KINTON RAMEN WOODBURY COMMON — Restaurant in Town of Woodbury

I read the owner's response. So, you really believe that three mistakes, all concentrated on one table, were just a coincidence? Or are you implying that I'm lying? Don't accuse me of lying when it's you who's being dishonest. My companion had to personally walk up to the counter and requested the spoons and recieved them. If spoons were being washed, we wouldn't have been able to get some then either. Everytime a low-star review is posted, you keep repeating that you'll look into it, but the fact that your service hasn't improved up to now suggests either that you didn't investigate properly or that your efforts have been completely ineffective. Bad reviews, including mine, are still being posted. Instead of making excuses, take a serious look at where the fundamental issue lie. I could just leave you to let your business fail, but since you at least apologized and said you'd investigate, I'm offering you this advice.

-------original review------- The food was good, but the staff were petty and rude. Since the restaurant required customers to line up at the counter and pay in advance, like at McDonald's, I assumed it was also self-service and didn’t leave a tip. I understand that the staff might have been upset about not getting a tip, but their behavior was clearly an unprofessional act of revenge. They didn’t give us spoons for soup, served us room-temperature soda cans without an ice cup, even though they provided spoons and ice cups to all the other tables. Worst of all, they shook both of our soda cans, so when we opened them, they spilled over. Shaking the soda cans is such a CHILDISH AND PETTY act. I didn’t leave a tip because I misunderstood the service system, but considering how they behaved, it seems like not tipping was the right decision after all. IF YOU WANT A TIP, PROVE FIRST THAT...

3.2.24 Update Here again and have to say, the service just gets better! Staff was relaxed, yet extremely attentive. Spicy Pork ramen, stellar! Please, don't let the people who have negatively reviewed this place stop you from visiting here. It truly is the best ramen in Orange County!

5.15.23 - UPDATE Had my usual second visit today for lunch/dinner. Food is still amazing! This time I want to highlight the service. There were two young ladies that met me at the door ready to receive my order. When I tell you that the politeness and professionalism were almost as refreshing as the sparkling lemonade I ordered, it's an understatement, they were just delightful! When I sat down I asked about refills on the lemonade and was advised there were none and the young lady was so apologetic. I told her there was no need to apologize. Less than a minute later she came back with a tall glass of ice water and told me that she will bring me as much as I want which I thought was just beyond thoughtful! She also was just so pleasant to interact with as a server and brought a real light to the dining process. This place is now going to be budgeted into a regular stop on my travels in that part of the county.

I'm actually still sitting here eating this ramen. The food was so good I didn't want to delay this post. I got the spicy garlic pork and ordered jalapeno paste on the side because most ramen spots I go to claim to have "spicy" ramen, but lack the heat. Jalapeno paste was not required as the heat and flavor was perfectly balanced! For the record, I have eaten ramen in multiple places in at least 5 different cities in the states including local... This will be my #1 local spot moving forward and hands down in my top 3 ramen restaurants...

I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience at Kinton Ramen was beyond disappointing. The food was good, but the service absolutely terrible.

They charge at least 17% for tips upfront (17/20/25, not customizable) with no option to adjust it, despite the lack of service provided. The place is tiny, with a wait time of 20-30 minutes on average, which we were prepared for. But what really ruined the experience was the attitude of one of the waiters. ( to be short, they charge tips as a dine-in restaurant, but need to order over the counter and get service even worth than fast food chains)

My family, including my young kids, were there and my wife was in line to order, so I seated the kids at an empty table. This waiter came over and rudely told us we couldn’t sit there because “the table was reserved for people who have already ordered.” I explained that my wife was third in line to order, but he insisted that we leave the table and “wait in line with the whole group.” Seriously? We weren’t even seated at the table – just standing with two young kids. He continued to ask us to move, even though we were standing away from any tables that were in use. He keep come and go saying you guys block my way.

After my wife finally ordered and we sat down, the table was dirty. I waved for service, but the waiter saw me and just ignored us. I had to get someone else to clean the table.

I don’t mind waiting outside with my kids if we’re actually offered decent seating service till we’re final seated. But Kinton Ramen is charging a Dine-in restaurant tip upfront without earning it. By contrast, Shake Shack next door offers fantastic food and way better service—and they don’t charge tips upfront. That’s the kind of difference...