Nippon Throws in the Towel at 121 Ludlow

Nippon didn’t fare any better than its Ramen Kuidouraku predecessor at 121 Ludlow Street.  A recent amble past the storefront reveals that the business fell on hard times. Indeed, the establishment hasn’t been open for months, its fate finally sealed with a leasing sign within the last week.

This news shouldn’t come as a total surprise to the neighborhood.  Since opening as first a BYOB ramen joint, and then morphing into a convoluted pizza-ramen combo exactly one year ago, the restaurant had failed to bring enough patrons through the door.  The place was perpetually empty, despite numerous attempts to redefine the exterior with signage and such (we tried it and had to toss our food). An identity crisis three months after the re-branding resulted in Nippon, but it was the same old story.

Nippon then scored approval for a wine and beer license from Community Board 3 in September, but had some issues with the Department of Health for operating without a proper permit.  That issue was ultimately resolved, and the eatery carries a B grade.  Not that it matters anymore. The concept has run its course after nearly two years, and the curse of Chickie Pigs continues…

What was your opinion on the place? Had you ever eaten there?