AFURI Slabtown

Hello, Oregon food adventurers! If you’re searching for a truly exceptional and unique Japanese dining experience right here in Portland, then AFURI Slabtown is a name you absolutely need to know. More than just a ramen restaurant, AFURI offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere where culinary artistry meets vibrant hospitality. It’s a place that has quickly become a local obsession, with patrons returning again and again for its deeply flavorful ramen, innovative cocktails, and an overall ambiance that elevates the dining experience.

Portland's culinary landscape is famously diverse, but AFURI Slabtown stands out by bringing a distinct touch of modern Japanese cuisine, particularly with its signature Yuzu-infused ramen. Many locals describe it as having "the best ramen" they've ever tasted, highlighting its unique flavors and the meticulous preparation that goes into each bowl. But the experience extends beyond the noodles; from the moment you step in, you're greeted with excellent service, a lively atmosphere, and a thoughtfully curated selection of drinks. It’s a testament to their dedication that customers are eager to sign up for loyalty programs and look forward to their next visit.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive deep into what makes AFURI Slabtown a premier destination for residents across the Oregon region. We’ll explore its desirable location in the popular Slabtown neighborhood, the extensive range of services and menu items it provides, its unique features and highlights that consistently earn rave reviews, and the special offers that make it even more appealing. Get ready to discover a place that promises to deliver an unforgettable Japanese culinary journey right in your own city.

AFURI Slabtown is prominently located at 1620 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA. This address places it in the heart of Portland's rapidly developing and trendy Slabtown neighborhood. Slabtown is a vibrant area known for its industrial-chic aesthetic, a mix of residential buildings, burgeoning businesses, and a growing number of popular dining and retail establishments. Its urban energy and modern appeal make it a desirable destination for locals.

Accessibility to AFURI Slabtown is generally very good for Portland residents. The restaurant is situated on NW 21st Ave, a well-trafficked thoroughfare, making it easy to spot. For those driving, finding parking in Slabtown can sometimes be a consideration. However, there are numerous paid parking options, including surface lots and garages, within a reasonable walking distance of the restaurant. Online parking services like Parking NW can even assist patrons in reserving a spot in advance, which is a convenient feature for planning a visit.

Public transportation also provides convenient access to the area. Several TriMet bus lines serve the Slabtown neighborhood, allowing patrons from various parts of Portland to reach AFURI with ease. The streetcar also runs through nearby areas, connecting Slabtown to other popular districts. The combination of its central location within a dynamic neighborhood and multiple transportation options ensures that AFURI Slabtown is a readily accessible and appealing choice for a memorable Japanese dining experience.

Services Offered:

• Dine-in service in a vibrant and modern restaurant atmosphere.
• Takeout options for enjoying their delicious ramen and other Japanese dishes at home.
• Online ordering for pickup (often through platforms like Uber Eats or ToastTab).
• An extensive ramen menu featuring unique broths like Yuzu Shio, Yuzu Shoyu, Tonkotsu Shio, Tonkotsu Tantanmen, Miso Cashew Tantanmen (vegan), and various Tsukemen (dipping ramen) and Mazemen (brothless ramen) options.
• A diverse Izakaya-style menu including appetizers like Crispy Pork Gyoza, Buta Gyoza, Tori Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Poke Salmon Tacos, and various salads and small plates.
• Donburi (rice bowl) options such as Karaage Donburi and Hamachi Donburi.
• A full bar offering cocktails, craft beers, and sake, with special attention to unique Japanese-inspired drink creations.
• A customer loyalty program allowing patrons to earn points for purchases and redeem them for free ramen and other rewards.
• Friendly and attentive table service.
• Accommodates groups and individual diners.

Features / Highlights:

• "Best and Most Unique Ramen": Customers consistently rave about the ramen, often calling it "the best ramen" they've had and highlighting its "most unique" flavors. The Yuzu Shio ramen, known for its light yet rich chicken broth infused with Japanese yuzu citrus, is a particular favorite. Other notable options include the rich Tonkotsu and the flavorful Miso Cashew Tantanmen (vegan).
• Exceptional Broth Quality: AFURI's ramen broths are a major highlight. They are known for their meticulous preparation, often involving roasting bones and boiling them for over 10 hours to create a clear yet rich soup, a distinctive method in the ramen industry.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Ramen: While ramen is the star, AFURI also offers a wide array of delicious Izakaya dishes, Donburi, and appetizers. Popular choices include Crispy Pork Gyoza, Tori Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and Hamachi Donburi. This variety makes it suitable for different appetites and preferences.
• Amazing Cocktails and Craft Beers: The beverage program receives high praise, with reviewers specifically mentioning "cocktails and craft beers were amazing." This elevates the dining experience beyond just food, offering a complete culinary and social outing.
• Outstanding Service and Atmosphere: The restaurant is lauded for its "awesome" waiters, friendly service, and a "nice" atmosphere. The mention of a DJ creating a pleasant musical backdrop indicates a thoughtful approach to the overall dining environment.
• Robust Loyalty Program: The loyalty program is a significant draw, allowing patrons to earn points for every dollar spent and redeem them for free ramen and other "amazing" extras. This creates a strong incentive for repeat visits.
• Continually Evolving Menu: The presence of a "new menu this time! all the original items plus more!" suggests that AFURI is committed to innovation and keeping its offerings fresh and exciting for returning customers.
• Consistent Quality: Patrons who have visited multiple times attest to the consistent high quality of the food and service, indicating reliability.

AFURI Slabtown offers several compelling promotions and special offers that enhance its appeal to locals in Oregon:

• AFURI Loyalty Rewards Program: This is a major highlight, as mentioned by enthusiastic customers. By signing up for the loyalty program, patrons can earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Accumulating 150 points earns a free bowl of ramen of their choosing, with even the usual "extras" on the ramen being free. This program provides tangible benefits and encourages repeat visits, making it a fantastic deal for regular diners.
• Sign-Up Bonus: New members of the loyalty program immediately receive 25 points upon signing up, giving them a head start towards earning their first free ramen.
• Free Birthday Gift: Loyalty members also receive a free $15 credit to use during their birth month, a thoughtful gesture that enhances the customer experience and celebrates loyal patrons.
• Happy Hour Specials: AFURI Slabtown offers a "June Patio Happy Hour" with discounted food and drink items. Examples from the Happy Hour menu include:
  • Food: Cucumber Salad, Poke Salmon Taco (1pc), Spicy Pork Taco (1pc), Crispy Bok Choy, Crispy Ramen Eggs, Yuzu Shio Edamame (GF, V), Tsukune Skewer, Karaage Skewer, Shishito Skewer.
  • Sushi/Rolls: Salmon Hand Roll (GFO), Hamachi Hand Roll (GF), Vegetable Hand Roll (V).
  • Drinks: Mango Sake Spritz, Cantaloupe Ginger Gimlet, Toki Highball, and a rotating craft beer selection.
  These specials provide an excellent opportunity to sample a variety of their menu at a more accessible price point.
• New Menu Additions: While not a traditional "promotion," the constant evolution of their menu, with "all the original items plus more," acts as an ongoing draw, enticing customers to return and explore new culinary creations.

These promotions, especially the robust loyalty program and varied happy hour, demonstrate AFURI Slabtown’s commitment to providing excellent value and rewarding its local customer base, making it an even more attractive dining destination in Portland. It is always recommended to check their official website or inquire directly at the restaurant for the most current details on specific offers and happy hour times, as these can change.

For anyone in Oregon eager to experience the exceptional ramen and Japanese cuisine at AFURI Slabtown, here's how you can connect with them:

Address: 1620 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA

Phone: (503) 384-2920

Mobile Phone: +1 503-384-2920

Operating Hours (as per recent online information, subject to change):

• Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

These contact details provide direct avenues for customers to make inquiries about their extensive menu, confirm current operating hours, or get details on their loyalty program or happy hour specials. Given their popularity, especially during peak dining hours, it's always a good idea to plan your visit, though the efficient service helps manage crowds. Their clear and accessible information ensures that Portland residents can conveniently prepare for a truly outstanding and enjoyable Japanese dining experience.

For locals across Oregon, particularly those in the vibrant city of Portland, AFURI Slabtown is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining destination. Its primary appeal lies in its claim to "the best and most unique ramen," a bold statement backed by enthusiastic customer reviews. The signature Yuzu-infused broths offer a distinct flavor profile not commonly found elsewhere, providing a refreshing take on traditional ramen that caters to adventurous and discerning palates within the local community.

The atmosphere at AFURI Slabtown is another significant draw. It manages to blend sophistication with a welcoming vibe, complemented by excellent music and attentive service. This creates an enjoyable dining environment, whether you're visiting alone, with friends, or for a special occasion. The compliments extended to the chefs, bartenders, service staff, and even the DJ underscore a holistic commitment to a superior customer experience, which is highly valued by Portlanders.

Furthermore, the robust loyalty program is a huge incentive for local patrons. The opportunity to earn points towards free ramen and birthday rewards fosters a strong sense of community and appreciation, encouraging frequent visits. This thoughtful approach to customer retention demonstrates AFURI Slabtown’s commitment to building lasting relationships with its local clientele. The continually evolving menu, with "all the original items plus more," ensures that regulars always have something new to discover, keeping the experience fresh and exciting.

Finally, its prime location in the trendy Slabtown neighborhood makes it easily accessible and integrates it seamlessly into the local lifestyle. Whether you're coming from work, exploring the area, or meeting friends, AFURI Slabtown offers a convenient and high-quality dining option. For all these reasons, AFURI Slabtown is not just a place to eat ramen; it's a dynamic culinary hub that provides an outstanding, authentic, and truly rewarding Japanese dining experience for the Portland community.

AFURI Slabtown

1620 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA