CUISINE Ramen-san features classic Japanese dishes and a half-dozen different bowls of ramen with rich broths made in-house daily, including traditional pork tonkotsu, shio (chicken) and roasted vegetable. All ramen is served with Tokyo wavy noodles from Sun Noodle, and guests can further customize their dishes with add-ons like chashu pork, smoked brisket, fried chicken, molten egg, kimchi and more. The menu also incorporates Asian-inspired offerings like Smoked Salmon Nigiri, Pork Belly Mantou Buns and Spicy Szechuan Chicken Wings. During the weekday, Ramen-san serves an Express Lunch; after 10 PM daily there is a rotating Late Night Fried Rice and on weekends, traditional okonomiyaki is available.
BEVERAGE The beverage program at Ramen-san includes one of Chicago’s best collections of Japanese whisky—including rare and impossible-to-find bottles—served neat or in any number of the unique cocktails. A variety of sake and beers are available, including blast-chilled Asahi poured from a special draft tower imported from Japan.
EXPERIENCE Located in Chicago’s River North, Ramen-san is a lively neighborhood noodle den and bar reminiscent of traditional ramen shops in Japan. The space is raw, anchored by exposed brick and reclaimed wood, which makes for an understated yet inviting ambiance. The space marks the partners’ fourth collaboration with Japanese designer Kota Bando, who has successfully created an approachable space for diners to enjoy noodles, beer and ‘90s hip-hop during lunch, dinner and late night. 59 W. Hubbard St. Chicago, IL 60654 312-377-9950 ramensan.com