High Five Ramen

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in the Chicago metropolitan area, the quest for truly exceptional ramen often leads to unexpected and delightful discoveries. One such culinary gem that has captivated the city's food scene is High Five Ramen. Tucked away beneath the popular Green Street Smoked Meats in the bustling West Loop, High Five Ramen has carved out a unique niche, known for its intimate setting, potent broths, and an experience that's often described as "worth the wait." It's not just a meal; it's a journey into a concentrated world of flavor and heat, designed for the adventurous palate.

High Five Ramen has cultivated a reputation that precedes it, often eliciting strong reactions from those who've experienced its intense offerings. Despite a limited menu, this establishment focuses on perfecting a few key dishes, ensuring each bowl is a testament to rich flavors and expertly balanced spices. From its deep, savory broths to its perfectly textured noodles and customisable spice levels, High Five Ramen offers a distinctive take on this beloved Japanese comfort food, setting itself apart from other ramen spots in Illinois. Its popularity means there might be a wait, but as many patrons attest, the reward is truly unparalleled.

High Five Ramen is strategically located at 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA, nestled within the vibrant and trendy West Loop neighborhood. This area is a culinary hotspot, renowned for its diverse dining options and energetic atmosphere. What makes High Five Ramen's location particularly unique is its "hidden" nature—it's situated in the basement of the popular Green Street Smoked Meats, creating an exclusive and almost speakeasy-like vibe that adds to its allure.

The West Loop is well-served by Chicago's public transportation system, making High Five Ramen easily accessible for those relying on the CTA. The nearest 'L' train stops include the Morgan station (Green and Pink Lines), which is a short walk away. Numerous bus routes also traverse the area, providing convenient access from various parts of the city. For those driving, street parking can be challenging, as is common in popular city neighborhoods, but there are often paid parking garages and lots available nearby. The unique entrance and the bustling energy of the surrounding area contribute to the overall adventurous and urban dining experience that High Five Ramen offers to its patrons in Illinois.

High Five Ramen, despite its intimate size and focused menu, provides a streamlined and memorable dining experience with several key services tailored to its unique concept.

• Dine-In Service: The primary way to experience High Five Ramen is through its in-person dining. The restaurant features a small, counter-style seating arrangement that fosters an engaging and communal atmosphere. This limited seating often leads to a wait, which is managed efficiently with a text-based notification system, allowing guests to explore nearby bars or attractions while they anticipate their table.
• Limited, Focused Menu: Unlike many ramen establishments with extensive lists, High Five Ramen prides itself on a concise menu that perfects a few signature bowls. This includes their renowned Tonkotsu Bowl (rich, creamy pork and miso broth with pork belly) and the surprisingly flavorful Maitake Bowl (mushroom miso broth, catering to non-pork eaters with mushrooms and an array of fresh ingredients). They also offer Shoyu and Shio bowls. This focused approach ensures consistency and high quality in every dish.
• Customizable Spice Levels: A hallmark of High Five Ramen is its adjustable spice levels, ranging from "No Spice" for a hint of sweet miso, to "1/4 Spice," "1/2 Spice," and even the intensely hot "Kanabo Spice." This allows diners to tailor the heat to their preference, with the "Kanabo" level being a true test for chili enthusiasts.
• Efficient and Friendly Service: Despite the frequent crowds, the staff at High Five Ramen are consistently praised for their quick, friendly, and attentive service. They are known for managing the waitlist effectively and ensuring that diners feel welcomed and well-cared for, even in a fast-paced environment.
• Beverage Program: Complementing their ramen, High Five Ramen offers a selection of beverages, including Sapporo beer, various sake options, and unique cocktail slushies like the Coconut Painkiller and Yuzu Last Word. This provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich and spicy flavors of their ramen.

High Five Ramen stands out in the bustling Chicago dining scene due to several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its cult following and stellar reputation among ramen enthusiasts in Illinois.

• The "Worth the Wait" Experience: This is arguably High Five Ramen's most significant highlight. While waits can often exceed an hour, the consensus among patrons is that the deliciousness of the ramen, combined with the efficient text notification system (allowing guests to visit nearby bars), makes the anticipation entirely worthwhile.
• Exceptional Broth Depth: Reviewers consistently rave about the incredible depth and flavor of High Five Ramen's broths. Whether it's the rich, creamy Tonkotsu or the unexpectedly robust Maitake mushroom broth, the complexity and intensity of the flavors are frequently cited as superior to other ramen spots.
• Authentic and Adjustable Spice: For lovers of heat, High Five Ramen delivers. The spicy dishes and chili oil are genuinely potent, and the ability to choose from various spice levels (from 1/4 to the extreme Kanabo) allows diners to customize their experience, ensuring satisfaction for all spice tolerances.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Even with a limited menu, the quality of ingredients shines through. From the fresh, perfectly cooked noodles and seasoned eggs to the flavorful pork belly and mushrooms in the Maitake ramen, each component contributes to a satisfying and filling meal.
• Intimate and Energetic Vibe: The small, basement setting creates a unique and bustling atmosphere. It's often described as having a "great people and vibes" factor, with a casual, almost hidden-gem feel that fosters a lively and enjoyable dining experience.
• Outstanding Customer Service: Despite the high volume of customers, the staff, including specific mentions of servers like "Zachariah" and hosts with "sparkly eyes," receive consistent praise for their "immaculate," "quick," "friendly," and attentive service. This level of hospitality significantly enhances the overall experience.
• Unique Beverage Pairings: The availability of refreshing cocktail slushies and a curated selection of beers and sakes provides excellent pairings that cut through the richness and spice of the ramen, offering a well-rounded culinary adventure.

High Five Ramen, due to its cult status and typically high demand, does not frequently run traditional discount-based promotions in the same way larger chain restaurants might. Their appeal largely rests on the quality and unique experience they provide. However, they do offer elements that could be considered ongoing "specials" or "features" that enhance the value and experience for their patrons in Illinois:

• Consistent Menu Offerings: While not a promotion in the typical sense, the consistency and perfection of their core ramen bowls—Tonkotsu, Maitake, Shoyu, and Shio—can be seen as an ongoing value. Knowing that each visit will deliver a high-quality, deeply flavorful bowl of ramen is a draw in itself.
• Customizable Spice Levels: The ability to tailor the spice level of your ramen, from no spice to the intensely hot Kanabo, is a built-in feature that allows diners to personalize their meal without extra cost for different heat preferences. This flexibility adds significant value for spicy food enthusiasts.
• Efficient Waitlist System: Although there can be a wait, the text-based waitlist system allows diners to leave the immediate vicinity and enjoy a drink at nearby establishments (like the bar upstairs at Green Street Smoked Meats) without losing their place in line. This optimizes the waiting experience and adds convenience.
• Bar Access: The close proximity to the bar upstairs provides a natural pre- or post-ramen hangout spot, enhancing the overall social experience of a visit to High Five Ramen. While not a direct promotion from the ramen spot, it's a seamless extension of the dining experience.

For specific, limited-time promotions or new menu additions, it is always advisable for interested locals in Illinois to check High Five Ramen's official website or their social media channels. Given their popularity, any special events or offerings are typically communicated through these platforms.

For those ready to experience the acclaimed ramen at High Five Ramen, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Phone: (312) 344-1749

Given its popularity and the often-present waitlist, it is recommended to factor in potential waiting times, especially during peak dining hours. While reservations are not typically taken for regular dining, calling ahead for any inquiries or to understand current wait times might be helpful.

For locals in Illinois, particularly those residing in or frequently visiting Chicago, High Five Ramen offers a compelling and truly unique dining proposition that extends beyond just a meal. Its location in the bustling and vibrant West Loop immediately positions it as a go-to spot for those seeking dynamic urban experiences. The "hidden" nature of the restaurant, tucked beneath Green Street Smoked Meats, adds an element of discovery and exclusivity that appeals to those looking for a distinctive and memorable outing.

What truly makes High Five Ramen suitable for locals is its unwavering commitment to quality and a singular focus on delivering exceptional ramen. The highly concentrated, deeply flavorful broths, whether the rich Tonkotsu or the surprising Maitake, are consistently lauded by patrons as being among the best in the city, if not the state. For those who appreciate a kick, the customizable spice levels, culminating in the legendary Kanabo, provide an authentic heat experience that many local spice enthusiasts actively seek out.

Moreover, the efficient and genuinely friendly service, even amidst long waits, ensures that diners feel valued and cared for. The ingenious text-based waiting system alleviates the typical frustration of long lines, allowing patrons to enjoy the surrounding West Loop neighborhood or grab a drink at the bar upstairs, turning a potential inconvenience into part of the overall enjoyable experience. This blend of top-tier food, unique ambiance, and attentive service makes High Five Ramen a must-visit destination for anyone in Illinois seeking an unforgettable and truly satisfying ramen adventure. It’s a place where the journey to the bowl is as much a part of the allure as the delicious contents within.

High Five Ramen

112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA