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Tatsu Ramen
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tatsu Ramen
8.5
Tatsu’s Arts District outpost brings the brand’s customizable tonkotsu bowls to a big, loft-like space that stays busy deep into the night. Bowls like Bold, Soul, and Hippie Ramen lean rich and punchy rather than traditionalist, drawing a steady mix of locals and late-night crews.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bold Ramen, Soul Ramen, Hippie Ramen
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Customizable, late-night tonkotsu bowls in a spacious Arts District setting.
Who should go: Ramen fans who want bold flavors and flexible toppings.
When to visit: Late nights after shows or casual weekend hangs.
What to order: Bold Ramen, Soul Ramen, add soft-boiled egg.
Insider tip: Order at the tablets, then tweak spice, richness, and toppings to taste.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Arts District at night; paid lots on 3rd and Traction are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual; streetwear and everyday outfits fit the late-night ramen crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes depending on peak late-night traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, often seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the Hippie Ramen is the go-to meatless option, and several toppings are veg-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — customization can remove animal products, but broth and noodle options for strict vegans are narrow.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated gluten-free noodles, but some toppings and sides can accommodate light sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a casual, low-pressure date—especially late at night—but not ideal if you want a quiet or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, but off-peak hours move quickly thanks to the tablet ordering system.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy bold ramen flavors; the loud, busy atmosphere is less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Customizable, bold-tonkotsu bowls and late-night dining when other ramen shops have closed.
Skip if: You want classic, traditionalist ramen or need strong vegan or gluten-free options.
Tatsu Ramen
8.2
Tatsu Ramen’s Arts District location serves customizable tonkotsu bowls ordered via touchscreen, with late-night hours that make it a staple after shows and bar crawls. Rich broths, thin noodles, and fast service keep the counter and sidewalk tables busy well past typical dinner time.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bold Ramen, Red Ramen, Cheeky Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.2
What makes it special: Touchscreen-ordered ramen bowls with rich broth and late hours.
Who should go: Ramen fans needing a fast, filling post-bar meal.
When to visit: Late nights after concerts or brewery hopping nearby.
What to order: Bold Ramen, Red Ramen, Cheeky Ramen with extra egg.
Insider tip: Customize toppings on the kiosk and grab counter seats for speed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but tight late at night; most guests rely on nearby paid lots along 3rd Street and Traction Avenue.
Dress code: Very casual—hoodies, tees, and post-concert outfits are all normal.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak late-night hours; still manageable for solo diners or quick conversations.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on bar traffic in the Arts District.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait or none at all.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—there’s a solid vegetarian ramen base and customizable toppings.
Vegan options: Limited—substitutions help, but broth options for strict vegans are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Partially—noodles are not gluten-free, but some toppings and broths can work for low-gluten diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for something casual and quick; it’s counter-style and lively, better for low-pressure meetups than intimate dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Tatsu is entirely walk-in and kiosk-ordered. Expect a short line on weekend late nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who like ramen; limited space and late-night crowds make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, customizable ramen with late-night hours—great when you want something hot and filling after bars or shows.
Skip if: You want a quiet, lingering meal or traditional Japanese service; try a full-service ramen bar instead.
Tatsu Ramen
7.9
Tatsu’s Arts District shop brings touchscreen-order ramen and late-night hours to a bright, modern space off Hewitt Street, with lab-tested gluten-free noodles available for any bowl. For gluten-free diners who miss classic tonkotsu-style ramen, it’s one of the few spots downtown where a slurpable, customizable bowl is back on the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bold Ramen with Gluten-Free Noodles, Soul Ramen with Gluten-Free Noodles, Spicy Ramen Topped with Soft-Boiled Egg
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: A late-night ramen bar offering lab-tested gluten-free noodles in DTLA.
Who should go: Gluten-free ramen lovers needing a casual, flexible spot.
When to visit: Evenings and late night when the room is buzzing but not slammed.
What to order: Bold ramen with gluten-free noodles, spicy bowl, add soft-boiled egg and extra chashu.
Insider tip: Order at the kiosks and specify gluten-free noodles on every bowl to avoid mix-ups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Hewitt and surrounding Arts District blocks is limited, especially after 7pm. Paid lots on Traction Ave and 3rd St ($8–$15) are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable. Most guests come in streetwear or everyday outfits—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during evenings; conversational but with steady background music and late-night chatter.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on peak hours, especially after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick in-and-out flow thanks to kiosk ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian broths and customizable bowls are available, though the menu is still meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited—one or two bowls can be modified vegan with vegetable broth and toppings.
Gluten-free options: Strong option—lab-tested gluten-free noodles can replace regular noodles on any bowl, but toppings vary in gluten-free compatibility.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates—ordering at kiosks removes decision friction, and the lively but not overwhelming room keeps things relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Tatsu does not take reservations; it operates fully walk-in. Solo diners and pairs are typically seated fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy ramen; no dedicated kids’ menu, but kiosk ordering is simple. The late-night crowd makes it less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night gluten-free ramen with customizable bowls and quick service—one of the few downtown options offering true GF noodles without sacrificing broth depth.
Skip if: You want a quiet, sit-down ramen experience or extensive vegan choices—try Arts District alternatives with a calmer ambience or broader plant-based menus instead.