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Welcome to Evil Katsu

At Evil Katsu, nestled in the heart of New York's East Village, a culinary revolution awaits. This Japanese-inspired eatery skillfully merges tradition with modernity, serving delightfully crispy katsu bowls, sandos, and flavorful bento boxes. The minimalist, manga-adorned space invites diners into a cozy atmosphere, perfect for savoring each bite. Customers rave about the expertly prepared Chicken Katsu Curry Bowl and the thoughtful ingredient choices, from house-made croutons to vibrant yuzu vinaigrette in their salads. With a commitment to quality and sustainability—featuring compostable containers and plastic-free packaging—Evil Katsu stands out as a must-visit destination for both takeout and casual dining.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to Evil Katsu, your new go-to spot for authentic Japanese cuisine nestled in the vibrant East Village of New York City. At 435 E 9th St, this charming establishment redefines the Japanese fast-casual dining scene with an enticing variety of katsu bowls, sandos, and bento boxes.

Why "Evil Katsu"? The name sparks intrigue. It hints at a mischievous twist on traditional Japanese fare. But don't be fooled; the only 'evil' here is how quickly you'll become hooked on their delicious offerings!

  • Diverse Menu: The menu showcases a range of dishes that include crispy katsu sandwiches, flavorful curry bowls, and fresh bento boxes. Customers like Claire and Tunaidi rave about the perfectly crusted meat and the rich flavors of the katsu bites.
  • Quality Ingredients: Each dish reflects the kitchen's commitment to quality. From the crunch of the katsu to the depth of the curry, every plate is thoughtfully crafted. Morlene particularly noted the exceptional attention to detail found even in simple items like the market salad.
  • Casual & Cozy Ambiance: Despite its minimalist decor featuring cool manga-inspired art, Evil Katsu provides a warm atmosphere. As Isabella noticed, it's an ideal place for casual dining or to people-watch while enjoying your meal.
  • Accessibility Options: The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and provides gender-neutral restrooms, making it open and welcoming to all.
  • Convenience: Whether you prefer dining in, takeout, or delivery, Evil Katsu has got you covered. They even offer catering and have a reliable drive-thru option for those on the go.

As you step through the doors of Evil Katsu, be prepared for a culinary adventure that showcases the essence of Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. If you're a fan of hearty, satisfying meals or simply curious to explore new flavors, this spot is sure to become a staple in your dining playlist. Don’t forget to consider their seasonal specials for a delightful surprise!

Call (646) 370-3435 to make a reservation or just swing by for a taste of mischief in every bite at Evil Katsu. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience that will leave you craving more!

START YOUR REVIEW OF Evil Katsu
Claire L.
Claire L.

This place is super good, but when I came in the guy accidentally gave my food to another customer. The customer opened it and everything. I was kinda shocked they didn't offer to remake it, but whatever I was so hungry I wasn't in the mood to fight it and the actual container didn't seem to be opened. Food is fire tho other than that hiccup.

Tunaidi A.
Tunaidi A.

Evil Katsu serves up some pretty good sandos and bento boxes. The meat is evenly crusted and crispy. The katsu bites are delicious as well. I'm not a fan of the unami mushrooms though.

Pratima M.
Pratima M.

A hole-in-the-wall joint serving up delicious Japanese curries -- they have a very small space with limited seating, so would probably opt for takeout next time. They have plenty of vegetarian options and are quick at prepping. I got the Cauliflower Bowl and it was SO GOOD. The curry was very flavorful and the katsu bites were perfectly cooked without feeling too heavy. I'll definitely be back!

Renata G.
Renata G.

Stopped by for a late lunch. Walking up to Evil Katsu I saw outdoor seating but it was chilly outside so I was hoping for indoor seating too and Yesss - there's counter seating along the walls. Very minimal design with the menu on the right in black and white manga inspired style. It was a little hard to follow. Desserts on the left, sides on the right, bowls on the bottom.. the order of things didn't really make sense. I get that it's manga by the look of it, no need to be literal with how they're drawn. I ordered a chicken curry bowl - $20. It was really good: the curry is thick and has the Japanese pepper on top for a kick of spice. I'd say it's on the pricier side for the size that you get and for such a casual place. (Their sandos are $18!!) Overall I'd come back to try something else but this won't be my go to in the neighborhood.

Isabella B.
Isabella B.

This is a Japanese-inspired restaurant in the East Village that serve a variety of Japanese style dishes from katsu bowls, katsu sandos, bento boxes, and many more Japanese dishes. It is a small and cozy minimalist spot that has cool manga style decal around the space. The cashier was super friendly and brought my order to where I was seated. I personally like the seats facing out looking at the street/block and doing a bit of people watching while eating. I ordered the Chicken Katsu Curry Bowl. They make it on the spot so do be patient while your order is being prepped. Once it arrives, it is a feast for the eyes with a thick cut of chicken katsu (or whichever protein you order with your curry bowl). There are additional items on the menu that are seasonal and limited time items I would recommend trying for yourself. After finish eating, I left feeling very full and content. It is a bit on the pricey side but worth every penny while eating there. This is a spot I would most definitely be coming back to try their katsu sandos and bento boxes

Morlene C.
Morlene C.

If by evil, they mean they'll ruin me for all other japanese egg sandos, then they are very evil indeed. I had such a simple meal here but the ingredients and care with which it was all put together is a testament to the kitchen's skillful hand. Here I am waxing poetic about a humble market salad and egg sandwich, which I never thought I'd find myself doing. But the tomatoes, which tasted plucked straight from the vine, crispy croutons with an amazing oily crunch that tasted house made, and a vibrant yuzu vinaigrette really captured my heart and stomach. Pillowy shokupan bread with the crust cut off sandwiched a perfect egg salad, with neat and thin slices of cucumber providing a crisp contrast. I appreciate the attention to detail. I know I didn't even try the curry, but my dining companion attests it lives up to the hype. I wonder if I'll ever even try it when that amazing egg salad is up for grabs and enough for me to give this place a perfect rating.

Luiza A.
Luiza A.

Came here on a Tuesday night and placed an order to go for the chicken katsu sando and potato salad. It's pretty small inside and definitely feels like more of a to go place but there are a few tables inside and outside. Our food was ready in about 10-15 minutes and the sandwich was absolutely incredible! It's stacked pretty high up and is super crispy and filling but not overly. The potato salad wasn't my favorite but still pretty good! The sandwich is what really stuck out to me and would definitely recommend.