Trisha H.
Yelp
I haven't been here since right before the 2020 shutdown. I left that day unimpressed (as it was my birthday dinner) -- did they get new owners since? Well, either way, today was the perfect day for a bowl of ramen and I had high hopes.
There is a lot of construction going on in the Bridge Park area. It's exciting to see other areas of Columbus be built up, especially with a good food scene! There is some street parking nearby if you're lucky. If not, there is a parking garage just up the block for a short 2min walk.
The outdoor seating looks wonderful for the warmer months!
There is plenty of seating, even for groups (tables up to 8) as well as bar seating. The restaurant is clean and welcoming. At wach table, there is a box of chopsticks, forks, napkins, soy sauce, spices, and sesame seeds. I stopped in around 1:45 so it was pretty quiet but still had a few patrons since they open at noon.
I grab some iced green tea. I knew what I getting into because the sign clearly stated it was unsweetened and had match - but it was still a grassy punch in the face They do not hold back on flavor! The hibiscus ginger tea also had a strong ginger flavor but it was really good. Both are really good palette cleansers or to cool off the spice!
I ordered a Signature Tonkatsu ramen bowl and made it spicy. You have the option of 1-4 - I opted for 1 at first, but the employee mentioned it would be similar to a jalapeño, so I asked what a level 2 is close to - habanero. Sign. Me. Up. I took a few photos - well, you know - for Yelp. Then I dug in. I tested the ear wood mushrooms -- a nice crunch! Then the housemade bamboo shoots, delish! Not too mushy, but not undercooked. Then for the main event -- the noodles. I was pleasantly surprised at how chewy and flavorful they were! The portion was really great on the toppings, especially the Tonkatsu. Perfectly sliced pieces, arranged beautifully. Some ramen places serve small bowls and leave you still hungry while charging you an arm and a leg. Not here. I am still so full an hour later! The pork broth was so flavorful and rich, while not being too oily.
The restrooms are in the back. If you walk towards the large dragon on the red wall, then turn at the kegs, you'll find your destination.