FLAME RAMEN（Downtown）

For those living in or visiting Memphis, Tennessee, with a craving for a deeply satisfying bowl of ramen, FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) stands out as a must-try destination. Nestled in the heart of the city's vibrant downtown area, this establishment brings the rich, comforting flavors of authentic Japanese ramen to the Mid-South. More than just a meal, a visit to FLAME RAMEN offers a culinary journey, designed to warm you from the inside out with its carefully crafted broths and fresh ingredients.

The essence of FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) lies in its dedication to quality and efficiency. Patrons consistently highlight the speed at which delicious, piping hot food arrives at their tables, making it an excellent choice for a quick yet substantial lunch or a relaxed dinner. Reviews frequently praise the prompt and efficient service, indicating a commitment to a smooth and enjoyable dining experience for every guest. This focus on both culinary excellence and customer satisfaction has helped FLAME RAMEN carve out a notable spot in Memphis's diverse dining landscape.

Whether you're a seasoned ramen enthusiast or new to the world of this Japanese staple, FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) aims to provide an approachable and flavorful introduction. Their menu features a variety of ramen styles, from the rich and creamy Tonkotsu to the savory Miso, ensuring there's a bowl to suit every preference. Beyond ramen, they offer a selection of appetizers and other Japanese-inspired dishes, making it a versatile spot for a complete meal. In a city renowned for its barbecue and soul food, FLAME RAMEN offers a delightful and authentic taste of Japan, proving that Memphis truly has something for every palate.

FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) is conveniently located at 61 S 2nd St Suite 160, Memphis, TN 38103, USA. This address places it squarely in the bustling heart of downtown Memphis, making it an incredibly accessible spot for a wide range of individuals.

For locals who work or live in the downtown core, FLAME RAMEN is just a short walk away, offering a perfect escape for a flavorful lunch break. Its proximity to numerous offices, businesses, and residential buildings makes it a go-to for those seeking a quick and delicious meal without straying too far. For visitors exploring Memphis, the downtown location is equally advantageous. The restaurant is situated near many of the city's popular attractions, including Beale Street, the FedExForum, and various museums and historical sites. This means you can easily integrate a visit to FLAME RAMEN into your sightseeing itinerary, providing a satisfying culinary stop amidst your adventures.

Being in downtown Memphis, the restaurant benefits from the area's robust public transportation options, including the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) bus system. While downtown parking can sometimes be a consideration, there are typically street parking meters and various parking garages available within walking distance, although it’s always a good idea to factor this into your plans. The vibrant energy of downtown Memphis provides a dynamic backdrop for enjoying your meal at FLAME RAMEN, making it a convenient and appealing choice for anyone in the area.

FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) offers a focused yet diverse menu centered around traditional Japanese ramen, complemented by a selection of appetizers and other popular Japanese dishes. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:

• Authentic Ramen Bowls: The main draw, of course, is the ramen. FLAME RAMEN offers a variety of broth bases and toppings. Popular choices include:
  • Black/Red Tonkotsu Ramen: A creamy pork bone broth with toasted garlic oil and spicy oil, served with wood ear mushroom, scallions, ajitsuke tamago (marinated egg), and pork belly.
  • Supreme Tonkotsu Ramen: An even richer version of the Tonkotsu, originated from Fukuoka, featuring menma (bamboo shoots), wood ear mushroom, ajitsuke tamago, scallion, pork loin, pork belly, and chashu.
  • Miso Ramen: A flavorful ramen with a three-style mix miso base, served with corn, scallions, menma, bean sprouts, and your choice of protein (pork loin, turkey, or pork belly) in a turkey chicken base.
  • Ichiraku Ramen: Inspired by the famous anime, this bowl features pork loin, scallions, menma, ajitsuke tamago, fish cake, miso base, and a creamy pork bone base.
  • Vegan Paradise Ramen: A 100% vegan option with wood ear mushroom, scallions, corn, broccoli, vegetable dumpling, tofu, beans sprouts, soy milk, miso base, and a vegetable soup base.
  • Shio Ramen: A sea salt flavored ramen served with chicken dumplings, scallions, ajitsuke tamago, fish cakes, beans sprouts, and your choice of protein (turkey, pork loin, or pork belly) in a turkey chicken base.
  • Shoyu Ramen: A soy sauce style ramen with menma, scallions, ajitsuke tamago, beans sprouts, pork dumpling, fish cake, pork belly or pork loin, and a seaweed base.
  • Memphis Mystery: A fan-favorite for spice lovers, known for its significant heat (previously referred to as "7734" spice level).
  • Seafood Deluxe Ramen: A creamy miso soup with onion, beansprouts, menma, corn, seafood mix, jumbo shrimp, and a lobster tail.
  • Tsukemen: A unique ramen dish where noodles are served separately to be dipped in a concentrated pork broth, with pork belly, green onion, and wood ear mushrooms.
• Appetizers: To complement your ramen, FLAME RAMEN offers a variety of starters, including:
  • Edamame (classic soybeans)
  • Karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken)
  • Takoyaki (fried ball-shaped octopus snack)
  • Gyoza (pork, chicken, or vegetable dumplings)
  • Spring Rolls
  • Seafood Fries
  • Crispy Shrimp
  • House Salad, Seaweed Salad, Mushroom Salad, and Broccoli Salad
• Rice Dishes (Donburi & Fried Rice): For those who prefer rice, the menu includes:
  • Various Fried Rice options (Chicken, Kimchi Pork, Shrimp, Pineapple Shrimp, Vegetable)
  • Donburi bowls like Karaage Don (fried chicken over rice), Chashu Don (Japanese BBQ pork belly over rice), and Gyu Don (marinated beef with onion).
  • Japanese Curry dishes with various protein options (pork belly, pork loin, chicken chashu, or plain).
• Desserts: Sweet treats to finish your meal, such as Green Tea Cheesecake, Green Tea Mochi, Red Bean Mochi, Matcha Mochi, and Matcha Tiramisu.
• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for sit-down meals.
• Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) offers takeout services, and their menu is often available through popular food delivery platforms like DoorDash and Grubhub.

FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) stands out for several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal among Memphis locals:

• Speedy Service: A recurring highlight from customer reviews is the quick and efficient service. Patrons appreciate that food comes out fast and piping hot, making it an ideal spot for those with limited time or simply eager to enjoy their meal.
• Delicious and Flavorful Food: Many customers consistently describe the food as "delicious" and "flavorful." The quality of the ramen broth, in particular, is frequently praised for its richness and depth, with one user noting it was "exactly what I needed" when feeling sick.
• Authentic Japanese Flavors: The restaurant aims to provide an authentic ramen experience, with a variety of traditional ramen types and Japanese appetizers. This commitment to authenticity resonates with those seeking genuine Asian cuisine in Memphis.
• Variety of Ramen Options: With a wide selection of ramen bowls, including different broth bases (Tonkotsu, Miso, Shio, Shoyu), spice levels (like the Memphis Mystery), and even vegan choices (Vegan Paradise Ramen), there's a bowl to suit almost any dietary preference or taste.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Several reviews commend the staff for being "very good," "quick and efficient," "kind and very attentive," and offering suggestions like extra chili oil or utensils. This focus on customer care significantly enhances the dining experience.
• Pleasant Ambiance: While a small space, the restaurant is described as "cute and clean," with a pleasant aroma. Some reviews hint at "Japanese style seating, table layout, and decor," contributing to an immersive dining atmosphere.
• Generous Portions: Customers have noted that the portion sizes are "large" and "generous," ensuring you leave feeling satisfied.
• Ghost Pepper Challenge: For the truly daring, FLAME RAMEN offers a "Ghost Pepper Challenge" where customers can attempt to finish an intensely spicy ramen bowl in 10 minutes to earn a T-shirt and gift card. This unique feature adds an exciting, albeit fiery, element to the dining experience.

While specific daily or recurring promotions for FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) are not widely advertised, their menu structure and some past mentions suggest potential for special offerings:

• Lunch Options: While not explicitly labeled as "specials," the menu includes a range of appetizers and ramen bowls that are well-suited for a lunch crowd, offering satisfying portions at various price points.
• Ghost Pepper Challenge: This unique offering serves as a promotional highlight, encouraging customers to test their spice tolerance for a reward (a limited-edition t-shirt and a $25 gift card). This is a consistent "challenge" that acts as a special offer for adventurous eaters.

For the most current information on any promotions, seasonal offerings, or special deals, it is highly recommended to directly contact FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) by phone or to check their official website or social media channels if available. Restaurants often introduce new specials based on ingredients, seasons, or local events, and direct inquiry is the best way to stay informed.

To reach FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) or to inquire about their menu and services, please use the following contact details:

Address: 61 S 2nd St Suite 160, Memphis, TN 38103, USA

Phone: (901) 441-6686

For anyone in Memphis, Tennessee, especially those residing or working in the downtown area, FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) is a particularly suitable and appealing dining option. Its prime location at 61 S 2nd St places it within easy reach of numerous businesses, residential buildings, and popular attractions, making it incredibly convenient for a quick and satisfying meal, whether it's a workday lunch or an evening out.

One of the most significant advantages for locals is the consistently praised speed and efficiency of service. In a busy city, getting delicious, hot food served promptly is a major plus, and FLAME RAMEN excels in this aspect. This means less time waiting and more time enjoying your flavorful ramen, a definite draw for those on a tight schedule or simply looking for an effortless dining experience.

Furthermore, the variety of ramen options available caters to a wide array of preferences. From the rich and comforting Tonkotsu to the vibrant Miso, and even dedicated vegan options like the "Vegan Paradise Ramen," there's a bowl for nearly everyone. The ability to customize your experience, along with the presence of unique, adventurous options like the "Memphis Mystery" spicy ramen, adds an element of excitement and caters to diverse local tastes. The inclusion of classic Japanese appetizers and rice dishes further broadens its appeal, making it more than just a one-trick pony.

The positive feedback regarding the staff's friendliness and attentiveness also ensures a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, fostering a sense of community that locals appreciate. In essence, FLAME RAMEN (Downtown) combines authentic Japanese flavors, efficient service, and a convenient location to deliver a consistently good experience. It offers a comforting and flavorful escape right in the heart of Memphis, making it an excellent addition to any local's dining rotation when a craving for quality ramen strikes.

FLAME RAMEN（Downtown）

61 S 2nd St Suite 160, Memphis, TN 38103, USA