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Strings Ramen Shop
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Strings Ramen Shop
9.0
Opened in 2014 in the heart of Chinatown, Strings Ramen Shop specializes in house-made noodles and a broad lineup of tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso ramen bowls. With thousands of multi-platform reviews and late hours, it’s the go-to Japanese noodle shop in 60616 for everything from Hell Ramen challenges to comforting bowls after a long day.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hell Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen Super Premium, Kuro Buta Sausage
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Flagship Chinatown ramen shop with house-made noodles and deep broth variety.
Who should go: Ramen lovers who want serious noodles and spice options.
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 p.m. for shorter waits and steadier pacing.
What to order: Hell Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen Super Premium, Kuro Buta Sausage.
Insider tip: Ask about spice levels on Hell Ramen before committing to higher tiers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in the surrounding Chinatown corridors with a few nearby paid surface lots; can be tight during peak dinner hours and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and streetwear are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — conversation is possible at most tables, but the room gets energetic during rush periods.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during prime hours depending on party size and weather.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except on especially busy school or tour days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few vegetarian ramen and sides are available, but broths may contain animal products; ask staff to confirm.
Vegan options: Limited — some noodle bowls and sides can be modified, but fully vegan options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Limited — ramen noodles contain wheat and there is no dedicated gluten-free prep; broth-only or select sides may be safer choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and food-focused — the energy is upbeat and the bowls arrive quickly, but it’s not a slow, romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served. Add your name to the list during busy times; solo diners and pairs are often seated faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes — quick service and booth seating work for families, though spice levels and crowded peak hours may be better for older kids and teens.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ramen, customizable spice levels, and rich tonkotsu bowls with house-made noodles in a Chinatown setting.
Skip if: You need extensive vegan or gluten-free options, prefer quiet white-tablecloth dining, or want a reservation-based experience with no wait.
Strings Ramen Shop
8.0
Since 2014, Strings’ Chinatown location has been the late-night ramen workhorse, serving handmade noodles in several broths plus oden and sides until close. It’s busy and compact, but regulars rely on the variety of toppings and broths for a customizable bowl after work, class, or evenings out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen Super Premium, Miso Ramen, Oden Sampler
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-capacity, handmade-noodle ramen shop with long hours and a wide broth lineup.
Who should go: Night-owl diners craving flexible, customizable ramen.
When to visit: Late evenings Sunday–Thursday to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Tonkotsu Super Premium, Miso Ramen, an oden add-on.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter if you want the quickest service and easiest solo experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Wentworth and surrounding side streets; metered spots on Cermak and Chinatown Square garages nearby—can be tight after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual — hoodies, jeans, and winter layers are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at the counter, louder at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak evening rush, shorter late-night.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; occasional short queue during school/work breaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — vegetable/miso-based bowls and sides depending on toppings selected.
Vegan options: Very limited — most noodles and broths contain egg or animal products; customization needed.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal — noodles are wheat-based and there is no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or late-night dates than formal ones — the space is compact and energetic, with counter seating and quick pacing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate first-come, first-served. Add your name to the list and expect faster seating at the counter or for smaller parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Works best for older kids and teens; seating is tight and stroller space is limited, with no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ramen, solo counter dining, and customizable bowls with multiple broth and topping paths.
Skip if: You want a quiet, spacious dining room, strict vegan or gluten-free options, or a long, sit-down group meal.
Strings Ramen Shop
8.4
Across from New Chinatown Square, Strings focuses almost entirely on ramen and oden in a tight, high-turnover space that’s packed late into the night. Long-running popularity and multiple locations trace back to this shop, where rich tonkotsu, Hell Ramen spice levels, and bar seats keep it feeling energetic and current.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu ramen with pork belly and duck, Hell Ramen (choose your spice level), Oden skewers
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume ramen specialist where tonkotsu and Hell Ramen anchor late nights.
Who should go: Ramen fans craving rich broth and lively, compact energy.
When to visit: Late evenings for full buzz; earlier weeknights for shorter waits.
What to order: Tonkotsu with pork belly and duck, Hell Ramen, oden skewers.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter to watch the noodle line and get slightly faster turnarounds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered near Chinatown Square; most guests use nearby paid surface lots or garages, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans and everyday wear are common; no formal dress expectations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — counter seats and compact tables mean conversation is possible but can feel energetic during late-night rushes.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak evening and late-night hours, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; brief queues during cooler weather or bad-weather days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetarian-friendly ramen or sides may be available, but menu leans pork- and broth-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — most broths and toppings include animal products; confirm with staff before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited — ramen noodles contain wheat; some sides may work with modifications, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates — the counter seating and late-night buzz make it fun and low-pressure, but it’s tighter and louder than a slow, conversational spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in; expect to join a waitlist during peak evening and weekend hours, with faster turnover at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally fine for older kids or teens who like ramen; the space is compact with limited stroller room and no dedicated children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ramen, rich tonkotsu broth, and energetic counter seating compared with larger, more generalist Asian restaurants nearby.
Skip if: You want spacious seating, quiet conversation, broad non-ramen menus, or robust vegan/gluten-free options.