Chicago・Recently Eaten Japanese Spots for Casual Meals

📍 Ramen Takeya This used to be my go-to spot with friends — their spicy chicken paitan ramen was perfect in winter, and their highballs were great too! After the owner renovated and turned it into a mediocre Korean restaurant (which I posted about before), I asked if the ramen would return — the server said yes, downstairs would reopen as ramen. Finally went back recently — the not-so-great Korean place is gone 👋. The menu is similar to before, quality is okay, and I’ll probably still go occasionally, but honestly it’s not as good as it used to be.👍 My spicy chicken paitan had no spice — asked for extra heat, and the server brought chili oil instead of the usual chili paste. Flavor just isn’t the same, and prices have noticeably gone up. 📍 Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge A Japanese spot near my office that’s been around for years. Their sashimi bowl is probably the most popular order — pretty good value at $30. I’ve been a few times — not mind-blowing, but consistently fresh and above average. Right next to AMC, so it’s a convenient choice before or after a movie! #ChicagoEats #JapaneseFood #Ramen #CasualDining #ChicagoFoodFinds #SashimiBowl 🥢