🚕 Michelin-Starred Mexico City Taqueria Heads to Flatiron

Good Morning NY!

Union Square is saying goodbye to a sushi favorite, while Brooklyn is welcoming 24-hour fried chicken.

Meanwhile, Michelin-starred tacos are landing in Flatiron, and hand-pulled noodle theater is coming to Union Square.

Hamburger America is also celebrating a huge milestone, serving its one-millionth burger in SoHo.

From closures to grand openings and major milestones, NYC’s dining scene continues to surprise and delight.

Let’s dive in and see what’s new, notable, and worth tasting across the city this week.

Shuko Omakase in Union Square Closes Its Doors

Shuko, the acclaimed omakase restaurant in Union Square, is closing at the end of January 2026.

The restaurant’s final day of service will be Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Founded in 2013 by chefs Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau, Shuko earned a reputation for its innovative sushi and kaiseki offerings.

Located at 47 East 12th Street, it became a go-to spot for sushi enthusiasts seeking a refined yet relaxed dining experience.

Shuko received critical praise, including a three-star review from The New York Times in 2015.

It also attracted attention from celebrities and was featured on the TV show Master of None.

The owners say they are preparing “to step into a new chapter,” though no concrete plans have been revealed.

Shuko’s closing marks the end of an era for Union Square’s high-end sushi scene.

Its legacy of inventive omakase will be remembered by diners and the NYC culinary community alike.

Bojangles Brings 24-Hour Fried Chicken Back to NYC

Southern fried chicken chain Bojangles has officially opened a new location in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.

The restaurant marks Bojangles’ return to New York City after several decades away.

This Brooklyn outpost operates 24 hours a day, catering to late-night and early-morning diners.

The dining room closes at midnight, while the drive-thru remains open around the clock.

Bojangles is best known for its seasoned fried chicken, flaky biscuits, and classic Southern sides.

The menu includes chicken sandwiches, tenders, biscuits, and comfort-food staples.

The location is operated by franchisee Habib Hashimi of Hashimi Holding Corporation.

The opening signals the brand’s broader expansion plans within New York City.

With nonstop hours and familiar Southern flavors, Bojangles is positioning itself as a go-to fried chicken stop in Brooklyn.

Michelin-Starred Mexico City Taqueria Heads to Flatiron

Taquería El Califa de León, a legendary Mexico City taqueria, is opening its first U.S. location in NYC.

The decades-old restaurant recently earned a Michelin star, drawing global attention to its minimalist taco style.

Its signature gaonera taco features thinly sliced beef filet seared to order with simple seasoning.

The menu is intentionally focused, highlighting meat quality, precise cooking, and house-made salsas.

Other well-known tacos include pork chop and beef rib, prepared with the same stripped-down approach.

The New York outpost will open at 20 West 23rd Street in the Flatiron District.

The space previously housed Chanson, marking a shift from pastry destination to taco landmark.

Unlike many upscale taquerias, El Califa de León is known for standing-room service in Mexico City.

The NYC opening brings one of Mexico’s most celebrated taco counters directly into Manhattan’s dining scene.

Rulin Brings Hand-Pulled Noodle Theater to Union Square

A new Chinese restaurant called Rulin is opening in Union Square, expanding from the Park Slope favorite Noodle Lane.

The restaurant is led by married owners Lane Li and Chris Wang, who focus on hand-pulled noodles.

Rulin blends influences from Lanzhou, Cantonese, and Sichuan cooking into a menu that feels both traditional and modern.

Diners can expect noodle soups, dry noodle dishes, rice plates, skewers, and a range of small starters.

The open kitchen allows guests to watch fresh noodles being pulled by hand throughout service.

Signature dishes include soy sauce duck canapés and cumin-seasoned charcoal-grilled short ribs.

Li’s cooking reflects a mix of Cantonese home recipes, formal training, and New York culinary influences.

The dining room features a clean, minimalist design with wood accents and mosaic textures.

Rulin will serve dinner Tuesday through Sunday, with reservations available online.

Hamburger America Reaches One-Million Burger Milestone

Hamburger America is about to hit a major milestone by selling its one-millionth burger in SoHo.

Founded by burger expert George Motz, the counter opened in 2023 and quickly became a city favorite.

The achievement reflects nonstop lines and steady demand from locals and visitors alike.

To celebrate, the customer who orders the millionth burger will receive free food for a year.

Guests inside the shop at that moment will also be treated to complimentary bites.

Hamburger America focuses on classic American regional burger styles served in a nostalgic luncheonette setting.

The simple menu and old-school approach have helped it stand out in a crowded burger scene.

Reaching one million burgers underscores how quickly the restaurant has become a modern New York staple.

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