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Ramen Wasabi
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ramen Wasabi
8.9
Ramen Wasabi is a long-running Logan Square ramen shop where concentrated pork broths, springy noodles, and tightly edited toppings anchor some of the city’s most reliable bowls. The space is small, waits are common, and the focus stays squarely on rich, comforting ramen rather than a sprawling izakaya menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Miso Ramen, Original Tonkotsu Ramen, Pork Buns
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A ramen specialist where deep, porky broths have anchored the neighborhood for years.
Who should go: Ramen-focused diners who prioritize broth depth over sprawling menus.
When to visit: Weeknights right at opening to dodge the waitlist.
What to order: Garlic Miso Ramen, Original Tonkotsu, pork buns to share.
Insider tip: Join the list early and plan for a nearby bar while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on North Ave and nearby residential blocks; mostly metered and can be tight during peak dinner hours — allow extra time.
Dress code: Casual — sweaters, hoodies, and jeans are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — counter seating and a small room mean conversation is possible but not hushed during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes is common during peak hours, especially 6:30–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Varies by operating hours; when open for lunch, waits are usually minimal or none.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — typically one vegetarian broth option plus a few sides.
Vegan options: Very limited — some components may contain egg or animal-derived bases; ask staff before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Challenging — standard ramen noodles contain wheat; substitutions are limited and cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual, food-first outing — the space is small and a bit busy, but counter seating and great ramen can make for a relaxed, low-pressure date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in; add your name early, expect a wait at peak times, and plan to grab a nearby drink until you’re texted.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — the room is compact with limited stroller space; older kids who enjoy noodles do fine, but it’s not ideal for very young children during rush hours.
Best For
Better for: Deep, richly concentrated pork broths, focused ramen execution, and consistent bowls without distraction from a sprawling menu.
Skip if: You want a large-group hangout, broad izakaya offerings, easy parking, or extensive vegan/gluten-free flexibility.
Ramen Wasabi
8.7
Ramen Wasabi is a long-running Logan Square ramen bar where tonkotsu staples, garlic-heavy miso, and a deep menu of variations anchor steady crowds. It’s more about reliable bowls and small plates than ceremony, but decades of service and thousands of reviews make it a neighborhood default.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Tonkotsu, Spicy Roasted Garlic Miso, Tokyo Classic Shoyu
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High-volume Logan Square ramen bar balancing rich tonkotsu and lighter styles.
Who should go: Groups wanting reliable ramen, small plates, and buzzy energy.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before peak waits and noise.
What to order: Original Tonkotsu, Spicy Roasted Garlic Miso, Tokyo Classic Shoyu.
Insider tip: Pair a richer tonkotsu with a lighter Tokyo Classic to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Milwaukee and nearby residential blocks; can be competitive during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, sweaters, and layered winter wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but expect lively background noise.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for small parties during peak; longer for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait when open for daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — typically a vegetarian ramen plus a few shareable sides.
Vegan options: Limited — broth options are mostly animal-based; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — most noodles contain wheat; some small plates and sides may work with modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s upbeat and intimate enough for a casual first date, especially if you’re comfortable with a buzzy, high-energy room rather than a quiet setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — most visits are walk-in based, but expect a wait during prime weekend hours; put your name in and plan for a short stroll nearby.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids and teens who enjoy ramen will be fine, but seating is tight and peak hours can be loud; not ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, well-balanced ramen with consistent execution, steady service, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet dining, fully gluten-free or vegan ramen options, or experimental, chef-driven ramen styles.