Ika San Ramen

For those in Nebraska, especially within the historic and lively Old Market district of Omaha, discovering a ramen experience that truly stands out is a delight. Ika San Ramen offers just that, bringing a blend of traditional Japanese flavors with an innovative, modern twist to the heart of downtown. As a sister restaurant to the well-regarded Ika Ramen, Ika San Ramen is carving its own niche with a distinct atmosphere and a menu designed to captivate the senses. While individual experiences can vary, this spot aims to deliver robust, authentic ramen bowls and unique small plates that make it a compelling destination for both seasoned ramen lovers and newcomers.

Ika San Ramen is conveniently located at 1114 Jones St C, Omaha, NE 68102, USA. This address places it squarely within Omaha's iconic Old Market, a district renowned for its charming cobblestone streets, vibrant arts scene, eclectic boutiques, and diverse culinary offerings. The restaurant's specific location, described by some as being "down the alley," adds to its unique, hidden-gem appeal, though first-time visitors might need a bit of guidance to find it. However, once discovered, its position in such a central and bustling area ensures excellent accessibility for locals and visitors exploring downtown Omaha. Parking in the Old Market can sometimes be a challenge during peak hours, but various public parking garages and street parking options are available within walking distance, making it feasible to access this ramen spot.

Ika San Ramen provides a comprehensive dining experience that caters to various preferences, from casual meals to late-night cravings.

• Dine-In Service: Guests can enjoy their meals in a setting described as having a "unique atmosphere" and "rockin' graffiti-style murals," creating a hip and engaging environment perfect for date nights or casual gatherings.

• Takeout and Delivery: For ultimate convenience, Ika San Ramen offers robust takeout services. They are also available through popular delivery platforms like Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Seamless, ensuring you can enjoy their delicious ramen and small plates from the comfort of your home or office.

• Extensive Ramen Menu: The core of Ika San's offering is its diverse selection of ramen bowls. Options include popular choices like "Tonkotsu" (rich pork broth), "Spicy Seafood Ramen" (with spicy salmon sausage and shrimp dumpling), "Kimchi Ramen" (rich spicy pork broth with house kimchi), "Mary Jane" (chicken broth with chicken char siu), "Shoyu" (light soy and pork broth), and "Vegetarian Ramen" (mushroom and veggie broth). They also offer unique creations like "East LA" (asada beef in menudo pork broth) and "La Migra Can't Cook" (birria broth with birria beef).

• Diverse Small Plates / Izakaya-Style Dishes: Beyond ramen, Ika San boasts a wide array of appetizers and small plates designed for sharing, reflecting an izakaya concept. Popular items include "Steam Buns" (with various fillings like fried chicken, pork belly, or shredded pork), "Spicy Cucumbers," "Kimchi Tempura," "Tokyo Fried Chicken" (with spicy mayo and sweet soy), "Crispy Chicken Skins," "Spicy Tuna Tots," and "Fried Brussel Sprouts."

• Donburi and Poke Bowls: For those seeking rice-based options, the menu also includes a selection of Donburi (rice bowls) such as "Spicy Tuna Don" and "Asian Chorizo Don," as well as various Poke Bowls (Classic Tuna, Ceviche Salmon, Veggie, Shrimp).

• Full Bar and Specialty Beverages: Ika San Ramen offers a full bar with a selection of drinks, including various sakes (bottled and sake bombs), beers, and cocktails, enhancing the overall dining experience, especially during happy hour.

Ika San Ramen distinguishes itself with several key features that contribute to its unique appeal, alongside some aspects where customer experiences may vary.

• Bold and Flavorful Ramen: The ramen bowls are consistently praised for their "flavorful, delicious" taste. The "Spicy Seafood Ramen" comes highly recommended, and the "Tonkotsu" is a popular choice, even for ramen newcomers, indicating well-executed and satisfying broths.

• Unique and Diverse Menu: Ika San isn't just about traditional ramen; it offers creative and unique dishes. Their "small plates" menu is extensive and features items like "Kimchi Tempura," "Spicy Cucumbers," and the often-mentioned "Tokyo Fried Chicken" and "Fried Brussel Sprouts."

• Distinct Atmosphere: The restaurant's ambiance is a notable highlight. Described as "hip," "modern," and featuring "rockin' graffiti-style murals," it provides a "unique atmosphere" that contributes to a "cool spot" for dining.

• Helpful Staff: Reviews indicate that the staff is capable of providing good recommendations, enhancing the dining experience for guests, especially those new to certain dishes.

• Good for Ramen Newcomers: The ability for first-timers to ramen (like a reviewer's dad and brother who tried Tonkotsu) to be "happy with their food" suggests that Ika San is a welcoming place for those exploring Japanese cuisine.

• Inconsistencies in Food Quality (as per some reviews): It's important to acknowledge that some recent reviews mention "inconsistency" in food quality, with changes in recipes for favorite dishes like Tokyo Fried Chicken and Brussels sprouts. This suggests a varied experience for some long-time patrons.

• Location Can Be Tricky for First-Timers: While contributing to its unique charm, the "down the alley" location means that "additional signage may be helpful for first time visitors" to avoid asking strangers for directions.

• Complementary Beverages: The availability of sake, beer, and cocktails allows for a more complete izakaya-style experience.

Ika San Ramen offers a popular happy hour with various food and drink specials, making it an attractive option for value-conscious diners.

• Regular Happy Hour: Ika San Ramen's primary happy hour runs from Monday to Thursday, 3 PM to 6 PM. During this time, customers can enjoy:

  • $2 Off All Ramen (excluding Spicy Seafood Ramen).

  • $11 All Poke Bowls.

  • $4 All Small Plates (excluding "Hot Noods" and "Hot Rocks").

  • Drink Specials: Including 20% off all Sake Bottles, $2 off selected cocktails, $1 off all beers, and $6 Sake Bombs (PBR and 4 oz. Shirakabe Sake).

• Reverse (Late Night) Happy Hour: The Jones Street (Downtown) location also offers a Reverse Happy Hour on Friday from 10 PM to 12 AM, providing late-night deals for those looking for a post-event meal or drink.

These happy hour deals provide excellent opportunities for locals to try a variety of their menu items, from ramen to small plates and drinks, at a reduced cost.

Ready to experience the unique flavors and ambiance of Ika San Ramen? Here's how to connect:

Address: 1114 Jones St C, Omaha, NE 68102, USA

Phone: (402) 916-4363

Hours of Operation (for 1114 Jones St location, generally):

• Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

• Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (with Reverse Happy Hour 10 PM - 12 AM)

• Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

It is always recommended to verify hours, especially for holidays or special events.

For residents of Nebraska, and particularly those in the Omaha area, Ika San Ramen in the Old Market offers a compelling and exciting dining option for several reasons. Its location within the vibrant and historic downtown district makes it a perfect fit for locals seeking a dynamic atmosphere, whether for a planned evening out or a casual drop-in.

The restaurant's core strength lies in its flavorful and diverse ramen offerings, with popular choices like the "Spicy Seafood Ramen" and "Tonkotsu" consistently satisfying taste buds. Beyond the noodles, the extensive and unique selection of "small plates," such as "Kimchi Tempura" and "Tokyo Fried Chicken," adds another layer of culinary exploration, making it ideal for sharing and trying new things. The "unique atmosphere" with its artistic decor creates a memorable backdrop for a meal. While some recent reviews have noted inconsistencies in certain dishes, the overall sentiment remains highly positive, with many customers expressing a strong desire to return. The added benefit of comprehensive happy hour specials on both food and drinks further enhances its appeal, providing excellent value for locals. For those in Omaha looking for an authentic ramen experience with a modern twist, a lively environment, and a menu that goes beyond the ordinary, Ika San Ramen stands out as a highly suitable and rewarding local destination.

Ika San Ramen

1114 Jones St C, Omaha, NE 68102, USA