ZipPicks Awards
Best Ramen in Goose Island & River West
Master Critic Review
Seven Faced Bird Ramen
7.7
A food-court ramen counter inside Gangnam Market that stands out by leaning into turkey-based broths and toppings instead of the usual pork-heavy playbook. It’s best as a focused, fast order: one ramen plus one side, then keep moving through the market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy miso seafood ramen, Shoyu turkey ramen, Turkey karaage
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Turkey-centric ramen bowls in a market food court format.
Who should go: Food-court grazers who want ramen without a full sit-down.
When to visit: Lunch off-peak for the shortest ticket wait.
What to order: Spicy miso seafood ramen; shoyu turkey ramen; turkey karaage.
Insider tip: Grab it hot and eat immediately—broth and noodles peak fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot—best bet is metered street parking nearby (most spots turn over faster midday). If you’re coming at peak weekend hours, assume a few loops or a short walk; rideshare is the easiest play.
Dress code: Very casual—hoodies, workwear, and sneakers fit right in. Dress for a quick bite, not a sit-down dinner.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively food hall energy—easy for casual conversation, but not intimate or quiet.
Weekend wait: 15–30 min typical depending on food-court crowd; longer if multiple stalls are slammed at once.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 min typical; fastest if you hit before 12:00pm or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—there may be a veg-leaning option depending on the day, but the menu is broth-forward and not built around vegetarian variety.
Vegan options: Not a strong fit—most bowls lean on meat-based broths and toppings, so count on slim-to-none true vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Limited—ramen noodles and many toppings/sauces typically include gluten. If you’re sensitive, this is a tough order unless the stall can clearly confirm substitutions.
Best For
Better for: Fast, budget-friendly ramen with a unique turkey-based twist—lighter-feeling bowls and a ‘one-and-done’ format that works perfectly when you’re already eating through the market.
Consider Alternatives If: Skip it if you want a quiet sit-down ramen shop, deep tonkotsu richness, or broad dietary flexibility. For a full ramen night with comfort and atmosphere, you’ll be happier at a traditional ramen restaurant.