Kurume Ramen & Izakaya

For residents across North Texas, particularly those in Denton and its surrounding communities, the search for a truly satisfying bowl of ramen often leads to Kurume Ramen & Izakaya. This establishment brings the rich, comforting flavors of Japanese ramen and small plates to the heart of Texas. Named after Kurume City in Fukuoka, Japan, which is recognized as the birthplace of Tonkotsu ramen, this restaurant aims to uphold that culinary tradition. Whether you're craving a classic, creamy Tonkotsu broth or exploring other Japanese delights, Kurume Ramen & Izakaya offers a dedicated space to savor authentic tastes.

Kurume Ramen & Izakaya is conveniently located at 1435 S Loop 288 #117, Denton, TX 76205, USA. Its strategic position along South Loop 288, a major thoroughfare in Denton, ensures excellent accessibility for local residents and visitors alike. This location makes it an easy stop whether you're coming from the university campus, various residential neighborhoods, or even just passing through the city.

Being part of a shopping center, the restaurant typically benefits from ample parking, which is a significant convenience for diners. The straightforward access from Loop 288 helps avoid the complexities of navigating smaller streets, making it a hassle-free destination for a delicious meal. Its placement allows it to serve as a convenient and appealing spot for both a planned dinner outing and a spontaneous craving for authentic Japanese comfort food.

Kurume Ramen & Izakaya offers a diverse menu that extends beyond just ramen, providing a full "izakaya" experience with various Japanese small plates and drinks.

• Signature Ramen Bowls: The highlight of their menu is their extensive selection of ramen. The Tonkotsu Ramen is particularly lauded for its rich, flavorful, and creamy pork-based broth with perfectly cooked noodles and tender chashu pork. Other popular options include Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Miso Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, and a variety of special ramens like Gyu Ramen (beef broth with grilled bulgogi), Nagasaki Seafood Ramen (pork-based broth with mixed seafood), Kimchi Ramen, Curry Ramen, and Tomato Ramen. They also offer options for substituting gluten-free or wavy noodles.
• Izakaya Appetizers: True to its "Izakaya" designation, Kurume Ramen offers a wide array of appetizers perfect for sharing. These include classic Gyoza (pork or vegetable dumplings), Chicken Karaage (Japanese fried chicken), Takoyaki (baked octopus pastries), Edamame (regular and garlic parmesan), Chashu Bun (steamed buns with grilled chashu), Jalapeno Popper (deep-fried stuffed jalapeno with crab meat and spicy tuna), Monkey Brain (deep-fried stuffed mushroom with cream cheese and crab meat), and various tempura options like Shrimp Tempura and Veggie Tempura.
• Rice Bowls (Donburi): For those preferring rice-based meals, they offer comforting donburi like Katsudon (pork cutlet over rice), Chashu Don (grilled chashu over rice), Spicy Butadon (stir-fried spicy pork over rice), and Chicken Katsu Rice.
• Sushi Rolls and Sashimi: While primarily a ramen and izakaya spot, they also offer a selection of basic sushi rolls, including California Roll and Philly Roll, as well as some sashimi options, allowing for a broader Japanese culinary exploration.
• Desserts and Drinks: To complete your meal, they offer desserts such as mochi ice cream and regular ice cream (Yuzu, Green Tea flavors). A variety of beverages, including hot green tea and iced tea, are also available.
• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a comfortable and well-decorated dining environment for guests to enjoy their meal.
• Takeout and Delivery: For added convenience, Kurume Ramen & Izakaya offers takeout services and is available for delivery through popular platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Kurume Ramen & Izakaya is recognized for several appealing features that contribute to its popularity among locals:

• Rich and Flavorful Broth: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the quality of their ramen broth, particularly the Tonkotsu. It's often described as "rich and flavorful," with "just the right amount of creaminess," indicating a dedication to traditional preparation.
• Perfectly Cooked Noodles and Tender Pork: Patrons frequently commend the "perfectly cooked" noodles and "tender and juicy" pork (chashu), which are crucial components of a great ramen bowl.
• Authentic Japanese Atmosphere and Decor: The restaurant is noted for its "lovely decor," creating an inviting and authentic Japanese dining experience that transports diners beyond Denton.
• Diverse Menu with Izakaya Options: The inclusion of an extensive izakaya menu alongside ramen offers a wider range of Japanese culinary exploration, allowing diners to enjoy small plates and appetizers in addition to their main course. The Gyoza and Chicken Karaage are often cited as popular choices.
• Generous Portions and Value: While not explicitly stated, the general nature of ramen and izakaya dining often implies satisfying portions that offer good value, making it a fulfilling meal.
• Variety of Ramen Broths and Toppings: From classic Tonkotsu and Miso to unique Curry and Tomato ramen, the breadth of choices caters to diverse preferences, ensuring there's a bowl for almost every taste.

Based on available public data, specific ongoing promotions for Kurume Ramen & Izakaya are not broadly advertised. However, many restaurants of this type, especially those catering to a local student population and general public, often have:

• Lunch Specials: It's common for ramen restaurants to offer special pricing or combo deals during lunch hours. Uber Eats notes "LUNCH SPECIALS: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM," suggesting special pricing is available during these hours.
• Seasonal or Daily Specials: Restaurants often introduce limited-time menu items or daily specials to feature seasonal ingredients or unique chef creations.
• Loyalty Programs: Some establishments offer loyalty programs or discounts for frequent diners.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current promotions, happy hour deals, or special menu items, it is always recommended for locals to contact Kurume Ramen & Izakaya directly by phone at (940) 654-7000 or check their official online presence, such as their website or social media channels.

To experience the delicious ramen and izakaya dishes at Kurume Ramen & Izakaya, or for any inquiries, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 1435 S Loop 288 #117, Denton, TX 76205, USA
Phone: (940) 654-7000

Hours of Operation (General, may vary by day):
Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
(Note: Specific delivery platform hours might slightly differ, please confirm with the restaurant directly for the most accurate times).

Kurume Ramen & Izakaya is an excellent dining choice for locals in Denton, Texas, offering a compelling array of reasons why it should be a go-to spot for Japanese cuisine.

Firstly, its dedication to crafting rich, flavorful, and authentic ramen broths, particularly the highly praised Tonkotsu, ensures a deeply satisfying meal. For Texans seeking genuine Japanese flavors, the quality of their noodles and tender chashu pork consistently delivers a top-tier ramen experience. The variety of ramen options also caters to diverse tastes, ensuring there's a perfect bowl for everyone.

Secondly, the inclusion of an extensive Izakaya menu means that the dining experience goes beyond just ramen. Locals can enjoy a wide array of Japanese small plates, perfect for sharing and exploring different flavors. This versatility makes Kurume Ramen & Izakaya suitable for a quick solo lunch, a casual dinner with friends, or a more extended evening of culinary exploration.

Finally, its convenient location on South Loop 288 with readily available parking makes it easily accessible for anyone in the Denton area. The pleasant decor and focus on authentic dishes contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. Despite minor inconsistencies noted in some ancillary dishes like tempura, the core offering of ramen is strong, making Kurume Ramen & Izakaya a reliable and highly recommended destination for authentic Japanese comfort food in Denton.

Kurume Ramen & Izakaya

1435 S Loop 288 #117, Denton, TX 76205, USA