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Ushi Taro Ramen
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Ushi Taro Ramen
8.1
Cozy beef-broth specialist serving paitan, shoyu, and black-garlic bowls with optional bone marrow. It’s a snug Inner Sunset counter spot that moves quickly for late-ish ramen runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Traditional Paitan, Black Garlic Ramen, Bone Marrow add-on
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Beef-based ramen lineup with marrow and ox-tail options.
Who should go: Solo or duo ramen seekers after events
When to visit: 8–9pm to avoid peak waits
What to order: Paitan, black garlic, marrow upgrade
Insider tip: Counter service turns over fastest—watch for open stools.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Irving or side streets; expect a short walk during dinner hours. Muni access nearby via N-Judah line.
Dress code: Casual and low-key — standard streetwear or hoodies fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively kitchen sounds but easy to hold a solo or two-person conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on party size after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:30pm; steady flow but quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — some appetizers and a basic vegetable ramen available.
Vegan options: Minimal — broths are meat-based and substitutions are not standard.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free noodles; broth-only option possible for sensitive diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves ramen and casual vibes — it’s more of a warm, efficient meal spot than a romantic linger.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they operate first-come, first-served only. Counter seats open fastest, especially for solo diners.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who like noodles; small space and bar seating mean strollers or toddlers may be tricky.
Best For
Better for: Quick, hearty ramen fix with unique beef-based broth — ideal for a solo meal or casual post-event bite.
Skip if: You want pork tonkotsu or a long, lingering dinner; nearby spots like Izakaya Sozai or Taishoken fit that mood better.
Ushi Taro Ramen
7.9
Cozy ramen shop known for beef-forward broths and quick lunch service. Straightforward bowls, add-ons, and efficient ticket times work well for tight schedules.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Bone Marrow Shoyu Ramen, Spicy Ramen, Chicken Karaage
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Beef-centric ramen with notably fast lunch turnaround.
Who should go: Busy pros needing a fast, hearty bowl
When to visit: Tue–Fri 11:30–12:30 to beat the rush
What to order: Bone marrow shoyu, spicy ramen, karaage
Insider tip: Order at open for shortest ticket times and hottest broth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Irving and side streets fill quickly during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual; work attire or jeans and a hoodie are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate—steady conversation hum from the small space but still easy to chat across the table.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on crowd flow; turnover is fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait before noon; short line forms around 12:15.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—miso and shoyu broths are meat-based, but some side dishes like edamame or salad are available.
Vegan options: No; all core ramen bases use animal stock.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated noodles or prep zone; not suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic dates—tight seating and quick service favor efficiency over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always—walk-in only; solo and pairs are seated quickly at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids who enjoy ramen; limited space and hot broth make it less ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Speed, hearty beef-based ramen, and efficient service compared to slower, tonkotsu-focused shops.
Skip if: You’re after elaborate toppings, vegan broths, or lingering table service—try Mensho Tokyo or Hinodeya instead.
Ushi Taro Ramen
8.3
A cozy Inner Sunset shop known for rich, beef-forward broths like oxtail and bone marrow that set it apart from pork-heavy bowls. Locals come for deeply savory ramen, quick service, and a focused menu that delivers consistent comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oxtail Ramen, Bone Marrow Shoyu, Spicy Beef Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Beef-centric ramen with oxtail and bone marrow broths.
Who should go: Ramen fans seeking deep, hearty broths
When to visit: Late lunch or after 8pm to avoid lines
What to order: Oxtail, Bone Marrow Shoyu, Spicy Beef
Insider tip: Ask for extra scallions and chili oil to amp the broth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Irving and side streets; spots open up faster after 7pm but expect tight spacing.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and parkas are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—busy hum at peak hours but quiet enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during prime hours; solo diners often seated faster at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait after 1:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—occasional veggie ramen special but not a regular menu item.
Vegan options: No—broths and toppings are meat-based; best to skip if fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Not officially; noodles contain wheat and no GF alternative offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual comfort than romance—small, cozy, and a bit tight on space, but great if your date loves ramen.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only; go early for dinner or later at night to avoid the queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—staff is friendly, but space is limited and there are no high chairs; best for older kids who enjoy ramen.
Best For
Better for: Deep, beefy ramen lovers who prefer oxtail richness over lighter pork tonkotsu styles.
Skip if: You want vegetarian or chicken-based ramen, or prefer a spacious, leisurely dining environment.