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Chome
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Chome
7.9
Izakaya-sushi hybrid with a ramen lane—think garlic-chili tonkotsu alongside small plates and rolls. A lively room that works for groups before a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Chili Tonkotsu Ramen, Chicken Karaage and Fries, Oxtail Omurice
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Ramen plus izakaya plates in a buzzy, flexible setting.
Who should go: Groups mixing ramen and shareables
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 pm or early weekends
What to order: Garlic-chili tonkotsu; karaage; oxtail omurice
Insider tip: Check specials—limited ramen or rolls rotate regularly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Valencia can be tight after 6 pm; nearby paid lots at 21st and Valencia or Hoff Garage on 16th offer easier options.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests dress up slightly for night-out energy.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat; conversation is possible but raised voices may be needed during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation between 7–9 pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early evening walk-ins before 6:30 pm are typically seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and one ramen can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—two or three dishes can be modified, but broths generally contain animal stock.
Gluten-free options: Partial—sushi and some grilled items work, but ramen noodles contain wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, energetic bar buzz, and shareable plates make it a lively but comfortable pick for casual first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually if you arrive before 6:30 pm or after 9 pm; peak hours often require a short wait list or bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children due to tight seating and evening bar traffic; teens are fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Group dining, cocktails, and variety—perfect when you want ramen plus sushi and izakaya bites under one roof.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional ramen experience—Taishoken or Ramenwell fit that better.
Chome
8.3
Cozy Mission spot with a small dining room and a creative ramen lineup that occasionally features seafood specialties. Later evening hours on most nights make it a low-key, post-dinner slurp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fiery Lobster Ramen (limited), Shoyu Ramen, Vegetarian Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Creative bowls in a compact space with occasional seafood features.
Who should go: Adventurous ramen regulars
When to visit: After 8pm for a quieter seat
What to order: Fiery lobster ramen (when offered), shoyu, veg ramen
Insider tip: Limited specials sell out—ask about the nightly ramen board on arrival.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be challenging after 7pm but nearby residential spots open later in the evening. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual; most diners come in relaxed attire, though neat streetwear fits the intimate setting.
Noise level: Low to moderate – small space with quiet background music; easy to hold conversation even during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours; limited seating so solo diners often get in faster at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though dinner-only service means lunch is not offered on most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a few bowls and small plates are vegetarian-friendly, including the seasonal veggie ramen.
Vegan options: Limited – broth bases usually contain animal stock, but some sides and specials may qualify.
Gluten-free options: Not formally gluten-free – noodles contain wheat and cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-key and intimate. The small room and mellow lighting make it cozy but not flashy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. They don’t take reservations, so early or late arrivals have better luck. Counter seats move fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. The tight space and late hours cater more to adults or quiet older teens.
Best For
Better for: More inventive and seafood-driven ramen compared to typical tonkotsu shops; ideal for solo diners or couples who appreciate subtle, chef-driven flavors.
Skip if: You prefer loud, bustling ramen halls or need gluten-free or family-style seating options.
Chome
7.9
Bustling izakaya in the Mission with a sushi section, hand rolls, and comfort hits. Ideal for friends who want snacks, a few rolls, and quick service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hand rolls, Spicy tuna roll, Chicken karaage
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Izakaya energy with a solid sushi and hand-roll lineup.
Who should go: Friends sharing small plates
When to visit: Early evening before peak waits
What to order: Hand rolls; spicy tuna; karaage
Insider tip: Counter seats turn faster—great for duos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and fills quickly on Valencia; paid garages available within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual is fine—jeans and sneakers work, though many guests lean trendy-weekend.
Noise level: Lively and moderately loud—easy with groups, but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait; immediate seating for most parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several rolls, veggie tempura, and small plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—edamame, cucumber rolls, and some small plates, but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Some options like sashimi are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten; ask staff for substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than intimate ones—the atmosphere is buzzy and fun, but not quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most parties can walk in early evenings or off-peak, but groups larger than four should expect a wait on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, though the space is tight and high-energy. Good for older kids who enjoy sushi or fried bites; limited amenities for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Quick, casual group meals where sushi meets izakaya-style comfort food in a lively setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale omakase experience or need extensive vegan/gluten-free menus.