Wax Vinyl Bar and Ramen Shop — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

I’ve wanted 2 check this place out 4 a while, having tried once B4 only 2 find it was 1 of their closed nights. Finally made it, just 4 drinks, after a bomb Yahzarah concert at City Winery. Simply opening the door was the start of a great experience.

The place is beautiful. Looks good, smells good & the sounds were perfect. No matter the genre the live DJ was playing, the selection was on point and they crossed several genres while we were there. Loud enough 2 grooves 2. Quiet enough 2 still have a civil conversation without screaming over each other. Vibe perfection.

I started off drinking bourbon straight & was pleased with the selection. Then, after watching the bartenders craft a few cocktails, I had a sip of my friend’s drink. It was bomb and prompted me 2 order my own. That turned N2 us ordering food, of course.

I got the vegan-friendly egg rolls filled with greens. Could’ve used more seasoning but will still good. My friend had a mixed tempura something (This is a late, procrastination-fueled review. It’s been a few weeks) that she really enjoyed.

The good vibes stayed high. A few of us danced a bit. The service was attentive and on point all night. & the music??? It’s all about the music & their selection made it worth thee stay alone. So pleased that that was the after concert suggestion. Absolutely looking 4ward 2 going back soon.

Thank U 2 owners & staff of Wax 4 elevating an already great...

Nestled in our neighborhood, Wax Vinyl Ramen offers such a cool fusion of great food and a fantastic vinyl record theme. From the moment you step in, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between cozy and trendy.

The ramen here is Miso based and starts vegan/GF (uses rice noodles). Each bowl can be topped with a variety of interesting ingredients- from raw dandelion root to collard greens. Outside of the ramen, the chicken wings were superb. We also got the “B Side” eggrolls which are kale/collard eggrolls- all dishes were tasty and unique.

Adding to the experience, the music is a highlight in itself. The selection is impeccable, enhancing the dining atmosphere and making it a place where you want to hangout longer. There is a video feed projected on TVs across the restaurant that notes which into album is currently playing. As vinyl enthusiasts, we found some new music we hadn’t heard before but really enjoyed.

This spot isn't just for dining; it's also a fantastic place to grab a drink. The bar offers a great selection of beverages, making it a go-to spot for a casual drink anytime.

We're thrilled to have Wax Vinyl nearby. It's a gem of a place-...

Positive: The ambience is very cool and loved the music that was playing! However, this place should just stick to being a vinyl bar (ditch the ramen).

Negative: I’ve been to many ramen spots in Chicago. Also have been to Japan and had authentic ramen. Let me be really clear: The ramen here is NOT good or authentic. Food here is unacceptably overpriced for what it is. They price like a Michelin-reviewed restaurant.

Appetizers were fried finger food out of a bag. $25 for a bowl of ramen that had 4 pieces of shrimp (which were raw) and had to be sent back. Also, no pork? Every ramen shop has pork. It’s not “unique” ramen. It’s just not good. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere for ramen.

To the owners: Love the concept. The vibes and music are great. You’ve clearly invested money and time in ambience. So just be a bar. You are unique enough just jn that way. You’re trying to be too much by also being a ramen restaurant. Just be a kickass vinyl bar (no “and”) and you...