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Back in January, we told you about Bac Nguyen’s plans to open a second Cleveland restaurant. He opened his first, the popular Bac Asian Bistro in Tremont, approximately four years ago.

At the time, Bac divulged that the new restaurant would be located on the east side of town and that it would not be a copy of Bac Asian Bistro. He described his concept as a pub with a fun Asian spin. Diners, he added, could look forward to a concise menu with lots of affordable small plate and street food-style options. Beer and booze will be part of the concept.

What he did not divulge was the name and precise location. That he saved for today.

When it opens this summer in University Circle, near the intersection of Euclid and Mayfield, Ninja City Kitchen and Bar promises to up the cool factor of the area by attracting a young, diverse demographic set. The funky interior design will feature pops of 1980s street art and graffiti, says Bac.

“The space is supposed to feel like an abandoned warehouse in Big Trouble in Little China,” he says. “The name is tongue in cheek; the whole point is to pay homage to ’80s kung fu flicks, comic books and video games. The food will kind of reflect that, too.”

Bac says that all items will be priced south of $10, and the concept will be decidedly casual, simple and convenient.

He’s shooting for a July opening.

“I’m really excited about what’s happening in that area,” he says. “I really think it will develop into this fun, cool, casual demographic that’s not just a place for the students, but one that appeals to both students and regular Clevelanders.”

This article appears in Apr 30 – May 6, 2014.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.

4 replies on “Bac Unveils Plans for New University Circle Café”

  2. Doesn’t really say anything about what type of food will be offered, which is what I would put #1.

  3. Ninja city, the only place where you can get great food, and promptly be assassinated by stealthy ninjas if you do not pay your bill. Sounds like a great place, I’ll sit there all day just to see “show time”

  4. The name inspires the usual trite Asian stereotypes, as AdamHall comment perfectly demonstrates. Cleveland does not need help in that department — trust me, I’m Asian and grew up here, mostly city not wonder bread suburbs. PLEASE consider changing the name to something NOT so racially insensitive and ignorant.

    OR how about just calling it ‘We All Look the Same and Know Karate’ Asian-Fusion-Nonsense-OVERPRICED-Bistro-Cafe?

    That would probably work well too.

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