Otsuka Ramen & Bar — Restaurant in Deer Park

I'll leave the first review, because I felt like it was important in some way... but I think the Honeymoon period is over. I don't know if the quality dropped, or if I was so hyped about a ramen shop being close that I disregarded the over all taste, but I've since been there a second time. I was thoroughly unimpressed, and at times, even disgusted. The noodles had a bad taste to them, and their texture was off. I had the same dish as the first time, for the record.

I didn't really expect anything, but I was sad to see that the prices were still the same, and too high. I'll just have to go to Jinya if I want good overpriced ramen, since I don't think I want to have bad super overpriced ramen.

Original review: I had the chicken broth Ramen with Chicken. The broth was delicious, the noodles were good, and they had sweet tea. I enjoyed it immensely. I love that I no longer have to go all the way to Clear Lake in order to get good Ramen.

That being said, this isn't a 5 star review. The lack of a miso based Ramen saddens me, and my one hope for this place was that it wouldn't be pricey. Ramen is not supposed to be an expensive dish, but not a single bowl costs under 10 dollars. My particular bowl was 15 dollars after getting extra noodles, which were 3 dollars themselves. 1 dollar more than Jinya.

What would cost me 12 dollars in Clear Lake costs me 15 dollars in Deer Park... and I complained that 12 dollars is too much.

I've been to Japan. I've paid 600 yen for amazing Ramen. I don't get why it's so costly...

This was my first time there and, overall, the experience wasn't entirely negative. The inside was very lively and open, and the food itself wasn't bad. The broth has good flavor, but it was also distinct and not something I am used to, so it took a few minutes to adjust to the taste.

My only reason for knocking off a star was the service I got. The waitress wasn't at all friendly or even welcoming. Was she mean to us? No. But she was drier than wood shavings. She seemed indifferent to our presence and the service we got was pretty much take-your-order, bring-your-food, offer-a-refill, and bring-your-bill. I ordered a bowl spicy and after tasting it I decided I wanted it a bit spicier. I made the mistake of asking my waitress for some more of the paste that they put in there, and she gave me the most bewildered look before replying that they already put paste in the soup. I told her that I was aware of that--- that I would like some more. They have hot oil and seasoning at the table, but I wanted the paste. She gave me the driest look and replied that that wasn't an option--- they don't give that out on the side.

throws hands in the air Talk about a losing battle. I want to believe it was just a stroke of bad luck that she was our waitress, but she really was a...

We found a place to sit down. The tables already have utensils with napkins at the table waiting. The waitress/waiter ask "what you want to drink?" The drinks come in a wine cup with ice in them. The environment is very nice! I was surprised on how the interior is. Waiter/waitress brings you small plates for the appetizers. Chili powder, soy sauce, and this other sauce are at the table also. We ordered fried calamari, otsuka bun for the appetizers. For the main course we had ordered the #12 & #19. The #12 says it was spicy, but to me it needed more spice. I added siraichi sauce for more kick. You have to ask for the hot sauce. My wife got the number #19. Calamari was great yet I wish there was more so I can finish the sauce. The sauce was a great addition to the fried calamari. The Otsuka bun is not for me personally. The meat, cucumber, and sauce was good. It would be better without the bun. Waiter/waitress really did a fantastic job of keeping the table clean when we were done with a particular dish and refilling our drinks. They deserve a tip! Overall a amazing experience for my 1st time. If you're a student at San Jacinto college. You'll get a discount for...