RAMEN-SAN — Restaurant in Chicago

RAMEN-SAN – Bold Flavors, Cool Vibes, and Ramen That Hits the Spot

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of ramen in downtown Chicago, RAMEN-SAN at 59 W Hubbard is the place to be. This River North gem blends authentic Japanese flavors with a modern, urban vibe — think steamy bowls of broth, ice-cold beer, and a soundtrack of ’90s hip-hop that sets the tone just right.

The ambiance is effortlessly cool — dim lighting, exposed brick, and a bustling open kitchen that adds energy to the space. It’s casual yet stylish, perfect for a laid-back dinner or a fun night out with friends. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve.

Now, let’s talk ramen. I ordered the Sumo Ramen, and it was phenomenal — rich pork broth, perfectly chewy noodles, and tender smoked brisket that melted in my mouth 1. The Kimchi & Fried Chicken Ramen is another standout, offering a spicy kick and crispy texture that’s hard to beat 2. The broth is flavorful and well-balanced, though some might find it slightly salty — a minor note in an otherwise stellar dish.

Appetizers like the XOXO Shrimp & Pork Dumplings and Edamame Hummus are great for sharing, and the Yuzu Lemonade is a refreshing complement to the bold flavors 3. They also offer gluten-free options and vegetarian-friendly dishes, which is a nice touch.

Service was quick and efficient, even during peak hours. The manager made rounds to check in with guests, which added a personal touch to the experience. Prices are reasonable for the area, and the quality justifies every dollar.

💡 Pro Tip: Make a reservation if you’re going during dinner hours — it gets busy fast. And don’t skip dessert — the Matcha Cream Puff is a hidden gem.

Overall, RAMEN-SAN delivers a flavorful, fun, and memorable dining experience. Highly recommended for ramen lovers and anyone looking to enjoy great food in a...

Embarking on a flavor odyssey to Ramen-san in the heart of Chicago isn't just about indulging in umami delights; it's an entire experience that begins the moment you cross the threshold. Picture this: a fun and inviting atmosphere that welcomes you like an old friend, with a vibe so lively it could make even the noodles dance in their bowls.

From the get-go, the Tuna & Avocado Tartare isn't just a dish; it's a harmonious mingle at the crossroads of creamy and crispy, where sesame meets rice crisp in a culinary high-five. It's the kind of starter that sets the stage for the symphony of flavors awaiting.

Now, let's dive into the main act. The Kimchi & Fried Chicken Ramen isn't just food; it's comfort in a bowl, with a spicy kick that wakes you up better than your morning coffee. And the Sumo Ramen? It's like the heavyweight champion of flavor town, a bowl so satisfying, you'd think it was training for the ramen Olympics.

But what really wraps the Ramen-san experience with a bow is the impeccable service. On a bustling Chicago day, they didn't just welcome us; they stored our stroller like it was a cherished guest of its own. It's this perfect service, combined with the spirited atmosphere, that makes Ramen-san more than just a meal - it's a destination.

So, for a culinary adventure where the atmosphere is as delightful as the dishes and the service as stellar as the sumo-sized ramen, Ramen-san is your go-to. It's a place where every slurp tells a story, every bite is a journey, and they treat your stroller like family. Five stars to Ramen-san, among the elite in the Chicago ramen scene, where every visit is a...

Overall: overrated ramen, with unbalanced flavors, lack of depth and textures. I wouldn't recommend.

We landed late night in Chicago, and considering the weather, we were seeking something warm. Ramen is ideal. It's rich, dense. It balances and celebrates many flavors. We saw Ramen-San was nearby and the reviews were off the charts. Pictures looked great too.

We ordered two appetizers: fried chicken and pork buns. Appetizers are meant to be shared, so we were supposed to only have one fried chicken bun, and one pork bun. Most ramen shops would serve 2.

Flavor wise: the fried chicken had dish soap flavor (seems like they were already cleaning the kitchen), and the pork belly was insanely hard, rubbery, chewy, and just off. It should be melting, juicy, rich.

For the ramen, we ordered two: tonkotsu, and Tantan-San ramen. Both were off.

First, the tonkotsu. The broth was unremarkable. If there was tare and oil in this broth, they didn't add enough flavor to balance the dish. The broth density was low, so instead of feeling like a deep heavy broth, this felt more like a light soup. The egg was not marinated (this was just a 7 minute soft boiled egg). The chashu was melting, but had almost no taste. One thing I did like: the noddles were perfect.

Now the Tantan-san. I'm used to eat spicy (like Thai spicy), and this was beyond that level. Took two full spoons, and could no longer taste anything. A good ramen, spicy or not, should always make space to celebrate every ingredient. When a ramen goes beyond that level and one flavor is predominant, that's not a well...