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Kyuramen - Downtown Chicago
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kyuramen - Downtown Chicago
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Part of a small ramen chain, this Kyuramen location delivers big, customizable bowls in a narrow, casual space just off Hubbard. High recent review volume and steady lines at peak hours show it’s become an affordable noodle stop for office workers and late shoppers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kyushu Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Honeycomb Platter, Super Bowl Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Busy ramen shop offering customizable bowls at accessible downtown prices.
Who should go: Ramen fans wanting filling, budget-friendly bowls.
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons to avoid tight lines and waits.
What to order: Kyushu Spicy Tonkotsu, Super Bowl Ramen, Honeycomb platter.
Insider tip: Use add-ons to customize spice and richness instead of upgrading bowls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; nearby paid garages and apps are the most reliable option, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but can feel compressed in the narrow space.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes at peak times, especially 6:30–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; short line during office lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few vegetarian ramen and appetizer options, plus customizable toppings.
Vegan options: Limited — broth and noodles are largely animal-based; ask staff which sides are vegan-safe.
Gluten-free options: Limited — most noodles contain wheat and there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-stakes meetups than a formal first date — the space is tight and can feel busy, but it works if you want a quick, budget-friendly meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in. Expect a short line during peak dinner hours; solo diners are often seated faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with school-age kids — portions are large, staff is accommodating, and the atmosphere is informal, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Large, filling ramen bowls at lower downtown prices, quick meals, and customizable toppings that appeal to casual diners and groups on a budget.
Skip if: You want refined broth depth, expansive izakaya menus, or a quieter, date-night ramen experience — consider higher-end ramen bars instead.
Kyuramen - Downtown Chicago
8.3
Kyuramen’s downtown Chicago outpost brings the brand’s signature honeycomb booths and customizable ramen bowls to Hubbard Street, focusing on tonkotsu and chicken-based broths plus omurice and small plates. Consistent execution and moderate prices make it a dependable choice when you want a sit-down ramen meal without leaving River North.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kyushu Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Tonkotsu Shouyu Ramen, Pork Tonkatsu Omurice
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Cozy honeycomb booths and a ramen-focused menu with lots of broth options.
Who should go: Ramen fans wanting cozy booths and customizable bowls.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends to avoid longer waits.
What to order: Kyushu Spicy Tonkotsu, Tonkotsu Shouyu, Pork Tonkatsu Omurice.
Insider tip: Ask for spice level and broth richness tweaks to dial in your bowl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Hubbard and nearby side streets is limited; most guests use nearby paid garages within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at booths, but can feel lively during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, especially for booth seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, with steady but manageable flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several ramen and small-plate items can be made or ordered vegetarian depending on broth and toppings.
Vegan options: Limited — some customization possible, but most broths and sauces are not fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited — ramen noodles contain gluten and gluten-free substitutions are not consistently available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the semi-private honeycomb booths create a cozy, low-pressure setting that works well for casual dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they primarily operate on a walk-in basis; arrive early on weekends if you want a booth or shorter wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the seating is comfortable for families and the menu has approachable ramen and rice dishes suitable for older kids and teens.
Best For
Better for: Casual sit-down ramen in River North with cozy booth seating, customizable bowls, and consistent pricing.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional specialty ramen, gluten-free noodles, or a quieter fine-dining environment.