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Saiwaii Ramen
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Saiwaii Ramen
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Neighborhood standby for big, budget-friendly bowls spanning tonkotsu, spicy garlic, and shoyu. It’s a practical late dinner fallback in the Sunset when many kitchens wind down early.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Garlic Tonkotsu, Shoyu Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Large portions and late-day service at wallet-friendly pricing.
Who should go: Students and families on a budget
When to visit: 7:30–8:30pm for last call and shorter lines
What to order: Spicy garlic tonkotsu, classic tonkotsu, shoyu
Insider tip: Call ahead for faster pickup near closing time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Irving and side streets; easier after 8pm but can be tight during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate bustle from slurping and chatter, but easy enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak hours, faster for solo diners or takeout.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady but manageable flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—miso and veggie ramen options available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—broth bases typically include animal stock; can modify with vegetable-only toppings.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles, but rice bowls are available as an alternative.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than formal dates—it's quick, affordable, and easygoing, not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only, and turnover is fast; even during busy hours you’ll rarely wait long.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs available, family groups common, and portions suit sharing among kids.
Best For
Better for: Larger portions and faster turnaround than nearby ramen shops at a lower price point.
Skip if: You’re seeking refined broth depth or ambience—this is a value-driven, no-frills ramen house.
Saiwaii Ramen
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Neighborhood staple offering a wide range of classic bowls—from tonkotsu to kara miso—at friendly prices. It’s a reliable, fast-moving counter-service option steps from 9th & Irving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Kara Miso Ramen, Vegetarian Miso
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Broad ramen lineup with quick service and sharp pricing.
Who should go: Budget-minded ramen regulars
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to skip the rush
What to order: Tonkotsu, Kara Miso, Veggie Miso
Insider tip: Customize spice and garlic levels—staff can dial it in.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots along Irving and 9th fill quickly after 6pm, but side streets like Judah or Lincoln often have openings within a block or two.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and park gear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—busy hum during peak hours but quiet enough for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on party size; turnover is fast.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; counter seating almost always available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable miso and a few rice bowls are available.
Vegan options: Limited—broths are generally meat-based but customization is possible if you ask for vegetable broth and omit egg.
Gluten-free options: Not explicitly; most noodles contain wheat, and no gluten-free substitutes are listed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic dates—it's bright, quick, and efficient rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Saiwaii doesn’t take reservations, but tables turn over fast and solo diners can usually sit at the counter right away.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent the spot, and the menu has mild broth and rice options for kids. High chairs are limited, so early dining works best.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable ramen with reliable consistency—ideal for everyday meals or solo visits.
Skip if: You’re seeking premium broths or ambiance; try Ushi Taro or Izakaya Sozai for more depth and mood.