Boka: If there’s anything that will lure us into St. Mark’s Place, it’s habit-forming, diet-busting fried chicken. Among the trendy Japanese joints of the East Village strip, Boka offers a K-town alternative to the noodle and sushi dens. In a mellow brick and bamboo space you’ll find hot stone bibimbop, seared tuna with ground pistachio, grilled scallops stuffed with spicy crab and shrimp, and—wait for it—Bon Chon Chicken. This Korean version of fried chicken has a fanatic following for its crispy, shell-like skin, glazed spicy sauce, and tender insides more than fit to cure latenight munchies. Boka’s menu is described as “drinking food,” so naturally, there’s a wide selection of $7 sake and soju cocktails. After an Angelixir (sake, plum wine, raspberry puree, honey) or two, head upstairs to Sing Sing Karaoke to complete the cultural experience.
Open from 10am-2am. |
