Hidden Restaurant: Kosuke

Kosuke, a hole in the wall Japanese restaurant, although known mostly for their assortment of Ramen the rest of their menu includes udon, rice bowls, curries, and bento boxes which are also delicious as well. I personally love their curry it is both simple, cheap, and oh so scrumptious!! If you’re familiar with Main Street in Alhambra, CA it is on 618-B W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801 a small and bustling restaurant.

Beware of the Line!! The restaurant is subjected to lines even before it opens at 11:30 am with parking relatively plentiful on the side streets or a short walk away, there is a parking lot, but the line of people obscuring the path usually requires some maneuvering not to mention the tiny parking lot. The plus side is that the portion sizes are great for what you pay for. The Japanese Fried Chicken Curry with a side salad was a cool $9.80 with tax included. An absolutely great deal for juicy, crispy chicken with a subtle heat from the rich and earthy brown curry. Something about they curry brings a sense of nostalgia I can’t explain. The simple chicken curry has the same satisfying sensation of eating homemade food after a long day. The feeling of being completely satisfied, after not eating a 5-star meal at some bougie restaurant, rather something you’re grandmother or loved one made; that is the wonderful captivation of this little restaurant.   

Within the restaurant, there is no doubt that it is quite small and cozy. Even if you sit at a separate table, without a booth, you’re pretty close to the person next to you and in the booth y‘all are gonna be pretty intimate if there is more than two of you on each side. Still, the close seating definitely has its charm because you are close enough without being intrusive that it is possible to carry a conversation from the table next to you. I find it somewhat enjoyable when the person sitting at the table next to me is curious about what dish I ordered and eventually having the confidence to ask creating the perfect opportunity to have a short conversation. The food comes out at a moderate speed, longer if it is packed. Fortunately, they always play studio Ghibli movie and a little CRTV in the corner. oh and for all you manga readers there are some older titles available to read by the entrance. Kosuke, a little gem of a restaurant on the beginning of Main street. Serving up food that fills the stomach and the heart.