​​Takumi Ramen: Chicago’s Hidden Izakaya Gem 🍤✨​​

📍 ​​Takumi Ramen​​ 1239 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608 This ​​4.9-star newbie​​ fooled us—it’s ​​not really a ramen shop​​, but a ​​late-night izakaya in disguise​​ (open till ​​11:30PM​​)! ​​🍢 What to Order​​ 🍋 ​​Yuzu Lemonade​​: Not an afterthought—​​tart, sweet, chuggable​​. 🍤 ​​Fried Wonders​​: ​​Oysters​​: Crispy shells → ​​creamy explosions​​. 🦪 ​​Shrimp Cake​​: Tiny but perfectly crunchy. 🍢 ​​Skewers​​: ​​Zucchini w/ miso mayo​​: Charred edges + ​​black pepper punch​​. ​​Chicken​​: Juicy, salty, tiny—​​begging for more options​​ (gimme gizzards!). ​​🍜 Ramen Reality Check​​ ​​Tonkotsu broth​​: Not too salty (rare in Chicago!) but ​​noodles too soft​​. ​​Fix it yourself​​: Seven-spice + chili oil = ​​flavor boost​​. ​​💡 Final Verdict​​ Come for ​​fried bites + skewers​​, stay for ​​that lemonade​​—just don’t expect ramen miracles. #ChicagoRamen #HiddenIzakaya #LateNightEats #JapaneseFriedFood #FoodieFinds