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Birdman Ramen
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Birdman Ramen
7.7
Birdman’s new Lakeview location turns the former Furious Spoon corner into a bright, poultry-focused ramen bar built on chicken, turkey, and duck broths. Tiered bowl options, skewers, and a splashy social presence make it a destination for experimenting with Szechuan heat and garlic-miso richness rather than strictly traditional tonkotsu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Szechuan Tori Paitan, Hokkaido Garlic Miso, Osaka Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 6.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: All-poultry ramen concept with tiered broth packages and a lively Belmont corner room.
Who should go: Adventurous ramen fans chasing chicken and duck-based broths.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours for full menu and buzzy Belmont energy.
What to order: Szechuan Tori Paitan, Hokkaido Garlic Miso, Osaka Cheesecake.
Insider tip: Start with a mid-tier broth before splurging on higher-priced packages.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Belmont and nearby side streets; metered and can be limited during peak evening hours
Dress code: Casual with a trendy edge — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly stylish
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at smaller tables but can get buzzy during peak dinner rush
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, especially for groups
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — some bowls and sides can be customized without meat
Vegan options: Very limited — broths and proteins are poultry-focused
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some bowls can be modified, but noodles and sauces contain gluten
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it works for casual first dates that lean fun and social, especially if you’re into trying bolder broth styles and sharing sides.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly; arrive earlier on weekends or join the waitlist during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids and teens who enjoy ramen will do fine, but the lively noise level and spicy options make it less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Experimenting with poultry-based broths, Szechuan heat, and visually striking bowls in a trendy, social setting
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-traditional tonkotsu, fully vegan options, or a quiet, low-key ramen experience
Birdman Ramen
7.6
Birdman Ramen is a Lakeview noodle shop channeling Tokyo side-street energy, with Szechuan tori paitan and Hokkaido garlic miso bowls leading the menu. Between occasional crab-leg specials and late-ish hours, it’s become a low-key ramen option near the Red/Brown/Purple Line that still flies under most visitors’ radar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Szechuan Tori Paitan, Hokkaido Garlic Miso ramen, Crab leg ramen (special)
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Compact ramen shop with a slightly quirky menu and a Tokyo-alley aesthetic a few blocks from the train.
Who should go: Ramen fans wanting something casual near Belmont station.
When to visit: Cool evenings and post-event nights for a warming bowl.
What to order: Szechuan Tori Paitan, Hokkaido Garlic Miso, any crab ramen special.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter so you can watch the bowls get built and grab your food as soon as it hits the pass.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; mostly metered and can be limited near Belmont, especially evenings — plan extra time or use transit.
Dress code: Casual — hoodies and jeans are fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — counter seating feels lively but you can still hold a short conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually a short wait (10–25 min), but seats fill quickly during peak hours due to the small space.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits when open for daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few bowls and sides can be made meat-free depending on broth and toppings.
Vegan options: Very limited — most broths and add-ons are animal-based; ask before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal — noodles and sauces generally contain gluten, and there is no dedicated prep separation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key date than a formal one — counter seating and quick service keep it relaxed rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in and counter-service; arrive a bit earlier on weekends to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the space is compact with limited seating; older kids or teens who like ramen will be fine, but it’s not ideal for strollers or large families.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous ramen flavors, late-night warming bowls, and solo or small-party counter dining near the train.
Skip if: You want spacious seating, large group tables, vegan or gluten-free ramen, or a polished, lingering dinner environment.