Kenka

Umeki Yuji, owner of punk-rock clothing emporium Search & Destroy, opened this accessible eatery—where even the scruffiest drummer can afford to fill up—under his store. Pierced, inked waiters serve $1.50 draft beers and inexpensive grub. Fried tofu and udon noodles go for $3.50, and entrées—like grilled salmon with miso, soup and salad—cost a mere $7. On the house: cotton candy, edamame and excellent Japanese music. It’s so authentic that Iron Chef Morimoto calls it one of his favorite New York hangs.