Zen Box Izakaya offers a cozy vibe in an industrial space where you can savor Japanese comfort food like rich ramen and crispy karaage, making it the go-to stop for a satisfying meal before a show at the Guthrie.
"This cozy joint is known for Japanese comfort food — it’s a great spot to grab a meal before a show at the Guthrie. Be sure to try the kimchi ramen: Fermented cabbage adds a dose of heat and refreshing tartness to balance the luxurious heritage pork bone broth. Pinwheels of pork float atop chewy noodles, and ribbons of black mushrooms and a golden, gooey-centered egg round out this ramen." - Natalia Mendez, Justine Jones
"While the late-night menu at Zen Box Izakaya is only open for an hour on weekdays, Friday and Saturday nights run until midnight, leaving ample time to get a $6 cocktail and a bowl of their famous tonkatsu ramen before close: a ball of elastic, hand-pulled noodles buried under a mound of seared mushrooms, a soft-boiled egg dusted with salt and nori, tender slices of pork chashu, and a rich broth." - Eater Staff
"Kick back, sip on a shochu highball, and snack on some karaage with housemade gochu sauce at Zen Box Izakaya. Although it’s within walking distance of downtown’s sports and music venues, dinner here feels like you’re settling in at your favorite neighborhood diner, especially since there’s usually a seat or two at the bar for walk-ins. Order the tonkotsu ramen so you can slurp down the umami broth and pieces of tender pork. Then wrap things up with the spongy green tea tiramisu made from matcha-soaked ladyfingers." - stacy brooks
"Kick back, sip on a shochu highball, and snack on some karaage with housemade gochu sauce when you’re at Zen Box Izakaya. Although it’s within walking distance of downtown’s sports and music venues, dinner here feels like you’re settling in at your favorite neighborhood diner, especially since there’s usually a seat or two at the bar set aside for walk-ins. Order the tonkotsu ramen so you can slurp down the umami broth and pieces of tender pork. Then wrap things up with the spongy green tea tiramisu made from matcha-soaked ladyfingers." - Stacy Brooks
"Nestled in the corner of an old warehouse in the North Loop, the ambiance at Zen Box Izakaya still manages to be bright, warm, and friendly — it’s the perfect place to grab a drink and a meal before a show at the Guthrie Theater just across the street. Don’t miss the kimchi ramen, which boasts chewy, tender noodles and kimchi simmered in bone broth and draped in rich slices of pork chashu." - Justine Jones, Julie Zhou, Eater Staff
