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    Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar

    4.1 (64 reviews)
    ModerateBars, Ramen

    Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar Photos

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    TANPOPO RAMEN AND SAKE BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar

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    Tanpopo spicy ramen
    Matt W.

    Back again to Tanpopo after a looong break, and we're delighted to say the two things we like best about this place, the delicious homey noodles and the mostly zippy, always friendly, service are just about the same. This time we went into the meat ramens, and were not disappointed. The pork was very nice and tender, braised with a bit of hoisin (we think) and it melted in the broth with each bite. The broth remains hearty and agreeably fatty. We love the choice between getting the Tokyo Wave noodles and standard thin. We sampled the house standard Spicy Tanpopo, the Beef Stew Ramen, and the Tonkatsu, plus their above-average seaweed salad and decent pork gyoza. Portions are incredibly ample and the patronage has thinned a bit, so everything comes out fast. The flaws in the place we noted when they first opened are still evident: the lighting is beyond dim, except where it's glaringly bright with flourescent lighting leftover from the previous establishment. And it's feeling a bit beat up: the fixtures are showing the signs of age and even the tableware (we had two bowls with chips in them). The slight shabbiness may add to its charm if you're of a mind, although I could really do with an upgrade to the lighting to someplace between the blackout and operating room extremes. And I confess I'm still getting used to the sticker shock of restaurants in 2023: the bill for three, with two apps and a $6 sake carafe (a good deal) came to $72 without tip, which is just under double what we paid for four people in 2019. All that said, still a great alternative, and really hearty, pleasing noodles.

    curry ramen with pork
    Sabrina M.

    Amazing service and very good food!! I got the curry ramen and the spicy pork buns, both were very flavorful. The person who served me was very sweet, and he also offered to close the blinds for me because the sun was shining.

    Tanpopo Spicy Ramen
    Holly H.

    I have been to Tanpopo many times and have loved it every time! I have finally decided on my favorite ramens in order as follows: 1. Tanpopo Spicy 2. Tonkotsu 3. Curry with Pork (shrimp just doesn't hit the same) Service is always decent, but nothing to write home about. When I have gone, there has been 1 waitress taking care of the whole place so I don't blame her for not being as attentive. Note: get the spicy pork buns appetizer (maybe multiple orders) because WOW those are amazing. Also, if you like sparkling stuff, I loved the Hana Awaka sparkling sake (as someone who is not usually the biggest fan of sake).

    Seafood Ramen
    Rory M.

    Looking for Ramen in the Schenectady area? Tanpopo is where to go. The seafood ramen is my go to, it's delicious. I also enjoy the pork belly buns and gyoza. The service is friendly and welcoming. Some booths are a bit worn, but the food makes up for a few well worn benches.

    Green tea
    Juliet V.

    First time eating here. The two of us came on a slow Monday evening. First off the waitress was wonderful. She was training a new person and was friendly and professional the whole time. I initially thought I wanted Curry Ramen but after the waitress told me the spice level (akin to hot Buffalo wings) I went with her suggestion of Tanpopo Spicy Ramen instead. The spice level was just where I wanted it. The Ramen had nice slices of roasted pork and a few small fish cakes in a rich broth. There was a lot of broth and I took some home and was able to have another meal with some ingredients from home. My dining companions Chicken Ramen was customized to her liking with no cilantro. The price while not inexpensive is fair for the quality. Overall a good experience.

    Tanpopo Spicy Ramen
    Andrena F.

    I really wanted to love this place because it's close to home but alas it's just okay. I ordered the Tanpopo Spicy Ramen and the broth lacked both depth and spice. The pork was without a doubt the highlight of the meal. It was tasty and tender! The seasoned egg was dry(?). Not really sure what to say about it other than if I come back I won't add it. The bowl had several chips on it so I won't say it's nice. Service was friendly and efficient. I did take the broth home for leftovers because there was just so much pork left once I was full. I'll add some heat, veggies and noddles and see what comes of it. ‍

    Tonkotsu Ramen
    Kay D.

    WHEN: Wednesday @ 2pm It was in the heart of upper union st where all of the local businesses are located. There are plenty of street parking right outside of the restaurant. The restaurant was fairly empty by the time we arrived, the lunch rush was over and getting prepped for dinner. SERVICE Server was very friendly and welcoming. She came by a couple of times to check on us which was very good. WHAT WE ORDERED Tonkotsu ramen (Tokyo cut noodles) It was so darn delicious and fresh ramen. I recommend ordering more noodles bc I finished my noodles very quickly n there were a lot of broth left. I haven't eaten ramen at all this year, it was so great bowl of ramen to devour. Seafood ramen It was very good as well. Lots of healthy seafoods. My friend liked it a lot. Fairly decent price food menu, aside from ramen, there are Japanese appetizers like yakoyaki, Gyoza, miso soups, etc. if you don't like noodles, there are Rice bowls on the menu, like Oyakidon, gyudon, katsu don, hibachi entrees.

    Bar area
    Diane M.

    Stumbled upon this place the other day. It was quiet when we walked in at 12:30. We were told to pick a table. Promptly a waitress came over. Serving Pepsi products, and green teas. Also beer & wine. Cute set up. Sake anyone??? We started off with the shrimp dumplings. Good but small. We both went for the spicy Ramen. I asked to extra hot. Went with a egg for a extra 1.50. When she brought it over I knew it wasn't hot. No steam coming from the dish. I tried it and we sent it back to be microwaved. I also told her it not spicy at all. She added more but just like the temperature it lacked heat. Had flavor but no heat or spice. A little pricey for lunch. 1 appetizer two soups two sodas 50.00.

    over fried
    Frances L.

    First time here even though it is close to our home. Likely will not return. Mr. Wasabi is next door. Ramen Bowls were 4 stars. Appetizers although priced low were 3 stars. Service was 4 stars. I ordered the Seafood Ramen Bowl and there were four shrimp in a delicious broth. I did not like the half cooked slices of red onion in the bowl. The Chinese broccoli was good. My dish was served in a ceramic bowl with a half inch CHIP in the rim. Low standards. My husband ordered the Beef Ramen and the beef was tender. Appetizers: Very small Vegetable Spring Rolls Over fried Fried Rangoons Sappora Japanese Beer was very good. Decor: 3 stars Hard wood benches and wooden tables. There were a few tables with chairs. When you enter, two t shirts are mounted on the wall -- one says "Firm Noodles" second says "Nice Buns" (worn by one waitress) Such classy ambiance.

    Yeppenyaki shrimp rice lunch
    Portia Z.

    Their Ramen is very good, but their rice dishes are no better than a cheap Chinese American restaurant. Super disappointing with their shrimp rice, pic included. This was $19, which includes tax and a 10% tip. I picked it up, not delivery.

    So beautiful:)
    Joel M.

    Review #2 Curry Ramen today. Wow! Just amazing. A riff on the tonkatsu ramen. The curry is potent which is a good thing. Shrimp Shu Mai. Not so good. NOA. Steamed Pork Dumplings. Very tasty and light. Loved them. I asked the waitress for hours of operation. They are open from 11 to 10 Sunday and weekdays and 11 to 11 on Friday and Saturday.

    Spicy bowl

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    2 years ago

    The Ramen is Really good, good portion and very fresh. For Delivery I was shocked how well it was packaged.

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    2 years ago

    Excellent Ramen with delicious broth, be it chicken, curry or Tonkatsu. Charming interior at the Albany location.

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    5 years ago

    Really great noodles and atmosphere. This will become a regular stop for me! (Wish that I had taken some photos)!

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    Ask the Community - Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar

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    Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Cafe - Waves: (Veg Broth Base+Veg Ramen)

    Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Cafe

    4.1(480 reviews)
    12.8 mi
    $$

    I took a trip to Albany with my family to visit the Capitol, and we were on the hunt for a good…read moreplace to eat. A quick Google search for ramen led us to Tanpopo Ramen. Pulling up, I'll admit--I was a bit confused. From the outside, it looked more like an old-school diner than a ramen spot. But at that point, we were committed (and not about to turn back toward NYC), so we decided to give it a shot. I'm really glad we did. The interior is no-frills and a bit tight for a family of five, but the staff made it work and got us settled comfortably. We started with edamame, which was perfectly seasoned, and shrimp and vegetable gyoza that the kids absolutely devoured. I also grabbed a Sapporo to wash it all down--solid start. Then came the main event. We ordered a mix: chicken ramen, beef stew ramen, two tonkotsu with double chashu, and a red curry ramen. The only dish that didn't quite stand out was the chicken ramen--it wasn't bad, just not as flavorful as the others. The tonkotsu ramen? Total hit. Both of my kids demolished their bowls--nothing left behind. My wife went all in on the beef stew ramen and loved it so much it sparked a debate at the table about how it stacks up against some Manhattan spots. And then there was my dish--the red curry ramen. Shoutout to our waitress for the recommendation. It had the perfect balance of salt, savory depth, and heat. The broth was this vibrant, bright red that just looked incredible--and tasted even better. Easily one of the top three ramen bowls I've ever had. I had my doubts walking in, but don't make that mistake. This place is a hidden gem. My only knock on the place is the table size for a family of five. Service was great. Now I need more excuses to come up to Albany just to visit this place!

    Decided to come back after not visiting in probably the last 8-10 years as I was really craving a…read morebig bowl of ramen. Service was very blah. Upon entering, the girl behind the counter just stared at us. No greeting. No direction on where to sit. No smile. We assumed it was self seating so we found a booth. She came over, poured our waters, still said nothing. We had about 45 mins until the restaurant closed so I'm unsure of what the cold attitude was for, as there were still 4-5 other patrons there eating as well. My friend is a vegetarian and ordered the veggie dumplings, and I had the same but with meat. Once the plates arrived, the one set in front of me was green, and his not. I figured I would double check to make sure we had the correct ones - I didn't want him to end up eating the meat ones if it could be avoided. Sure enough, the plates were mixed up. Honestly seemed to be done purposefully because it's very clear they are 2 different orders. The texture was chewy/foamy and they also tasted like old grease. Disappointing but we still had soups to look forward to. Our ramen finally arrived and I was hoping it would be the redemption moment of the evening but it wasn't. It really lacked any depth of flavor. Again the meat was chewy instead of tender. More distracting was how we awkwardly felt rushed as the server was shutting off lights and music...again...with at least 15 mins until the kitchen closing time. She seemed annoyed we asked for to go containers. At no point did she check in with us, refill waters, or even crack any resemblance of a smile. I used to love this little spot when I was in college. It was cozy, delicious, inviting. Couldn't have had more of the opposite experience this time around! And for this reason I would not return. I will travel to Colonie for Kuma Ani for better food and MUCH better service. TLDR; this place is extremely overrated

    Photos
    Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Cafe - Get Carried Away

    Get Carried Away

    Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Cafe - Takoyaki

    Takoyaki

    Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Cafe - Make That 2: (Hot Sake)

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    Make That 2: (Hot Sake)

    Taichi Bubble Tea

    Taichi Bubble Tea

    4.2(28 reviews)
    9.7 mi
    Casual dining
    Healthy dining

    Busy day running errands. Feeling hungry. No time to get home for lunch. I'm passing Taichi Bubble…read moreTea & Ramen. It's a Taiwan-Asian fusion-inspired fast food chain but I was down for this. It's been more than a year since my last meal here. I don't know if they changed their menu but I experienced a bit of a relearning curve in ordering ramen at the front counter. First, I needed to pick a broth. I chose Tonkotsu ramen, which is ramen in Japanese pork bone broth. Then, I needed to pick a protein which was shrimp and I asked for the meal to be extra spicy. It only took a few minutes. I could hear it being prepared in the kitchen. The young woman at the register was helpful and patient as I made my selection. Definitely convenient. The ramen was good. I got a lot of shrimp and I liked the little slices of fish cake with pink flower designs. The decor has undergone slight changes since I last visited. It seems there are better displays and more varieties of merch. It's still very clean, bright and cheerful. There are still plenty of young customers. Given its close proximity to SUNY Albany that should be no surprise. I liked the playlist, too. R & B and Hip Hop played in the background. Loud enough so that you could definitely hear it but low enough so that students who were dining--some in groups-- could comfortably hold conversations. I didn't plan to come here but my stomach growled. It was a nice, relaxing lunch that hit the spot.

    Wow- this might be the worst poke we have ever gotten…read more The interior is beautiful, clean and bright, too bad the food wasn't. We ordered our dishes with two proteins- there was more cucumber than fish! I bring it up because I could actually count the 3 pieces of tuna and salmon in my bowl. The "wasabi" sauce is not only radioactive green but is 100% mayo- no wasabi flavor at all and SLATHERED all over the bowl. Service was great, but the presentation and the quality of food (especially for the money) is not worth it. Very disappointed.

    Photos
    Taichi Bubble Tea
    Taichi Bubble Tea
    Taichi Bubble Tea

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    Tanpopo Ramen and Sake Bar - bars - Updated May 2026

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