Have you ever tried ramen?
The beloved Japanese dish has taken the United States by storm in recent years, with ramen restaurants popping up in cities across the country.
One city that has seen a surge in ramen restaurants is none other than Chicago.
But what’s the history behind this popular dish, and what makes the ramen restaurant scene in Chicago so unique?
The origins of ramen can be traced back to China, where it was introduced by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century.
However, it wasn’t until after World War II that ramen became popular in Japan.
From there, it slowly made its way to the United States, with the first ramen restaurant opening in Los Angeles in 1976.
Since then, ramen has become a beloved comfort food for many Americans, and Chicago has become a hotspot for ramen enthusiasts.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the ramen restaurant scene in Chicago.
We’ll explore the different types of ramen restaurants you can find in the city, as well as the various regional ramen styles on offer.
We’ll also highlight some of the most popular ramen restaurants in Chicago, whether you’re on a budget or looking for a high-end dining experience.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of ramen or have never tried it before, this post will provide you with everything you need to know about the ramen restaurants in Chicago.
From the history of the dish to the best places to get your fill, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and explore the delicious world of ramen in Chicago!
1. Wasabi Ramen
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Wasabi is one of the best ramen restaurants in Chicago, located in the Logan Square neighborhood.
The restaurant has a modern and stylish decor that perfectly complements its delicious menu.
One of the standout dishes at Wasabi is their pork belly ramen, which features tender slices of pork belly, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich and flavorful broth.
For those following a vegan diet, Wasabi offers a vegan ramen option made with a shiitake mushroom broth and a variety of fresh vegetables, including Brussels sprouts.
In addition to their ramen dishes, Wasabi also offers a variety of small plates and cocktails.
Their roasted garlic is a popular appetizer, served with crusty bread for dipping. The restaurant is also BYOB, so you can bring your own beer, wine, or sake to enjoy with your meal.
One of the unique features of Wasabi is their garlic miso ramen, which is packed with a bold garlic flavor that is sure to satisfy garlic lovers. They also offer a garlic ramen, which features roasted garlic in the broth and as a topping.
For whiskey enthusiasts, Wasabi offers a selection of Japanese whiskey that pairs perfectly with their ramen dishes.
And of course, their noodles are made fresh in-house, ensuring a delicious and authentic experience for all who dine at Wasabi.
| Contact: Address: 2101 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States Phone: +1 773-227-8180 |
2. High Five Ramen
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High Five Ramen is one of the best ramen restaurants in Chicago. The restaurant has a unique ambiance that combines hipster and speakeasy vibes, with low lighting and music playing in the background.
One of High Five Ramen’s signature dishes is their spicy miso ramen, which features a rich and flavorful broth made with pork, chicken, and fish bones, as well as a spicy miso tare.
They also offer a vegetarian option, made with a miso broth and a variety of fresh vegetables, including maitake mushrooms.
High Five Ramen is located in the basement of the Green Street Smoked Meats restaurant, which gives it a hidden and exclusive feel. The restaurant also offers a selection of slushies, including a popular coconut flavor.
For those looking for a unique experience, High Five Ramen also has a speakeasy-style bar located next door, called Kanabō.
This bar serves up creative cocktails and has a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly complements the restaurant’s hipster vibe.
| Contact: Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States Phone: +1 312-344-1749 |
3. Menya Goku
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Menya Goku is a popular ramen restaurant in Chicago, located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. They are known for their delicious broth and takeout options, making them a go-to spot for those who want a satisfying meal on-the-go.
One of Menya Goku’s standout dishes is their tonkotsu ramen, which features a rich and flavorful pork bone broth.
They also offer a unique tan tan men, which is a spicy ramen dish that is sure to satisfy those who love a little heat.
In addition to their ramen dishes, Menya Goku also offers a variety of drinks, including beer, sake, and Japanese soft drinks.
They also have a selection of tasty small plates, such as buns and eggs, that are perfect for sharing or as a complement to your ramen bowl.
One of the great things about Menya Goku is their affordable prices, with most bowls of ramen priced around $10.
Despite the affordable prices, they don’t skimp on quality, with each bowl of ramen packed with fresh and delicious ingredients.
| Contact: Address: 2207 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States Phone: +1 773-942-6701 |
4. Gyuro Ramen
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Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ and Ramen is a unique restaurant located in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. This restaurant offers a fusion of traditional Japanese flavors with a modern twist, creating a unique atmosphere and delicious dishes.
One of the standout dishes at Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ and Ramen is their wagyu beef ramen, made with a rich and flavorful beef broth that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. They also offer a unique truffle and garlic miso ramen, which features a rich and creamy broth that is packed with umami flavors.
In addition to their ramen dishes, Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ and Ramen also offers a variety of Japanese small plates, such as their signature chicken karaage and blade steak. They also offer a duck ramen that is cooked to perfection and features a rich and flavorful broth.
One of the great things about Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ and Ramen is the atmosphere of the restaurant. It is modern and spacious, with a chic and stylish design that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment.
| Contact: Address: 171 N Aberdeen St, Chicago, IL 60607Monroe St & Adams St Phone: (312) 624-9414 |
5. Ramen Takeya
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Ramen Takeya is a popular ramen restaurant located in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. They specialize in traditional Japanese ramen dishes with a contemporary twist.
One of the standout dishes at Ramen Takeya is their spicy miso ramen, which features a flavorful broth with a satisfying level of heat. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options, including their vegan shoyu ramen and tofu buns.
In addition to their ramen dishes, Ramen Takeya has a variety of small plates and appetizers, such as their poke bowl and crispy Brussels sprouts. They also have a full bar with a selection of beer, sake, and Japanese whiskey to complement your meal.
The servers at Ramen Takeya are known for their friendly and attentive service, making sure that every customer has an enjoyable dining experience.
| Contact: Address: 819 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, United States Phone: +1 312-666-7710 |
6. RAMEN-SAN
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Ramen-san is a popular Japanese restaurant in Chicago with multiple locations. They specialize in ramen dishes, but also offer a range of other Japanese dishes like gyoza and bao buns.
One of the standout dishes at Ramen-san is their spicy miso ramen, which features a rich and flavorful broth with a satisfying level of heat. They also have vegetarian and vegan options, such as their shiitake mushroom and vegetable ramen.
In addition to their food menu, Ramen-san has a full bar with a selection of beer, sake, and Japanese whiskey to complement your meal. They also have a lively and energetic atmosphere, with music and a fun vibe that attracts a younger crowd.
The servers at Ramen-san are known for their friendly and attentive service, making sure that every customer has a good time. They also offer takeout and delivery options for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home.
| Contact: Address: 1962 N HALSTED ST CHICAGO, IL 60614 Phone: 773-248-3000 |
7. Oiistar
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Oiistar is an iconic ramen restaurant in Chicago that has gained a reputation for their delicious and unique ramen dishes. They also offer a range of other Japanese cuisine options, including appetizers and baos.
One of the standout appetizers at Oiistar is their mussels, which are cooked in a flavorful sauce and served with crispy bread for dipping. They also have gluten-free options available, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
In addition to their food menu, Oiistar has a variety of drinks to choose from, including a refreshing sangria that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day.
One of their signature dishes is the spicy garlic ramen, which features a rich and savory broth with a satisfying level of heat. They also have options for kids, making it a family-friendly destination.
| Contact: Address: 1385 NORTH MILWAUKEE AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60622 Phone: 773.360.8791 |
8. Urbanbelly
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Urbanbelly is a popular Asian fusion restaurant in Chicago founded by chef Bill Kim. Their menu offers a variety of dishes inspired by Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisine, with a focus on bold flavors and unique combinations.
One of their standout dishes is the dumplings, which come in a variety of flavors and fillings such as pork and lemongrass chicken. Another must-try is their pho, a Vietnamese soup made with a rich broth and tender meat.
Urbanbelly also offers udon noodles, which are thick and chewy and can be served in a variety of broths and sauces. And for dessert, they have a delicious soft serve ice cream with rotating flavors.
In terms of drinks, Urbanbelly offers a range of options, including sparkling water and passion fruit soda.
| Contact: Address: 1542 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States Phone: +1 773-904-8606 |
Final Thoughts on the Best Ramen Restaurants in Chicago
The Ramen restaurant scene in Chicago is thriving, with numerous options offering a wide range of unique and delicious Ramen dishes.
From traditional tonkotsu broth to fusion blends like lobster Ramen, the city’s Ramen offerings are diverse and flavorful.
The popularity of Ramen in the United States continues to grow, as more and more people discover the comfort and satisfaction of a hot bowl of noodles and broth.
For Ramen lovers visiting Chicago, we recommend trying some of the city’s best Ramen spots, such as Wasabi, High Five Ramen, Menya Goku, Gyu-Kaku, Ramen-san, Oiistar, and Urbanbelly.
Each of these restaurants has their own unique style and flavors, but all offer delicious Ramen options that are sure to satisfy any craving.
The Ramen restaurant scene in Chicago is a testament to the growing popularity of this beloved dish in the United States.
With so many fantastic options to choose from, Ramen lovers will have plenty to explore and enjoy in the Windy City.
Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
