Athene D.
Yelp
TL;DR
First real ramen experience in 10 years and Ramen Danbo delivered hard. Went 2 nights in a row. The chashu is the star, the broth is creamy and comforting, and the jammy egg is unforgettable. Know your order before sitting down. If this is your first real ramen bowl, this is a great place to start.
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This was my first true ramen experience in nearly 10 years. I had one bad bowl in Seattle and then a lot of Top Ramen back in college and quietly wrote ramen off altogether. A tragic misunderstanding on my part.
So yes, I'm new to traditional ramen. But I do know soup, and I definitely know pork, one of my favorite proteins.
We ended up at Ramen Danbo 2 nights in a row. The first night, I assumed we just got lucky. The second night confirmed it wasn't a fluke. Now I understand the cult following. Here's what stood out immediately.
The chashu is the reason to come here.
I ordered extra Chashu-men, and I would recommend that without hesitation. Two slices is not enough. The pork is incredibly tender, silky, and rich without tipping into greasy. I didn't notice any fatty pieces. Night one, I genuinely didn't believe it could be that good consistently.
Night 2 proved me wrong. It was just as good.
The broth follows closely behind.
Creamy, savory, and deeply comforting. After standing outside for about 30 minutes in PNW winter rain following the aquarium (worth it for the sea lion feeding), this bowl felt like exactly what my body needed. Rich, warming, and balanced rather than heavy.
And the egg deserves its own mention.
Jammy, creamy, and absolutely memorable. If you're someone who appreciates a good protein moment, this is one you'll remember long after the bowl is gone.
The noodles did exactly what they needed to do.
I went with thick noodles at standard firmness. They held up beautifully in the broth and complemented everything else without stealing the spotlight.
How to Order (especially for your first bowl)
This is not a place to decide at the table. You're given the menu while waiting outside, and the expectation is that you know your order when you're seated. That's how they keep the line moving.
My order for a great first bowl:
* Classic Ramen Bowl
* No Rekkarise
* Extra Chashu-men
* Thick Noodles
* Standard Firmness
* Strong Broth Thickness
* Rich Broth
* A Little Karadare
* Whole Egg
* save room for extra chashu and skip the lunch special gyoza +
Menus are handed out while you wait outside, so use that time wisely. Below is a quick breakdown.
Classic Ramen Bowl
The baseline and best way to understand what Danbo does well.
No Rekkarise
Controls pork fat so the broth stays rich but balanced.
Extra Chashu-men
If you're here for pork, don't hesitate. This is the standout.
Thick Noodles
Great with richer broth. Thin noodles are also solid if that's your preference.
Standard Firmness
Safe and approachable for a first visit.
Strong Broth Thickness + Rich Broth
Adds body and depth without turning heavy.
A Little Karadare
Just enough heat to add dimension.
Whole Egg
Non-negotiable. Elevates the entire bowl.
Service
Efficient, friendly, and clearly focused on flow. You're not rushed in a rude way, but the goal is obvious: get everyone fed well and keep the line moving. Both nights we waited about 10 minutes, and both times the line was outside.
Ambiance
Simple, warm, and functional. This place is about the bowl, not the decor.
Final Thoughts
I finally understand the cult following. Ramen Danbo isn't trying to impress you with trends or twists. It's executing the fundamentals extremely well, especially where it matters most.
If this is your first real ramen experience, this is a fantastic place to start.
And if you're here for the chashu, you'll understand why people come back the next night.
Quick Broth Guide (very short + beginner-friendly)
Tonkotsu: Creamy pork broth. Rich, comforting, and the easiest starting point.
Shio: Lighter, salt-forward, and more delicate. Clean and simple.
Shoyu: Soy-based, savory, and umami-forward without creaminess.
If this is your first bowl, tonkotsu is the move. Once you get the basics, shio and shoyu make more sense.