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Silverlake Ramen
Master Critic Review
Silverlake Ramen
8.1
Original location of LA's beloved ramen chain serves rich tonkotsu broth cooked for 16 hours with thick pork belly slices. Casual counter service and quick turnover make it practical for working lunch when you need satisfying food without lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Jidori Chicken Karaage, Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Established 2012 Silver Lake favorite maintains quality despite franchise expansion
Who should go: Teams needing fast, filling lunch under $20 per person
When to visit: 11:30 AM opening or 1:30 PM post-rush
What to order: Classic or Spicy Tonkotsu with extra seasoned egg
Insider tip: Lunch combo specials include salad and side dish for under $15
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset Blvd and side streets - typically available but can take 5-10 min to find a spot during lunch rush. Small lot behind building has 6-8 spaces.
Dress code: Ultra casual - work attire, activewear, jeans all common. Counter service spot where nobody's judging your outfit.
Noise level: Moderate to loud - open kitchen, hard surfaces, busy lunch energy. Fine for casual work talk, not ideal for confidential discussions.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical for counter seats, faster turnover than traditional ramen spots
Weekday lunch: Peak 12-1pm can have 10-15 min wait, otherwise minimal. Counter seating moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - veggie ramen with miso broth available, rice bowls can be made without meat. Not the focus here.
Vegan options: Very limited - vegetable ramen can be modified (no egg, confirm broth base). Better vegan ramen exists in LA.
Gluten-free options: No - traditional wheat noodles throughout. No GF substitutions available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a business lunch? Yes for casual business or team lunches where speed matters. Under 45 minutes in/out is achievable. Not ideal for client entertainment or formal meetings - counter seating and noise level work against extended conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's counter and communal seating only. During weekday lunch expect 10-15 min wait at peak (12-1pm), minimal wait otherwise. Weekend waits run longer but still under 30 min typically.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - kids' ramen portions available, casual vibe where noise isn't an issue. Counter seating can be tricky for very young kids (no high chairs). Best for elementary age and up who can handle hot broth.
How does it compare to Tsujita or Daikokuya? More accessible and faster than both. Tsujita has richer, more complex broth but longer waits. Daikokuya in Little Tokyo is similar quality but less convenient for Eastside workers. Silverlake wins on speed and location for business lunch.
Can I work here after eating? No - counter seating with high turnover expectations. This isn't a lingering spot. Eat and go. Nearby cafes better for post-lunch laptop work.
Best For
Better for: Speed and convenience for working lunch - you're in/out in 30-40 min with quality tonkotsu. Also wins on value with lunch combos under $15. Original location has more soul than the newer franchise spots.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience with client entertainment, need quiet conversation space, have dietary restrictions beyond standard meat/veggie, or want to linger over lunch. Also skip if you're chasing LA's absolute best ramen - this is very good but Tsujita and a few others edge it out on pure broth quality.