I made a reservation for two at 8:45 PM. When we arrived a little early, I noticed that the restaurant was listed as closing at 9:00 PM, so I asked what that meant for our reservation. The response I received was essentially, "I don't know." Since I had a reservation, I was then asked for my name. After I gave it, I was told that they couldn't find it and couldn't pronounce my name, so I should look for it myself. I was honestly quite taken aback by the way the situation was handled. I tried to be understanding, thinking that the staff may simply have had a long and busy day, but I'm leaving this review in the hope that the next guest has a better experience. If, when I first asked about the closing time, someone had simply said, "We're sorry for the confusion. We stop accepting new customers at 9:00 PM, but we will continue serving guests with reservations," the whole situation could have been resolved pleasantly for everyone. And before telling a guest, "I can't pronounce your name and I can't find your reservation, so you find it yourself," it would have taken very little effort to scroll down just a little further. My reservation was there. read more

Came across this place while walking around downtown Chicago. Fortunately, we were able to snag a seat here for dinner! The food is wonderful, and I highly recommend the kimchi and fried chicken ramen. So flavorful it packs a punch. I love the combination it brings out. The space is a bit on the louder end but still great to be there. The workers are kind and are ready to help! read more

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Ramen San was a really good ramen spot in Chicago! My wife and I were up there visiting and wanted to find a yummy ramen place, and we're glad we stopped here. As soon as we arrived, we loved the atmosphere. The setting was really laid-back, with dim lighting and classic R&B and rap playing in the background, which we really enjoyed. The lighting was just right--you could still see your guest, but it had a cozy, intimate feel. Definitely a nice spot for a date night or somewhere to relax and take your time. The ramen was really good, and the flavors were on point. The only thing I'd mention is that the chicken ramen was a little too spicy for my taste, but the flavor was still really good. Now, the mantou buns stole the show! They were absolutely delicious and honestly some of the best I've ever had. If I go back, those are definitely going to be one of the first things I order again. Overall, we really enjoyed the food, atmosphere, and experience. Definitely a spot we would recommend if you're in Chicago and craving some good ramen! read more

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I came here with a group of friends, craving ramen and this place did not disappoint! Most of us ordered the 10 hour tonkotsu and it was absolutely delicious. All our bowls came fairly quickly and we dove right in. The broth is incredibly flavorful and rich, the noodles were bouncy and chewy. the meat perfectly cooked. (Literally making myself hungry writing this!) We were in a bit of a rush but were able to get our food quickly, order, eat and be on our way. The staff are great and as a bonus, bathrooms are clean. read more

Came to Ramen San on an impromptu date after our original plans fell through, and it ended up being a really good choice. I loved the indoor outdoor feel of the space with the open windows, and they also have a nice outdoor seating area. The atmosphere is casual but cute, with a mix of bar, high top, and bench seating. We tried a few cocktails, which were good, and our server was friendly, patient, and gave great recommendations. But the absolute STAR of the meal was the crab rangoon dumplings. OMG. I already love crab rangoon, but these took it to another level. They were easily my favorite thing we ordered, and I would go back just for those. I'm not usually a big ramen person, but I was pleasantly surprised by how flavorful the ramen was. We ordered a spicy option with fried chicken, and while I wasn't a fan of the fried chicken getting soggy in the broth, the ramen itself was delicious...honestly, the flavors were even better the next day after everything had soaked in. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would definitely come back to try another ramen. But those crab rangoon dumplings? I could go back for those RIGHT NOW. read more

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Another great visit to Ramen-San. Although the restaurant was busy, I was able to grab a table immediately, which was a nice surprise. I ordered the karaage chicken nuggets and chicken and veggie dumplings, while my friend ordered the nuggets and fried chicken bun. Everything came out quickly and hot. The chicken nuggets were meaty and flavorful, and the sauce really elevated the dish. The fried dumplings were packed with vegetables and had a great texture. My friend enjoyed her fried chicken bun the most. She loved how soft the bun was and thought the sauce on the sandwich really brought everything together. We did have a little hiccup at the end of our meal. We waited for the bill for a while before flagging down our server, only to find out that the bill was connected to the QR code in the booth. I actually think that's a really cute and convenient concept, but it would be helpful if guests were told about it when they're seated or when the food is delivered. It would definitely save guests from sitting around wondering when their check is coming. Overall, another enjoyable experience at Ramen-San. read more

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Recently, I finally made my way to Ramen-San in river north, which had been on my list for a while. It's a very casual spot and honestly, it's a great place to bring someone on a new date. My friend and I decided to grab ramen on a rainy day, and despite not having reservations and the restaurant being quite busy, we were surprisingly seated pretty quickly. I ordered the TanTan-San and added Chicken Chashu and I wish I didn't. I did not enjoy the chicken at all, it had a very slimy texture. I also substituted the regular noodles for the gluten free noodle (+$1). Overall, the meal was just okay. The server was attentive at first and after our food was delivered we never saw him. He never came back to check in on us or anything. My ramen overall was pretty good, had a ton of veggies and flavor with a bit of kick which I always enjoy. I personally think there are better ramen spots in chicago, unfortunately, this was not it for me. read more

RAMEN-SAN - Tan Tantan-San - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here for vegetarian ramen. It was pretty good with a flavorful broth. Prices were higher than the quality would indicate, but this is downtown Chicago. Overall, I would come back if I was staying in the area and wanted ramen. read more

RAMEN-SAN - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A lunchtime steal. How can you beat a four course meal under $20?! The miso salmon was the star of the show, super flavorful and it literally melted in my mouth. The ramen was good but I thought it would be better given that it is a ramen restaurant. It was honestly bland to me but more flavorful once I added ramen pepper, chili flakes, and chili oil. But the ramen egg was the best egg my boyfriend has ever had‍ The edamame hummus was a fun appetizer, very creative and tasty. The salad was your typical Japanese salad with sesame dressing. Would I recommend this for a ramen restaurant? Not quite Would I come back to try more of their menu/express lunch deal? Absolutely read more

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Fried chicken bao: 5/10 tastes like a wendy's chicken sandwich Tofu Bao: 7/10 the sauce has a kick to it! delicious! Ambiance: I like the vibe, they have the world cup playing & hip hop music playing in the background; really good vibes for late night munchies. the lighting is moody Tonkotsu Ramen: 6/10 Our server was amazing! I didn't catch his name but he made the experience worthwhile read more

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Ramen-San absolutely lives up to the hype. The Kimchi & Fried Chicken Ramen is the kind of bowl you think about long after you leave. The broth brings the perfect balance of rich, spicy, and savory, while the crispy karaage adds an awesome crunch that holds up surprisingly well. The kimchi, buttered corn, sesame chili oil, and fresh scallions all come together without any one ingredient stealing the show. The vibe is modern, the service is quick, and every bite feels like comfort food with a kick. If you're looking for one of the best ramen spots in Minneapolis, this bowl should be at the top of your list. I'll definitely be back for another bowl. read more

RAMEN-SAN - Kimchi & Fried Chicken Ramen--crispy karaage, spicy kimchi, buttery corn, and a broth worth every last sip. - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

3.5/5 The ambiance is really nice as some friends and I grabbed dinner on the outdoor patio. I ordered the classic tonkotsu ramen. The chashu was very flavorful and tender, but I wanted a bit more depth and umami from the broth. read more

RAMEN-SAN - 10 hour tonkotsu* - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Watery Ramen with basic flavors. This was the most disappointing tonkotsu Ramen I have had. 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. read more

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Absolutely delicious! Our server brought out my fried chicken bun with sauces on it at first (I'm picky and ordered no sauce). They replaced it no problem and even had the sauces all on the side. The bbq sauce was very good so I added that. Love the coziness of this place late at night. Our server was very polite and helpful. Highly recommend going here. read more

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Boston and New York are famous for their ramen, and as a Bostonian, I couldn't help but feel a bit biased. But honestly, this was one of the best experiences I've had! The food was exceptional, the service was superb, and the atmosphere was just wonderful. The place has a charming rustic vibe, with projectors on the wall playing anime and movies, creating a lively and cultural ambiance that feels so inviting. The food... it truly was one of the best ramens I've ever tasted in my life. The menu offers a great variety for vegetarians, vegans, and meat lovers alike. I tried the dry sake, which reminded me of Prosecco: delicately bubbly and lovely to sip. I've tasted better sake, but it paired perfectly with my meal. My cousin chose the spirit-free cocktails, especially the Rose Mallow rosemary syrup, yuzu, mint, and hibiscus ginger beer. He gave it a 6.5 out of 10 because the mint and ginger were a bit strong, but if you enjoy those flavors, it could be just right for you. Meanwhile, my goddaughter ordered the Thank Yuzu, a refreshing blend of pineapple, yuzu lemonade, and cilantro, which she rated an 8.5 out of 10. She loved it, though she said the pineapple was quite strong and overshadowed the yuzu lemonade. Still, she declared it a great drink with her trusty young palate. My godmother enjoyed the sparkling water with lemon, simple and refreshingly perfect. We started with some delicious appetizers. The Pork Belly Bao Buns were a hit: tender, juicy pork with spicy mayo and kimchi cucumber, earning a perfect 10/10. The buns were soft and flavorful. We also shared the Sticky Thai Wings: five crispy chicken wings tossed in a sweet chili sauce, served with pickled Japanese daikon radish and lime. My godmother loved them, giving a 10/10, saying they had just the right amount of heat and crunch with a savory finish. The Chicken and Vegetable Gyoza were quite tasty, scoring an 8/10; they were crunchy and flavorful, although I felt something was slightly missing from the flavor. The highlight was definitely the ramen. My godmother chose the Chicken Shio classic chicken broth with chicken chashu, butter corn, scallions, molten egg, and nori. She rated it a 9/10, praising the flavors but mentioning that the broth could use a little more depth. My cousin, my goddaughter, and I all enjoyed the 10-hour Tonkotsu, the traditional broth with chashu and molten egg. It was an absolute favorite! I added bok choy and a side of sesame chili, and every bite was heavenly. My goddaughter added xoxo wontons, which were an excellent pair with her ramen. The broth was rich and flavorful, the pork was incredibly tender, practically melting in my mouth, and the noodles were perfectly bouncy, silky, and flavorful. I finished my bowl without even realizing how delicious it was. Plus, they offer unlimited noodle refills for just $5! This spot is a solid 10/10 in my book. I'd even come to Chicago just for these noodles again. Truly a happy, satisfied group! Photo credits: Kamilla M Recommendations: A.M read more

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Stopped here for dinner on Thursday during our first night in town. Located in the downtown area, there are several places nearby. We had a reservation for 8:30 and checked in at 8:10. The hostess, who seemed like she was having a hard time negotiating it all, informed us that it would be closer to that reservation time. They pump loud hip hop which was fine. We were sat about 10min late at a center high top table. We ordered drinks and some buns. I also had a wild hair and added a salad as well. The bao bun was seriously the best I have ever had. No exaggeration at all - the meat was tender, not chewy, and the outer skin still had a perfect crisp to it. Wow. MUST HAVE, The salad was also incredibly good with the carrot ginger dressing. The ramen was solid - but I wish bamboo shoots were listed on the menu so I could ask them to hold them. Ramen was standard. Only issue was the wait time between ordering and items coming out. I noticed people who came in after us being served very quickly - not sure if our waitress wasn't putting in what we ordered or not picking up our orders. In a wild turn of events - I ordered dessert at a ramen house - the Cinnamon Toast Crunch sundae which was pretty good. Overall - very good place. read more

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​Stopped in for a quick snack to join friends who had already finished dinner. I ordered the chili crunch cucumbers and the sticky Thai wings. ​The cucumbers were covered in an addictive, garlicky crunch topping. It was only mildly spicy, but I wish there was way more cucumber to balance out all those extra yummy bits. ​The wings were excellent--the batter seemed like it might have rice flour, giving them a perfectly airy and light crunch. I was desperate for vegetables after eating out for a few days, so I ate the radish expecting it to be a throwaway garnish, but it was actually a delicious pickled radish soaked in sauce. It was a welcome bite. I also tried the rose mallow mocktail, all of the ingredients are ones that I like and it made for a nice refreshing drink. read more

RAMEN-SAN - Chili crunch cucumbers - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had the kimchi and fried chicken ramen and thought it was REALLY good! The flavor of the broth was just the right amount of umami and saltiness, compared to most ramen spots. My friend got the tonkotsu and thought it was standard. The service is really good! Our waiter was super friendly. read more

RAMEN-SAN - Kimchi & Fried Chicken - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Fried chicken buns were amazing. Ordered the 10 hour pork belly ramen - it was good but I was surprised by the spice level. It was not marked anywhere that it was spicy but it had quit the heat. I'd come back to try a different ramen and order the buns - but ask about spice levels first! We also ordered the donuts - they were nothing special. I'd try the ube tiramisu or another dessert instead next time. read more

The express lunch is a steal! I can't wait to come back, the express lunch and quality of food has me sold. I opted for a yuzu margarita was was good but not something I feel like I couldn't get elsewhere and probably better made, I am going to try other cocktails next time to compare. I'm a new fan of edamame hummus and their veggie ramen has so much depth of flavor which is something I appreciate after having tried many veggie ramen in the past. The server was kind and helpful when it came to the menu and the music is really the best. read more

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I finally got to try on a busy night. The hostess did an amazing job handling the crowd and was honest about wait time which was really appreciated. The ambiance is really fun and casual although it's incredibly loud. Service was great except for how poorly they handled that amount of covers. Receiving half empty cups of water for 45 minutes is unacceptable for how much you can expect to pay per person. Similarly, getting individual plates only after the last call AND after we're done eating was a bit shocking to me. The food was below average too which makes this a very hard pass for me next time. From everything we ordered the bang bang shrimp and nuggets did stand out but just weren't enough for how frankly disappointing everything else was. read more

My group of 3 went to ramen-san on a weekend around 5 pm. We were able to be seated by the counter right away. The restaurant was quite busy though so I would recommend a reservation if you're going on a weekend and want a table! I ordered their tantan-san ramen, which is their vegetarian option! It was a good portion size, and we all left very full! It had a delicious broth that was creamy and flavorful with a slight kick to it! It had a good ratio of noodles and toppings to broth. I added the molten egg, which is marinated in soy sauce and I confirmed it was vegetarian-friendly! You get half an egg. The texture is a perfect soft boil, but i would've love if it were marinated a little longer. They offer both cocktails and mocktails! I went with the thank yuzu (nonalcoholic) which was refreshing and mostly tasted like a lemonade. It wasn't super sweet, which is great for me because I enjoy a more tart lemonade! read more

RAMEN-SAN - Tantan-San with molten egg - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE! My wife was craving ramen one night for dinner and this place was recommended to us. I'm super glad we stopped in, because it was just what we were after. The place was rather dimly lit, which actually made for a nice dinner-time ambiance. It's relatively small inside, so the fact that it was busy led us to just take two seats at the bar. The service at the bar was fantastic and, while the bartenders were quite busy, they were very good about repeatedly checking in on us. I ordered the chicken shio ramen, and my wife ordered the kimchi and fried chicken ramen, which the waitress/bartender told us was the most popular. Both of these dishes were absolutely incredible, and both were large, but not overly filling portion sizes. It was $17-$18 per ramen bowl, which isn't cheap, but it's also not too expensive for being right in the middle of the city. This is my new favorite ramen place in Chicago, and it comes highly recommended by me for anyone who is wanting to try it! read more

RAMEN-SAN - Chicken Shio - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came to Ramen San after seeing good reviews on Yelp and wanted to try it out! We were quickly greeted and told there was a 25 min wait but the hostess pointed out 2 seats at the bar and said they were open if we wanted to sit there. So we decided to sit down! The server was super friendly and on top of it, and we ordered quickly as we were getting hungry. Unfortunately the food took a bit long to come out, probably 20-25 min but we eventually got our food. I got the kimchi & fried chicken ramen bowl and Omg it was AMAZING!! It definetly had a kick, so if you don't like spice this isn't for you. The ambiance was very moody yet still well lit, and there were searing options inside and out. I definitely will be recommending to my friends read more

RAMEN-SAN - Fried Chicken - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very delicious! The ramen is really good and flavorful. I do wish the noodles had more of a marinated flavor, but I would def order it again. The portion is very large as well. The Thai wings are really good and so perfectly crispy. I liked the Brussels sprouts too - the sauce on them makes the dish even better. The place is super cute and decorated very sophisticated but relaxed. Service was nice and attentive. We'll certainly return. read more

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We came to Ramen-San for lunch with my boyfriend, and wow... the food was unbelievable. I had the shrimp caldo ramen, he got the 10-hour tonkotsu, plus mantou with pork and fried chicken (which I forgot to take a picture of ). Everything was incredibly delicious, honestly, I was shocked at how good it was. It brought me so much joy I almost wanted to cry. The service was amazing, the atmosphere and interior are beautiful - truly a full package. Definitely recommend, and we're already planning to come back on Thursday with friends! read more

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After watching a play at the Goodman Theater, we were looking for a place that was still open near our hotel and came across Ramen-San through Yelp's guidance. Although the place was busy we were seated right away. Interior was nice with its lighting Our server, Yvan was very welcoming and answered any question I had. We started off with the Late Night Fried Rice (only served after 9pm) and a Pork belly bun. If you like Pork Belly like I do, you will love the fried rice that had tender pieces of Pork Belly. It was delicious! If you're having Ramen, the Fried Rice could be shared by 2. We then had the 10-Hour Tonkatsu Ramen, which was also good. It's a huge bowl, I added an extra molten egg for me so we could split the rest with my buddy. It mentioned to Yvan that we were celebrating my birthday and he surprised us with complimentary donuts that were warm and with a Miso Caramel dipping sauce. It was a great dessert! Highly recommend if ever in Chicago! Ask for Yvan for exceptional customer service! read more

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Ate at Ramen san twice recently - once for lunch and again for dinner. Both times of day were pretty busy, even during the week (lots of offices around river north, so people may frequent this place during lunch breaks). If you're not one of those within walking distance, the street parking may be limited, so plan accordingly Each time I come its always a vibe with the hip hop beats bumpin (can be pretty loud tbh) if youre into that. Besides forgetting our salad, the staff is overall pretty attentive and service is good for how busy it can get. The seating and smaller tables can be pretty tight especially with larger parties The broth from the sumo bowl was pretty light and was on the blander side - although I liked the variety of toppings, def wasn't my favorite but could be good for the right person if they prefer ramen that's not as heavy (ironic given that its the largest bowl offered lol). I will say that the wontons were good and did enjoy them! On the other end, the broth from the 10 hour tonkotsu was rich and creamy, with the savoriness from the pork really pulling through - def aligns more with my preference for ramen. The pork itself from ramen san really hits the spot, in both the ramen and the pork belly bun, super tender and juicy read more

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Sooo good! Loved the 10 hour tonkatsu and the chicken and kimchi ramens. Came out supper fast. Super fun and chill vibes inside. Bartender was fast and friendly. A little pricey but typical for the area. They have purse hooks at the bar which is always appreciated. read more

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The vibes were great overall. Lively, casual, and a fun spot to hang out. 8/10. The kimchi & fried chicken ramen was good but honestly a little overhyped to me. I liked how crispy the fried chicken was and the flavor was solid, but the chicken itself had a bad oil taste. The noodles were fine and I enjoyed the broth. 6/10. The bao buns were okay. The fried chicken bao was decent but I didn't love the mayo sauce on it. 5/10. The pork belly bao was pretty average and nothing really stood out. 4/10. The sticky Thai wings were definitely the best thing we ordered. Super crispy with a really good sauce, and I loved the radish underneath too. 8/10. Service was fine. It was super casual and we sat at the counters so they didn't check up on us as much. 6/10. read more

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We've been on a real Lettuce Entertain You kick recently. We spent the morning at the spa and decided to try ramen for lunch. This is the first time we've had ramen and came here because it had been recommended by friends. They were bumping late 90s hip hop which I can rock with. There were long tables that provided community style seating as well as some booths. I ordered the express lunch which is a great deal. I got the 10 hour Tonkotsu, beef and rice, side salad, and edamame hummus. That hummus was banging and they need to sell it in stores. Everything was really tasty. My wife got the special lobster and crab ramen which was really rich but super delicious. We also had some really strong yuzu margs. The service was excellent! It was a wonderful experience. We also had the sticky Thai wings which were good and we shared a fried chicken bun. read more

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I decided to pop in during my lunch break! The staff were very inviting and welcomed me in. The service was quick and the vibe was funky. They had old school hip hop playing which paired nicely with my bowl of ramen. I ordered kimchi fried chicken ramen and it was delicious. read more

RAMEN-SAN - Kimchi & Fried Chicken - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ramen-San in downtown Chicago was a great experience from start to finish. AJ, our waitress, was personable, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcomed. We didn't have to wait long at all between ordering and receiving our food, which was a huge plus. The menu is simple but still offers a nice variety, so it's not overwhelming but gives you solid options. The pricing is about average for downtown--definitely not too expensive for the quality and portion sizes. The ramen itself was excellent. The umami-based broth was rich and packed with layers of flavor. I also liked that you can customize your bowl with additional protein, veggies, and toppings for an extra charge--it's a great option if you want to build it exactly how you like it.One of my favorite parts of the experience was the music. They were playing 90s and early 2000s hip hop, and it really elevated the vibe and made the whole meal even more enjoyable. Overall, I really enjoyed it and would definitely come back. Highly recommend if you're in the downtown area and craving flavorful ramen with a great atmosphere. read more

RAMEN-SAN - 10 hour tonkotsu* added Fried Chicken and BOK CHOY for an additional charge - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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the 10 hour tonkotsu was kind of underwhelming -- the broth was lacking umami and a depth of flavor, but was salty at the same time. the other dishes were just okay. the ube tiramisu was interesting though, and I liked the strong matcha in the matcha puff read more

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I had a quick work trip to Chicago and came across this ramen spot since it was near the hotel I was 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 read more

I am a huge ramen fan (and I'm Asian), so I can be judgmental when it comes to Asian food. That's why 5 stars for this place really means 5 stars! My friends and I came here for the first time on a Thursday evening. We made reservations and I'm glad we did bc there was a long line when we arrived. One friend and I got the fried chicken and kim chi ramen. My other friend got the traditional tonkotsu ramen bc he wasn't sure if he could handle the spice of the kim chi. Let me say that the highlight of the night was the fried chicken and kimchi ramen!! Wow! Wow! Wow! I will definitely get it again. Remember - there is some heat. But I would say is a solid 2.5 (maybe 3) on a scale of 5. The chicken was so crispy and good. Even after it got soggy from being in the broth for a long time it still tasted very very good! read more

RAMEN-SAN - Kimchi ramen - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Was here for a work trip and decided to be lazy and pick up some ramen for dinner. Found this spot and so glad I tried it! When I went to pick it up, the restaurant was packed AND there were 5 other people picking up at the same time. Popping! I ordered the 10 hr tonkatsu ramen and the yuzu lemonade. The ramen was exactly what I needed! The packaging for a to go meal was pretty great, the broth was still hot. Really great spot! read more

RAMEN-SAN - 10 Hour Tonkotsu - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great atmosphere, great service, great food. All around a very solid spot. We started with the karaage chicken nuggets and the tuna avocado tartare. The nuggets were cooked to perfection, juicy and crispy. The tartare was made well, but I did feel that the avocado overwhelmed the tuna a little bit. For my main, I got the 10 hour tonkotsu with sesame chili, which came out looking beautiful. The chashu was a sweet and savory melt-in-your-mouth savory pork that perfectly complimented the lighter components of the dish. Between splitting the 2 appetizers and the big bowl of ramen, I had to take half of it home- and then ended up finishing the rest of it at midnight before bed. Highly recommend, great spot. read more

RAMEN-SAN - 10 hour tonkotsu* - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I made a reservation for a large group of 20 for dinner about 2 weeks in advance. For a group of that size it's obviously a necessity, but I would highly recommend reservations regardless of party size. On the day of, the restaurant was packed - not only were all the tables full, but there was even a crowd at the host stand. We saw several couples and parties leaving and choosing to go elsewhere instead. Since we had a reservation, we just had to wait a few minutes for our table to be prepped and then we were seated in 2 groups (most of us at high-top tables with bench seating, and a handful in a 3-sided booth). The high-top tables did fortunately have hooks under the table top for bags and coats, which I appreciated. The menu is relatively short, with an obvious focus on ramen and not much else (besides appetizers). There's a QR code on the table that shows pictures of each dish, which I loved - you can use it to pay or split your bill as well, though you still order as typical through the server. To be honest, the reaction to the food was mixed. I ordered the tantan-san, the vegetarian ramen option. I was initially skeptical since I don't usually enjoy vegetarian ramen, but this item looked great in the photos and I was really glad I chose it. There is a "spicy" sign next to it on the menu, and it definitely had a bigger kick (in a good way) than what I was expecting. On the other hand, there were a few responses of "it's alright" and one person who definitely did not like their ramen. We also shared some appetizers and desserts. I tried the crispy tofu mantou bun. The crispy tofu was decent itself, but there was wide agreement that the bun was not worth eating at all. For dessert, we tried the hot donuts and the matcha puff. The hot donuts were decent but didn't stand out as especially unique, while the matcha puff was very pretty, but the puff was bland and the amount of matcha cream seemed excessive to me. For a busy restaurant, it's unrealistic to expect that every experience will be perfect. The food took quite a while to come out and weren't necessarily timed to come out together for the table or in a certain order (for example, the ramen came out before the appetizers). It was also hard to flag down a server later during the meal, such as when we had a question about paying online. But when a restaurant is clearly in the wrong, to me, the response is much more impactful than the mistake itself. Two ramen bowls that we had ordered were accidentally delivered to another table, and another bowl had a worker's hair in it. That meant that all three needed to be re-made after an already-long wait. But I think the staff handled it beautifully. The server was extremely apologetic, immediately stated they would correct the issue, and offered a dessert on the house. A manager came over to again apologize and check in on our experience, and they ended up comping the dishes that needed to be re-made. I have nothing but praise for the team at Ramen-San for how they handled the situation, and I was more than happy to tip 25% (for a tip screen that, interestingly enough, indicates this is their "most popular" tip percentage!). read more

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Really cute ramen spot, amazing on a cold chicago day! The broth base was good, definitely recomend the chili oil! I really appreciated the comic on the drink/dessert menu. Cute touch! read more

RAMEN-SAN - Vegitarian ramen - Ramen Near Me - Chicago, Illinois