a “chill café.”
Stylish and Relaxing Atmosphere
The café has a modern, sophisticated design that is very much in tune with New York. The interior is relaxing, and there are bright window-side seats and sofa seating where you can take a break if you’re tired from walking around the city. The shop displays at the entrance are also cute.
High-Quality Coffee
At the café, you can enjoy delicious coffee from Peet’s Coffee. If you have a Capital One credit card or Capital One Checking account, you can get 50% off your drink. Unfortunately, I couldn’t use this benefit since I only have a savings account, which is a downside.
Kind and Helpful Service
The café offers free Wi-Fi and charging stations, making it perfect for working or meeting friends. There are also bank staff on-site, so you can easily get advice on things like mortgages and credit cards. It’s a bit surprising how far banking has evolved.
My Favorite Capital One Cafés
There are several Capital One Cafés in New York, but my two top recommendations are:
Union Square Location Perfect for when you want a bright, relaxing atmosphere. The large windows let in plenty of natural light, which really boosts your mood! Address: 853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
Chelsea Location I recommend this location for art lovers. The walls are decorated with works by local New York artists, making it feel more like an art gallery than a bank. Address: 114 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Summary
Capital One is a little different from other banks in the U.S. It’s a bank that’s all about “simplicity,” and that’s what makes it so easy to understand. Their café is a “relaxing space” with “convenient financial services.”
Hello everyone, this is Maegami from the blog Goddess Bangs. Today, I’m sharing my recommendation for a café.
After the pandemic, I finally visited HARBS in New York for the first time. HARBS is a café and patisserie originally from Japan, famous for its cakes and sweets made with fresh fruits. I used to visit their Chelsea location often, but unfortunately, it closed. The Upper East Side location also shut down.
This time, I visited their Soho location in New York. The Chelsea store used to be a small and cute café, while the Soho location offers a more sophisticated interior with a calm atmosphere, exuding a sense of luxury.
The Charms of HARBS Soho:
Cakes So Popular They Sell Out HARBS cakes are known for blending the delicate tastes of Japan with the large portions typical of American desserts. Especially the “Mille Crepes” and “Strawberry Cake,” which are packed with fruits and offer a light sweetness.
Seasonal Limited Menu One of the highlights is the seasonal limited menu, which uses fresh fruits and ingredients based on the time of year. For example, in autumn, you can enjoy the “Marron Cake” made with chestnuts, and in summer, there’s the tropical “Tropical Tart” filled with unusual fruits, allowing you to feel the essence of the season.
Relaxed Café Time The Soho HARBS has a spacious interior with bright window-side seats, perfect for enjoying a chat with friends or a quiet time reading a book. It’s also an ideal spot to drop by during a sightseeing tour.
Recommended Menu Items:
Mille Crepe: Thin layers of crepe stacked with rich cream, and the perfect balance with fruits. It has a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it addictive.
Strawberry Cake: Fresh strawberries with making it look as beautiful as it tastes. The slightly sweet cream matches it, which is why it’s so popular in America.
Royal Milk Tea: A fragrant royal milk tea that pairs wonderfully with the cakes, creating a relaxing tea time.
Access Information:
Address: 465 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Nearest Station: A 5-minute walk from Spring St Station, making it conveniently located near popular tourist spots.
Why Visit HARBS Soho?
HARBS is a rare café in New York where you can enjoy Japanese hospitality and high-quality sweets. It’s the perfect spot to stop by during a sightseeing or shopping trip to recharge.
Ootoya Chelsea: The Best Place to Enjoy Healthy Japanese Cuisine in New York!
Ootoya Chelsea: The Best Place to Enjoy Healthy Japanese Cuisine in New York!
Located in Chelsea, New York, Ootoya is a popular Japanese chain restaurant that serves healthy and delicious Japanese cuisine. In Japan, Ootoya is known for its affordable and classic meals—I used to visit it back when I lived in Tokyo. However, the New York version of Ootoya has a more upscale setting.
For those looking for authentic Japanese home-cooked meals abroad, Ootoya is a reliable option that ensures quality ingredients. In this article, I will introduce the features of the Chelsea location, its recommended menu items, and how to get there.
Ootoya Chelsea faithfully recreates Japanese home-style dishes. The menu includes fried dishes, simmered dishes, grilled fish, and rice bowls—offering a wide variety of options. Everything has a nostalgic taste, and the quality is just as good as in Japan. If you’re feeling homesick, this is the place to go!
Of course, Japanese cuisine is all about rice. At Ootoya, you can choose different types of rice at no extra charge—though some options might surprise you a bit!
2. A Health-Conscious Menu
Ootoya focuses on health-conscious dishes, using nutritious ingredients and paying attention to calorie balance. Dishes like simmered vegetables and grilled fish set meals are especially popular among health-conscious New Yorkers. My friend, who came with me, was intrigued by the fish dishes, which are hard to find in typical American restaurants.
3. Comfortable and Relaxing Atmosphere
The Chelsea location features a calming Japanese-style interior. My international dining companions loved it! The wooden décor gives the restaurant a warm, cozy feel—perfect for escaping the city’s hustle and enjoying a peaceful meal. The staff was also very attentive, making our dining experience even more pleasant.
Recommended Menu Items
1. Chicken Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken)
This was a surprising dish! The outside was crispy, while the inside was juicy and tender. Ootoya’s karaage is a signature dish, and although it looks like any other fried chicken, you’ll notice the difference after one bite. It was so tender and satisfying!
2. Grilled Alfonsino with Soy Koji Sauce Set Meal
Fish dishes can be difficult to prepare at home, but Ootoya makes it easy! The Grilled Alfonsino with Soy Koji Sauce Set Meal is a must-try. The fatty, flavorful fish is grilled to perfection and pairs wonderfully with rice. This kind of marinated fish is hard to find in the U.S., making it a nostalgic and special dish for Japanese expats.
3. Chicken Katsu Set Meal
The chicken was incredibly tender, and the crispy coating was delicious. When I told the staff that I love oroshi ponzu (grated daikon with citrus soy sauce), they kindly provided both regular sauce and ponzu sauce. Even the salad dressing had a nostalgic taste! The set meal costs around $35, and I couldn’t help but wonder if Ootoya specializes in chicken dishes.
Ootoya Chelsea Store Information
Address: 141 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011 Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Access:
About a 3-minute walk from 18th St Station on the 1 train
Easily accessible from Chelsea Market and The High Line—a great spot for a meal during sightseeing!
Conclusion
If you’re craving authentic Japanese home-style meals while in New York, Ootoya Chelsea is a fantastic choice. The high-quality dishes, comfortable atmosphere, and convenient location make it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
