Gu Ramen Long Beach Taps & Tapas — Restaurant in Long Beach

forget the positive hype that you're read on the internet regarding this place. absolute worst ramen experience ever. to start, gu ramen uses hakata noodles by default unless you request udon, which is completely different and irrelevant to what I got here. the noodles in most places that serve this style of taken noodle may offer in various stages of firmness ranging from extra firm, firm... to soft. this style of ramen is generally much thinner than standard ramen noodle types, so it's usually important to have the option to prevent overcooking. you are not offered and are not able to request anything other than what they give you as they are all precooked and plopped into your broth just before being served. I arrived at the restaurant just before happy hour ended and ordered promptly so I can get the happy hour discount. to my dismay, not all of the stuff I ordered was discounted. I asked the server to fix the error, but came back minutes later to inform me that the owner in the back refuses to acknowledge the error or come out to talk to me. this is definitely not as Japanese style restaurant whatsoever. I thought it server was very hard working and pleasant, but also happened to be the only server for the whole mostly full establishment. to give you an example of how bad things are, I requested hot sake upon arriving, and had to ask for it 3 additional times over the course of 40 minutes until I finally got a bottle that was just over lukewarm. I mentioned it to our server and he was not able to heat it further. I intend to file a partial dispute with my credit card company. just a forethought, I can see why this business had failed and closed in other locations. understaffed, mismanaged and overpriced as well as not being able to provide the products they offer in better than a sub-par fashion. I look forward to this business closing and being replaced by...

Me & the wifey wanted to randomly select a ramen spot we had both not checked out to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. A pretty good choice for the tastes were on point and quite delicious for our Ramen cravings.

Wifey got their Signature Tonkatsu Ramen with wood ear mushroom, corn and a side of garlic butter for the both of us to share. I got the same thing without the fungus among us and corn. However I got it spicy and boy let me tell you it was quite spicy, Got me perspiring and gasping. Don't get me wrong it was well worth it for the flavor taste buds kicked in overdrive and lead me into pure Ramen 🍜 joy. I had to eat the Ramen at a slow pace which gave me time to enjoy every slurp and chew.

If you love spicy like I do, go ahead and get it spicy. If this level of spicy was hot, I don't wanna know what the 'Super spicy' level is all about.

Oh yeah we did get an order of their 'Lolipop' chicken which was really crispy and delightful. Not quite the Karaage as it may seem. Traditional Karaage has more ginger kick than this one, however it's still a great appetizer which comes with a nice spicy plum sauce for dipping and a small mini spring salad.

Service was decent, the restaurant was clean and organized. I'm not quite sure if I'd come back to this one, however it was a pleasant surprise and I enjoyed being out...

If it wasnt for the fact that the ramen is actually pretty decent... the servers are just not friendly been here 8 times and everytime we get a waiter or waitress who just isnt nice and friendly.. i guess im used to the ramen joints that greet u at the door and is happy to take your order and not some young 20yr old there just for a check...

Food Ramen 4* for the customization and their broth is salty how i like it Make sure to add garlic oil and chashu !! Cheese corn is good and comes out Hott Tempura chicken legs is good and has a different taste than other spots for the karaage chicken

Service 1* due to the unfriendly manner by the servers who take your order and when u ask for something they act like its a hassle for them and not be greeted at the door just sit where theres an open table

Overall if u can get over the bad service and want good ramen this is a good spot...