0 Followers
The Ramen Joint
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Ramen Joint
8.5
Tucked into a small strip along 87th Street, The Ramen Joint is a cozy, high-volume favorite known for long-simmered tonkotsu and shoyu broths, generous toppings, and fast, friendly service. With thousands of reviews and a constant flow of travelers and locals, it’s the most battle-tested bowl near LAX and still feels like a relaxed neighborhood spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Fried Chicken, Braised Pork Rice Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: House-made broths and big flavors in a tiny, always-busy shop.
Who should go: Travelers and locals craving serious ramen without fuss.
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner before airport rush.
What to order: Shoyu Tonkotsu, Japanese Fried Chicken, Braised Pork Rice Bowl.
Insider tip: Seats turn quickly, but order a soft-boiled egg and extra spice to customize your bowl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot out front with limited spaces; usually easier before peak meal times. Plenty of free street parking on 87th Street, but it can fill up during dinner rush.
Dress code: Super casual. Hoodies, travel wear, and jeans are all perfectly normal.
Noise level: Moderate. There’s steady kitchen noise and chatter, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on rush; line moves quickly because turnover is fast.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available—usually a veggie broth bowl and some sides that fit.
Vegan options: Sparse options; broth-based dishes are mostly animal-based, but you can build a veggie-forward bowl with modifications.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles or prep area, but some rice-based sides can work for strict avoiders.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for casual, comforting, and unfussy. Not ideal for a long romantic dinner, but great for a low-pressure, tasty meetup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Absolutely—it's walk-in only. Even when there's a line, the fast turnover means you’ll rarely wait long.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for kids who enjoy noodles or simple broths. No dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are manageable and service is quick enough for families.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, deeply flavored broths served fast; great for travelers who want a reliable bowl close to LAX without the long sit-down experience.
Skip if: If you want a long, leisurely dining experience, extensive vegan options, or experimental ramen styles, you may prefer a more full-service ramen bar.
The Ramen Joint
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
This compact shop focuses on deeply flavored broths and well-balanced bowls, making it one of Westchester’s most dependable quick stops for Japanese comfort food. With well over a thousand aggregated reviews and steady praise for its noodles, it delivers big-city ramen quality at neighborhood prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu tonkotsu ramen with soft-boiled egg, Braised pork rice bowl, Crispy shrimp spring rolls
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume ramen counter serving rich broths and satisfying bowls near LAX.
Who should go: Solo diners and small groups craving fast, serious ramen
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm to dodge peak slurp-hour crowds
What to order: Shoyu tonkotsu, braised pork bowl, shrimp spring rolls.
Insider tip: Seats are limited—go off-peak and customize spice and richness with the staff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free shared lot in the strip mall, usually open but tight during peak lunch hours; overflow street parking available on adjacent residential blocks.
Dress code: Super casual—hoodies, tees, and travel wear are all perfectly normal.
Noise level: Moderate—steady kitchen bustle and slurping, but you can still hold a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during prime hours, as seating is limited and turnover depends on solo diners.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the counter can fill up between 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few solid options, including veggie ramen with customizable toppings; ask to swap broths if needed.
Vegan options: Limited—one broth base can be made vegan, but confirm noodle ingredients and garnish substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Not officially gluten-free; broths contain soy sauces with gluten and noodles cannot always be substituted, so those with strong sensitivities should proceed with caution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, no-frills dining—it's delicious but more about quick comfort than lingering ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive slightly off-peak to guarantee a seat, as the space is compact and fills quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for kids 6+ who enjoy noodles; seating is tight and there’s no dedicated kids’ menu, but quick service helps keep little ones from getting restless.
Best For
Better for: Deep, satisfying broths at budget prices with faster service than most ramen spots near LAX.
Skip if: You want a long, leisurely meal, large-group seating, or extensive dietary accommodations.