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Noren Izakaya
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Noren Izakaya
8.2
Cozy North Beach izakaya pouring sake and grilling skewers, with a comforting tonkotsu ramen that hits after-hours cravings. Friday–Saturday service runs to 11pm, making it one of the few neighborhood bowls available late.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Chicken Karaage, Yaki Onigiri
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: One of the few late-serving ramen options within 94133.
Who should go: Night owls needing a hearty bowl nearby
When to visit: Fri–Sat 10–11pm for post-evening bowls
What to order: Tonkotsu ramen; chicken karaage; bacon mochi skewers
Insider tip: Ask for bar seats for the quickest late-night turnaround.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight after 7pm, but North Beach Garage (735 Vallejo St) is a 5-minute walk and open late.
Dress code: Casual with a hint of style—jeans and a clean tee or light jacket fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—enough energy for a lively vibe, but still easy to hold conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes around 9–10pm; bar seats often open faster.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch—dinner-only service starting late afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several share plates and a veggie miso ramen available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable skewers and salads can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Partial options—rice dishes and grilled skewers are safe, but ramen noodles contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—cozy lighting, bar seating, and sake flights make it intimate yet unpretentious for a casual first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are common after 9pm, especially for counter seating; reservations help for groups of four or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—limited space and late-night energy suit adults more than families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ramen with sake and small plates in a true izakaya setting—more atmosphere and variety than typical noodle houses.
Skip if: You’re seeking purely traditional ramen or need extensive vegan options; head to a dedicated ramen-ya instead.
Noren Izakaya
8.1
Cozy North Beach izakaya pairing yakitori and sake with excellent chicken karaage—juicy inside, crackly outside. Bar seats make it a relaxed date-night or solo stop before a neighborhood stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Karaage with lemon, Chicken thigh yakitori, Karaage don (when offered)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Expert Japanese-style karaage in a warm, Kyoto-inspired izakaya setting.
Who should go: Izakaya fans seeking standout fried chicken
When to visit: Tue–Thu 5–7 pm happy hour for easiest seating
What to order: Karaage; chicken thigh yakitori; a seasonal sake flight
Insider tip: Grab the bar; karaage lands hotter and you can add skewers between pours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Grant Avenue and nearby alleys is tight after 6pm; limited metered spots open up around Washington Square. No valet service available.
Dress code: Smart casual—dark jeans, button-downs, or casual dresses fit the izakaya’s date-night vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—lively bar hum but conversation-friendly at tables or the counter.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes for a table after 7pm; bar seats turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; opens at 5pm for dinner with minimal early waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—edamame, grilled veggies, and a few small plates available.
Vegan options: Minimal—most dishes use soy-based marinades or fry oil shared with meat.
Gluten-free options: Some options—ask about tamari substitutions for soy sauce; karaage contains wheat batter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, sake flights, and cozy counter seats make it a warm, low-pressure choice for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for early arrivals; after 7pm on weekends, expect a short wait or grab a bar seat instead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—small space, late hours, and bar seating dominate. Teens comfortable with Japanese food will do fine.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for small groups or dates who want Japanese fried chicken with sake in a polished yet casual atmosphere.
Skip if: You want family-style platters, large-group seating, or an extensive vegetarian menu.
Noren Izakaya
8.2
Izakaya with charcoal-grilled skewers and a comforting tonkatsu ramen that holds its own. The cozy North Beach room works for a low-key date or solo bar seat with sake and a steaming bowl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkatsu Ramen, Yakitori Skewers, Karaage
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cozy izakaya where the house tonkatsu ramen shares the spotlight with yakitori.
Who should go: Izakaya lovers who want a solid ramen bowl
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 for easier bar seats
What to order: Tonkatsu ramen; chicken thigh yakitori; karaage
Insider tip: Post up at the bar—ramen lands hotter and you can add skewers as you go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in North Beach—look for metered spots on Grant or use the nearby Vallejo Street garage two blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice shirt are perfect; avoid overly casual beachwear.
Noise level: Moderate—lively bar chatter but quiet enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seating opens faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is quicker before 7 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—edamame, agedashi tofu, and veggie yakitori options available.
Vegan options: Limited—few sides qualify, but ramen broth is pork-based.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled skewers and rice dishes can be made gluten-free; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it’s cozy and softly lit with an intimate bar and shareable small plates that make conversation easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive before 7 or after 9; otherwise expect a short wait at peak dinner times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the menu and ambiance cater more to adults and date-night diners.
Best For
Better for: More refined atmosphere and better sake list than casual ramen spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for quick counter-service ramen or large group seating.
Noren Izakaya
8.2
Cozy North Beach izakaya channeling retro Kyoto—skewers off the grill, small plates, sashimi, and a well-chosen sake list. The energy ramps up late with happy hour windows that suit casual hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken heart yakitori, Bacon mochi skewers, Yaki onigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Kyoto-style izakaya plates with late-night happy hour energy.
Who should go: Skewer lovers and sake explorers
When to visit: Tue–Thu 5–7 pm or late Fri–Sat happy hour
What to order: Chicken heart; bacon mochi; yaki onigiri
Insider tip: Ask for the daily yakitori cuts—limited skewers rotate quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby garage on Vallejo and Stockton is the safest bet.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top work fine; the crowd trends stylish but relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—lively but you can still hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—opens evenings only, with lighter weekday crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable skewers, grilled mushrooms, and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options like grilled shishito peppers and yaki onigiri without butter.
Gluten-free options: Some items are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce is used widely; alert your server for substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting, shareable plates, and a buzzed-but-intimate energy make it a strong first-date pick.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekdays before 6:30pm; weekends fill fast, so call ahead or arrive early for counter seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—small plates and late hours skew adult, though teens who enjoy Japanese fare would fit fine.
Best For
Better for: More atmospheric and sake-forward than nearby casual izakayas; perfect for groups who value ambiance as much as food.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining or large family-style entrées—this is more of a small-plate, social spot.