Uncle Ramen’s Second Location Is More Than Just a Slurp Shop | Eater Denver

"After seven years in the Highlands, I see Uncle Ramen has expanded with a second West Washington Park location on South Pennsylvania Street; “Uncle 2” keeps much of the Highlands fare but its bigger kitchen increases the menu by about 60 percent. Self-trained restaurateur Tommy Lee (also behind Hop Alley) says ramen is seasonal and that he wants to offer more than ramen, and I found that unexpected additions include house-made green and red curries served over the heirloom California rice (the curry is gluten free and spice level can be adjusted). Crowd favorites like the spicy chicken ramen in a sesame broth and pork belly buns (50 cents from each order goes to a rotating charity selected by staff) remain, while the Wash Park kitchen now turns out three different meat-based broths — including a Tokyo shoyu made with a light chicken-and-fish broth, pork belly, arugula, scallion, and ajitama egg, which Lee worked on for eight months to perfect — as well as mazemen (a broth-less ramen). Unique highlights at the West Wash Park spot include a Charred Shrimp Cocktail with a seven-pepper marinade and sweet chile sauce and a Southern Fried Mushroom of delicate maitake in buttermilk batter with house-made hot sauce. The corner restaurant seats 80 with bright windows, features an actual bar serving balanced cocktails plus an extensive beer, wine and sake selection, and is open Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m." - Georgina Rupp