Reviews - Strings Ramen
Reviews summary
Strings 2 Ramen in Chinatown dishes up flavorful, affordable bowls—tonkotsu, tsukemen and a fiery Hell Sauce—with generous portions and attentive service in a cozy, minimalist space. Vegetarian options and standout pork make it a go-to for ramen lovers, though the tiny dining room fills quickly. Regulars report slipping upkeep: worn wooden seating, an untidy visible kitchen, awkward restroom disposal rules and weak cooling that detract from an otherwise authentic, satisfying experience.
Was Jack Philpott at Strings Ramen a mag?
The broth, enriched with clams and ground pork, offers a delightful umami flavor with a hint of sourness from the pickled vegetables. The addition of pork rinds, fresh wood ear mushrooms, and sprouts provides an excellent crunch to the ramen. I will definitely return to try their other flavors! View all feedback.
What Stephen Heeney dislikes about Strings Ramen:
The food was decent, but I wouldn't say it's the top-rated place in Chinatown. The server mentioned that a level 2 spice would be spicy, but it wasn’t, so I should have gone for a level 4 instead. The meat, however, was tasty. Unfortunately, it was a bit warm inside the restaurant; they could really use better air conditioning or some fans. I noticed the staff were still wearing masks, even though it’s September 2022... View all feedback.
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Last update : 25.01.2024
The broth, enriched with clams and ground pork, offers a delightful umami flavor with a hint of sourness from the pickled vegetables. The addition of pork rinds, fresh wood ear mushrooms, and sprouts provides an excellent crunch to the ramen. I will definitely return to try their other flavors!
The service was quick and efficient, and the ramen was incredibly delicious. The staff was attentive and the overall service was wonderful. The decor was pleasant, but if you prefer more personal space, it might be best to order for takeout, as the seating arrangements are quite cramped. However, I didn't let that bother me. The only downside was the timer in the kitchen that went off every few minutes, which was a bit distracting.
The food was decent, but I wouldn't say it's the top-rated place in Chinatown. The server mentioned that a level 2 spice would be spicy, but it wasn’t, so I should have gone for a level 4 instead. The meat, however, was tasty. Unfortunately, it was a bit warm inside the restaurant; they could really use better air conditioning or some fans. I noticed the staff were still wearing masks, even though it’s September 2022 and COVID seems to be under control now. That's just how it is, I guess. On top of that, I had a hard time hearing what the server was saying, which was quite frustrating.
One of my favorite things about visiting a big city is the wide variety of dining options! Back home in Central Kentucky, there aren't any authentic ramen restaurants. This little eatery felt just like one of those hidden gems you might stumble upon while wandering through an alley in Tokyo. The menu featured a range of tempting dishes, all of which sounded delicious. The service was prompt, and even though the space was cozy, there was still enough room for us to enjoy our meals without feeling cramped next to others. Three of us dined for under $50, only having water to drink. The generous portions of hot, steaming ramen were exactly what we needed for a delightful lunch on a crisp fall day.
There are no beef or chicken options for ramen, so I opted for the chicken dumplings, which were delicious. The milk tea was excellent as well. The prices are reasonable too. Overall, I enjoyed my meal, even with the limited meat choices.
Last update : 22.08.2023
It was too warm for ramen so I got the vegetable gyoza and spicy cat rice which were just as delicious and filling. The sashimi bowl was actually spicy too, not too much but you could definitely taste it. The vegetable gyoza were actually a delightful surprise, i could have had bowls of that alone. Highly recommend that! The staff were friendly and efficient and although the restaurant isn't that big, the ambiance is nice and cozy. Definitely try stopping by if you're in chinatown!
We got Tonkotsu Ramen Premium (large white bowl, left corner), 2 Tonkotsu Ramen with Kuro Buta (one with pork belly other with pork loin), Kuro Buta Yakisoba (Pork).Food was great! Lots of flavor and that pork loin melts in your mouth! Would definitely come again. Service was also great! We did come right when it opened so we were the first ones there and it did get busy pretty quickly. The place is kinda small so I can see there being wait times if all seats are taken.
This is my go to Ramen spot. The ramen here just hits the spot. I love their Tonkotsu Ramen. Their broth is full of Umami flavor. The servers are super attentive. You wont wait longer than 15 min for your food to be served. Also, for those who haven't been to this location just know the place is small. Perfect for a group of 4 or smaller.
The ramen was OK. I should have ordered the Miso Ramen, rather than the Tonkatsu. Maybe next time... The dumplings were really good though!
Strings Ramen is a reliable choice if you’re nearby. The broth is flavorful, and the noodles have a perfect balance of chewiness and thickness. While it’s not extraordinary or groundbreaking, the price is fair for the quality you receive. Service is prompt, likely due to the restaurant’s busy dinner hours and focus on table turnover. If you plan to visit for lunch or dinner, it’s a good idea to add your name to the waitlist early, as seating can take some time.
Last update : 27.07.2023
By far the best ramen in chicago. No other ramen place has ever even come close to their noodles. The service is AMAZING, the overall atmosphere is the best. The hells ramen level 2 is amazing and just the right amount of spicy .
Amazing! First Ramen experience. Wanted spicy. The waiter thankfully recommended the level 2 (I would have gone for 3). It was PERFECT! My wife had the duck and pork belly. Also delicious! Can’t wait to come back!
Excellent Chinatown ramen shop. I found the prices to be very reasonable and still quality was very high. Staff was nice and very knowledgeable of the menu. The ramen itself was fantastic. I think I would have preferred more noodles, but otherwise very good.
Just simply amazing. Don’t let the menu intimidate you. Ask questions and dive in!
This is the best ramen I've ever tasted! I can't wait to go back. I visited with a group of seven, and we all shared bites from each other's dishes, and every single one was fantastic! I'm really looking forward to my next visit; I plan to try the Hell Ramen at level 2 next.
