Kausa NYC: Vibrant Peruvian Flavors and Late-Night Energy in Hell’s Kitchen
Store Overview
Kausa, located at 745 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019 (☎️ 646-678-5227), is a neon-lit Peruvian restaurant and bar that’s as bold as the flavors it serves. Its glowing signage and upbeat interior immediately set a contemporary tone—think casual dining with a splash of nightlife energy. Sitting right in Hell’s Kitchen, this is the type of spot that attracts a wide range of customers: locals out for dinner, theatergoers looking for pre-show meals, tourists exploring nearby Times Square, and late-night diners craving hearty bites after midnight.
The restaurant leans into its Peruvian roots while adding a modern twist, creating an approachable atmosphere for both newcomers to the cuisine and seasoned fans. With an active website (kausarestaurant.com), a growing Instagram following, and listings on delivery platforms, Kausa has embraced the digital era while keeping its neighborhood feel.
Menu & Services
Kausa’s menu blends classic Peruvian staples with seafood-heavy highlights. Popular dishes include:
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Lomo Saltado ($29): Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries, one of Peru’s most famous comfort foods.
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Aji de Gallina ($22): A creamy shredded chicken dish with just the right kick of spice.
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Ceviche Mixto ($22+): A refreshing mix of seafood, lime, and Peruvian peppers.
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Corvina a Lo Macho ($32): Fish topped with a decadent seafood sauce.
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Arroz con Mariscos ($34): Peruvian seafood rice, vibrant and filling.
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Empanadas ($8+): A snackable favorite.
For drinks, the Pisco Sour is a must-order, alongside a fruity Sangria or Pisco Punch. Desserts like Helado de Lucuma ($7) offer a sweet finish.
Kausa also has outdoor seating, delivery, and takeout, with hours stretching until 1 AM—perfect for late-night crowds.
Review Summary
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Positive feedback: Reviewers rave about the authenticity of the flavors, large portion sizes, and quick, attentive service. Dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and sangria consistently get praise. The restaurant is also recognized for its vibrant vibe and friendly staff.
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Negative feedback: Some customers note longer wait times during peak hours and slightly higher prices compared to other Peruvian spots in NYC. Noise levels can also be high on weekends.
Human Commentary: In true NYC fashion, Kausa balances between being a “hidden gem” and a busy go-to spot. The slightly higher price tag reflects both its Hell’s Kitchen location and the quality of ingredients. The lively energy matches the neighborhood—it’s not a quiet date-night place but more of a dynamic dining hub.
Location & Accessibility
Kausa benefits from prime positioning in Hell’s Kitchen, with C/E subway stops at 50th St and 1/2/3 at 59th St–Columbus Circle within walking distance. Buses also run frequently along 9th Ave.
Nearby landmarks fueling its customer base include:
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Times Square (10 min walk): Tourists flock here, and Kausa offers a less touristy but still accessible dining option just west.
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Broadway Theaters: Pre- and post-show theatergoers stop by for dinner and cocktails.
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Hudson River Park & Piers: Perfect for those grabbing takeout ceviche before a riverside stroll.
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Lincoln Center: Concert and opera attendees looking for a cultured meal before or after performances.
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Hell’s Kitchen nightlife (bars & clubs): A natural late-night draw, where Kausa’s 1 AM closing time shines.
Each landmark provides a steady flow of mixed audiences—tourists, artists, students, and nightlife seekers—all feeding into Kausa’s broad appeal.
Genius Marketing Analysis
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GI (Genius Insight): Kausa thrives on being both a cultural introduction to Peruvian cuisine and a nightlife-friendly hangout. It bridges the gap between authentic dining and the NYC late-night scene.
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MDA (Marketing Action): Lean further into dual branding: promote brunch/lunch specials for locals and office workers while amplifying cocktail deals and seafood platters for the late-night Broadway and club crowds.
Genius Ideas (10)
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Pre-Theater Prix Fixe Menu – A 3-course meal served within 60 minutes, catering to Broadway attendees.
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Pisco Flight Nights – Weekly tastings introducing customers to different pisco cocktails.
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Late-Night Happy Hour – Discounts after 11 PM targeting club-goers.
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Tourist Snack Kits – Portable Peruvian bites for visitors heading to Times Square or Hudson River.
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Hell’s Kitchen Food Crawl Partnership – Team up with nearby bars/restaurants to create joint promotions.
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Peruvian Brunch Specials – Bottomless sangria with causa or ceviche dishes for weekend brunch.
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Instagrammable Neon Corner – Encourage photo-sharing at a branded, colorful dining spot inside.
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Loyalty Card Program – Buy 9 entrées, get the 10th free, aimed at locals.
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Corporate Catering – Seafood trays and empanada platters marketed to Midtown offices.
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Bilingual QR Menus – English & Spanish menus for accessibility and cultural authenticity.
Conclusion
Kausa is more than just a Peruvian restaurant—it’s a cultural ambassador with a modern NYC twist. With bold flavors, late-night hours, and a lively atmosphere, it reflects the energy of Hell’s Kitchen itself: eclectic, fast-moving, and diverse. As New York evolves, places like Kausa stand out by merging authenticity with adaptability, carving a niche as both a destination and a neighborhood staple.
Q & A
Q: What are Kausa’s hours?
A: Open daily, typically from 10:30 AM to 1 AM.
Q: What is the price range?
A: Around $30–50 per person.
Q: Does Kausa offer delivery or takeout?
A: Yes, through its website and apps like Uber Eats.
Q: What’s the signature dish?
A: The Lomo Saltado and Ceviche Mixto are top favorites.
Q: Is Kausa wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the restaurant is accessible, though sidewalks in Hell’s Kitchen can get crowded.
Optimized Hashtags
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🥩 #PeruvianGrill
🍷 #LatinFoodNYC
🌆 #TimesSquareEats
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🍹 #KausaRestaurantNYC
