Kinboshi Ramen — Restaurant in Portland

Overpriced, cold broth, and non-existent professionalism. Advice: Do not tip much ahead of time and and definitely order extra broth if you want a full meal. More details of my bad experience:

Food runner brought my appetizer to the wrong table. Server was rude when asked if it was still coming out. Never showed any form of professionalism despite it coming 7 min after meal was finished.

In detail, I ordered gyoza about 1-2 min after our ramen order. Also asked for napkins to wipe table off (server gave me napkins without saying anything to worker nearby with wet towel hanging from apron, also table had spot for stocked napkins, but was not properly maintained).

Not too longer after this, food runner brought the ramen and said they would be back with the gyoza. Great, totally expected and thought nothing of it other than they knew it was coming still and it wasn’t a long wait for ramen.

First impression, not enough broth, 1/3 of the bowl volume at most. Didn’t look spicy, despite being labeled spicy. It wasn’t spicy and it was luke warm temp. About a minute after this, I saw a gyoza order go to table right next to us despite the customer ordering several minutes after we ordered app. Not a big deal, I figured it was pork version (we ordered beef) so figured it would be coming shortly. Patiently waited until I was done with my ramen and went back to counter to ask about the app. Was rudely responded to with “you ordered it after the meal so it will come out after.” A little bit shocked because I was pretty patient with how long it was taking, I reminder the server that it’s been a long time.

Two+ minutes pass and server comes out to say “the kitchen somehow lost your ticket. You want it for here or to go?” No apologies, explanation, or anything remotely service oriented. Several minutes later she brought the gyoza out and said “here’s that,” then walked away without any verbal compensation for the mistake or her earlier rude remark. Turns out the order she brought was pork, not the beef I ordered, and slightly pink in middle still. Honestly a waste of time to deal with unnecessarily rude staff and apparently incompetent staff. There are plenty of other options where experience at least somewhat matters to the business.

I have worked 6 years in service industry and in no way had unrealistic expectations or grief to bring workers. I also tipped 20% ahead of time and at no point gave attitude about the poor service. In all this was a bizarre experience to be honest and I am surprised someone could work in service industry with zero empathy...

Kinboshi Ramen is NOT the same as Marukin Ramen. I think this place has gone downhill since the name change and cutting ties with the original Japanese ownership. The way it has gone downhill is not necessarily in the food quality. It has to do with the service and pricing. Cost-cutting measures apparently involve not even coming close to filling the bowls. There are plenty of rock solid ramen options that give generous portions. If you want to give smaller portions, then use smaller bowls to give the illusion it's full.

I am also tired of going to places that ask me to leave a tip at the point of purchase before receiving the food or being served. This place starts with an 18% option to not be told thank you, to not be checked on, and to have food unceremoniously dropped off without eye contact or a smile. Plus I get to bus my own dishes. Sure I can wait to leave a tip until after the meal but employees have come to just expect this. Great service can make up for many shortfalls in a business and I love giving generous tips for great service. Being asked to give one up front is dumb and the restaurant industry needs to re-examine this practice.

The ramen is still solid but the value is missing. Today's ramen was not piping hot although the broth was still deep and flavorful and the noodles had a good chew to them. The ebi karaage was also not hot either which probably means it was not cooked to order as it should've been at 2pm when the place was fairly slow and not full. Sad because I used to recommend this place to all...

I've heard a lot about this place and decided to try it. Apparently they have this in Japan too, but I wasn't sure if that fact is true or not. It definitely is a popular spot for many Portlandians. It sat across from Nong Ham Gai and we apparently beat the lunch rush that would fill both places up.

Parking in the area is reasonable, there are paid parking, and if you're lucky there's two hour parking spots. I got lucky.

Inside it's all shared seating, meaning long tables and chairs you would most likely share with the people around you which isn't a problem. Everyday there are different items depending on the day, but the permanent flavors are the Tonkotsu & Tonkotsu Red (spicy flavor, pictured).

It was fricken delicious, and the prices were reasonable compared to other ramen spots I've been to. The broth was full of flavor, it wasn't as thick as other places I've tried, but the flavor was full of a buttery taste which was delicious, not sure healthy, but delicious. There was a handful of ramen, wish a bit more, but I'm just a hungry guy. The cha shu were in strips rather than a slice like other places, yet it was so tender too.

I would come here again if I were in the area, but not out of my way. Really great lunch...