Jin Ramen Upper West Side — Restaurant in New York

Jin Ramen is actually one of the best ramen spots in NYC. Before COVID, me and my family actually ate at the Harlem location faithfully. Once the pandemic came I can honestly say they have become sharks. I have never experienced a more horrific situation in my life. Let me start out by letting you know, at this time I was unemployed due to COVID and my unemployment benefits were stuck in limbo somewhere. My son wanted ramen for his 11th birthday, so I decided to take him and my 2 year old daughter to Jin (since that was one of our favorite locations). We got there an hour before closing, so they rushed us to order our food and drinks because the kitchen was about to close(as some of you may know from experience eating at other restaurants). We ordered our ramen, ate our food, paid the bill and left. As me and my children are crossing the street to head to the train station I turn around and see the waiter running towards me. I honestly thought I left something on my table when I saw him running towards me. Once he reached me and my children, he actually asked me why did I not leave him a tip? This is the first time someone has ever chased me down asking why did I not leave a tip. When I informed him that what he did was extremely disrespectful and out of line (especially in front of children), I also had to explain to him that tips are based off service not for the food that was eaten (that’s what the bill is for). The service was non-existent. As he walked away he called me a cheap b**ch. I’m going to assume he thought no one would hear him, but I did and at that moment it just added insult to injury. I went back to Jin to speak with the hostess about what just happened, but instead of her trying to mediate the situation, she actually said I was the one who was disrespectful for not tipping. At the moment I was lost for words. I could no longer go back and forth since I did have my children with me. What hurt me the most was when I asked her for her and the waiter’s name and she had the audacity to give me a fake name for both of them. She was new and I guess because I had a mask on she didn’t recognize me, otherwise she would’ve known that I already knew everyone’s name at the restaurant. I have not gone back to Jin after that incident and I never will. I just know that if they can do this to a mother in front of her two children in the middle of a pandemic, they have no problem doing it to anyone else, and that is not okay at all. I’ve actually found other amazing ramen spots in NYC so this incident was a also blessing...

I was becoming a regular here due to its location convenience and decent ramen offerings. This place is not cheap - you will be spending $30 per person - but decent enough for you to come again for ramen crave. Unfortunately, the service here is terrible. Not sure what the service instruction is from the management entails, but the waiters here are not only lazy, but very arrogant and unpleasant. I've caught them multiple times hanging around the kitchen area chit-chatting among themselves when there are customers waiting to place an order; when I asked one of the ingredients of the dish to be replaced (for example, more cucumber instead of zucchini) - this request was very rudely received with roll of an eye saying it will be an "Extra". I mean come on - just replacing 4 thinly sliced zucchinis for additional sliced cucumbers - this incur an extra charge? To add to an insult, I've caught the waiters talking shit about my request behind the bars. They've clearly knew that I was not happy with the service. I normally give out 18 - 25% tip depending on occasion, time, and service, but I gave them 15% as a tip for pure courtesy. I would have given 0. (also when did 20% tip become a norm? restaurants need to stop putting 20% as the very first default option on those electronic reader). When the waiters saw my 15% tip - they were clearly disgruntled - no thanking, no apology or whatsoever. She clearly looked upset - showing lots of emotions.

It is unfortunate. This was my 5th trip to this restaurant just this month, but my 5th will be my very last. I really hope that the management will take note of this, and revamp its service protocol - if...

I've lived on the UWS for over 32 years..and I decided to try this popular Ramen spot...bad idea!! I usually go to Terakawa on 58th and 9th Ave, soup is much better( spicy, more vegetables,etc) and cost much less.

Ok, so, I come in, it's pretty packed and the place is really small.( Can't really move -- you just sit and eat) I said "one please", a young lady asked if I mind sitting at the bar, I said "that's fine. I sat between two Caucasian males. A female came over, gave me menus(3). I knew I wanted something very spicy, and I noticed on the menu there was "Volcano " option for a Ramen soup, I ordered that. When the soup came, it was broth with ramen noodles and some bamboo shoots. After my first sip, it was not anywhere near spicy and if anything it was extremely salty! So, I continued to finish it, but, was observing how both men on each side of me were asked,"is everything ok, do you need anything"? Not ONCE did anyone come over to me to ask the same....I'm feeling a type a way. Anyway, I clearly finished my soup, sat there, sat some more, and honestly, after about 6 or 7 minutes, only until I started putting on my coat, did the same person- that took my order, finally comes over to ask if I was finished, and or wanted my check? Really?? Well, dah?! I did mention that the soup was not spicy at all... I Paid for my meal, left no tip, and walked out. Well, definitely going back to my favorite spot on 9th Ave,O well.. lessons learned.$17.42 for salty soup and terrible...