Seemor
Nai Brother Sauerkraut Fish 奈哥酸菜魚 (Times Square)B+Worth Trying
654 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036
· Chinese restaurant
· 4.9/5 Google (527 reviews)
Takeout
Bold, sour-spicy sauerkraut fish and dry pots with fast, friendly service and strong value, but a few reports of inconsistency and add-on charges like paid rice.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Nai Brother Sauerkraut Fish delivers solid neighborhood dining through bold, tangy sauerkraut fish with excellent broth balance and efficient, friendly service that makes ordering accessible for first-timers. Consistency shows some variation between dine-in and delivery formats, and the clean, casual Times Square location offers convenience rather than destination appeal, preventing a higher grade despite strong value and execution in its category.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off Times Square, the room feels clean and casual with quick seating and staff who help decode the pots. Diners rave about steaming bowls of tangy, chile-bright broth: "The sour-spicy balance made the fish shine." It is a no-frills comfort setup built for speed, and portions tend to be generous for the price. The cooking skews classic Sichuan pickled-fish comfort with a practical twist (individual pots and flavor choices like kimchi), a produce-driven heat that suits spice lovers and anyone craving warmth. The culinary approach leans elevated-traditional with minor fusion cues: recognizable dishes done briskly without theatrics. Families will find it workable thanks to fried rice and wings, plus fries for very simple eaters. Still, many mains are spicy and sour, so kids who avoid heat may prefer staples. Rice costs extra, so plan for that when sharing bowls.
At a Glance
- Bold, tangy sauerkraut fish and spicy dry pots with tender protein
- Strong value around $15 individual pots; portions satisfy
- Rice not included; verify bill to avoid surprises
- Delivery quality can lag behind dine-in (smaller portions/muted flavor)
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- individual sauerkraut fish pots
- broad broth choices including kimchi
- fast pre-show turnaround
What People Love
- Deep, sour-spicy broths that feel comforting
- Tender fish and hearty protein-to-veg ratios
- Fast, friendly service and clean space
- Value pricing compared to Midtown peers
Points of Concern
- Rice is a paid add-on; factor $2.75 per bowl
- A few reports of bland or medicinal tomato broth versions
- Delivery orders can feel smaller or less vibrant than dine-in
- Isolated freshness issues reported (e.g., fungus/veg), though most mention cleanliness
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some generic praise language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-42 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Start with Pickled Cucumber to balance spice
- Choose green pepper or classic sauerkraut broth before trying kimchi or hot pepper
- Budget for $32-$42 per person for appetizer, pot, and dessert
Perfect For
- Pre- or post-Broadway warm-up meal
- Casual weeknight craving for spice
- Quick solo dinner with individual pot
- Group share of multiple flavors without breaking the bank
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Midtown West corridor serving theatergoers and locals; casual and lively with late-night foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, busy streets and good lighting; typical Midtown crowds and noise.
Nearby: Near Times Square theaters, 9th Ave dining strip, bars, and hotels; strong pre/post-show traffic.
Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a dynamic dining scene with a wide range of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and ethnic cuisine. The neighborhood has a lively social atmosphere, popular with both locals and visitors seeking diverse food options near the Theater District.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–01:30
Tuesday11:00–01:30
Wednesday11:00–01:30
Thursday11:00–01:30
Friday11:00–01:30
Saturday11:00–01:30
Sunday11:00–01:30
Available: Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →