Wondering where to get your next bowl of ramen? This quiz will choose a spot for you based on your broth preferences, beverage of choice, favorite Chicago neighborhood and more.
The answer is:
Wasabi
Located in Logan Square, Wasabi offers ramen with the richest but most balanced tonkotsu broth in the Chicagoland area. With a perfectly soft-boiled egg, garlic oil and berkshire pork belly, this is everything you could want in a bowl on a cold winter night. With tables as well as a bar, this BYOB spot is the perfect place to have a meal with friends.
The answer is:
Shinju Sushi
Although Shinju is well-known for its all-you-can-eat sushi, it also offers a decent selection of ramen. I recommend the pork shashu tonkotsu ramen, which features a chicken and pork broth, pork shashu and ground pork, bean sprouts, corn and bamboo shoots. While it won't be as flavorful as ramen shops downtown, if you're looking for a quick fix, Shinju is the way to go.
The answer is:
Strings 1
If you want a broth richer than a traditional tonkotsu broth, head to Strings in Chinatown. It offers 4 types of ramen with different kinds of meat if you're not into the usual pork topping. Strings also offers something called the Hell Challenge for those who can handle extreme spice.
The answer is:
Ramen-san
Ramen-san is a great spot for small groups looking for a quick meal. With a small menu, it's easy to navigate if you're new to ramen, though it offers some unconventional Chinese fusion twists on your typical bowl of noodles. It also offers late night fried rice if you go after 10 PM.
The answer is:
Ramen Takeya
If you're looking for a cute little spot that reminds you of a ramen shop in Japan, head to Ramen Takeya. With lanterns, small tables and a bar with a view directly into the kitchen, the space is an adorable option for small groups or a date. Its ramen and side dishes are some of the most authentic you'll find in the city. It also offers a long list of traditional cocktails with a Japanese twist.
The answer is:
High Five Ramen
If you want to eat your ramen in a divey basement bar with a 21+ crowd, High Five Ramen is the place for you. It's a casual spot for catching up with friends over drinks and, of course, a yummy bowl of noodles. If you're a spice fiend, High Five has a couple different options with adjustable spice level to quell your cravings. Don't worry -- it also offers cocktail slushies for the aftermath.