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Ramen Hiroshi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Ramen Hiroshi
8.2
Compact ramen shop known for rich tonkotsu, balanced tantanmen, and reliable pacing. Bowls hover around the $15–$20 mark with efficient service and counter seating for solo slurps.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hiroshi tonkotsu ramen, Tantanmen, Karaage
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Focused menu with deeply flavored broths and quick turns.
Who should go: Ramen fans craving rich broths
When to visit: Weeknights 5–6 pm to skip the line
What to order: Tonkotsu; tantanmen; karaage side
Insider tip: Add half-spice to tantanmen if you want heat without overwhelm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Bonanza can be tight during dinner rush; nearby garage at Locust & Civic offers 90 minutes free.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and workwear all fine for a quick bowl.
Noise level: Moderate hum from kitchen and counter chatter; fine for solo dining but not intimate conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak 6:30–8 pm hours; turnover is fast due to counter seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:15 pm; fills up quickly after.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—occasional shoyu or miso ramen base without pork broth.
Vegan options: No—broths are meat-based and no fully vegan substitutes.
Gluten-free options: No—noodles contain wheat, and cross-contact is unavoidable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you’re both ramen enthusiasts—tight quarters and slurping sounds make it more functional than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, entirely walk-in; solo seats move quickly, but groups of three or more may wait during dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited for adults or older kids; no high chairs or booster seats, and space is limited for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, high-quality ramen served with precision—faster and more consistent than larger sit-down ramen houses.
Skip if: You’re seeking a long, social meal or broader menu options—other ramen spots offer more appetizers and ambience.
Ramen Hiroshi
7.8
Compact counter with efficient service and focused bowls that land under $20. Great for solo or quick two-tops when you want in-and-out without sacrificing quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu ramen, Tantanmen, Takoyaki
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Fast, focused ramen with reliable midday hours.
Who should go: Solo or quick two-person meetings
When to visit: 11:30–12:15 for shortest line
What to order: Tonkotsu; tantanmen; takoyaki
Insider tip: Sit at the counter for quickest turnaround.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking on Locust and Bonanza; nearby Broadway Plaza garages are a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual; most guests come in office attire or relaxed business casual.
Noise level: Moderate; lunchtime chatter but still manageable for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for counter seating; peak hours move fast.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minute wait at peak, often immediate before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – vegetable ramen and tofu sides available.
Vegan options: Limited – broth bases contain animal stock, but some sides are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles, but rice-based appetizers are safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both ramen fans and want something low-key. It’s better for casual, quick meetups than extended conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s counter-service and operates on a first-come basis; arrive early to skip the small midday line.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat – space is tight and portions are adult-sized, so best for older kids comfortable at a counter.
Best For
Better for: Fast, solo-friendly ramen with quality broth and quick turnover — ideal for working lunches.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long, sit-down meeting or need gluten-free ramen options.
Ramen Hiroshi
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Downtown shop specializing in tonkotsu-based bowls with options like Tonkotsu Shoyu and Tantanmen. Fast counter service and consistent execution make it a reliable stop before or after Locust Street plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hiroshi Tonkotsu Ramen, Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen, Tantanmen
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Tonkotsu-forward menu with steady execution and quick service.
Who should go: Ramen fans seeking speedy downtown meals
When to visit: Weeknights before 6:30 or after 8:00
What to order: Hiroshi Tonkotsu, Tantanmen, Miso Ramen
Insider tip: Ask for curly thick noodles on Tonkotsu Shoyu for extra chew.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Locust and nearby side streets; metered until 8pm. A few paid lots within one block.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; typical downtown attire fine after work or during errands.
Noise level: Moderate — steady background chatter, but conversation is easy at the counter or smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak 6:30–7:30pm window.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:15pm; short line afterward.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a miso-based veggie ramen and edamame appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited — broth and noodles contain some animal ingredients; can modify for partial vegan requests.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles or prep area, but light broths and rice sides are possible substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal dates — fast service and compact seating work for shared ramen talk, but not long linger meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins only. Expect quick turnover, especially at the counter during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families welcome. Kids enjoy smaller ramen bowls and mild broths; no highchairs but bench seating works for older children.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and cleaner tonkotsu flavor balance than larger sit-down ramen restaurants nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking extended dining or creative fusion ramen — this is a straightforward, classic tonkotsu stop.