The tonkotsu shio looks simple when it lands. Then you take a sip and the broth hits different. Creamy, layered, real depth. Pork was tender, noodles had the right chew, egg was cooked perfectly, and the mushrooms added a nice crunch in there. Hot chicken bun was solid too. Chicken stayed crispy, spice level was on point, aioli tied it all together. Service was great on top of that. I was sitting out in the middle of The Factory food hall and the server still tracked me down to deliver my bowl. I'm from California so I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much from ramen in Franklin Tennessee. This place proved me wrong. Get the tonkotsu shio. read more

Otaku Ramen - Tonkotsu shio ramen - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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This location is conveniently located in the factory, at Franklin. While the ramen was good and the portion sizes were decent, there are so many smaller ramen places that have a bit more flavor. The staff themselves were nice and helpful, but there was a little flavor missing, in my opinion. read more

Otaku Ramen is located in the Factory in Franklin. Food ordering was very prompt, order at the counter and then get a number. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambience- you can sit inside or sit in the mall / the mall has better ambience IMO.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ramen was good, Japanese fried chicken - ok; ranch fried wontons were good. Order a glass of wine at the bar in the middle of the mall and it really made this meal. read more

Otaku Ramen - Menu - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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The food is absolutely delicious!! Best ramen I've ever had, but [[HIGHLIGHT]]seating area is somewhat small[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the factory can be loud[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. But highly recommend! read more

Otaku Ramen - Tennessee Tonkotsu - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]This was such a fun little restaurant in the Factory - lots of choices and a good kids variety too[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]- however the kids ramen wasn't on the menu, so I'm glad I asked! Overall, really yummy! read more

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My order was completely wrong, but instead of fixing it, the staff repeatedly insisted it was correct. I've ordered the same dish many times and know exactly what it should look like. Despite clearly explaining the error, they refused to make it right. This combination of carelessness and poor service has cost them a regular customer. I won't be back. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Delicious ramen, loved the option to take your plate and sit wherever you'd like![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The Factory is a great place to walk afterwards for deserts and coffee. read more

As i mentioned we come here often. I ordered my regular and it was just way too salty! I know Ramen runs high in the sodium count but this was not pleasant. I'm hoping it was a one-off experience because we love this place! read more

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Small location within the Franklin Factory. Small seating area, but fairly quick service. It does get very busy so there may be a wait on the weekends during lunch time. You order and pay at the counter and grab a seat. They will call you when your food is ready to pick up. The menu is limited, but that makes it easier to choose. They do serve beer and sake. Everything tasted great. The pork broth was rich, the fried chicken was crispy and the hot chicken was just enough spice. I liked it on the bun. Satisfying if you are looking for a ramen spot. I would visit this location again. I would also like to visit the Nashville location to see how they compare. read more

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I was craving ramen and it just didn't hit the spot. I got the chicken shoyu and it just felt really oily. I also didn't like the noodles which felt more Iike spaghetti. Their spice bomb tastes like goagugang instead of normal ramen Spence which totally changed the flavor. I also got kimchi and I felt like I could barely taste it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They were super busy for lunch but I just didn't love it[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Otaku Ramen - Chicken shoyu - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

This is another great addition to The Factory in Franklin. Otaku Ramen is located in the main courtyard area, which is becoming a bit of a food court. They have a relatively small indoor dining area, which also features "outside" chairs at an indoor/outdoor bar, which is still indoors since the restaurant is within The Factory. The service was really friendly and helpful, with the staff able to answer all my questions and provide recommendations. I had the Tonkotsu Shoyu, which I found to be really flavorful. This was a pleasant surprise, since other reviews had suggested there wasn't much flavor. Maybe some of the other ramen bowls aren't as flavorful due to different broth, but I enjoyed the Tonkotsu Shoyu. My only complaint would be that it was a bit heavy on the salt for my tastes, but I suspect most would consider that a good thing, and in my experience ramen does tend to be a bit salty. I also had the Tokyo Fried Chicken, which was really tasty all by itself but also comes with a nice wasabi-yuzu sauce. The restaurant was also impeccably clean, which was impressive. Overall I think this is a great addition to The Factory, and worth checking out. read more

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A perfect place to add a trendy ramen spot to the Franklin factory. This place was beyond packed when we showed up. We were invited from a Yelp event and did not expect so many people. This was a great sign though because it seemed like a lot of ppl were willing to wait on a long time for this ramen. It did not disappoint. Many ramen and beer choices, not a ton of appetizer options but you don't really need it. We loved the ramen and the apps were on point. Really good option if you are in the area. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Stopped here on Halloween as it was raining outside and we felt it was perfect weather to try this ramen place in the Factory.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the Classic and my wife had the kids size ramen as the regular portions are pretty big. My wife is from Hawaii and is picky about her ramen noodles and broth, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked mine as well and it was not too salty at all ( as other reviewers have mentioned). We also got the fried chicken appetizer and it was the bomb. I would come back here just for that! read more

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Ordered 2 bowls of ramen. It came out at best lukewarm. I sent mine back because it was freezing outside and I really wanted a pipping hot bowl of ramen. While waiting, I tried my son's bowl, it was also lukewarm, but he was so hungry he didn't care. They reboiled my bowl of ramen and made it obscenely hot (I know this because all the toppings were mixed at the bottom of the bowl and noodles were now overcooked). Sad to say, everyone in the restaurant that day must have been eating lukewarm ramen. For $20/bowl, I'd expect a higher standard. Flavors were on point, but execution was lacking. read more

We recently visited Otaku Ramen in The Franklin Factory and had a great experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a fast-casual spot with a modern, quaint dining area, and if you need more room, there's plenty of additional seating in the factory's lounge area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service was fantastic--when we asked about popular dishes, they offered many great suggestions. We ended up trying the spicy miso and their special, and both were delicious, each with its own distinct flavor profile. The prices seem a little high but portions are large, our dinner for two (no drinks) came out to $42 including tip. Overall, we'll definitely be back! read more

Otaku Ramen - Spicy Miso The Special - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

What did I just pay $20 for???? I got a tiny piece of pork, super salty broth a sad egg with hard noodles. We've had some amazing Ramen so we have something to compare it to and we have no idea how they are selling this??? We will spend money on good food and sing praises from the mountain tops but this is worse than prepackaged ramen. Y'all need to do better. read more

Appreciate there is a ramen place in The Factory but I did not enjoy the Spicy Miso Ramen. Maybe I need to try another dish but I felt there wasn't a lot of authentic flavor in mine. Enjoyed the casual atmosphere. There are even tables where half your party can eat inside and half can eat outside (Factory main hall/lobby). read more

Otaku Ramen - Spicy miso - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

This spot is in the factory and a cool little spot. The food didn't disappoint and the long line moved swiftly and was worth the wait. The ramen is delicious with deep flavors - I added the pork confit and it was amazing! The appetizers were all fab as well with the hot chicken bun being our favorite. Good food with a nice cold on draft Kirin what else can you ask for. We will definitely be back! Not sure what's up with these negative reviews feels like people may have unrealistic expectations of a casual spot in a mall perfect for a quick bite. read more

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Really stoked on this new location for Otaku Ramen! Ordered a bowl of ramen, kimchi fried rice, tokyo fried chicken, pork donburi, and some taro boba. Everything was phenomenal but beware that the kimchi fried rice definitely has a kick! One of the highlights for me was the wasabi mayo dip for the delicious fried chicken. Just wow! I would come back just for that. The kids said the boba was the best they've ever had and they've probably tried every boba place in middle tennessee. Highly recommend this cool location at the factory in Franklin. read more

Otaku Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

I loved the location, it has a great casual vibe since the restaurant and seating is so open. There happened to be live music at the Factory that day so we were able to enjoy our food while listening to some great tunes. I've eaten a lot of ramen but this one fell short of my expectations. The meat and the add-ins were great but the noodles were all stuck together. To me, the broth is what makes or breaks it and the broth was just VERY salty and not flavourful. We also ordered a matcha milk tea, which they initially forgot - understandable because it was quite busy that day. But they made it in front of us and basically poured what looked like green coloured milk from a milk jug and added ice and half and half. It didn't have much matcha flavour and watching them make that really made me think twice about ordering it again. Also for $7, I don't think it was really worth it. I don't think I'm in any rush to come back. read more

We went on Fridays and boy was it packed! I ordered the miso ramen and edamame and it was delicious. I really enjoyed the ramen and the flavors. Staff is friendly and there are many options. Can't wait to go back! read more

Otaku Ramen - Edamame - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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Ramen is one of my favorite meals, Nice to finally have a place in Franklin to enjoy! The service is fast, the food is flavorful! Nice cool family environment definitely worth a try. read more

Otaku Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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Worst ramen I have ever had. Way too salty. Very Americanized, not true ramen. The dumplings were even bad. How do you screw up dumplings? Disgusting. read more

Food was good. Service was also good. I would definitely eat there again.[[HIGHLIGHT]]it is in the factory so there were good vibes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Otaku Ramen - Tasty! - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

This is my favorite Ramen shop in the area. Spicy Miso is my favorite and I highly recommend. I've reviewed them twice already I believe but this one is about a disappointment we experienced last night. I've maintained 5 stars because I still believe it deserves it. 5 Stars is not perfect, but how a place conducts its success's and failure's. We ordered 4 soups and two classic milk boba. We had dinner with friends on July 31st and ordered almost the exact same thing. Both of these visits the boba was quite bad. Boba was cooked perfect but the drink mix was really bland and bad and nothing like the classic milk tea that we've ordered from Otaku before. The first time we just passed it off as a mistake and finished them, the spence visit I said something. The employee, which was professional and very pleasant said it's a premade mix and often can be hit or miss depending on who made it. I wanted to bring this to attention because I don't think that's how management would like that to be known. It tasted as if the mix was 1/4 the flavor of what it should be, tea flavor and sweetness. We were offered a refund, which I was told would be processed in a few business days. Thank you for creating delicious ramen. read more

Otaku Ramen - Spicy miso ramen - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

Had a great time at Otaku tonight. It's an order at a counter setup unlike the Gulch Otaku. Line took 5-10 minutes around 5:45 on a Monday. Happy hour is 4-6 and includes free edamame with a Sapporo on draft, but Sapporo was out, so we had Kirin Ichiban. Found a table easily, there are about 12 four tops in the restaurant and more common food court space you could also eat at outside. Food only took about 10 minutes to come out. My wife got the Miso ramen and I got the Classic Shoyu. Both were delicious. The Shoyu was a thinner chicken broth and the miso was a more savory pork broth that I think I preferred slightly. The pork belly was tender and plentiful. Forgot to add an egg, but always enjoy that! Overall quick service and great food. Will certainly be back at some point. read more

Otaku Ramen - Kirin Ichiban on draft - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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Have you ever been to a place where the service was attentive, the food was well prepared and tasty, and the atmosphere was conducive to a great meal experience? Well, this ain't it! Service is slow. The ramen is lukewarm at best and the food is fairly tasteless. There are too many decent places to eat at the factory now that you don't have to accept mediocre. read more

I love ramen. Been to Japan several times and was spoiled there and in California. I really wanted to like this place. This pork shoyu ramen is probably the oiliest ramen I have ever had. I couldn't eat the broth because it was so gross. The pork was interesting as well, shredded and made crispy. Won't be back. Gross. read more

Went for dinner on a Thursday evening around 6:00 PM. This is an order at the counter, then locate a table arrangement. Waited in line about 5 minutes. While the restaurant was fairly busy, there were plenty of tables available, both inside and in the common area of The Factory right outside. Food prep was quick - took maybe 5 - 10 minutes. I had the spicy Miso which was both pleasing to the eye (colorful) and delicious to the palette. The chili paste and chili oil give this dish a fiery kick which was just right for me but may be too hot if you don't like spicy. The pork bone broth was absolutely tremendous. Staff was efficient, though not overwhelmingly friendly. Restaurant was clean and comfortable. Generally - great food, good service. Will definitely be back. @YelpNashville @otakuramen read more

Otaku Ramen - Spicy Miso - Colorful / Flavorful! - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

this was soo delicious! i love ramen and this place had really good options. they don't have too many different ramen options available, but i loved the spicy ramen. i would definitely recommend, and i can't wait to go back again! read more

Otaku Ramen - ramen - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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Grandkids had the ramen and said it was delicious. They are very picky!!Staff were very accommodating.

Tourist level chain eating at the Factory. At least it's an interesting choice. However it may be the saltiest food I've had in years almost was not edible. Also very expensive. Would not recommend. read more

Otaku Ramen - SALT and Sodium and then some more SALT - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

What a great addition to the factory! I came here on a Friday for an early dinner. I opted for the szechuan ramen bowl and ordered the Nashville hot chicken bun and a taro boba milk tea. I had shared my ramen bowl with my son and let me say, it's sooo much food! We could not fish it! The broth was super delicious and creamy. I loved that it was spicy enough to where I didn't need additional chili oil. But also thought a $1 charge for chili oily was a bit silly. I love the generous amount of bean sprouts! There was only one stem of bok choy. If there was a few, it would of made the bowl 10000% better! I love a ramen bowl with tons of veggies! The hot chicken bun was TDF! I love it! I was really craving Hattie B's and this chicken made up for it. The chicken was very similar to many Nashville hot chicken competitors. The taro boba was just ok, it was too milky for my liking, not enough taro flavor. I also tried the hibiscus tea...it was disgusting. I don't think this is a place where you want to order boba, but looks like a Boba shop is opening soon in the factory so that's a plus! The service was great! The guy that to my order was super nice and helpful! They definitely have the right person working up front taking orders. read more

Otaku Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

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Well I love me some ramen and this spot doesn't disappoint. Like a true ramen shop there is a full selection of protein and goodies. The Saturday afternoon line was 5-10 minutes with a 10-15 wait for your meal. Plenty of time to walk the factory. Ramen was the real deal and I genuinely enjoyed the meal. Pricing was true to Franklin with a $15-17 bowl price tag before the extras... Wife thought it was good enough but not a big fan of ramen to start. Good spot to people watch if you eat in the concourse. Definitely a two thumbs up read more

Great addition to the Franklin Factory. Sadly it did not live up to the hope. It is new and we will hope it gets better with time. For now: it is a very small space with a few tables and a larger bar type table, it was clean, and staff was very friendly. The food itself was very bland and salty. We ordered the szechuan miso ramen that surprisingly was not spicy at all. There was not many noodles but had an abundance of bean sprouts. The spicy edamame also was not spicy at all and tasted more like it was seasoned with only salt, tokyo fried chicken were small popcorn chicken that were very greasy, and the chicken gyoza were decent gyoza. All of it was very pricey for portion size. Happy hour offered $7 draft Sapporo from 4-6. Overall, it was a cute place to checkout but not worth the price. read more

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Came over to grab a quick lunch. I chose spicy miso. The food was hot and fresh and just right for a rainy day. Staff was very friendly and professional. Will definitely come back. read more

Otaku Ramen - Spicy miso - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

The tonkatsu bowl is heavenly .... Seriously it's hard to find a better owl of ramen in the state! We go back again and again because it's consistently excellent! read more

This place was surprisingly good! I had the specialty ramen that they had. I would've enjoyed it way more if they had any forks. I asked for one and the employee just walked away and didn't acknowledge my request. Customer service could be better. I thought the seating there was also just odd. But my ramen was delicious read more

Otaku Ramen - Mas & Cheese Brothless ramen - Ramen Near Me - Franklin, Tennessee

Food was delicious and very filling. Quick service and love the packaging. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Husband was pleasantly impressed with the location.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We wish we had one in Murfreesboro Tn. read more

The food was so oily especially the broth. From the oil, I have stomachache now. For the food you get, it is also overpriced. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The service and ambiance were ok.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But for Franklin factory I expected way different. I don't think I will come back. read more