3 Midtown Japanese Mainstays Will Close This Week

In a triple whammy, ramen restaurant Sapporo, izakaya Sake Bar Hagi, and sushi spot Iroha will all close on Saturday, January 13. The triplet restaurants are all housed in the same building, which after 42 years desperately needs structural upgrades, an employee tells Grub Street.

Of the three, Sapporo was the first to open at 152 West 49 St. near Seventh Avenue in 1975, bringing miso and shoyu ramen to New York City when not much — if any, as the restaurant claims — existed. Now, ramen joints are on practically every corner.

Sake Bar Hagi came much later in the early aughts with drink-friendly izakaya fare like yakitori, takoyaki, and noodles, while Iroha focused on sushi. Hagi especially became a Midtown destination for its late night hours and solid food, earning a spot on the Eater 38 for some time. Its spinoff on 46th Street will remain open.

2018 is proving to be a dismal year for restaurant closings — just nine days in, already about a dozen places have called it quits, including Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar, Greenwich Grille, Le Cirque, and more.

• Three Japanese Staples Will All Close This Weekend [Grub Street]