Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Monster Ramen

    4.3 (189 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 9:30 PM

    Monster Ramen Photos

    Business Info

    MONSTER RAMEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Monster Ramen

    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

    Jasmine S.

    A friend and I decided to try the location out for lunch at 12pm. I do recommend if you are going later try to get a reservation as the location is not extremely big. Parking is located everywhere so it's pretty easy. Since there was just two of us, we were sat at the little bar area where you can see the staff making your food. Waters were brought right away. Drink menu sit at the table along with the menu. My friend ordered the Monster Ramen and I got the House shino. They do charge for the chili oil which my friend said was decent along with a can of coke. The food came out fast and hot. Personly I found it to be a little pricey for what you get vs other Ramen places we have been to that offer alot more without having to pay extra. But the staff was friendly, the location was clean, and light music was playing.

    Julie T.

    Sorry, I'm not getting the hype here. This was a very underwhelming meal especially for it to be so pricy. Hubs is an Amex holder so we get quarterly credits for resy restaurants and Monster was on that list. Tbh if it wasn't for resy we wouldn't have tried it. We like to think that this meal was 'comped' so we didn't feel too bad for and would probably not try again. It's been on my radar just because I heard great things about it but for me this was a downfall. House Shio - $17 mid asf Broth was unmemorable. Barely any eatable toppings and this was recommended by the server Monster Ramen - $33 most expensive ramen ever. Better than shio but also not great Also not understanding why there's red onions in this. Noddles were too thin for my liking.

    Outside
    Ariana G.

    I wanted to love this place so bad, especially since it has been on my list for soooo long. It was good, but I was just very underwhelmed. Maybe I have to give it a second chance? Not sure. Before the ramen, we ordered the beef gyoza to share. The gyoza was actually very delicious and melts in your mouth! My friend and I both ordered the miso wagyu and I got the chili oil on the side. The menu states the chili oil is supposed to be x3 spicy but it was not spicy whatsoever - I even put like 4 spoonfuls in my ramen. The chili oil did make the broth more flavorful though. The restaurant itself is lively yet small with limited seating. Parking is a little difficult, especially on the weekend. Definitely make a reservation cause it gets cramped inside with people waiting by the door.

    miso wagyu
    Michelle P.

    Almost every video of ramen rankings in the city Monster Ramen seems to always be in the top five. So you can say my expectations were pretty high. My favorite ramen is definitely Akahoshi but I wasn't expecting it to be similar since Monster Ramen seems to specialize in beef. Between four, we both ordered the shoyu plus and the miso wagyu. The shoyu plus was waaaay better in my opinion in terms of flavor and taste. It almost didn't taste like a chicken based broth but more of a beef. It was really comforting and I loved how thin the ramen noodles were. Unfortunately, I wasn't a big fan of the miso wagyu. I was expecting a flavor bomb from the miso and Wagyu but it came short as it was super bland. I ended up taking some of the broth from the shoyu plus into the miso Wagyu to give it the oomph it was missing. I also did not enjoy the Wagyu as it was very chewy and cut in big chunks. Overall, I wouldn't say this makes my top 5 ramens in the city but if you're craving a good hearty bowl of ramen and there's open reservation, I'd say why not. They do have unique options that you can't really find elsewhere.

    Bryan Y.

    Tried out Monster Ramen tonight with some friends. Made a reservation beforehand, which was a good idea due to it being busy when we arrived. Service was quick and waiters attentive. I ordered The Monster ramen, broth was delicious and the noodles were really good! Also ordered the fried gyoza, it was tasty! Even tried Japanese beer called Tokyo White, I enjoyed it. Place was very clean. It's a small space but it's very cute!

    The Monster
    Jessica B.

    I had heard great things about Monster Ramen from multiple people so I went to check it out. The inside is cozy - definitely smaller than I was anticipating. I get why people say to either come early or make a reservation! We went for lunch and got there within an hour after opening and were seated immediately. Our server was so sweet and attentive, checking in on us regularly and refilling our waters. We ordered the edamame, pickled vegetables, and spicy loaded gyoza for our apps. Edamame was crisp and well salted. The pickled veg was a nice change of pace and had a good bite to them. The loaded gyoza had good flavor; they're soft, not crispy, which was unexpected. The ramen portions are sizable, as to be expected from a ramen shop. I split the Monster with one of my friends and that was plenty. You can also order an extra serving of noodles to go with your ramen. The broth is rich and beefy for sure. That's not to my taste but I would recommend it to a beef lover. They make their noodles fresh in house. The taste and texture of their noodles is more akin to angel hair pasta than typical ramen noodles, which doesn't appeal to me. They're very generous with the toppings! All in all, I can see why other people enjoy this place, but I wouldn't go again.

    Nolan F.

    I ordered The Monster - Wagyu rib roast, wagyu chashu & beef Jam, gyukotsu, garlic miso tare, ajitama, menma, kikurage, wakame, corn, chopped leeks, red onions, sesame, nori. My friends got the Shoyu Plus and Miso Wagyu. Top ramen spot for sure. I love that they make their own noodles although I prefer thicker noodles for more chewiness. Everyone liked the broth of their ramen. Egg was cooked perfectly. All the different beef cuts in my monster ramen were excellent! Prices are quite steep. I can understand the hard labor that goes into this quality but the portion of noodles should be more in my opinion. Especially for $30+ monster ramen, you should get a double portion of noodles; not pay extra. Service was good and efficient.

    Shoyu Plus
    Jon B.

    The food was mid the flavors really didn't hit the way I expected . Though the broth portion was decent size I felt for the price the beef could've been slightly bigger portioned and not just based on its location. The service was friendly but the servers didn't look too happy , nor did the stewards. The ambiance is nice but kinda cramped they got the whole vibe from Japan just right though lol . Overall it was a decent meal if I was in a rush to eat before bed. I'd try again another time of day .

    Spicy summer shio
    Vivi Z.

    This place has been on my to go list for the longest time and I finally came here on a rainy day just to have some ramen. I wasn't super impressed with the broth or noodles nor the portions. I felt like the portions were a bit small because I still felt hungry afterwards. I did take advantage of the specials they were having because it's summer which was spicy summer shio. The spiciness gave it a good kick and the toppings were ok. I don't think I will return even though I really want the Monster Ramen with wagyu rib roast after experiencing something a slightly lower tier. Overall, it was a meal I had just to check the box that I've been here.

    Cassis spritz canned aperitif
    Wallace C.

    Fabulous experience! The menu had detailed info and if you have any questions, the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. The miso/ beef bone broth is rich and flavorful. The wagyu was so tender I kept finding pieces in the broth which had flaked off of the slices. We went right at 5pm and had no wait. The food was ready so quickly. Overall wonderful experience. The portion was so big, I couldn't finish it. We will be back.

    Bar Seating + menu
    Rahima J.

    This place is who most of the ramen places in Chicago think they are! The inside is so cute and intimate. The staff is very sweet and patient to explain things on the menu. We were seated and served very quickly, even though we did not have a reservation. The food portions are large, and they have something to fit everyone's dietary restrictions. The food itself was amazing! I can't wait to come back and try the food here again.

    Juliana R.

    This was an impressive bowl of ramen! I enjoyed the food here and the bowl was a great value. I would like to see some more variety in the menu but what was there was of great quality. The seating was a bit uncomfortable so it's not the place to linger for a long meal, but the service was great which made our visit enjoyable.

    Stefanie C.

    Don't sleep on this place--Bucktown has a real gem here! Visited based on a friend's recommendation, and it did not disappoint. We kicked things off with Musashino beers, a cucumber & wakame salad, and the Yaki Beef Gyozas--the perfect combo to start the meal. Since they're known for their Wagyu ramen, there was no way I was ordering anything else. I went for the Miso Wagyu Ramen, which comes with Gyukotsu, beef chashu, garlic miso tare, corn, wakame, red onions, sesame oil, and sesame seeds--and let me tell you, the hype is real. The beef was so tender, so flavorful, yet perfectly balanced. The place is small, and not sure if you can RSVP, but definitely calling ahead is a good idea. A must-visit for ramen lovers!

    Loaded Gyoza

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 day ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    28 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Vivi Z.
    281
    323
    1047

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wallace C.
    174
    19
    11

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Logan C.
    70
    100
    50

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jenn A.
    516
    28
    4

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of B C.
    0
    545
    320

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jose C.
    3720
    1535
    6735

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Monster Ramen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Monster Ramen

    Do we have to make a reservation?

    Nope they don't take reservations! We just went in early

    Do they offer yam noodles, or any other keto friendly noodles?

    No they don't

    How much is the Omakase menu?

    I don't think they offer it since sushi isn't part of the menu.

    View All 5 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Ramen 10,560 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    RAMEN-SAN

    RAMEN-SAN

    4.0
    (3.3k reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$

    I had a quick work trip to Chicago and came across this ramen spot since it was near the hotel I…read morewas staying in. I stopped by around 2pm, and the restaurant was a bit empty. The decor in here was nice and the dessert and cocktail menus were SO CUTE! I tried the 10 Hour Tonkotsu ramen, the xoxo shrimp and pork dumplings, and the spicy kimchi. The kimchi and dumpling combination was to die for!!! It had the perfect balance of flavor and spice. The dumplings were so crispy and juicy, and the kimchi was packed with lots of flavor. 10000/10 The ramen on the other hand, was just okay in my opinion. I asked if they could make it a bit spicy and the waiter said that the only way to add spicy was to order the sesame chili. I ordered that and mixed it into my ramen but it was still missing something, not quite sure what. I'd rate the ramen a 8/10. Nothing crazy but not bad. Overall would stop by again (if im in the area) to try other items on their menu. 9/10

    Watery Ramen with basic flavors. This was the most disappointing tonkotsu Ramen I have had…read more The shrimp dish was decent, but overly sweet. Gyoza was supple and delicious, however, the Ramen had lost the battle by this point. The basil old-fashioned was a nice turn on the traditional drink, but not as flavorful enough. Prompt service and lively ambience.

    Photos
    Chili oil, low sodium soy sauce, chili flakes and furikake on each table
    Chili oil, low sodium soy sauce, chili flakes and furikake on each table
    Express lunch
    Express lunch
    Honey fried Shrimp

    See all

    Honey fried Shrimp
    Ramen Wasabi

    Ramen Wasabi

    4.2
    (2.3k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    I love Wasabi Ramen. Stopped in for a late lunch and was greeted with the familiar smell and…read morescenery. Had the tonkotsu with spice umami (it's always a hit), the sesame mai tai, and my husband had the spicy chicken paitan ramen and naked & famous. I was surprised at how tasty his ramen was! I may get it next time as it was as (if not more?!) delicious than my tonkotsu! I can't wait for next time.. this place has held up for years and I'm extremely confident it will continue to do so for many more.

    A great spot to grab a bowl of steaming ramen on a rainy Sunday afternoon in Chicago. Note they…read moreclose sharply @3pm probably for a lunch break for the staff. The Alaskan cod sandwich was served on a bed of cabbage covered in a sweet teriyaki & brown mustard sauce with maybe a squeeze of kewpie sprinkled in between. The Berkshire pork eggrolls had microgreens & shaved radish on top of a crema type of sauce that balanced the heat of the kimchi nicely!! For the main attraction I ordered the spicy garlic ramen that was such a delightful mouth experience it really hit all the taste buds! The noodles were perfectly bouncy with the right amount of chew. The jellied egg was perfect and rounded the soup very well! The red chili threads enhanced the spicy miso broth just enough to slurp all the delicious goodness down! My husband ordered the Sapporo miso soup which had more of a creamy type of broth vs the spicy garlic. The noodles were also thinner than regular ramen & had a bouncy springy texture that just hit the spot! Since it was kinda chilly outside we also ordered hot green tea to accompany our spectacular ramen dishes. This place also offers delicious seasonal cocktails on the menu or hot sake if that's what you are hankering for. Definitely try this ramen joint if you are in the Logan square area your tummy will be so happy that you did!!

    Photos
    Spicy Roasted Garlic Miso Ramen
    Spicy Roasted Garlic Miso Ramen
    Inside
    Inside
    Tokyo Spicy Wings Small Plate

    See all

    Tokyo Spicy Wings Small Plate
    Kyuramen - Downtown Chicago

    Kyuramen - Downtown Chicago

    4.2
    (625 reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $$

    First time having Ramen and we LOVED it…read more The seating is very unique and private. We will be eating there again.

    Came here as it was close to where I was staying downtown. I went on a Sunday and there were only 6…read morecustomers in the restaurant at 545pm. I was seated at a table and they brought out water right away. But that's where the service stopped. I was handed 3 menus... food, drinks, cocktail. It took forever to get one of the servers to come over and take my order. They were all huddled by the kitchen and hostess stand chatting with each other and on their cell phones. Finally one of them walked by my table and I had to get her attention and told her I would like to order. She brought out the iPad then looked around seeing if someone else should probably take the order. I felt I inconvenienced her. Got the tonkatsu shoyu ramen with black garlic and the takoyaki. Food came out fast. Takoyaki after the ramen but the takoyaki was delicious. Soft and creamy on the inside with the octopus was very tender. It was topped with plenty of katsuoboshi. Ramen was another story. Noodles had a really good chew as they advertised using sun noodle company. However the broth tasted very watered down and did not have the rich flavor and usually fat globules that make the soup. Cha siu was charred beautifully and portion size was good. Hopefully they can focus on the front of house service and the team can pay attention to customers. Maybe this is why there were only 6 customers at prime dinner time.

    Photos
    Honeycomb pods
    Honeycomb pods
    Matcha Pudding W. Red Bean
    Matcha Pudding W. Red Bean
    Thai Iced Tea

    See all

    Thai Iced Tea

    Monster Ramen - ramen - Updated June 2026

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