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Slurpin Ramen Bar - 8th St
Master Critic Review
Slurpin Ramen Bar - 8th St
8.2
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Since 2015, chef Eric has perfected thick, creamy tonkotsu broth after traveling through Japan, creating a fully customizable ramen bar where diners build their ideal bowl with homemade noodles and extensive toppings. The bar-style seating and late-night hours draw USC students and night owls craving rich pork broth with options for vegan and chicken bases.
Must-Try Dishes:
Slurpin Ramen with Fatty Pork, Sesame Chicken, Garlic Edamame
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Koreatown's tonkotsu specialist with DIY customization and 1am closing time
Who should go: Budget-conscious students and late-night cravings seekers
When to visit: After midnight when most restaurants are closed weekends
What to order: Regular Slurpin with fatty pork, spicy level, extra broth
Insider tip: Check in on Yelp for free drink or toppings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 8th St and surrounding blocks - free after 6pm, metered during day. Small paid lot behind building $5 flat rate.
Dress code: Ultra casual - hoodies and sweats welcome. College crowd sets the tone.
Noise level: Lively and conversational - open kitchen adds energy but you can easily chat at the bar
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait 7-9pm, but turnover is quick. Post-midnight almost no wait.
Weekday lunch: Walk right in, maybe 5 min wait during USC lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mushroom and veggie broth base available, tofu proteins, extensive veggie toppings
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan broth option, confirmed dairy-free noodles, plant-based proteins
Gluten-free options: No - noodles contain wheat, no GF substitute available. Broth itself is GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid casual first date if you both love ramen. Bar seating encourages conversation, prices won't break the bank, and the late hours work for post-activity meetups. Skip if you want somewhere quieter or more romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first come, first served bar and counter seating only. Best strategy: arrive before 7pm or after 10pm on weekends to minimize wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can handle spicy flavors and don't need high chairs. Bar seating isn't ideal for toddlers. Menu has mild options and staff is accommodating.
How long does a meal take? Quick service - expect 25-35 minutes from ordering to finishing. Perfect for when you're hungry now or need to grab food between activities.
Is it good for groups? Groups of 3-4 work well at the counter. Larger groups (5+) may get split up during busy times. The communal vibe makes it easy to chat across seats.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cravings, budget-conscious meals, full customization control, and quick ramen fixes. Beats competitors on price-to-quality ratio and hours.
Skip if: You want authentic Tokyo-style minimalist ramen, need a quiet atmosphere, prefer table service, or are gluten-free. For special occasions, hit Tsujita or Silverlake Ramen instead.