Ramen Wasabi - Logan Square — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

First of all, let me just give a massive shoutout to Kristin the bartender for being so hospitable and attentive while we had our meal at the bar. She gave impeccable service tonight and was an absolute pleasure to speak with. And the food was perfect. The Brussels Sprouts and Red Hakata were absolutely on point.

So, why the 2/5 rating? Well, grab a seat for this incredibly uninteresting story because it’s gonna take a minute.

My friend Rey walked in and asked for a table reservation for two. He was quoted a 40 minute wait so he planned on meeting me for a drink across the street at Nomonomo in the mean time. He noticed his roommate and other friend at the bar of Wasabi and asked the host if it was okay to say hello to them real quick before heading across the street. Apparently the host rolled her eyes and said “Fine I guess so!” to which he was extremely baffled by. He went over to greet his friends and then walked to Nomonomo where I would meet him 5 minutes later.

When we met, he expressed his annoyance to me about the situation mentioned above and I too was also perplexed by it. Him and I both have worked in the bar & restaurant industry literally for decades so we figured the host was just having a bad day.

Fast-forward an hour later and we still hadn’t been contacted for our table reservation. I made a joke and said “maybe the host is being oddly petty & vindictive because you wanted to say hello to your friends and took your name off the list”.

Well, when we went back to inquire about our reservation, the host gave us a sinister smile and said, “hmm, looks like I had you down for 9 so I took your name off the list”. Word for word that’s what she said. No signs of her even trying making things right at this point. My friend and I were super confused as we didn’t know exactly what she meant since it was only 7:30pm. He then said “oh, well I was hoping to just get a table for two whenever possible”. The host smiled even wider and said “yeah well I had you down for 9 so I took your name off the list! Would you like to sit at the bar?!”. We agreed as we had no interest in creating a scene, but it was abundantly clear that she was going out of her way to make things as inconvenient & uncomfortable as possible for us while toeing the line of employment, and for what, because he wanted to say hello to a couple of friends at the bar?

This left an incredibly bad impression in me for the remainder of the evening. She showed zero remorse and gave no attempts at remedying the situation or even taking the slightest amount of responsibility for it (likely because it was all done intentionally out of spite). And while the delicious food and Kristin’s stellar service distracted me from it momentarily, it’s all I could think about when I left.

I would never go out of my way to make this kind of complaint if it were a complex or nuanced situation, but this was just so clearly out of line and inhospitable that I felt compelled to share it in hopes that the Wasabi Team investigates and nips this kind of behavior in the bud before it grows and festers into something more insidious & widespread. They have way too good of a thing going here to risk it for someone who likes to play games with guests on the...

If you're a ramen enthusiast or seeking an extraordinary dining experience, Ramen Wasabi is the ultimate destination. From the moment I entered this cozy establishment, I knew I was in for a treat. Ramen Wasabi not only met but exceeded my expectations, leaving me with an insatiable craving for their tantalizing bowls of ramen. The ambiance at Ramen Wasabi is warm and inviting, featuring intimate seating arrangements and subtle Japanese-inspired decor. The staff greeted me with genuine smiles, making me feel welcome from the start. The meticulous attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the carefully selected background music to the thoughtfully placed traditional Japanese artwork on the walls. The Spicy Roasted Garlic Miso ramen is a masterpiece, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. The egg noodles, cooked to perfection with an al dente texture, provide a satisfying chewiness that complements the rich and savory pork broth. This broth is a true testament to Ramen Wasabi's dedication to quality, as it exudes a remarkable depth of flavor. The standout component of this dish is the succulent and tender Berkshire pork belly, which practically melts in your mouth with each bite. Its rich and savory goodness adds an indulgent touch to the overall experience. The soft-boiled egg, with its luscious creamy yolk, provides a delightful contrast to the other ingredients. The inclusion of marinated bamboo shoots and bean sprouts adds a refreshing crunch to the dish, while the sesame, scallion, and garlic chips contribute subtle nuttiness and a delightful crispness. The sprinkling of chili threads adds a gentle kick of heat, perfectly enhancing the overall spicy flavor profile without overpowering the other elements. One aspect that impressed me greatly was the attention to detail in the presentation. Each bowl arrived artfully arranged, showcasing vibrant colors and enticing aromas. The generous portion size ensured that I left feeling fully satisfied. Ramen Wasabi has undoubtedly secured its place as a culinary gem. With its inviting ambiance, impeccable service, and unforgettable bowls of ramen, it has set a high standard for ramen establishments. Whether you're an avid ramen aficionado or simply curious to explore this delightful cuisine, Ramen Wasabi is a must-visit destination that will leave you...

Wasabi was probably my favourite place to eat in Chicago since I moved here a couple of years ago. They set the bar for how Ramen should be served in the US, and it was certainly the best offering in the Chicagoland area. So much so, that I would regularly take out of town visitors to savour the delights of their 'Ultimate Tonkotsu'.

Times changed, and so did the location. "Ramen Wasabi" is now it's own entity, operating at the corner of Maplewood and Milwaukee. The original spot is now siloed, with its menu now focussing on Sushi/Sashimi (but why you now have to choose between eating either Ramen or Sushi/Sashimi is beyond me).

Floor to ceiling windows adorn the now acutely angled building, with the most shocking addition being the fully stocked bar which replaces their historic, beloved BYOB option. You may find yourself herded into their corrale-style bar section instead, which becomes quickly overcrowded and honestly uncomfortable to relax and enjoy yourself in. Lack of standing room is a common theme at peak hours so get used to it.

With regards to the food, maybe I was visiting on an off day but the quality was a marked step below the standards I normally expect. We were told by our waiter that the Pork Char Siu was sold out, which was strange considering we had arrived half an hour after the doors opened on a Saturday.

I went ahead and ordered the standard Tonkotsu, but upon its arrival I was slightly dismayed. Yes that might be an over-reaction, but when I discovered that: the broth offered less viscosity than usual, the pork belly did not offer tenderness throughout, the bamboo was too al-dente, and the boiled egg was not as warm and gooey as I had come to know and love - it was figuratively hard for me to digest. Is it still a good meal? Yes, but it's a shadow of its formidable past self.

No longer does Wasabi hold the same place in my heart, and i'm unlikely to be a regular anymore. If you want Ramen downtown, then i'm still fond of their sister location Ramen Takeya, but for now the crown for best Ramen is bestowed...