GU Ramen Taps & Tapas

gu ramen

Introduction / Overview

For those in California seeking an exceptional Japanese dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary, GU Ramen Taps & Tapas in Laguna Beach is a true hidden gem. This "low-key spot" has quickly become a local favorite, celebrated for its incredible ramen, delectable Japanese tapas, and lively "amazing vibes." It's a place where culinary excellence meets a relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for a casual meal, a pre-Pageant of the Masters dinner, or simply a delightful evening out by the coast.

GU Ramen Taps & Tapas stands out by offering a versatile menu that caters to various cravings. While their ramen is undoubtedly a star, lauded for its "incredible broth," the "Taps & Tapas" part of their name is equally important. They offer a diverse selection of small plates designed to be shared, allowing diners to explore a wide range of Japanese flavors. From their "amazing" wings to perfectly cooked tempura and crispy tofutons, every dish is crafted with attention to detail and a commitment to quality. The restaurant’s appeal is further amplified by its friendly and attentive staff, who ensure every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for, contributing to an overall experience that many describe as "one of my favorite spots now."

Location and Accessibility

GU Ramen Taps & Tapas is conveniently located at 907 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA. This prime location places it right on the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, a central artery through Laguna Beach, making it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors exploring this picturesque coastal city. Being on Coast Highway means it's a visible and straightforward destination to find.

Laguna Beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning ocean views, and being situated on the main thoroughfare ensures good accessibility. While specific parking information isn't detailed in the reviews, on-street parking or nearby public lots are typically available in this area of Laguna Beach. However, being on a major highway implies that it is a convenient stop regardless of whether you're traveling from within Laguna Beach or from neighboring Orange County communities. The restaurant's presence near popular attractions like the Pageant of the Masters also makes it a strategic dining choice for those attending events, offering a perfect spot for a meal before or after an evening out. Its "low key" ambiance further contributes to its accessibility, providing a relaxed dining option in a bustling coastal town.

Services Offered

• Dine-In Service: GU Ramen Taps & Tapas offers a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests to enjoy their meals. The "amazing vibes" and "cool low key spot" mentioned by customers suggest a casual and enjoyable dine-in experience.

• Ramen Customization: The restaurant allows for a highly customizable ramen experience. Customers can "Build Your Own Gu Ramen Tonkotsu" with a choice of noodles (ramen, udon, or kale), protein toppings like chashu, spicy ground pork, or crispy lollipop chicken, and various spice levels. They offer their signature Tonkotsu Pork Bone Broth as well as a Shoyu Umami Broth (with vegetarian/vegan options).

• Extensive Tapas Menu: Beyond ramen, GU Ramen offers a wide array of Japanese tapas (small plates) perfect for sharing. Popular options include:

  • "Amazing" Thai Spicy Hot Wings
  • Crispy Tofutons (bite-sized medium firm tofu)
  • Crispy Calamari (tempura battered)
  • Shrimp Tempura
  • Hibachi Filet Mignon (garlic butter filet mignon served over rice)
  • Spicy Edamame
  • La Cheese Wonton (cream cheese in wonton wrap)
  • Crispy Pork Pot Stickers
  • Spicy Poke Salad

• Rice Bowls: For those seeking a heartier meal beyond ramen, they offer various rice bowls such as Hibachi Fried Rice, Spicy Pork Yaki Rice Bowl, and Chashu Yaki Rice Bowl.

• Vegetarian/Vegan Options: GU Ramen Taps & Tapas is accommodating to different dietary preferences, offering dishes like Shoyu Ramen Tofu (with shoyu umami broth and steamed tofu) and Shoyu Udon Tofu (a vegan option with udon noodles). Crispy Tofutons are also a popular vegetarian appetizer.

• Beverage Selection: The "Taps" in their name implies a selection of beverages, which typically includes various soft drinks, Japanese sodas, and potentially a selection of beers or other alcoholic beverages, enhancing the tapas experience.

• Quick Service: Reviewers noted that food was "served quickly," indicating efficient service, which is a plus for diners.

Features / Highlights

• "Amazing" Thai Spicy Hot Wings: This dish is a major highlight, explicitly mentioned by a customer as a "must have." The wings are deep-fried and tossed with sweet chili sauce, making them a highly recommended appetizer.

• Incredible Ramen Broth: The ramen broth, particularly the Tonkotsu, receives high praise for being "incredible," "rich and flavorful," and not "too salty or oily." This sets their ramen apart from many competitors.

• Perfectly Cooked Tempura: The tempura, especially the shrimp, is noted for being "perfect," indicating a high standard of preparation and crispy texture.

• Diverse and Delicious Tapas Menu: Beyond ramen, the variety and quality of the tapas are a significant draw. Dishes like Crispy Tofutons and Hibachi Filet Mignon are highlighted for their deliciousness, making it an excellent spot for sharing and sampling different flavors.

• Customizable Ramen Experience: The ability to choose broth, noodles (ramen, udon, or kale), toppings (chashu, spicy ground pork, lollipop chicken), and spice levels allows diners to tailor their ramen exactly to their preferences, ensuring a personalized and satisfying meal.

• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Customers consistently commend the wait staff, with a specific mention of "Dan" being "friendly, helpful," and attentive. This contributes significantly to the positive dining experience and inviting atmosphere.

• "Cool Low Key Spot" with "Amazing Vibes": The overall ambiance of GU Ramen is a key feature. It's described as a relaxed yet lively place that creates an enjoyable setting for a meal, making it a favorite for many.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided customer reviews and available public information, there is no explicit mention of regular, ongoing promotions or special offers at GU Ramen Taps & Tapas in Laguna Beach. The restaurant's appeal primarily stems from its high-quality food, inviting atmosphere, and excellent service.

However, it is common for restaurants in popular coastal areas like Laguna Beach to have occasional specials, happy hour deals, or seasonal menu items that might not be widely advertised in customer reviews. For example, some online menus for "Gu Ramen Taps" in other locations (like Long Beach) mention Happy Hour details, indicating that such promotions might exist or be introduced at the Laguna Beach location.

To discover any current promotions, happy hour timings, or limited-time offerings at GU Ramen Taps & Tapas, it is highly recommended that interested customers in California:

• Visit their official website: The restaurant's website (if available) would be the most accurate source for up-to-date information on specials.

• Check their social media channels: Many restaurants announce daily specials or events on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.

• Inquire directly: Given the friendly and helpful staff, calling the restaurant directly at (949) 715-0825 or asking during a visit would be an effective way to learn about any current deals.

While specific promotions aren't highlighted, the inherent value of their delicious food and unique dining experience seems to be a strong enough draw for their loyal customer base.

Contact Information

To experience the amazing ramen and tapas at GU Ramen Taps & Tapas, here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 907 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA

Phone: (949) 715-0825

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of California, particularly those in Orange County and the Laguna Beach area, GU Ramen Taps & Tapas offers a compelling and highly suitable dining experience. It perfectly captures the essence of casual, high-quality Japanese dining that locals often seek, providing a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu that caters to various tastes.

Its prime location on South Coast Highway makes it easily accessible for locals, whether they're coming from work, heading to the beach, or enjoying a night out in Laguna. The reputation for "amazing vibes" and being a "cool low key spot" means it’s an ideal place for relaxed gatherings with friends, family dinners, or even a solo meal where you can simply enjoy the ambiance. The friendly and helpful staff, as highlighted by customer reviews, further enhances this appeal, ensuring every visit is pleasant and comfortable.

The menu itself is a major draw for the local palate. The consistently praised "incredible broth" of their ramen, combined with the extensive customization options, allows Californians to tailor their meal precisely to their liking, a feature much appreciated by a population that values personalization. Moreover, the "amazing" Thai Spicy Hot Wings and other diverse Japanese tapas provide excellent options for sharing and sampling, catering to different cravings and making it suitable for a variety of occasions beyond just a ramen craving. Whether you’re a long-time resident of Laguna Beach or just passing through, GU Ramen Taps & Tapas stands out as a top choice for authentic, flavorful Japanese cuisine in a wonderfully inviting setting, earning its place as "one of my favorite spots now" for many locals.

GU Ramen Taps & Tapas

907 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA