Dragonfly Noodle — Restaurant in Denver

A delicious small, fast casual noodle bar. You have plenty of options for these in downtown Denver, especially on the 16th Street Mall. Personally, I don't think anything really compares to dragonfly. Well during regular meal hours it can get exceptionally busy and loud. For the rest of the time, it's an amazing combination of self-service and a true dining experience. The large portions of amazingly delectable ramen and other Japanese foods are worth every penny. I personally love their spicy miso soup with a soft egg (though I wish there was a non-pork option as it is a bit oily sometimes). Well the restaurants area is a bit cramped due to its size. The wide open floor plan combined with separators for the booths and tables allows for you to seat yourself wherever you are most comfortable. Their takeout options aren't bad, but I don't think I need to tell you that ramen is best eaten fresh and in a bowl. They have plenty of traditional or authentic drinks available including Japanese sodas, sake, and I think I even saw a boba tea canned thing once. Like most restaurants, staff seems to be in a constant rotation, likely due to stress which is a bit disheartening. However, everyone I've spoken to who is working there seems to really respect the owner and have a great appreciation for the pay scheme. Front of house and back of house both get a share of tips to my understanding. So while you're not paying a ridiculous amount for a delicious bowl of authentic noodles, you don't have to worry about the ethical implications of that small price tag. Also, while I've never seen it in use, they do have a noodle maker visible as you walk in on a booth. So it's very possible that they make their noodles in house. I haven't asked them about this yet, but I'd believe it based on the quality of the ramen I have tasted here. I know they were hit hard by the construction on the 16th Street Mall, especially when it was delayed by covid, I highly encourage anyone who is shopping for ramen in Denver on the 16th Street Mall to choose dragonfly noodle, as they have always managed to satisfy my hunger while...

Heard about the Maine lobster ramen from Chimera in Boulder long ago, but could not convince myself to drive all the way to Boulder just for a bowl of ramen. Glad they offered it at the Dragonfly Noodle in Denver (the Boulder Chimera also has since changed its name to Dragonfly Noodle). As more sections of the 16th Street was completed, could not wait to venture there to try this out. The restaurant's setting was casual and more spacious than I expected, customers ordered from the menu on the big screen TV and paid for the order before being seated. They had a variety of ramen, pho, udon, Taiwanese style bao, poke and small plates. For me, I was determined to try the lobster ramen. The portion of lobster tail was not small. The lobster meat was buttery, flavorful and succulent. Compared to other ramen shops, the freshly made (they made their ramen in-house) ramen was the less commonly seen Hirauchimen. The noodle was chewy, filling and springy. The miso bonito broth was savory, smoky, well balanced but not heavy, and brought out sweet and delicate flavor of the lobster with a hint of spiciness. Overall very satisfying. Dragonfly Noodle is near Market and...

I don't even know where to start with Dragonfly. First of all, you are certain to leave immensely satisfied. I feel like a lot of restaurants in this post-pandemic time have small or overpriced portions that leave you unsatisfied, or poor unprofessional service, especially in the Denver area. Maybe you're like me and have nostalgia for dining out in the pre-pandemic days. If so, this is the restaurant for you. The meals are a great value for their quality and portion, service is quick and the staff are hard-working and care about craftsmanship and experience. The business is family owned in Colorado and the dishes are all authentic from China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, and they are all delicious.

If you don't eat meat, they have a lot of vegan options on their menu but the best one is the Miso Veggie, most delicious vegan meal I've had in a while. For those who do eat meat, the Char Siu Rib ramen is outstanding.

I've tried the competition,...