Friends Ramen

For those in Illinois craving a comforting and flavorful bowl of ramen, **Friends Ramen** in Chicago stands out as a highly recommended destination. This Japanese izakaya-style dining spot offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect choice whether you're just getting into the city late at night or looking for a delightful meal with friends. Known for its fresh ingredients and great flavors, Friends Ramen provides an authentic and enjoyable culinary experience right in the heart of Chicago.

Friends Ramen prides itself on delivering a genuine ramen experience, focusing on rich broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and a variety of delicious toppings. Beyond their signature ramen bowls, they also offer a selection of tantalizing appetizers and sides that complement the main dishes perfectly. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in every bite, from the tenderness of their pork belly to the crispy perfection of their karaage chicken.

What truly sets Friends Ramen apart, as highlighted by local patrons, is its combination of excellent food and outstanding customer service. Guests consistently praise the friendly and attentive staff who contribute significantly to the overall positive dining experience. Despite its cozy "small dining area," the restaurant manages to maintain a "great atmosphere," creating a charming and comfortable space for diners to enjoy their meals. This blend of delicious food, welcoming ambiance, and stellar service makes Friends Ramen a beloved spot for Chicagoans and visitors alike.

Whether you're a ramen aficionado or new to the world of Japanese noodles, Friends Ramen offers a diverse menu designed to cater to various tastes. Their commitment to freshness and flavor ensures that each dish is prepared to a high standard, promising a satisfying and memorable meal every time you visit.

Friends Ramen is conveniently located at **808 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA**. This prime address places it in the bustling River North neighborhood, one of Chicago's most dynamic and accessible areas. This central location makes Friends Ramen an ideal spot for residents from across Illinois, whether they are working in the city, enjoying a day of shopping, or exploring the vibrant urban landscape.

The restaurant's position on State Street ensures excellent accessibility through various transportation methods. Public transit options are abundant; numerous CTA bus routes have stops nearby, and several L train stations (including the Chicago Brown/Purple Line and Red Line) are within easy walking distance. This makes it incredibly convenient for those relying on public transport to reach the restaurant without hassle.

For those driving, parking in River North can sometimes be a challenge, but there are several paid parking garages in the vicinity. Options like the Chicago Place Valet Garage (719 N Rush St), the Lot at 40 E Huron St, or garages at 750 N Rush St and 16 E Huron offer varying rates and distances from the restaurant. While Friends Ramen itself does not offer on-site parking, several nearby bookable garages, such as West 77 or ONE SUPERIOR PLACE, are just a short walk away. It's always a good idea to check parking apps like SpotHero or ParkABM for real-time availability and pricing, especially during peak hours.

The surrounding River North area is rich with attractions, including shops, galleries, and entertainment venues. This makes Friends Ramen a perfect stop as part of a larger outing, allowing patrons to enjoy a delicious meal before or after exploring what the neighborhood has to offer. The "adorable" and "great atmosphere" within the restaurant further enhance its appeal as a charming and accessible dining destination.

Friends Ramen focuses on providing a focused yet comprehensive dining experience, specializing in authentic Japanese izakaya fare with an emphasis on ramen.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in their cozy and inviting "small dining area" with a "great atmosphere," perfect for a casual meal or a relaxed gathering.

• Japanese Izakaya Style Dining: Offering a selection of small plates and larger ramen bowls, typical of an izakaya, allowing for a diverse culinary exploration.

• Ramen Bowls: A variety of ramen options including customer favorites like Tan Tan Men, Spicy Miso Ramen, Karaage Chicken Ramen, and On The Go Ramen, with both small and large sizes available.

• Appetizers and Sides: A selection of delicious starters such as Karaage Chicken, Pork Belly Buns, Chicken Gyoza, Shrimp Tempura, and Takoyaki.

• Beverage Selection: Offers a range of non-alcoholic drinks and selected alcoholic beverages including sake, sparkling wine, wine, and Japanese beers like Sapporo.

• Quick Service: Praised by customers for "quick" service, ensuring a timely and efficient dining experience, even during busy periods.

• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for enjoying Friends Ramen's dishes from the comfort of your home, available through various delivery platforms.

• Vegan Options: They offer a Veggie Ramen and Veggie Spicy Miso Ramen, as well as fried tofu buns and tofu rice bowls, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Friends Ramen has garnered a loyal following among locals in Illinois due to several key features and highlights that enhance the dining experience.

• Excellent Ramen Quality: The ramen is consistently praised for being "excellent," with "fresh food" and "great flavor." Signature dishes like Tan Tan Men and Spicy Miso Ramen are highly regarded.

• Mouth-Watering Pork Belly Buns: A standout item on the menu, the pork belly buns are described as "blow me away" tender with a "sweet sauce that brought everything together nicely," making them a must-try appetizer.

• Adorable Restaurant Atmosphere: Despite being a "small dining area," the restaurant is described as "adorable" and having a "great atmosphere," creating a cozy and welcoming environment for diners.

• Awesome and Quick Service: Customers consistently highlight the "awesome" and "great" server interactions, noting that "service was quick." This efficiency contributes to a pleasant and hassle-free dining experience.

• Variety of Broths and Toppings: While one review mentioned a desire for "more flavor in the broth" for a specific ramen, the restaurant offers various ramen options and side broths (like Tonkotsu broth and Veggie broth) allowing for different flavor profiles and customization.

• Signature Mini-Bowls with Easy Grip Handles: This is noted as their signature dish on their website, providing a unique and convenient way to enjoy their ramen to the last drop.

• Convenient Location: Being "close by" to many city attractions, including directly for late-night arrivals or pre-show meals, makes it an accessible and practical choice for locals.

• Diverse Menu Beyond Ramen: In addition to ramen, they offer a range of appetizers, rice bowls, and buns, providing ample choices for all appetites.

While Friends Ramen does not advertise ongoing, fixed happy hour specials, they have engaged in unique promotional events that highlight their creative approach to engaging with customers. For instance, in October, they offered a "Ramen Time Challenge" where participants could choose 5 small bowls of ramen for a set price, with prizes for the fastest eaters. While such specific challenges may be seasonal, this indicates their willingness to offer exciting and value-driven promotions. For the most current information on any specials, discounts, or seasonal offerings, it is always recommended for local users to check Friends Ramen's official website or their social media channels directly. Given their izakaya style, they may occasionally feature rotating specials on appetizers or drinks.

To experience the delicious ramen and charming atmosphere of Friends Ramen, or for any inquiries, you can reach them through the following contact details:

• Address: 808 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA

• Phone: (312) 643-1209

• Mobile Phone: +1 312-643-1209

It's advisable to call ahead, especially during peak dining times, to inquire about wait times or for any specific requests. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, offering ample opportunity for a visit.

For residents of Illinois, Friends Ramen represents an ideal spot for a satisfying and delightful Japanese dining experience. Its location in Chicago's bustling River North neighborhood makes it easily accessible from various parts of the city and surrounding areas, whether by public transport or a short drive. This convenience is a significant factor for locals looking for a quick and delicious meal without extensive travel.

The core appeal of Friends Ramen lies in its commitment to fresh, flavorful food. While individual tastes in ramen broth can vary, the overall consensus points to "excellent ramen" and standout dishes like their "blow me away" pork belly buns. This focus on quality ingredients and well-executed recipes ensures a consistently enjoyable meal, encouraging repeat visits from satisfied patrons.

Beyond the food, the "adorable" and "great atmosphere," combined with "awesome" and "quick service," creates a dining environment that is both welcoming and efficient. This makes Friends Ramen suitable for a variety of occasions, from a casual solo dinner to a gathering with friends. It's a place where you can quickly get seated and enjoy a warm, comforting meal, especially appealing on a chilly Chicago evening or after a busy day.

Even with small areas for improvement, such as specific broth flavors or occasional dry items like the karaage chicken (though remedied by sauce), the overall positive sentiment and high recommendations from customers underscore its suitability. Friends Ramen offers a reliable, charming, and flavorful experience that resonates with the local desire for authentic and well-executed Japanese cuisine in a friendly setting. It's a gem for those seeking genuine ramen and a pleasant dining atmosphere in Illinois.

Friends Ramen

808 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, USA