Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Chicago Ramen Lab

    3.6 (47 reviews)
    ModerateRamen
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

    Order Chicago Ramen Lab Takeout or Delivery

    Chicago Ramen Lab Photos

    CHICAGO RAMEN LAB ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    More like Chicago Ramen Lab

    Recommended Reviews - Chicago Ramen Lab

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Red Miso Ramen
    Kyle G.

    Fantastic place. There's only bar space to sit here, so if you're looking for a table for a group, this is not the place. Takeout is a great option and prices are very fair. They have several options for ramen. I got the red miso ramen and it was so good. Had a little bit of spice and great, deep flavor. THICK broth, so if you like that, get the red miso. The only thing was I don't think the noodles were ramen noodles, they seemed a little wide, almost like fettuccine. Since you sit at the bar, the kitchen is right in front of you. Because of this, and the size of the shop, it can get a little hot. This is amplified by the heat of the ramen, so you will end up sweating. I can image this place being wonderful in the winter.

    Shrimp Wonton Ramen
    Bailey P.

    I was driving through town and Chicago Ramen Lab happened to be one of the very few non-chain restaurants open late. I am so happy we found it! It is very cozy and clean inside. There are a few two-people tables and bar seating. I always love when the kitchen is open since it shows the kitchen has nothing to hide. I tried the shrimp wonton ramen which was so good! It is a very filling/decent sized portion of food for the price too! The service was also great. The employee taking our order was very friendly and helpful and they cleaned up our table for us at the end.

    Blood coming from the refrigerator
    D C.

    This location has really gone downhill. Tonight's visit was awful from the start. Honestly, we should have walked out when the first thing we noticed was the rancid meat smell. We've had a couple solid experiences here before so we thought we'd stay. Big mistake. We noticed the blood leaking from the refrigerator. That was probably what smelled. They took the ramen broth poured it in a wok to reheat it. The pork was still cold in the ramen. The taste of the ramen was sour, unlike any other time we've eaten here, so we stopped eating. Based on everything else we experienced , it may not have been safe. Hopefully they will get back to the quality they used to have. I just worry that the other locations are declining as well. Maybe opening too many locations caused a lack of focus for the individual sites. We will not be returning and may not return to any location.

    White Miso Ramen
    Victoria V.

    Love the ramen sit up bar and that you could see in the kitchen! I've never been to this location before as they seem to have chains in the surrounding area. This particular location is small. Think galley way. A few tables to sit next to the window and a ramen bar over looking the kitchen. You place your order at the cash register and your food is delivered to the table. The menus on the wall and counter top are misleading though. It advertises different kinds of ramen and sushi but this location doesn't serve sushi and a few other kinds of ramen. (I don't remember the specific one) Why advertise sushi and a full menu if they don't serve it. We were told that we could drive 2 miles down the street to Schaumburg (Chicago Ramen Annex) for a full menu with more options. Kinda disappointed but now we know what to expect. Regardless, my white miso ramen was delicious! Broth was rich and bit salty for my liking, but the pork was tender. The noodles had a chewy bite! The bamboo was tough to chew though.. Kind felt like I was chewing on a twig. The gyoza filling was sub par, but points on the crispness of the wrapper! Also the dipping sauce that accompanied the gyoza was yum yum! I would definitely come back here for a quick bite and during non peak hours so I'm not rubbing elbows with others.

    Menu
    Manda F.

    Egg cooked very nicely, noodles have a good texture. Spices in the side with the to go order are a nice touch. Soft shell crab side was very nice. Cools off easy when to-go, but still very good. Only downsides how cramped it is inside. Between the seating, people ordering and to-go orders there is very little room inside. Wish they had a way to have people wait outside. It was at capacity and I only see this place getting more popular as time goes on.

    Lan N.

    We actually love coming here instead of Chicago Ramen because there's less of a crowd than Chicago Ramen! The first time, I got the regular chicken ramen and added spices after. It was the perfect amount of spicy. The second time, I got it spicy and then mixed the whole dollop of spices in and it was so spicy, but sooooo good. I love that the broth is so light and flavor. Then that spiciness hits you, but makes you come back for more. It's usually quieter here and the staff will check up on you every so often.

    a bowl of ramen with chopsticks
    Chai C.

    More casual place than Chicago Ramen itself. Tsukemen tasted similar to Tsukemen from Chicago Ramen. I liked the hot chili pepper ramen a lot. It was like Japanese style DanDan noodle with soup. The minced pork was a bit spicy, a bit numb, and with a lot of sesame paste flavor. This location focuses on take out. Even you dine in, you will get taken out settings. Just a few tables with a couple of bar seat. I'll come back and I recommend it.

    a plate of food on a tray
    XiaoYan A.

    Great little ramen shop. Chicago Ramen in Des Plaines is one of our favorite ramen spots . We are excited to discover they are now available in Rolling Meadows! This place is small and probably best for take out or a quick dine in. Staff is really nice and the food ... just as good as the regular Chicago ramen, but in a smaller portion (and disposable bowls). Price is reasonable for what you'll get. I'd recommend it for a quick lunch but might not have the restaurant vibe for sit down gathering. Still glad it's here!

    Tsukemen - spicy with shrimp tempura
    James K.

    Food was awesome! Ramen was authentic and 'thick' broth. Super flavorful! Service was great Not so much seating but that's fine. VERY intimate. To go containers were good and not flimsy. Forgot to take pics before we started eating..sorry

    Creamy Vegan Ramen with plenty of Onikasu (red spice) added
    Neha B.

    It is a very small restaurant located in a strip mall. There are only 3-4 tables for seating and nothing else - not even a restroom, so there's not much to the place. However, the food was great. I got the Creamy Vegan Ramen with a side of an egg. I added fresh garlic and plenty of Onikasu (red spice) that are available on each table, which I really appreciated. The broth was so rich and flavorful, and I have happy with the toppings as well. I will definitely be back!

    Jiro ramen
    Julie B.

    A favorite of ours! The ramen is fresh and hot and quick! The quality is top notch! The annex in Rolling Meadows is great for a quick ramen fix. If you want total ambiance, go down the street to the restaurant so you can also enjoy some of their appetizers. They have nice long tables so you can easily go with a group but the restaurant is small so pick your time to go wisely!

    Chicken Ramen

    See all

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sara E.
    79
    15
    6

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    I would eat here [often] and invite my friends to join me, but they do not have a restroom for guests.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D C.
    56
    48
    4

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joah K.
    108
    262
    2124

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    If I could give 6 stars I would! This place has such great food I'm obsessed and always love to eat here when I'm in the area!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elizabeth T.
    52
    450
    428

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Joseph W.
    115
    15
    5

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Deanna H.
    146
    20
    64

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Sr M.
    43
    42
    22

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    The Ryman was disgusting. It had too much oil. It was weird never seen something like that.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paula H.
    1
    242
    234

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Chicago Ramen Lab

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Ramen 5,248 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Nomu Ramen And Izakaya

    Nomu Ramen And Izakaya

    4.5
    (147 reviews)
    7.5 mi
    $$

    A perfect, quiet spot hidden in a parking lot. As someone who is notoriously indecisive, finding…read moreout I could get Edamame, Gyoza, AND karaage for $4 was a steal. The potato croquettes were fresh and crisp and perfect for picky eaters. The beef udon was great too! Usually this is where I'd try and make some small bit or joke, but after I finished all I could think was "Man...that was good." So I guess you could say it left me speechless and pleasantly surprised. (shout out to our waitress who was super kind and indulged in conversing about BTS for five minutes)

    We recently stopped in to Nomu on our first night of a family vacation, and had a lovely supper!…read more The restaurant was conveniently located in Glenview, and had plenty of parking outside, even though we were there during primetime on a Saturday night! The dining room is really pretty, and well-appointed! We were seated right away by friendly staff. Looking around, this appeared to be a very family-friendly establishment, as that was, by far, the most prominent type of connoisseur in the house on this evening! Our waitress was wonderful, and helped us with some recommendations upon us letting her know it was our first visit! She checked in with us frequently, and made sure drinks were always refilled promptly! We had a bunch of different items, and all were very good! We tried sushi rolls, beef noodles, and ramen. I'd have to say that the beef noodles probably were the best item for me! Prices were just about as you'd expect: not too high, but not super cheap either...but wholly justified by the great food and lovely service and experience! Food = 4/5 Facility = 4/5 Service = 4/5 Ambiance = 4/5 Value = 3/5

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Tonkotsu Shio Ramen
    Tonkotsu Shio Ramen
    Bar area

    See all

    Bar area
    Sozai Banzai

    Sozai Banzai

    4.4
    (204 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    I will say I have been to this restaurant many times in the past and the food and service was…read moregreat. I went back a couple days ago and everything has changed. The menu is much less, the food portions are less, and the container the food comes in is plastic and made for to go orders even though we dined in. The service was also not very friendly and when our waitress brought our food, she didn't even smile or say anything. She just plopped down the food and walked off. This used to be my favorite restaurant but I don't think I'm coming back.

    This has been on my list for awhile and one day I decided to try. It's located in a strip mall with…read morelots of parking. When you go inside, they have a sufficient amount of tables to sit at, but it wasn't very busy on a Saturday night. You order at the register and he brings it out to you. You'll have to be patient, they don't have a lot of staff. We ordered tako karaage (fried octopus), croquettes, Taiwan style tonkotsu ramen with 2 pieces of chashu, and the deluxe bento with butashoga (ginger pork). I had a bite of the pork and it was delicious. Ginger was not overpowering. Tender meat. Prices were very affordable and cheap. Service was great and he brought out our food hot and freshly made. I would definitely come back and try other items. -tako karaage 5 - it had a nice little chew and was not overly fried. Great taste. -croquettes 5 - I loved these. When you bite into them, they're soft. Flavorful, savory filling inside. I should have gotten more of these. -Taiwan style tonkotsu ramen 5 - noodles were chewy. Bountiful amount of ground pork. The two chashu pieces were tender and easy to break apart. Broth was not heavy, it was just right.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Croquette (2p)
    Croquette (2p)
    Interior

    See all

    Interior
    Mitsuwa Marketplace

    Mitsuwa Marketplace

    4.4
    (1.5k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Wow. I found myself…read morein Arlington Heights, and my buddy suggested this place due to an upcoming trip to Japan in 2027. It's a Japanese market that features an amazing food court (and this is where I spent all my time.) I don't recall the name of the stall I purchased from. But I can tell you it was quick, not expensive and very filling. I had a bowl with beef and noodles; for dessert I hit the matcha dessert stall for some matcha and vanilla ice cream. The whole place meal me feel like I was dining outside the state of Illinois. The service from everyone in the market was very friendly and they even had a sake/soju tasting by the front door (and the vendors allowed you try was much as you wanted.) I highly recommend this spot

    If you love Japanese culture, food, and want to visit a neat place and kind of feel like you are…read morevisiting Japan, you need to visit Mitsuwa! Not only is there a food court of different Japanese restaurants to try, there is also a grocery store, bakery, bookstore, and stores that sell ice cream, traditional desserts, as well as crepes and boba tea! My family and I visit here often every year and we like to try the different foods and desserts and then check out the bookstore and grocery store afterwards. My favorite foods so far have been the beef udon soup with a soft boiled egg, shrimp and vegetable tempura, miso soup, and Japanese curry with rice, beef, and vegetables (carrots and potatoes). My son always gets the chicken and beef on a stick and my daughter usually gets a garlic pork dish with white rice but I forget what this dish is called. My husband also enjoys the beef udon soup like I do. I swear that whenever my food is finished, I am legit sad! The crepes are good, there is a variety of boba teas to try, and the ice creams are delicious! Lychee has been my favorite so far but I have yet to try the matcha, red bean, among others! You can get a small sample of different ice cream flavors too, which is nice! I sampled the red bean flavor so that will be my go-to next time! At the grocery store, I love buying Happy Turn snacks which are like a sweet and salty crunchy cracker (maybe it is made of rice?) that are individually wrapped and mochi from the fridge area. Finally, I usually like to buy mochi from the store right next to the bookstore. The mochi from this location is the best! I usually buy multiple flavors to take home and eat at a later time! You must try these! My kids love checking out the bookstore and they usually pick something out for me to buy for them - whether it is a book, keychain, etc. There are magazines, anime figurines, soft plushy toys, pens, and stationary, etc. It is interesting to browse through the things they have there! You cannot bring food or drinks inside but they do have a shelf at the entrance where you can place your drink there if you like. The first time visiting here, the majority of the customers were Asians and as the years have passed, there is now more of an influx of non-Asians who simply love the food and appreciate the culture, which I think is neat! The first time I visited here was with my college roommate who was from Japan and she recommended this place back in 2009 perhaps? I have been visiting ever since with my family. We travel more than an hour from Wisconsin to come here but it is 100% worth the drive! Also, the cashiers and workers there are quick, efficient, and friendly. I have even been able to practice a few of the Japanese phrases I have learned with a couple of the cashiers too (I asked if they spoke Japanese first)! Overall, Mitsuwa is my happy place! Great food, interesting finds, different culture, and everyone there looks excited to be there. This is as close to visiting Japan as I can get until I keep learning more Japanese and save up enough money to go visit Japan someday! This is my dream! In the meantime, we will keep visiting Mitsuwa!

    Photos
    Bento
    Bento
    Fried chicken rice bowl
    Fried chicken rice bowl
    Echigo beer from Niigata

    See all

    Echigo beer from Niigata
    Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Hoffman Estates

    Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Hoffman Estates

    4.5
    (931 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    Very nice and bouncy noodles made to order. The soup is light and refreshing, couple that with the…read moredelicious chashu and you got a very savory bowl of noodle soup. Vibe was chill, mostly a quick eats restaurant so it's great for a casual meal.

    Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is a ramen shop that focuses on traditional Japanese-style bowls with a…read morestrong emphasis on carefully developed broths and chewy noodles. We walked into a casual, cozy space with a smaller dining area that can feel busy during peak hours, but the atmosphere stays simple and focused on the food rather than a polished dining experience. The setup works well for a place centered around a warm bowl of noodles, where the attention stays on what is in the bowl rather than what is on the walls. The ramen is the main reason to visit, especially the signature Kitakata-style noodles. The noodles have a thicker, springy texture that gives each bowl a satisfying bite, and the broths are where the restaurant stands out. We tried the Spicy Miso Ramen, which brought a deeper, richer flavor with a noticeable kick, and the Green Chili Shio Ramen, which offered a lighter but still flavorful option with a cleaner broth profile. The balance between the noodles, broth, and toppings made the bowls feel thoughtfully put together rather than just another standard ramen option. The toppings were generous and the eggs were cooked well, adding a creamy richness that tied the bowl together. Beyond ramen, the sides are worth adding to the meal. We ordered the pan-fried gyoza, which came out with a crisp exterior and a juicy filling, making it one of the stronger starters to share. The karaage also added variety if you want something beyond noodles, with a crispy coating that held up without being greasy. The menu has enough options for different preferences, including vegetarian ramen choices that do not feel like an afterthought. Because of its popularity, waits can happen, especially during dinner hours and weekends. Joining the waitlist ahead of time is a good idea if you are planning around a specific schedule. The restaurant moves with a steady pace once seated, and the service generally matches the casual style of the space. The staff handle the flow efficiently, and even when the dining room is full, the pace of the meal stays comfortable without feeling rushed. Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is a strong ramen destination for anyone looking for flavorful broths, well-textured noodles, and comforting Japanese dishes. The spicy ramen options and pan-fried gyoza are highlights, making it a place worth visiting when you want a satisfying bowl rather than just a quick noodle stop. The quality of the broth and the texture of the noodles make it a step above the average ramen spot, delivering a meal that feels complete and well considered.

    Photos
    Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai - Hoffman Estates
    Tonkotsu Ramen with added egg and Bamboo Shoot
    Tonkotsu Ramen with added egg and Bamboo Shoot
    Ban nai curry

    See all

    Ban nai curry

    Chicago Ramen Lab - ramen - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...