25 Hudson Street
Between Reade and Duane
Between Reade and Duane
Many restaurants and bars assume those who go out and spend money in New York are only yuppies, hipsters, and eurotrash. Well my friends, there's a huge unspoken population in this city that troll the night looking for nourishment and a good time - Nerds. Yes, times have changed and they've traded the pocket protectors for capes, and they don't talk Star Trek, they speak Battlestar Galactica...but yet, nerds still have a girlfriend you haven't met in Tampa.
But just because they don't understand the opposite sex, doesn't mean they don't know how to party. And when they need a place to go after an incredible victory in World of Warcraft, D&D or after spending 7 hours swinging cardboard swords in the woods - and because Medieval Times is all the way out in Jersey - they should go to Ninja.
Ninja is located in the trendiest of neighborhoods, TriBeCa - but don't be fooled. There's no bouncer or bottle service required. Only a love of all things Ninja. Once you arrive, you are asked one question: "Which way would you like to enter? The regular way - or the ninja dangerous way." If you have to think about your answer - then you should not go here. For those of you living on the edge - you are escorted down a long dark hallway where ninjas pop out with swords and kicks. You can choose two places to sit, either the Japanese village section or one of many of the private Japanese style rooms. I recommend the private rooms where you can be as loud and celebratory as you'd like, as well as get a private magic show.
When I was there, my waitress, clad in ninja clothes arrived with "Hi, my name is Jenny and I'll be your ninja tonight. Could I start you off with some water? Sparkling or Ninja Tap?" That should pretty much explain what Ninja is all about.
Granted, the food here is hit or miss - ok it's mostly miss, but really that's not the point. And yes, it's expensive, but complaining about the quality and price of food at a theme restaurant is like complaining about airline food. It's about the trip. And Ninja is a journey to nerd heaven.
Tip: There are 4 Prix-Fixe menus ranging from $39 to $88 a person and cocktails are $10, so the night can easily get very expensive. My recommendation is to stick with the a la cart menu, and order one salad or sushi roll, and a classic entree that are hard to mess up - like the Chicken Teriyaki. Also, skip the cocktails and have Sapporo for only $2.95.
Website
Map
Open Table
Granted, the food here is hit or miss - ok it's mostly miss, but really that's not the point. And yes, it's expensive, but complaining about the quality and price of food at a theme restaurant is like complaining about airline food. It's about the trip. And Ninja is a journey to nerd heaven.
Website
Map
Open Table
