Kenka NYC Menu with Current Prices: The Ultimate St. Marks Guide
If you are looking for the most authentic, chaotic, and budget-friendly Izakaya experience in New York City, the Kenka menu delivers every time. Famous for its legendary $1.50 Sapporo draft beers and an unapologetically gritty Showa-era atmosphere, Kenka has been a staple of the East Village for decades. Walking into this St. Marks Place institution feels like stepping onto a bustling street in 1970s Tokyo, complete with retro posters, loud music, and a massive “newspaper-style” menu.
Whether you are here for the cheap drinks, the crispy karaage, or the infamous “daring” menu (yes, the bull penis is real), we have you covered. This guide provides the complete, up-to-date Kenka menu prices, essential survival tips for first-timers (like their strict cash-only policy), and detailed dietary information to help you plan your visit.
Complete Kenka NYC Menu with Prices
Kenka features a massive selection of traditional Japanese pub food. Below are the core menu items that make up the heart of their offerings.
🍡 Small Plates & Zensai (Appetizers) Menu
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edamame 🌱 | $5.50 | Steamed soybeans sprinkled with coarse sea salt. Served hot or cold. | 120 |
| Takoyaki (6pcs) ⭐ | $7.50 | Fried octopus-filled dough balls topped with Japanese mayo, sweet sauce, and bonito flakes. | 320 |
| Gyoza (5pcs) | $6.50 | Classic pan-fried pork and cabbage dumplings served with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce. | 250 |
| Karaage ⭐ | $8.50 | Japanese-style deep-fried chicken bites marinated in ginger, soy, and garlic. | 450 |
| Agedashi Tofu 🌱 | $6.00 | Deep-fried silken tofu served in a savory, warm dashi broth with scallions. | 210 |
| Ika Sugata-yaki | $14.00 | A massive whole grilled jumbo squid served simply with a side of ginger soy sauce. | 380 |
🍢 Yakitori & Kushikatsu (Skewers)
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Thigh (Negima) | $3.50 | Grilled chicken and scallion skewer with a savory tare glaze. | 140 |
| Pork Belly (Butabara) | $4.00 | Thick-cut, rich grilled pork belly seasoned simply with sea salt. | 220 |
| Chicken Skin (Kawa) | $3.00 | Extra crispy grilled chicken skin skewer. | 180 |
| Uzura Bacon ⭐ | $4.50 | Hard-boiled quail eggs wrapped in smoky bacon and grilled. | 260 |
| Shiitake Mushroom 🌱 | $3.50 | Plump, grilled shiitake mushrooms brushed with soy sauce. | 60 |
🔞 The “Daring” Menu (Exotic Items)
Kenka is famous for offering exotic meats and unusual cuts that you will not find at a standard sushi restaurant. If you want to shock your friends, these are the customer favorites for a daring night out.
Bull Penis – $9.00
Grilled and thinly sliced. It has a notoriously rubbery texture and is traditionally eaten for its supposed “stamina” boosting properties.
📊 Calories: 180 | ⭐ Famous Shock Item
Turkey Testicles – $8.50
Available deep-fried or grilled. A long-standing Kenka cult classic that tastes surprisingly similar to rich, dark poultry meat.
📊 Calories: 240
Grilled Sparrow – $10.00
A whole small sparrow, grilled over charcoal. Eaten whole, bones and all, for a very crunchy texture.
📊 Calories: 150
Raw Octopus with Wasabi (Tako-Wasa) – $6.50
Chopped raw octopus marinated in a heavy, spicy wasabi sauce. A pungent, sinus-clearing bar snack.
📊 Calories: 110
🍜 Ramen, Soba & Main Dishes
For a filling meal that’s big enough to share, check out their noodle and rice bowls. If you enjoy the hearty, comforting Asian dishes found in our Orient Pearl menu prices guide, you will appreciate these traditional Izakaya staples.
| Menu Item | Price | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonkotsu Ramen | $13.50 | Rich, milky pork bone broth with thin noodles, chashu pork slices, bamboo shoots, and nori. | 680 |
| Vegetable Yakisoba 🌱 | $12.00 | Stir-fried egg noodles with cabbage, carrots, and a sweet, savory yakisoba sauce. | 520 |
| Katsu Curry ⭐ | $15.50 | Crispy breaded pork cutlet served over white rice with a thick, mild Japanese curry sauce. | 850 |
| Gyu-Don | $12.50 | Thinly sliced fatty beef and soft onions simmered in a sweet soy dashi broth over a bowl of rice. | 610 |
| Salmon Sashimi Platter | $18.00 | 6 to 8 thick slices of fresh, raw salmon served with wasabi and soy sauce. | 320 |
🍺 Drinks & Beverages
[Kenka NYC large frosted mug of Sapporo draft beer next to a sake carafe, professional beverage photography, condensation on glass, moody bar background]
The $1.50 Draft Beer (Sapporo/Kirin) – $1.50 – $4.00
The main attraction. Prices fluctuate based on the daily special and time of day, but this remains one of the cheapest beers in Manhattan.
Sake Carafe (Hot/Cold) – $8.00 – $15.00
House sake served in traditional ceramic carafes. Perfect for sharing with the table.
Calpico Soda – $4.00
A popular Japanese uncarbonated or carbonated soft drink with a sweet, milky, yogurt-like flavor.
Ramune – $4.50
The traditional Japanese “marble-pop” soda in lemon-lime flavor. A fun, interactive drink to open.
Most Popular Kenka NYC Items
If you are overwhelmed by the massive menu, stick to the popular dishes that have kept locals coming back to St. Marks Place for years:
- The Whole Grilled Squid (Ika Sugata-yaki): A visual masterpiece that arrives at your table looking exactly like a whole squid. It is chewy, smoky, and pairs perfectly with a cold beer.
- The Cheap Draft Beer: The cornerstone of the Kenka experience. Large frosted mugs of Japanese lager that keep the noisy dining room fueled all night.
- Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken): Consistently rated as a top-tier bar snack. The ginger-soy marinade ensures the chicken is juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside.
- DIY Cotton Candy: Every meal ends with a free cup of flavored sugar. You take it outside to the vintage cotton candy machine by the front door and spin your own dessert.
Kenka Prices & Value Analysis
When looking at the Kenka prices, the restaurant firmly sits in the budget-friendly “cheap eats” category. You can easily order three skewers, an appetizer, and two beers for under $25.
Kenka utilizes a classic “loss leader” beer strategy. By offering incredibly cheap draft beers, they ensure the restaurant is always packed. Customers inevitably end up ordering plenty of salty, savory menu items to accompany their drinks. To get the best value, focus on ordering a mix of cheap skewers and one large shared plate, like the Yakisoba or Okonomiyaki.
If you are accustomed to spending $50+ per person at standard sit-down restaurants-like the hearty meals detailed in our Longhorn Steakhouse menu prices guide-Kenka offers a refreshing break for your wallet without sacrificing flavor or atmosphere.
Nutrition & Dietary Information
Because Kenka is a traditional, fast-paced Izakaya, obtaining precise nutrition information can be challenging. However, here is what you need to know if you have dietary restrictions:
- Vegetarian Options (V): There are several solid choices, including Edamame, Agedashi Tofu, grilled Shiitake mushrooms, and Vegetable Yakisoba.
- Vegan Accessibility (VG): Vegans should proceed with caution. Many seemingly vegetarian dishes (like tofu) are served in dashi, a broth made from fish flakes (bonito). Stick to Edamame and plain white rice, or ask the server to omit bonito flakes and fish sauce.
- Gluten-Free (GF): True gluten-free dining is very difficult here. Soy sauce (which contains wheat) is used in nearly every marinade, sauce, and soup base. The kitchen is small, so the risk of cross-contamination is high. The safest bets are plain edamame or sashimi with no sauce.
For diners seeking strict dietary accommodations or specialized cafe drinks, you might have better luck exploring coffeehouse options like those in our Crimson Cup menu prices guide.
How to Order & Survival Tips
Dining at Kenka is an experience, but it comes with a few strict rules. Knowing these beforehand will save you a headache.
The Cash-Only Rule
Kenka is strictly CASH ONLY. They do not accept credit cards, debit cards, or Apple Pay. While there is an ATM located inside the restaurant, it typically charges a high transaction fee ($3.00+). Plan ahead and hit a bank ATM before arriving at St. Marks Place.
The Waitlist & Seating
Kenka does not take reservations. It is entirely first-come, first-served.
- When you arrive, look for the clipboard hanging by the front door.
- Write down your name and party size.
- You must wait outside; they will yell your name from the door when your table is ready. If you are not there, they skip you immediately. Expect a 45 to 90-minute wait on Friday and Saturday nights.
Online Ordering & Delivery
While Kenka is heavily focused on the dine-in experience, online ordering for delivery is available in a limited capacity via platforms like Grubhub and Uber Eats. Keep in mind that the delivery menu is smaller to ensure the food travels well.
How to Use the Cotton Candy Machine
When you pay your bill, the server will give your table small paper cups filled with pink or blue sugar.
- Walk out the front door to the vintage machine on the sidewalk.
- Turn the machine on (if it isn’t already running).
- Pour your sugar directly into the center spinning metal bowl.
- Grab a paper cone and swirl it around the outer bowl to catch the sugar webs.
Kenka Hours & Location (St. Marks Place)
Kenka is located in the heart of the East Village, just a short walk from Astor Place. Look for the giant, slightly provocative Tanuki (raccoon dog) statue sitting out front.
Address:
25 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
Contact:
(212) 254-6363
Kenka hours are tailored to the late-night crowd. They are closed for lunch.
| Day | Opening Hours | Closing Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 PM | 12:00 AM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 PM | 12:00 AM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 PM | 12:00 AM |
| Thursday | 6:00 PM | 12:00 AM |
| Friday | 6:00 PM | 1:00 AM |
| Saturday | 5:00 PM | 1:00 AM |
| Sunday | 5:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
Pro Tip for Kenka locations: Because this is their only location and it is extremely popular, try arriving 20 minutes before they open to guarantee a seat in the first wave of diners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenka cash only?
Yes, Kenka is strictly cash only. There is an ATM inside the restaurant, but it carries a high service fee. It is highly recommended to bring cash with you before arriving.
Does Kenka take reservations?
No, Kenka does not accept reservations by phone or online. Seating is strictly first-come, first-served via a clipboard waitlist located at the front door.
What is the cheapest item on the Kenka menu?
The cheapest items are the draft beers, which frequently go on special for $1.50 to $2.00 a mug. For food, the chicken skin (Kawa) skewers are typically around $3.00 each.
Are there vegetarian options at Kenka?
Yes, there are several vegetarian options including steamed edamame, vegetable yakisoba, and agedashi tofu. However, vegans should ask to remove bonito (fish flakes) and dashi broth from certain vegetable dishes.
What is the weirdest thing you can order at Kenka?
Kenka is famous for its “exotic” menu. The most notoriously strange items include the grilled bull penis, deep-fried turkey testicles, and whole grilled sparrow.
Does Kenka offer takeout or delivery?
Yes, you can order takeout by walking in or calling ahead. Limited delivery is also available through major third-party apps like Grubhub and Uber Eats, though the menu is restricted compared to dining in.
How do you get the free cotton candy at Kenka?
Every dine-in meal includes complimentary cotton candy. Your server will provide a small cup of colored sugar with your final check. You take this sugar outside and use the vintage cotton candy machine by the front door yourself.
When is the best time to go to Kenka to avoid the line?
To avoid the notorious 1-to-2-hour wait times, arrive right when they open (5:00 PM on weekends, 6:00 PM on weekdays) or go late on a weeknight (after 10:00 PM Monday through Wednesday).
Disclaimer: Prices and menu items subject to change. Prices may vary by daily promotions. Information verified March 2026.
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