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Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeCaliforniaSan Francisco CountySan FranciscoInner RichmondJapanese Restaurant in Geary BoulevardGenki Ramen
Genki Ramen ico

Genki Ramen

4014 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

3.0
A hole-in-the-wall with ambience and moody lighting, serving tasty food behind a medieval-looking door.This restaurant always looked closed, but I finally decided to open the door today to order the Chashu Braised Pork Belly, the first item on the menu posted on the window, to go. Inside were beautiful hanging lights and an assortment of plants that gave the place a cozy atmosphere. There was only one other customer who was about to leave at the time I entered.After ordering and paying over $8 ($7 +taxes), I asked the cashier if it was always that empty and she said no. Apparently, there used to be lots of customers before the pandemic, but since it was a barbeque place, they needed special tables. It's a small restaurant with a small storefront, and next to a parking lot, so there isn't really room to build a parklet or put tables outside.I got my food about nine minutes after ordering, in a medium-sized paper bag, which felt a little light. When I got home, I excitedly opened the bag to see what was inside. It was three pieces of pork belly (which, by the way, is one of the cheaper cuts of pork) inside a tiny aluminum container, with a piece of arugula on top. I was a bit underwhelmed. Each piece was about the size of two Chapstick containers side-by-side. The pork belly was very tender and basically melted in my mouth. It was some great pork belly, and because it was protein and fat, it was filling. Still, I expected more.This is a nice hole-in-the-wall that most people walk past without thinking. The service was excellent and the food was delicious, but I expected more than three pieces of pork for the price. However, based on other reviews, the ramen is probably fantastic. I really want to give five stars, but my experience was worth four stars. - Neal
Genki Ramen Overview Intro Photos Location Reviews

Genki Ramen Introduce

For those living in or exploring the vibrant culinary scene of California's San Francisco, finding a truly comforting and delicious bowl of ramen is a quest many embark on. Nestled in the Inner Richmond District, Genki Ramen offers a delightful, unassuming spot that promises to satisfy those cravings. Often described as a "hole-in-the-wall" with a surprisingly inviting interior, this Japanese restaurant is gaining a reputation for its flavorful broths and tender meats, making it a noteworthy destination for ramen enthusiasts in the Bay Area.

Genki Ramen presents itself with a subtle charm. From the outside, its "small storefront" might lead some to believe it's always quiet, but inside, diners are greeted by "beautiful hanging lights and an assortment of plants that gave the place a cozy atmosphere." This unexpected ambiance, combined with "moody lighting," creates an intimate and welcoming setting, perfect for enjoying a warm bowl of noodles. While the restaurant acknowledges a quieter period during the pandemic, it's clear that their dedication to quality food and service is bringing customers back.

The culinary stars at Genki Ramen are undoubtedly their ramen dishes, particularly the Chashu. Customers rave about the "very tender" and "basically melt in my mouth" pork belly, even though some desired larger portions of standalone Chashu. The Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen is consistently highlighted, praised for its "amazing ramen" and "super tender and delicious" BBQ pork. With vegetarian options also available and a focus on "attentive service," Genki Ramen offers a comforting and satisfying experience for a diverse range of palates. It's a spot that many feel lucky to "stumble across," quickly becoming a "new favorite ramen spot in SF."


Location and Accessibility

Genki Ramen is conveniently situated at 4014 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA. This address places it squarely within the Inner Richmond District, a lively and culturally rich neighborhood known for its diverse culinary offerings and residential charm. Geary Boulevard is a major thoroughfare that runs east-west through the city, making the restaurant easily accessible from various parts of San Francisco.

For those traveling by car, street parking can typically be found in the vicinity of Geary Boulevard and the surrounding residential streets. While it's noted that the restaurant is "next to a parking lot," it's always advisable to allow for extra time to locate suitable parking, especially during peak dining hours, as is common in busy San Francisco neighborhoods. The restaurant's "small storefront" is located near a parking lot, which, while not a dedicated space for the restaurant, can be a convenient landmark.

Public transportation provides excellent access to Genki Ramen. Numerous MUNI bus lines operate directly along Geary Boulevard, offering convenient connections from downtown San Francisco, the Sunset District, and other parts of the Richmond District. This robust public transit network makes Genki Ramen a practical and straightforward destination for anyone looking for a comforting meal without the hassle of extensive driving or parking searches. Its location on a well-trafficked street, even as a "hole-in-the-wall," contributes to its visibility and overall accessibility for the local community.


Services Offered

Genki Ramen focuses on providing a classic Japanese ramen experience with a selection of popular complementary dishes. Here’s a breakdown of the services they offer:

  • Dine-In Service: Genki Ramen offers a cozy and atmospheric dine-in experience. Despite its "hole-in-the-wall" appearance, the interior boasts "beautiful hanging lights and an assortment of plants that gave the place a cozy atmosphere." Seating capacity might be limited due to its small size, and there isn't room for outdoor seating like a "parklet."

  • Ramen Specialization: The core of their menu is ramen. Highly praised items include their "Tonkotsu Chashu" ramen, featuring "succulent braised pork belly and a rich, creamy broth." Other ramen options mentioned on their menu include Seafood Ramen, Chicken Karaage Ramen, Curry Tonkatsu Ramen, Kimchi Ramen, Vegetarian Ramen, Garlic Tenderous Rib Ramen, and more, available with either a meat-based or vegetarian soup base.

  • Vegetarian Ramen Options: Genki Ramen caters to diverse dietary preferences with "many vegetarian options." The Vegetarian ramen specifically includes "wakame seaweed, sweet corn, tofu furai, mushrooms, nori in a veggie broth" and is highlighted as a "winner."

  • Appetizers and Side Dishes: Complementing their ramen, they offer a range of appetizers and side dishes. The "Chashu Braised Pork Belly" is available as a standalone appetizer, noted for being "very tender and basically melted in my mouth." Other appetizers include Edamame, Kimchi, Miso Soup, Spinach, and Camp Salad. They also serve rice dishes like "Kalbi Chuck Rice" and various Teriyaki and Curry Rice bowls.

  • Yakisoba and Robatayaki: Beyond ramen and rice bowls, the menu extends to Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) with various ingredient choices, and Robatayaki (grilled skewers) such as Chicken Nuggets, Chicken Wings, Lamb Chop, and Ox Tongue.

  • Beverage Selection: While a specific list isn't provided in the reviews, "cheap drinks" are mentioned, and online menus confirm the availability of soft drinks like Coke, Diet Coke, 7 Up, Fanta, and Japanese sodas like Ramune. Canned green tea was specifically mentioned in one review.

  • Takeout Service: Customers can order food "to go," indicating convenience for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home. One reviewer received their food "about nine minutes after ordering."

  • Attentive and Friendly Staff: The "service was excellent" with staff described as "super sweet" and "very attentive to your water or tea." They also "ask if your meal is okay," contributing to a positive customer experience.


Features / Highlights

Genki Ramen in San Francisco offers several distinct features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a local dining spot:

  • "Hole-in-the-Wall with Ambience": Despite its unassuming exterior, the interior is a pleasant surprise. It features "beautiful hanging lights and an assortment of plants that gave the place a cozy atmosphere" with "moody lighting," creating an inviting and comfortable dining environment that many might "walk past without thinking."

  • Delicious and Tender Chashu (Braised Pork Belly): The Chashu is consistently a standout. It's described as "very tender and basically melted in my mouth," and is praised as "some great pork belly." The Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen is a "most liked" item and features "super tender and delicious" BBQ pork.

  • Highly-Rated Ramen Broths: The ramen overall receives strong positive feedback, with customers calling it "amazing ramen" and "really good ramen." The Tonkotsu broth is noted for its "rich, creamy" quality, though one review found it "pretty bland."

  • Vegetarian-Friendly Options: Genki Ramen offers a "Vegetarian" ramen with a veggie broth and ingredients like "wakame seaweed, sweet corn, tofu furai, mushrooms, nori," making it an accommodating choice for non-meat eaters. This dedication to diverse palates is a key feature.

  • Excellent and Attentive Service: Despite some operational challenges mentioned in one review, the general consensus is that the "service was excellent." Staff are "super sweet" and "very attentive to your water or tea," indicating a commitment to customer satisfaction.

  • Affordable Pricing: Reviews suggest that the ramen is offered at "reasonable price" and that there are "super cheap drinks," providing good value for the quality of food offered in San Francisco.

  • Variety Beyond Ramen: While ramen is the star, Genki Ramen also offers other Japanese dishes, including Yakisoba, Robatayaki (grilled skewers), and various rice bowls like Teriyaki and Curry options, providing a broader menu for different preferences.

  • Casual and Uncrowded Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as "never really crowded, but never really empty," suggesting a comfortable environment that avoids the long lines often found at other popular ramen spots in SF. This makes it a pleasant option for a relaxed meal.


Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided customer reviews and available online information, Genki Ramen offers some attractive value propositions rather than explicit, time-limited "promotions":

  • Reasonable Pricing: Customers frequently highlight that the ramen and other dishes are available for a "reasonable price," with reviews on platforms like Fantuan suggesting a price range of "$10-20/person." This inherent affordability serves as an ongoing "offer" for budget-conscious diners seeking quality Japanese food in San Francisco.

  • "Super Cheap Drinks!": One reviewer specifically noted the availability of "super cheap drinks!", which adds significant value to the overall meal, especially in a city like San Francisco where beverage prices can quickly add up.

  • Happy Hour: While specific details are not provided in the directly quoted reviews, one review mentions, "Their happy hour is pretty good, though you have to get there at the time time." This suggests that Genki Ramen likely offers a happy hour, potentially with discounted drinks or appetizers. It would be advisable to confirm current happy hour times and offerings directly with the restaurant.

It's important to note that one past review mentioned an offer of "10% off" that was not received, suggesting that while verbal offers might occur, customers should clarify and ensure any promised discounts are applied. For the most current and accurate information on any existing or upcoming promotions, daily specials, or loyalty programs, it is highly recommended that potential diners directly contact Genki Ramen via phone or check their official website or social media channels, if available.


Contact Information

For inquiries, takeout orders, or to learn more about Genki Ramen, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 4014 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Phone: (415) 702-6106

Mobile Phone: +1 415-702-6106

It is always advisable to call ahead for current operating hours, specific menu details, or to confirm any specific policies before your visit, especially as business conditions may change.


Conclusion: Why Genki Ramen is Suitable for Locals

For residents of California, particularly those residing in San Francisco, Genki Ramen stands as a highly suitable and appealing choice for a comforting Japanese meal. Located conveniently at 4014 Geary Blvd in the Inner Richmond, it offers easy accessibility within a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, making it a practical option for both a quick bite and a relaxed dining experience.

What truly makes Genki Ramen a local favorite is its reputation for delicious and high-quality ramen, especially the highly-praised "melt-in-your-mouth" Chashu pork belly and flavorful Tonkotsu broth. For Californians who appreciate authentic Japanese flavors and seek out reliable spots for their ramen fix, Genki Ramen delivers. The availability of diverse ramen options, including a well-received "Vegetarian" ramen, ensures that a wide array of local palates and dietary preferences are catered to.

Beyond the food, the restaurant's charm lies in its cozy and unassuming atmosphere. Described as a "hole-in-the-wall with ambience and moody lighting," it offers a welcoming escape from the city's hustle, perfect for a casual meal or a quiet evening. The "excellent" and "super sweet" service further enhances the experience, making diners feel valued and attended to. Furthermore, the "reasonable price" point and "super cheap drinks" make Genki Ramen an attractive option for locals looking for great value without compromising on taste.

Genki Ramen isn't just another ramen shop; it's a cherished local find that consistently delivers on flavor, comfort, and service. It's the kind of place that, once discovered, quickly becomes a "new favorite ramen spot" for San Franciscans seeking a genuine and satisfying Japanese culinary experience right in their neighborhood.

Genki Ramen Photos

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Genki Ramen Location

Genki Ramen

4014 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

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