This may make sense to those who are of my generation and perhaps even older; have you ever experienced wanting a good old fashioned simple and greasy hamburger or cheeseburger but have found it difficult to find one? Too many places you go, they have created 'gourmet' burgers with 'inspiration' from various places. While these are good/decent, you just want your good, old, original, simple hamburger! That out of the way, imagine the same for Japanese food.I'm not a Japanese cuisine specialist by any means however I do know some flavors since I grew up in Tokyo. I so miss the tori no karaage (chicken karaage) but everywhere I have been to (not too many to be fair), it's way too Americanized which is ok but come on, someone's got to have authentic or close to authentic chicken karaage.I honestly gave up on Japanese food (Japanese curry rice, ramen, chicken karaage and takoyaki) in the US till I came across Rakkan Ramen.The founder, Ryohei Ito brought the idea of Rakkan Ramen with one goal in mind; bring authentic Japanese food to the world. Is the chicken karaage exactly how I remember having it in Tokyo growing up or on my various trips back there? I'd say 98% yes. The 2% is probably the type of chicken available here, the oils, water, etc. No nonsense specially made aolis drizzled on top and topped with tiny things to make it pretty; Rakkan Ramen's chicken karaage is as close as it gets to what you get in Japan.So let's get on with it. It was about 2 or 3 months ago, a friend and I visited Rakkan Ramen based on reviews and I figured let's check it out.You enter and you are transported to Japan with the word, Irrashaimase coming out of the staff's mouth within the first 2 seconds that you enter the door. OMG. I AM LOVING IT SO FAR.We are seated way back in the corner (which I don't mind. I'm an introvert anyway). We ordered the takoyaki which was outstanding. We also ordered a side of the chicken karaage (which I have already described above).We each ordered a ramen. I ordered the Amber. The broth was a BOMB. While vegan, the flavor profile it had was so Japanese and outstanding. The seasoned egg was PERFECTLY done. The bamboo shoots, hmmmm, that crunch in your mouth and lastly the chachu (grilled pork). The chachu I will say I've had better at other spots in the US. The actual noodles too I think there are spots that have better ones. Overall, this ramen HIT THE SPOT and I felt like I found a JACKPOT.Fast forward a while later, I went in solo for a lunch special on a Friday afternoon and ordered the Pearl ramen AND of course, my chicken karaage. The karaage again was exactly how it was the first time I had it. The ramen too was so amazing. Salty (not too salty but just right) and truly umami.One additional thing I wish Rakkan would do is to start adding wakame. This is the wet/soft seaweed that is a common ingredient across Japan in ramen, udon and miso soups. I have yet to come across a Japanese restaurant in the US that serves wakame (again, I have probably tried at most 50 Japanese restaurants in the US and I know there are thousands)I am so glad to have found this place. Now that I'm back, I plan on having my ramen fix every other week for a Friday lunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Noodles, Crispy Chicken
Victoria Houser
They have my favorite ramen noodle type and the broth is quite unique
Jared Genova
This is a must for vegan/vegetarians seeking ramen and more options. The spicy quartz vegan is my go to (with egg added), and the vegan buns and steamed gyoza are great as well. Always friendly and attentive service, and very well located. I enjoy frequenting this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thi Thu Nga TRAN
Tasty ramen. ?. One of the plus point is that they close at 10pm. Thank you for the great food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Togo Spicy Creamy Ramen
-D Bu.i
1st time here. Everything were great.Food & service were good.Also have vegetarian options.
Nadda Onkananuwonk
A no-frills ramen place near both the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theater. The menu contains helpful photos and there are bundle meals (ie ramen or rice bowl and an appetizer) for a discounted price. The ramen portions are quite large, but with an appetizer, I didn't feel like I over-ate. Their special of the month was spicy Asian ramen and definitely for those who like spice!!Parking: Since you're so close to the theater, residential street parking is your best bet a couple of blocks down from the restaurant. Be aware of permit parking or you might come out and your car has been towed. Otherwise, there are paid lots and metered parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Shumai
Po S
Love this place!!! So refreshing to find such a vegan friendly ramen spot!! I loved my spicy miso broth and the bao buns were solid too! Good spot to bring vegan and non vegan friends
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan Meat Bao, Vegan
Jia
This ramen spot has secured its place as my absolute favorite in the city. The ramen here(my fave is Pearl) is authentically fantastic, and the firmness of the noodles hits my sweet spot. Cameron always provides exception service with a genuinely vibe. I love coming here for a quiet moment on Saturdays paired with a bowl of their amazing ramen.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Noodles, Takoyaki
Tom Zeien
This is a pretty solid ramen place if you’re in the area and looking for some Japanese fare. They have calories on all the menu items, which I think is wonderful and something more restaurants should do—it’s just helpful! The service was good and the interior space has an appealing Japanese style with a lot of wood. The ramen here hit the spot, but it wasn’t incredible, it’s decent. I wasn’t particularly pleased with the small amount of protein included. It had to have been like 2 ounces vs. a more typical 6 ounces, nor was the pork impressive in taste or texture. The menu is on the larger side, so I might be back to try some of the other items that looked appetizing.
Great food and great atmosphere. Had the spicy Ramen with chicken chashu and it was amazing. The flight of sake was good and reasonably priced as
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Extra Chicken Chashu
Kate M
Why is a small can of Calpico $5+??? LOL. If you guys don't go to the Asian grocery store and get the same drinks this restaurant offers for MORE THAN HALF THE PRICE OFF, then idk. Literally went to HMART today and the same Calpico can was $1.99.Ramen is also super basic and like the other reviews -- not the best ramen which explains why this restaurant is always empty!If you guys are paying PREMIUM PRICE THEN PLEASE GO TO A PREMIUM RAMEN RESTAURANT:( Rakkan is far below premium, sorry.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Minh Phung
I was disappointed in the ramen here at RAKKAN ramen. I thought that the ramen itself tasted okay, but I have had better ramen else where in Chicago. I think what made their ramen a disappointment for me was their broth. I had ordered the ramen quartz, where the broth is creamy. The broth itself was creamy, but it really lack any tasteful flavors to make my ramen more enjoyable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Renee Shimizu
Gyoza and Ramen were delicious. The gyoza were perfectly crisp; ramen broth was clean, flavorful, and balanced. Spicy tuna was ok (quality of ingredients was good, I just prefer it spicier). Perfect lunch for a foggy, drizzly afternoon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Beef Gyoza, Noodles
Frank Arev
Always a great meal in a casual environment with family and friends. Wish they would regulate the air temp comfort better as all of us had to wear our coats to eat comfortably. We were in the middle of the restaurant and it was cold with outside temp around 34 degrees.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts Hot Salad, Spicy Beef Gyoza, Garnet Ramen and Spicy Garnet Ramen
This may make sense to those who are of my generation and perhaps even older; have you ever experienced wanting a good old fashioned simple and greasy hamburger or cheeseburger but have found it difficult to find one? Too many places you go, they have created 'gourmet' burgers with 'inspiration' from various places. While these are good/decent, you just want your good, old, original, simple hamburger! That out of the way, imagine the same for Japanese food.I'm not a Japanese cuisine specialist by any means however I do know some flavors since I grew up in Tokyo. I so miss the tori no karaage (chicken karaage) but everywhere I have been to (not too many to be fair), it's way too Americanized which is ok but come on, someone's got to have authentic or close to authentic chicken karaage.I honestly gave up on Japanese food (Japanese curry rice, ramen, chicken karaage and takoyaki) in the US till I came across Rakkan Ramen.The founder, Ryohei Ito brought the idea of Rakkan Ramen with one goal in mind; bring authentic Japanese food to the world. Is the chicken karaage exactly how I remember having it in Tokyo growing up or on my various trips back there? I'd say 98% yes. The 2% is probably the type of chicken available here, the oils, water, etc. No nonsense specially made aolis drizzled on top and topped with tiny things to make it pretty; Rakkan Ramen's chicken karaage is as close as it gets to what you get in Japan.So let's get on with it. It was about 2 or 3 months ago, a friend and I visited Rakkan Ramen based on reviews and I figured let's check it out.You enter and you are transported to Japan with the word, Irrashaimase coming out of the staff's mouth within the first 2 seconds that you enter the door. OMG. I AM LOVING IT SO FAR.We are seated way back in the corner (which I don't mind. I'm an introvert anyway). We ordered the takoyaki which was outstanding. We also ordered a side of the chicken karaage (which I have already described above).We each ordered a ramen. I ordered the Amber. The broth was a BOMB. While vegan, the flavor profile it had was so Japanese and outstanding. The seasoned egg was PERFECTLY done. The bamboo shoots, hmmmm, that crunch in your mouth and lastly the chachu (grilled pork). The chachu I will say I've had better at other spots in the US. The actual noodles too I think there are spots that have better ones. Overall, this ramen HIT THE SPOT and I felt like I found a JACKPOT.Fast forward a while later, I went in solo for a lunch special on a Friday afternoon and ordered the Pearl ramen AND of course, my chicken karaage. The karaage again was exactly how it was the first time I had it. The ramen too was so amazing. Salty (not too salty but just right) and truly umami.One additional thing I wish Rakkan would do is to start adding wakame. This is the wet/soft seaweed that is a common ingredient across Japan in ramen, udon and miso soups. I have yet to come across a Japanese restaurant in the US that serves wakame (again, I have probably tried at most 50 Japanese restaurants in the US and I know there are thousands)I am so glad to have found this place. Now that I'm back, I plan on having my ramen fix every other week for a Friday lunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Noodles, Crispy Chicken
They have my favorite ramen noodle type and the broth is quite unique
This is a must for vegan/vegetarians seeking ramen and more options. The spicy quartz vegan is my go to (with egg added), and the vegan buns and steamed gyoza are great as well. Always friendly and attentive service, and very well located. I enjoy frequenting this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tasty ramen. ?. One of the plus point is that they close at 10pm. Thank you for the great food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Togo Spicy Creamy Ramen
1st time here. Everything were great.Food & service were good.Also have vegetarian options.
A no-frills ramen place near both the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theater. The menu contains helpful photos and there are bundle meals (ie ramen or rice bowl and an appetizer) for a discounted price. The ramen portions are quite large, but with an appetizer, I didn't feel like I over-ate. Their special of the month was spicy Asian ramen and definitely for those who like spice!!Parking: Since you're so close to the theater, residential street parking is your best bet a couple of blocks down from the restaurant. Be aware of permit parking or you might come out and your car has been towed. Otherwise, there are paid lots and metered parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Shumai
Love this place!!! So refreshing to find such a vegan friendly ramen spot!! I loved my spicy miso broth and the bao buns were solid too! Good spot to bring vegan and non vegan friends
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan Meat Bao, Vegan
This ramen spot has secured its place as my absolute favorite in the city. The ramen here(my fave is Pearl) is authentically fantastic, and the firmness of the noodles hits my sweet spot. Cameron always provides exception service with a genuinely vibe. I love coming here for a quiet moment on Saturdays paired with a bowl of their amazing ramen.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Noodles, Takoyaki
This is a pretty solid ramen place if you’re in the area and looking for some Japanese fare. They have calories on all the menu items, which I think is wonderful and something more restaurants should do—it’s just helpful! The service was good and the interior space has an appealing Japanese style with a lot of wood. The ramen here hit the spot, but it wasn’t incredible, it’s decent. I wasn’t particularly pleased with the small amount of protein included. It had to have been like 2 ounces vs. a more typical 6 ounces, nor was the pork impressive in taste or texture. The menu is on the larger side, so I might be back to try some of the other items that looked appetizing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Always a great experience here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Beef Gyoza, Noodles
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food and great atmosphere. Had the spicy Ramen with chicken chashu and it was amazing. The flight of sake was good and reasonably priced as
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Extra Chicken Chashu
Why is a small can of Calpico $5+??? LOL. If you guys don't go to the Asian grocery store and get the same drinks this restaurant offers for MORE THAN HALF THE PRICE OFF, then idk. Literally went to HMART today and the same Calpico can was $1.99.Ramen is also super basic and like the other reviews -- not the best ramen which explains why this restaurant is always empty!If you guys are paying PREMIUM PRICE THEN PLEASE GO TO A PREMIUM RAMEN RESTAURANT:( Rakkan is far below premium, sorry.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I was disappointed in the ramen here at RAKKAN ramen. I thought that the ramen itself tasted okay, but I have had better ramen else where in Chicago. I think what made their ramen a disappointment for me was their broth. I had ordered the ramen quartz, where the broth is creamy. The broth itself was creamy, but it really lack any tasteful flavors to make my ramen more enjoyable.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Gyoza and Ramen were delicious. The gyoza were perfectly crisp; ramen broth was clean, flavorful, and balanced. Spicy tuna was ok (quality of ingredients was good, I just prefer it spicier). Perfect lunch for a foggy, drizzly afternoon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Beef Gyoza, Noodles
Always a great meal in a casual environment with family and friends. Wish they would regulate the air temp comfort better as all of us had to wear our coats to eat comfortably. We were in the middle of the restaurant and it was cold with outside temp around 34 degrees.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brussels Sprouts Hot Salad, Spicy Beef Gyoza, Garnet Ramen and Spicy Garnet Ramen