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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Ramen in the Tenderloin
Best Ramen in the Tenderloin
Master Critic Review
Nojo Ramen Tavern
8.3
Hayes Valley’s chicken-paitan specialist pairs deeply reduced poultry broth with thicker noodles and izakaya sides. The polished tavern setting works for a late dinner before or after a neighborhood show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy Sauce Chicken Paitan, Spicy Tan-Tan, Karaage
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Rich chicken-paitan focus in a tavern setting with strong sides.
Who should go: Design-minded ramen seekers
When to visit: After 9pm for a calmer room
What to order: Soy Sauce Paitan; Tan-Tan; Karaage
Insider tip: Bar seats offer the quickest path to a late bowl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is tight in Hayes Valley, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Gough and Hayes offer more reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but the polished tavern feel leans toward neat attire.
Noise level: Moderate buzz; lively but you can carry a date-night conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; early evening walk-ins also easier.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some sides and appetizers are vegetarian, but ramen options are limited.
Vegan options: Very limited; broth and noodles are not designed for vegan diets.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles or prep; not recommended for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, polished tavern interiors, and shareable sides make it a stylish but comfortable choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but waits are common on weekends; bar seating is your best bet for a quicker late-night bowl.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—menu leans adult, no children’s amenities, but older kids who enjoy ramen will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Richer chicken-paitan ramen and a refined izakaya atmosphere compared to casual ramen shops.
Skip if: You want vegan ramen or a quick, budget-friendly bowl—other Hayes Valley ramen counters are better suited.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 2:30pm, 4pm - 8pm