0 Followers
Taishoken
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Taishoken
8.6
Modern ramen shop on Valencia known for classic tsukemen and a tighter cocktail/sake program. Broths lean rich and clean with careful noodle texture; waits are common at peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tokusei Tsukemen, Tonkotsu Spicy Miso Ramen, Karaage
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Tsukemen focus with polished cocktails and precise execution.
Who should go: Ramen traditionalists and Valencia bar-hoppers
When to visit: Early evening before peak dinner queues
What to order: Tokusei tsukemen; spicy miso tonkotsu; karaage
Insider tip: Ask for extra noodles or soup to fine-tune your dip ratio.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Valencia fill quickly after 6pm, with limited availability on adjacent side streets.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, sneakers, and light layers fit right in with the Mission crowd.
Noise level: Moderate – upbeat chatter and kitchen sounds, but conversation remains easy at the counter or small tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes; small space and no reservations make early arrival key.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait before 12:30pm; can fill fast after that.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – limited but solid options like vegetarian tsukemen or veggie miso ramen.
Vegan options: Partially – one or two modified dishes possible upon request; confirm broth base with staff.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles or prep; best avoided for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for casual dates — cozy, stylish, and energetic without being too loud. Ideal for ramen lovers who appreciate food-focused conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Go before 6pm or after 8:30pm to minimize wait times; solo diners often find counter seats faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the small space and bar-style setup suit adults and older teens more than young children.
Best For
Better for: Traditional tsukemen execution and sake pairings stand above most Mission ramen spots, especially for noodle texture and broth balance.
Skip if: You prefer casual, roomy seating or need gluten-free or highly customizable ramen options — nearby Ramenwell may fit better.
Taishoken
8.6
Mission outpost of the historic Tokyo brand known for ultra-chewy housemade noodles and rich, pork-and-chicken tsukemen. Lines move steadily and the kitchen runs later on weekends, making it a reliable post-evening stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tsukemen (dipping ramen), Spicy Miso Ramen, Mazesoba
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Housemade noodles and classic tsukemen executed with precision.
Who should go: Ramen fans who want rich, late bowls
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 8pm for later seating
What to order: Tsukemen, spicy miso, mazesoba
Insider tip: Ask for dashi to dilute leftover tsukemen broth and finish it like soup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Valencia and side streets; can be tight after 7pm. Paid lots available within two blocks near 19th and Valencia.
Dress code: Casual but clean—hoodies and sneakers fine, but most diners lean stylish Mission casual.
Noise level: Moderate; conversational at smaller tables but can rise during peak dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes typical; name lists move steadily, no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—opens late afternoon; minimal waits early evenings midweek.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—vegetarian ramen available but broth base may contain trace dashi; confirm with staff.
Vegan options: Minimal; broth and noodles contain animal products—best for pescatarians.
Gluten-free options: Not recommended; all noodles contain wheat, and no gluten-free options are offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a low-pressure, foodie-forward vibe. The intimate counter seating and lively energy make for casual conversation without formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only. Join the list in person and expect a 20–40 minute wait on weekends. Solo diners often score quicker counter seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially; space is tight and seating is bar-style. Better for adults or older teens comfortable with lively ramen counter setups.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ramen purists seeking authentic tsukemen with exceptional noodle texture and broth depth.
Skip if: You need vegetarian or gluten-free ramen, or prefer quieter, reservation-based dining.
Taishoken
8.3
Tokyo-style tsukemen and ramen with springy noodles built for dipping and a rich, balanced broth. Fast ticket times and Friday lunch hours make it a practical ramen stop for working lunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tsukemen (dipping ramen), Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Historic Taishoken-style tsukemen done with precision.
Who should go: Ramen fans on a tight schedule.
When to visit: Friday lunch; early evening for minimal wait.
What to order: Tsukemen, tonkotsu, karaage add-on.
Insider tip: Broth refire available—ask for extra hot pour for final sips.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available along Mission and Valencia; metered spots can fill quickly during lunch rush. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual business attire fits best—button-downs or polos are common during weekday lunch hours.
Noise level: Moderate—background chatter from the small dining room but easy enough to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes typical; faster turnover due to ramen-style service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait before noon; brief queue from 12–12:45pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—occasional vegetable ramen options but broth may not be fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Minimal—no dedicated vegan broth; customization options are limited.
Gluten-free options: Not available—no gluten-free noodles or broth base currently offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or coworkers than romantic dates—counter seating and quick pacing make it efficient but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only, no reservations accepted. Arrive early for lunch to avoid a short line.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—staff are accommodating, but space is tight and high chairs are limited. Best for older kids comfortable with noodles.
Best For
Better for: Quick, authentic tsukemen and efficient service for professionals on tight schedules.
Skip if: You’re seeking leisurely dining, vegan options, or a quiet, extended lunch meeting.