Slurpin Ramen Bar - 8th St — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I am very saddened to be giving this review. I will start by saying that I still very love the build your own concept of this place. Because of that, this is my favorite ramen spot and I've been coming here for 4 years (through 2 pregnancies). However, my experience today has made it so I will never return here again. I ordered the lunch special with chashu ramen and the fried rice. I ordered too much food and took a couple spoonfuls of the rice. After I finished my ramen, I was too full to finish the rice so I asked for a "to go" box. Big mistake. The waitress told me that her "manager" told her that lunch combos are not allowed to be taken "to go." Confused, I explained that I simply didn't finish my rice (I had completely finished my ramen and salad). She reiterated that her manager has said the combos cannot be taken to go but that since I come here often, it was okay for this time. I tried to clarify if taking leftovers is considered "to go" or if the problem is that I'm not allowed to take my leftovers. The waitress muttered something about a camera and again said this time it was ok. We paid our bill, I left a tip, but the interaction really bothered me and my friend. We were confused. I went to ask for further clarification as I've taken my leftover home before, and I've paid for said food, so I wanted to be clear on what their "rule" is. The worker told me the manager has asked the workers to remind clients they can't take the combo "to go" whenever their rice looks "full, she then immediately dialed the manager and I spoke to her directly. I asked for clarification and told her I hadn't finished my rice and that although my rice may have "looked" full, I simply hadn't finished it. The manager proceeded to tell me the menu states the combos cannot be ordered to go and that the combos are already "a very good deal." The manager told me I can order my ramen at full price and a larger serving or fried rice at full price and then I can take leftovers home. I asked again if she was saying that we weren't allowed to take leftovers when ordering the combo and she confirmed this is what she was saying. The manager also told me "since this is the first time, it's okay." I find it ludicrous that I've paid for food and am not "allowed" to take leftovers. I suggested to the manager they write in their menu "cannot take home leftovers" rather than "dine in only" as she is now clarifying something completely different. I understand the concept of all you can eat and not taking advantage of these deals, but this combo is definitely not that. Also, what the hell do you mean "the first time"? Are they watching me on their cameras? How would they even know? Safe to say, while saddened, I will never...

I happen to come here on a crowded day after a day at Knott's merry farm. The line was really long, but I think it's mostly because of how many restaurants are closed  early. The atmosphere was great. Place was a little small but I actually enjoyed my time here. Servers were really friendly and attentive. Place was also clean. 👍🏼

As for the food:

Chicken Kaarage (10/10): wow! 🤤 This is actually one of the crunchiest and juiciest Japanese fried chicken I have tasted. Arguably better than one of the main dish we ordered.

Tsukumen (7/10): Noodles were great, the texture was chewy and thick enough for Tsukumens. However, the broth wasn't thick enough. Nevertheless, the taste was alright, nothing to be excited about though (maybe this dish isn't their best seller to begin with, so it is understandable if it's not the best tasting.

Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen (9.5/10): This is the best dish we ordered that day. Broth thickness was perfect so we were able to enjoy it without having to drink water. Oil amount was just right. Noodles were cooked to perfection (not too soft, not too hard). Chasiu was juicy and tasty! 😋 I would recommend this dish. The only thing I wish they could do is give a couple of extra slices of chasiu. I thought it was too little. Still, it isn't a big deal.

Overall, I would recommend this restaurant to ramen lovers. Especially when you are hungry and don't want to drive far after spending your day in Knott's...

Now this review isn't for the food because the food is great. I had stopped eating here for a while and finally went back today again with the family. To my surprise, I wasn't expecting to have the kind of encounter I did with one of the employees there. We walked in and were guided to our seats. My son when walking in said "good morning my neighbors", I'm assuming this guy happens to be the one who takes the orders or works register, don't know don't care. but any way, he proceeded to tell my brother that my son can't be saying "that" and to not say "it" again. My son was confused and so was I. So I asked him what did he say that was wrong and this employee said my kid had said the "N" word. Of course me being the parent, I was angered by this ding dong of an employee accusing my 8 year old child of saying the "n" word when he CLEARLY said neighbors. He heard what he wanted to hear and kept insisting that my son didn't say neighbors and that he used the "n" word. Why anybody let this sick employee talk to us for so long is beyond me. We still stayed to eat because that's what the kids wanted to eat but somebody really needs to check that young employee for making false accusations towards a customer, especially towards a child. He had no sense of remorse. Didn't apologize or anything and it was ridiculous we even had to deal with a...