30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Ramen in the Excelsior
Master Critic Review
21 Taste House
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Compact ramen shop on Ocean Ave known for lobster-forward tonkotsu variations and quick turnarounds. Bowls land rich and porky with options like black garlic and spicy oil, making it a dependable weeknight stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Tonkotsu Ramen, Black Garlic Tonkotsu, Red Chili Oil Tonkotsu
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Lobster-enriched tonkotsu variations at budget-friendly prices.
Who should go: Weeknight ramen fans and students nearby
When to visit: Early dinner or late lunch to skip the rush
What to order: Lobster tonkotsu, black garlic tonkotsu, spicy chili oil tonkotsu
Insider tip: Ask for firm noodles and extra black garlic for deeper flavor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Ocean Avenue; generally available before 6pm but can fill during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual—students and locals in everyday wear; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—steady chatter and kitchen sounds but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours, especially on rainy nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-in seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable ramen and side dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited—broth bases contain pork; may offer one vegan option depending on the day.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles; soy-based broth may contain wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going casual—small tables and quick service make it more of a relaxed, informal choice than a romantic spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—21 Taste House doesn’t take reservations. Most guests walk in and get seated quickly outside of peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are friendly with families and portions are manageable. High chairs are limited, so earlier visits work best for kids.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, flavor-packed ramen bowls served fast with standout lobster tonkotsu options.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale ambiance, full bar service, or extensive vegan ramen options.
Hours
Monday9am - 7pm
Tuesday9am - 7pm
Wednesday9am - 7pm
Thursday9am - 7pm
Friday9am - 7pm
Saturday9am - 7pm
Sunday9am - 7pm