30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Ramen in Westchester-LAX
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in Westchester-LAX
Master Critic Review
The Ramen Joint
8.5
Tucked into a small strip along 87th Street, The Ramen Joint is a cozy, high-volume favorite known for long-simmered tonkotsu and shoyu broths, generous toppings, and fast, friendly service. With thousands of reviews and a constant flow of travelers and locals, it’s the most battle-tested bowl near LAX and still feels like a relaxed neighborhood spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen, Japanese Fried Chicken, Braised Pork Rice Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: House-made broths and big flavors in a tiny, always-busy shop.
Who should go: Travelers and locals craving serious ramen without fuss.
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner before airport rush.
What to order: Shoyu Tonkotsu, Japanese Fried Chicken, Braised Pork Rice Bowl.
Insider tip: Seats turn quickly, but order a soft-boiled egg and extra spice to customize your bowl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small shared lot out front with limited spaces; usually easier before peak meal times. Plenty of free street parking on 87th Street, but it can fill up during dinner rush.
Dress code: Super casual. Hoodies, travel wear, and jeans are all perfectly normal.
Noise level: Moderate. There’s steady kitchen noise and chatter, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on rush; line moves quickly because turnover is fast.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available—usually a veggie broth bowl and some sides that fit.
Vegan options: Sparse options; broth-based dishes are mostly animal-based, but you can build a veggie-forward bowl with modifications.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles or prep area, but some rice-based sides can work for strict avoiders.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for casual, comforting, and unfussy. Not ideal for a long romantic dinner, but great for a low-pressure, tasty meetup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Absolutely—it's walk-in only. Even when there's a line, the fast turnover means you’ll rarely wait long.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for kids who enjoy noodles or simple broths. No dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are manageable and service is quick enough for families.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, deeply flavored broths served fast; great for travelers who want a reliable bowl close to LAX without the long sit-down experience.
Skip if: If you want a long, leisurely dining experience, extensive vegan options, or experimental ramen styles, you may prefer a more full-service ramen bar.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 9:30pm
Friday11:30am - 9:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 9:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 9:30pm