2nd Language
Restaurant · Evansville ·

2nd Language

Restaurant · Evansville ·

Smoked ramen, birria, cocktails, and amazing honey toast dessert

2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
2nd Language by null
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Information

401 NW 2nd St Suite A, Evansville, IN 47708 Get directions

$10–20

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401 NW 2nd St Suite A, Evansville, IN 47708 Get directions

+1 812 401 2500
tastepangea.com
@taste2ndlanguage

$10–20 · Menu

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Dec 5, 2025

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A downtown ramen bar blending classic technique and creative touches—think smoked broth bowls, bao, and thoughtful cocktails. Run by the team behind Pangea, it draws steady praise from diners and remains a downtown favorite.

https://taste2ndlanguage.com/contact/
Best Restaurants in Evansville (2025)
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2nd Language
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Downtown’s ramen-and-patisserie destination pairs silky broths with a thoughtful cocktail list and desserts from a serious bake program. Praised by the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, it also shares a space with Pangea Pizzeria for mix-and-match dining.

https://www.evansvilleregion.com/living-here/yum-e-2nd-language-patisserie-ramen/
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2nd Language

Chris L.

Google
Excellent restaurant, especially if you love ramen. The food was delicious and comes out quickly. Make sure you save room and do not deprive yourself of one of their awesome desserts. We had the tiramisu and it was OMG good. The service was outstanding and our server was very prompt with refills and order taking. The restaurant is very clean including the restrooms. This restaurant is on the 2nd floor so there are stairs. Easy to find using Google Maps with ample free parking.

Jennifer C.

Google
We enjoyed our food, and we really enjoyed the selection of drinks. Go early because some drinks and food disappear before the end of the day. Our server let us know how many servings of each dish were left. She was fantastic at recommending options. She even mentioned we could order pizza from the first floor if we did not like anything available on their menu. We had a delightful time, and we were able to walk to nearby attractions.

Jerrell S.

Google
Went to 2nd Language for lunch on a friend’s recommendation, and it did not disappoint. I got the smoked ramen—absolutely fire. I lived in Japan for three years and tried ramen all over, and this was top shelf. Staff was attentive, service was smooth. I was told to go before the lunch rush and to try the sake—solid advice. Five stars easy. If my ventures bring me back to Evansville, I’m definitely pulling up again. Note: The Birria Ramen is great as well but spicy!

Melody M.

Google
This place is amazing all the way around! After my first two visits (18 months and 4 months ago), I’ve recommended 2nd Language to quite a few people and shared that my SPICY MISO RAMEN (with chicken instead of pork) was so good I wanted to lick my bowl! Last night, the flavor was off and I just couldn’t eat it. I explained this to our server who offered to either just take it off the bill or replace it with the same dish or something else. My friend and I had tickets to a play and couldn’t linger. So, considering my previous experiences with the flavor, I asked for the same dish to go. Today, I had my takeout warmed for lunch, and it was so delicious I spooned up every last drop!!! I wish I could remember our server’s name because I would love to thank her! Perhaps she’ll see this review and know how grateful I am that she took the time and effort to make it right when there was an issue. I also want to express my appreciation for the management team that allows their servers to take such actions. My friend and I also shared the LUMPIA SHANGHAI appetizer and the HONEY TOAST dessert (which I’ve enjoyed at all 3 visits) and both were amazing! If you haven’t tried it yet, I recommend putting it at the top of your list!

Patrick G.

Google
Great Ramen Noodle bowls. I had the XO Ramen bowl, it had shrimp and scallop, yummy! And you have to leave room for the Honey Toast, it's fantastic. On another visit I had the Tonkotsu Ramen which was also good.

Christie S.

Google
The ramen is so good, I sat at the bar and has wonderful service. I will be back, the next time I'm in Evansville! Highly recommend. You can also order pizza from the restaurant downstairs, they share menu items.

Brian H.

Google
We had been putting off going here because we felt it was a bit on the pricey side. With a rewards card in hand we decided to give it a try. It is definitely worth it. The portion sizes were on the large side. The atmosphere was industrial but cozy and intimate. The food was delicious. A very nice place for a special occasion or to bring visitors. The prices are high but I would go back. I had the birria Raman, fabulous. My wife had the fried rice, delicious.

Cory P (.

Google
We did the egg roll appetizer, 2 drinks, 2 ramen entrees, the honey toast, and 2 cookies for later. $100 And 100% worth it. Absolutely delicious ramen and this Honey Toast was in the top 10 desserts I've probably ever had. We sat at the bar and our bartender was super helpful, friendly, and fun. I'm actually sad it's an hour drive away from us because we'd love to come back.
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Chriss N.

Yelp
With my busy work schedule, I only get the chance to visit Evansville a couple of times each year -- but every single time, 2nd Language is one of my absolute must-stops. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted warmly and seated right away. Our waiter, Jesse, was nothing short of phenomenal -- attentive, personable, and spot-on with every recommendation. I usually come here for the Birria Ramen, which has been one of my all-time favorites. When I noticed it was no longer on the menu, Jesse kindly explained that it's now a seasonal dish offered in the summer. I won't lie -- I was a little heartbroken. But thanks to Jesse's recommendation, I decided to try the Bulgogi Deopbap, and all I can say is... WOW. To give context: just a few months ago, I spent several weeks in Japan, dining across Nagoya and Tokyo, setting my expectations pretty high. What I experienced here at 2nd Language not only matched those memories, it surpassed them. This restaurant has always reminded me of Japan, but after this meal, I can confidently say -- it's better. Even many of my Japanese colleagues agree, often saying that it feels like a taste of home. And please, do yourself a favor and save room for the honey toast. I'm not exaggerating when I say it is one of the best desserts you'll ever experience. Warm, sweet, comforting -- the perfect ending to an already perfect meal. If you are anywhere near Evansville, make 2nd Language a priority stop. This is not just one of the best Japanese-inspired restaurants in the U.S. -- it's some of the best Japanese cuisine you'll find anywhere in the world.
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Daphne G.

Yelp
This was our second time eating here and it was just as good as the last. I had ordered the birria ramen the first time we visited and my wife and I both ordered it again this time. It is incredible. While they do list it as spicy, it really is not too bad. I would say it is less spicy than a jalapeño, so it might be a little much for some but it is far from unbearable even for those who do not usually like very spicy food. We also ordered the shrimp buns as an appetizer and they were amazing. Everything we have tried on the menu so far has been excellent, so I do not think you can go wrong with anything you choose. I highly recommend giving this place a try.
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Kendall G.

Yelp
The lumpia Shanghai was delicious and the Thai chili sauce that it came with was really good. Got the chicken paitan ramen it was some of the best ramen I've had. Unfortunately was there for lunch and cocktails weren't being served yet. Very good service. Would definitely recommend.
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Tiffany K.

Yelp
This was my first time visiting, and I was intrigued to find two separate restaurants inside the building. I asked the server about it, but it's been so long that I've forgotten the details. The restaurant itself is upstairs, and there was a sign directing me to the right spot. I wish 2nd Language had been around when I was in college--it's delicious! My chashu ramen was incredibly filling, with a generous portion size that left me satisfied. My friend ordered some kind of steak dinner, but when I checked the menu later, I didn't see it listed. It must have been a special for that day. The service was fine, though it was quite busy since we went during dinner time on a Thursday night. Despite the crowd, the experience was enjoyable overall.
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Peter P.

Yelp
This is a very nice modern Japanese restaurant with some interesting ramen bowls and other standards (karaage).
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David W.

Yelp
Still great . The restaurant was packed but they said we could order and eat in the pizza restaurant that is owned by the same people. Winner . No one in that section and a lot quieter. I'm doing that from now on.
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Kandace M.

Yelp
Great service amazing people I got takeout I got the shrimp buns they were $15 but you get two and for me it was worth it beautiful coloring I ate one before I took the picture I was hungry sorry everything was perfect about this Bond sweet savory beautiful coloring it's like you're eating a picture but taste good
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Kendall H.

Yelp
This review is only for Dessert. The restaurant is part of a college pizza joint and serves up a mean Ramen Bowl. The service is supposedly top notch though I only ordered dessert. Friendly counter staff. Think of a Dim Sum joint in China Town and you get the vibe they are going for. I ordered a short term menu item and it was sublime. The Japanese Cheesecake is light, fluffy and decadent. Add a side of Miso Caramel and you're in heaven.
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Olivia S.

Yelp
Great vibes at 2nd Language! The restaurant is super beautiful inside, and the service was stellar. There are tons of food options, but they are known for their ramen. The vegetable ramen had incredible depth of flavor -- delicious and packed full of toppings! The Buffalo chicken buns were also super tasty. You MUST order the honey toast for dessert!! It was devoured before a picture could even be taken. There is plenty of parking in the gravel lot across the street and some street parking as well!
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Olivia H.

Yelp
Great service and amazing people! I got takeout and ordered the shrimp buns, and totally worth it. The presentation was beautiful, with vibrant colors that made it feel like I was eating a work of art (that also tasted incredible). I was so hungry I ate one before snapping a photo, no regrets. Sweet, savory, and perfectly done!
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Jim R.

Yelp
Our 1st visit to 2nd Language. Lunch on 5/15. 2nd Language is an Asian centric restaurant operated by a family that has other restaurants in Evansville. Attached, in the same building is Pangea restaurant. 2nd Language seems to be known for their Ramen bowls. We both had the Pork Ramen Bowl. Wow, it was good. Other reviewers praise their broth and I agree. Our Ramen had a pork bone broth and was loaded with pork, egg and vegetables. Very good, the best I've had in my limited experience. I had iced tea which I loved, and as a bonus it only cost $2 with free refills. The Pork Ramen is $17.95. There are numerous types of Ramen bowls available including vegetarian. Service was great. I will say the place was packed by noon.
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Schyler B.

Yelp
What a beautiful restaurant! My friends and I stopped here on our way through to another state and all enjoyed our experience! I got the Tonkatsu ramen and my goodness it was so delicious!! I always am a fan of bamboo and they cooked it to be so tender! The broth was really rich with flavor and it was thick and delectable! the noodles weee cooked to perfection and the meat was tender and tasty! I really like the cool art and fun light fixtures. I don't have anything negative to say about this place, just a little disappointed I live over 8 hours away haha! If you live ramen and are in the area I highly highly recommend this spot!

Katie U.

Yelp
Food and service were very good. We tried pizza and ramen n the honey toast dessert is spectacular. Glasses of water taste like mold so either their is a problem with the ice machine or the pipes
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Hannah K.

Yelp
This is a very interesting and unique restaurant! It's very clear that there was much time and consideration taken to build this menu! The best way to experience this restaurant, is to go with a group and to share everything! The appetizers of ahi tuna, karaage, and pork goyza are all delicious! We also ordered pork and chicken ramen, which were also very good. Make sure to leave room for the honey toast as a desert. Very unique and delicious!
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Jessica L.

Yelp
What a nice hip Ramen spot! I love ramen so I was very surprised to see this restaurant in Evansville but the fact that they have a university campus not too far, it makes a lot of sense! Our server Sam was very sweet and very busy! We started with the shrimp buns that were very tasty! I went with their special Spicy Miso Ramen and he went with the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice - no complaints just a lot so we did not finish! I did try two of their Rosé wines and they were both on the dry end. Our bill was roughly $70. Would love to come back if we're ever driving through or in the area.
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Ashley G.

Yelp
The food was delicious and the wait time to be seated was very fast. The service was amazing as well as the host who was able to give us their opinion on the food so we could pick! The ambiance was relaxing and definitely somewhere I would go again.
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Jeremy A.

Yelp
Over seasoned fried rice (shrimp) did not taste like fried rice. Ramen was bland. Price doesn't match the end product. Ambiance was nice, and service was good. The review is geared towards the taste. I travel around the U.S often and am a sucker for a restaurant that is being hyped and this was a bit disappointing.

Robbie F.

Yelp
Quick friendly service and delicious food. I had the Chashu Chicken Ramen. Hubby had a slice of pizza and we shared an order of Roman Breadsticks with red sauce. Definitely worth a return visit.
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Jessica M.

Yelp
The food is excellent quality and it's prepared well. The staff is also excellent. I also appreciate the vibe of the restaurant, it's really relaxed but not too relaxed.
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Jordan T.

Yelp
This was our first time dining here after a recommendation. So yummy! The fried chicken appetizer and the ramen bowls are to die for!
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Krystal C.

Yelp
Everything was amazing the food was delicious our server was very informative and kind. I had the traditional ramen and added the charred bok choy to it. My husband had the birria ramen it was too spicy for him so he switched to the pork fried rice it was huge. And smelled heavenly. It was my son's first time trying real ramen and he loved the kid's chicken ramen. We left happy and full. Definitely will return again next time we are in town.
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Lynda H.

Yelp
We were seated around 5:30 pm on a Friday evening. It was busy, but we were able to secure a booth. Lots of interesting menu choices but I opted for the Chashu Chicken Ramen. This is a large bowl which included the chicken breast meat, cabbage, bamboo shoots, Shitake mushrooms, bean sprouts, green onions, broth, ramen noodles, and soft egg. The broth was just a touch spicy and so flavorful. This is a large serving that I could have taken half of it home. However, we did leave room for dessert. My partner and I shared a piece of the Black Forest Tres Leche. Oh my! It is a chocolate cake topped with fresh whipped cream and tart cherry jam. It was moist and not too sweet. Service was fast, even though they were busy, and the server was attentive. The only negative is that it's noisy due to the high ceilings and no carpet. But it's a great place for a date or for a nice dinner with friends. We'll be back to try some of the other menu items.
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Alexandra R.

Yelp
We stopped in fairly late on a Friday evening to grab a few drinks before they closed. This review is based solely on cocktails, though we can't wait to come back and try the food. The cocktail menu is so unique and really well balanced. I've yet to have an even mediocre drink from bartender Drew... they're perfect every time. The MezCaliente was my personal favorite... smokey, sweet, spicy. A really great combination of flavors!
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Adam T.

Yelp
Tens across the board for food, service, and ambiance. Located in the historic National Biscuit Company, 2nd Language is a dining experience - karaage and grilled shrimp buns are great appetizers. Signature smoked ramen and traditional fried rice are some good go-to-meals for me. Honey toast dessert is a MUST and all of the drinks are great.
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Precious O.

Yelp
This has got to be one of my favorite meals I've had while living in Evansville. I ordered the build your own vegetable rice bowl and I ate the whole thing. There were so many delicious flavors and textures. Overall, the night was great. Our server was super nice and the restaurant had beautiful decorations. If you're getting dessert, I would recommend the crème brulee!
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Michael F.

Yelp
This is one of the best Asian restaurants I've been to. Fun atmosphere and the food was beyond my expectations. Well worth the trip.

Greg M.

Yelp
The staff was kind enough to work my party of seven in on a busy Saturday evening. We had no appetizers and went straight to the ramen dishes! We had signature smoked, birria, and tiger kimchi ramen. A cha ca la vong with salmon and a Nabayaki Udon. All were wonderful and tasty. We barely had enough room to have the absolutely delicious honey toast dessert. Service was fabulous as well
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DJ Elo D.

Yelp
The atmosphere of this establishment was amazing. You can tell that a lot of thought was put into the decor; it's beautifully designed. The food is made with fresh ingredients and the highest quality of meat and veggies. The excellent service outweighs the reasonable pricing for the menu items. I will definitely be visiting this fine establishment again.
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Russell H.

Yelp
2nd Language was amazing. We had a group of 4 and every dish was fantastic. The server was super nice and helpful. And the restaurant is clean and beautiful. We will be back every time we visit Evansville!
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Mike

Yelp
Pineapple fried rice to go is good for a couple meals so it's worth it. With pork is a different take on it.
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Greg E.

Yelp
On a cold and rainy day, was in need of some ramen and came to 2nd Language. It's located in the old National Biscuit Company building in downtown Evansville. Lots of parking at curbside as well as a vacant lot across the street. You know the place is good when people in cars were waiting outside for the restaurant to open. Once the doors opened, we were guided to our table. The interior is neatly decorated and the lighting added to the ambiance. Booth as well as table seating are available. They have a full service bar and fortunately, we had a full day ahead of us so although tempting, we declined any alcoholic beverages and instead ordered Coke products. The bartender Jesse came over and introduced himself and once we informed him it was our first time here, he explained the food offerings as well as recommendations. I went with the Chashu chicken ramen and it was one of the popular ramen orders. The restaurant claims to have incredible broth that is amazing so we were looking forward to determine the validity. The orders came within 15 minutes and was accompanied by some house made kim chee. The ramen and contents were neatly arranged in the bowl and the broth looked rich. The broth was taste tested first and it was delicious. The ramen was perfectly cooked and the chicken was very tender and tasty. I asked Jesse how the chicken was prepared and he mentioned it was marinated and then sous vide. Awesome!!! The prices are reasonable for the amount of food served. They also offer other food options to suit any palate if you're looking for great Asian food. The food was so good that we returned another day of ramen. Highly recommended for the food, the friendly and helpful staff, the location, and the ambiance.
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Chloe N.

Yelp
Very laid back, trendy vibes and fabulous service. The waitress recommeneded the shrimp buns as an appetizer, which were soooooo good. I got the Signature Ramen and my husband got the Miso Ramen. We'll definitely be back when we come through Evansville again!
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Davis S.

Yelp
I didn't know this place even existed! There was oddly no crowd and the place looked really cool . We had drinks and dinner with a pretty good sized party. It was very nice. We ate out on the back balcony at the big table. The food was great! The service was great! The prices were very reasonable. The desert, even though we were all full, was amazing! Get the honey toast! Ask for extra ice cream! We all said "next time we will all just come for desert"!

Nancy S.

Yelp
Staff was great, very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Food was awesome! Great bartender and drinks! Highly recommend!
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Christian T.

Yelp
I got the Spicy Ramen and the Ahi Tuna, and both were amazing. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for food that hits the spot. Also, the Honey Toast is a must get!
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Leena V.

Yelp
Amazing food! Chimichurri steak both appetizer or entree is so good. Service is excellent and the ambiance is really nothing I have seen in the area.

Christy F.

Yelp
Ramen! Yes, please! Everything is so good. I could seriously just drink the broth and be very happy. The noodles and all the fresh toppings are just bonus.
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Kristiane T.

Yelp
Visiting from out of town and wanted to try something new. Was recommended to come here by a friend. 10/10 recommend. Everything from the service to the drinks to the food was fantastic. Our waitress was amazing, she really took the time to give us great and personable service. We sat outside and as soon as the sun wasn't beaming down on us it was absolutely perfect. For an appetizer we ordered the vegetable gyoza, it was delicious. The timing between appetizer and main course came out perfectly. I got the spicy miso ramen special and the heat and flavor were so on point, it was great. My partner ordered the vegetable ramen, he says it was absolutely stunning. He added some chili oil for some extra spice. Not pictured was our honey toast dessert, it was so delicious. Even though we weren't that hungry we made sure to eat it right away and we couldn't stop!
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Savannah J.

Yelp
The Karaage Chicken!! The servers are super sweet and friendly everytime ! The environment is very pretty and claiming for a night out!
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Elaine Z.

Yelp
A nice place for Asian fusion. It is a mix of everything but worth trying in this small city.
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Lisa H.

Yelp
We had a party of 8 so were able to make reservations. It's a good thing because the place was already hopping at 5:30 when we arrived. The decor was very nice and it was in an old brick building near downtown Evansville. The high ceiling, open to the ductwork, was appealing but made for a noisy, echoey dining experience. We ordered a variety of appetizers: Steak with Asian Chimichurri, Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) and Ahi Tuna. Yum to all! The fried chicken was my personal favorite. The waitress was very good at helping me find the right preparation for my meal, Steak with Asian Chimichurri. It came with a seasonal vegetable, glazed carrots, which I wanted to avoid along with rice, so I got broccoli with my steak. I had a cucumber mule which was delicious which definitely did not lack a ginger flavor. Desserts were shared: Honey Toast, Japanese Cheesecake, and Crème Brûlée du Jour. The Honey Toast reminded me of monkey bread, very tasty. The cheesecake was light and had a cake texture rather than a cheesecake texture. The Miso Butterscotch was an amazing addition to the cheesecake but beware, it adds 3.25 to your ticket. Truthfully, it was worth it because I can't imagine eating it without that butterscotch drizzle. The crime brûlée was also delicious. Note: Ramen is one of their specialties and there were several people in our party who ordered a Ramen meal. Some comments were that the meat was tender, and the vegetables and broth combined for flavor perfection.
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Leta B.

Yelp
It would take a thesaurus to describe how delicious the pork ramen is, but I will do my best. Broth rich and velvety, perfectly done noodles, pork seasoned to perfection, with a subtle smokiness. It's rare to find a decent bowl of ramen in this area, but look no more!!!! This downtown Evansville eatery also features "Japanese" fried chicken. I assume it's double fried, because the chunks of chicken are so crunchy. Definitely enough to share. The steak/chimmichuri appetizer was good... steak cooked to a medium rare, very tender and juicy. The Asian chimichurri had a anise flavor that wasn't really my favorite, but my husband loved it. You may balk at the prices, but I promise the ramen is worth every penny. Service was average, but they were very busy.... Even before noon!!! The dining room is open, but we were seated at a cozy booth. Of note was the dinner cocktail menu ( pictured) and the desserts. But, I had room for neither after our meal. We will percent be back to 2nd Language!!!
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Jaya B.

Yelp
We went to IN for my husband's business trip and it was almost 9pm and we were craving for a ramen and we found this place. They didnt disappoint us. Good food good service! I'll dfntly come back here.
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Krislyn P.

Yelp
One of my new favorite restaurants in the EVV area! Great atmosphere with very nice deck/outdoor seating. The service was also great! The cocktail menu was reasonably priced and had a great mix of unique drinks and classics. We got the pork bao and gyzoa for appetizers- the bao were okay and the gyzoa were great! The ramen was truly the star of the show. I got the chicken and added corn- both the broth and chicken were delicious. Highly recommend and will be back!
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Cece O.

Yelp
What a fantastic and delicious anniversary dinner! Sam our server was so helpful, attentive and friendly. Started off with a fresh salads sesame miso salad and a daikon salad. Next XO ramen and spicy miso ramen. Best ramen I have had in a long time. Plentiful noodles cooked just right. All the fixings sooo tasty. Then the yummy honey toast to make our evening end on a sweet tasty note Can't wait to comeback!
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Sunny G.

Yelp
Ambiance is a five. The food service was slow and started as common inconsistencies that I still don't appreciate. I'm getting used to the menu still.
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Kimber S.

Yelp
The service was friendly and the food was amazing. I love the pho soup. Friends had the rice bowl it was good as well.
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Aisha L.

Yelp
Omg ! This place is amazing I sat at the bar and Jesse was so welcoming & nice! He had knowledge of the menu and drink options ! The food was amazing I got the pineapple fried rice. I will definitely be back when I'm in town. Don't hesitate stop by !
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Jason T.

Yelp
Do yourself a favor and eat here! I had the pork ramen bowl and Honey Toast for dessert. The food and service was five star quality.